Redwall MUCK Forum

Redwall Log:
Oz-Papa Oz and abbey caretaker of dibbuns
Xander-Warrior in training and nephew to Oz
Benar-Abbot of Redwall
Zolomon-Hare/archer….and trouble maker?

Shortly after this log
http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=99

RW Abbey: Kitchen Yard
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Boasting a decent view of the Abbey's orchards and gardens, this
space is mostly a work area, displaying well trampled grass and the
occasional bare spot.  An especially worn spot is the path that leads
between the kitchen gardens and the vineyards.
 
From one end of the kitchen yard to the other, the space is nearly
filled by the tremendous gnarled trunk of an ancient apple tree,
roots and branches and boughs trimmed off and piled alongside for
later use.  A deep groove of mud-churned sod and torn grass leads
back to the orchard, from where the fallen tree must have come.
     
There are also a variety of workshops around the edge of the yard,
the wood-shop, the cooper for making barrels. The small smithy
where the abbey's tools are made, the potters kiln and the brewery.
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Zolomon had decided the first chance he got he would leave the kitchen yard before he even begun and sneaked back to the kitchens,

Xander frowns and proceeds on to the Kitchen yard to look for the abbot

The kiln is an open sides, three walled roofed workshop. The kiln itself takes up the back wall of the shed and there are three potters wheels spaced along the open side of the shed. There is a storage box for clay and a work table and Benar has changed out of his habit into a large apron, trousers and a shirt as he checks the temperature, "So Xander have you ever made anything with clay before? "
   

Xander looks around, he has never been in this area of the abbey but he does glace over at the forge before going over to Benar "No...I was never taught to work with clay before, guess it never came up as a skill to know."   

Benar says, "Well my boy sit down," He motions at a chair, "I will get some clay and work you through the   basics. It is pretty easy"
   
Xander nods as he sits down "ummmm...alright and I am..sorry bout the mess earlier, you don’t think Friar Lacota will be too upset do you, Zolomon said the friar would make me peel veggies for seasons"   

Benar says, "Oh ignore Zolomon, he gets himself in so much trouble with the Friar it is no surprise he ends up with chores," He places a lump of clay on the wheel before Xander, "Now place your hands on the clay and start to work the wheel slowly, you can mold it under you hands."
   
Xander looks at the clay lump as he slowly starts to try and shape it, he experiments and figures out how to make the potters wheel move, at first a little too fast and then he slows it as he watches "This is....odd and sort of a little cold on the paws"   

Benar says, "Heh yes it is somewhat slimy but it is workable," He sits at the other wheel and starts to work it under his own paws, "See how I am shaping it with small amounts of pressure."

Xander watches and does try it, he frowns then he applies too much pressure and sighs, but he takes a deep breath and starts again, a bit less pressure and it sort of forms a bowl shape" I...think pot making is hard for large paws maybe"   

Benar chuckles softly, "Not at all, you just have to make them bigger," He depresses his clay and reshapes it into a large curving pot shape, "But see how I am doing it, it takes practice that is all Xander and it is a handy skill to have alongside being a warrior."   

Xander looks confused "How is...making pots or whatever useful for a warrior?" He reshapes his clay going slowly and manages to get a better sort of large pot shape and smiles a little.   

Benar chuckles "it isn't useful in fighting, but you have to have more interests in life then just killing Xander. That is what vermin are, beasts who know nothing other than how to kill. A warrior, a true warrior has many skills. They know how to lead, they know how to fight but they also know how to do other things."   

Xander frowns at the word kill "I'm not wanting to...kill anyone, I want to protect others and killing is a last resort....so is fighting if it can be avoided." He listens "I can read and write very well and think have learned patience “

Benar smiles at Xander, "all very good skills and killing should be the last resort of any beast. But Xander, what will you do when there are no enemies to fight? Or beasts to protect? Will you sit around sharpening your weapons and training? Or will you find a task that you can do to help others when the ways of a warrior are not needed?"   

Xander frowns remembering some words Jedrick said "I...still remember Jedrick...t...that wildcat that had me for couple seasons. He tried to get me....made me fight in fighting pits and I didn’t like it. But Jedrick is dead...and no I didn’t end his life someone else did" He knows who achally. "I think..I think I would like to learn other things also, maybe cooking...and this..pottery work it does seem....relaxing some" He manages a smile as he has managed to work the clay better, yes he flattened it a couple times but he has a good sized pot now, maybe a smaller opening than the one before, but this one is a little bigger "Is...is this a good pot or not so good?"   

Benar looks over the badgers work, "A little lopsided but as your first creation it should be yours and yours alone.... now then try and make the opening a bit wider"   

Xander nods and gets back to making the opening a little wider, working slowly and even making the pot slightly less lopsided, "I will have to work on making pots before can replace the broken one, and then do whats needed to make it less...ummm squishy and maybe more colorful"   

Benar says, "Well that is the next step, let me show you," He opens the kiln, dry heat rolls out as he places the pot he was working on inside, "We bake the clay to make it hard"
   
Xander nods as he listens "So like heat.....dries it out and makes it useable to things like holding cookies or other things?"   

Benar says, "Indeed, the heat bakes out the water and then we can paint it or use it"
   
Xander smiles "Sounds sort of neat...think I could practice here sometimes?" He looks at his finished pot he has, well finished shaping it " Like my 2nd one make one...well as perfect as I can for Friar Lacota a new cookie pot and maybe could try and paint it after its...umm baked in that" He points to the kiln. "Are you the only one who makes clay stuff and where does clay come from?"   

Benar asks, "I am always happy to take on students Xander and show beasts how to make things out of clay," He settles down on his stool and gets to work on another, "A few others help but I am the main one and clay? Well I can take you on a trip to see if you like. It means going to the river moss."
   
Xander says, "I been to the river Moss before, it’s like about a day...maybe less north of here and I could make sure we get there safe, I may not have my family blade just yet but I will soon, I just know it but I do have another like temporary blade Uncle Zee gave me to use...till I get the family blade"
   
Benar says, "Well then we shall take a trip together and it isn't that far away, we don't need to go north. We go east into the woods and head to the bank there. It is much closer, maybe half a day walking, much better clay to be found there then up near the ford."
   
Xander nods "Alright, when should we maybe go...guessing one morning and try and be back that night or would we need to stay somewhere and come back next day?"
   
Benar asks, "A day trip should be more than enough, Perhaps we can go out tomorrow? Or possibly next week?"
   
Xander nods "Which every day is better either would be good for me" He watched Benar work on the clay some more "And with some more clay I could make a pot for Friar Lacota...after some practice that is shaping and reshaping one lump of clay"   

Benar says, "Well let us maybe aim for tomorrow and if that is no good we'll go next week."
   
Xander smiles "Sounds like a good idea Abbot Benar and......I think I may like to learn pottery better, I...I may like it a little more than I thought I would"   

Benar nods and excuses himself when an Abbey Sister comes to talk to him and he needs to head inside.

Xander is working on a pot, he made one earlier but this one is more practice than to keep, and the one is lopsided and a little too wide, just a little. He sighs and smashes the clay again when it doesn’t do what he wants it to do. But he tries again and is careful with it.
   
Oz ventures out this far sometimes and slows when he nears the other badger having been told he was out here. Beside him is another reason he is outside, a dibbun who didn’t want to go inside right away, a mouse dibbun staying close by.   

Xander frowns, he then decides it’s enough practice, he reshaped it like 4 times and now he makes it a limp again and goes to put it away, when he sees Oz he walks over "Hey Uncle Oz, what ya doing?"
   
Oz smiles "A bit of a walk, it’s a good day for one around the grounds but it’s different to hear you in the kitchen yard"   

Xander sits down "I am thinking of learning to work with clay, and make things with it. Did you ever work with clay or do anything in the kitchen yard before?"   

Oz shakes his head "No, can't say I have.....Zork was at the forge a lot, even after he had an apprentice to take over, he would sit in his wheelchair and watch her, an otter named Silverstorm."   

Xander says, "I don’t think I would be interested in the forge."   

Oz says, "And that’s your choice and that’s ok, I never did learn the trade....then I was never interested in weapons, though I was made to learn to use a staff by a wolf named Silverfangs, ended up being me and Zork’s adopted father when our parents died one winter. Said it was wise to know self-defense one way or another"
   
Xander blinks and oh is he interested now, he looks around and stands "Can you show me?" Then he frowns as maybe he is rusty now, I mean how long has he been here like....well LONG time. He frowns "Sorry...just always thought of a staff as just for...walking with"   

Oz frowns, he listens as he answers " They....can be used for self-defense....only when one has no other choice." He chuckles "Also sometimes staffs can be a bit...more, Uncle Zee's was...mine is a simple wooden staff, helps with walking in winter cause of my knee...it dislikes cold weather, a lot.." He shrugs as he seems to think, "But has been a couple times came in handy..." He chuckles as he makes sure no one is in the way of course before spinning it a couple times and moving it between his paws and over his back once...yeah he could kick some serious butt if needed, he then leans on the staff slightly when his knee starts to brother him muttering “Stupid winter..."   

Xander watches and whoas, he then frowns and walks over to him, sounding concerned some "You ok?"   

Oz nods "I am fine Xander, my knee is just brothering me a little, may get a little colder for a week or so, then again Winter is not over yet"   

Xander speaks "I can help make sure you get back inside, maybe the Great Hall and I could make you some of that mint tea you like...I know how to make tea its easy"   

Oz nods "Alright that sounds nice, let us head inside then"   

Xander smiles and helps Oz inside and makes the mint tea and sits down with his Uncle to chat till dinner, he forgot to make cookies but then again, he wants to make the new cookie pot first.

Oz smiles and allows the help, enjoying the company of his nephew

==This happen in The Ferravale Marketplace, It has my rat Patch! ==

Despite the recent snow fall the crowds are hardly deterred from the Ferravale Market Place. The square is in in full swing even as beasts work hard to find places to shovel snow too. It's a busy day for the guard and even Bandit finds himself out on patrol. Although his reasons are more for his own benefit as well. He finally managed to work off most of his unhealthy gut and he is determined to keep it off. It was no easy feat when there were so many food venders here selling their wares. The un-swift fox whines to himself as he parades himself down the walkways dressed in his chain mail tunic and clutching the hilt to his broad sword tightly.

Patch has decided to walk around the market place of Ferravale, he slips behind a rat and manages to slip a coin pouch off their belt while the rat looks at some dried meats on a stick, after getting the pouch Patch walks away towards a stand with some silver and gold chains.   

The head guards stomach growls as he walks past the same meat vendor. Clutching his stomach tightly Bandit turns his nose up at the delicious smell of cooking MEAT. The fox in doing so though catches sight of the rat's rather...questionable line of work in progress out of the corner of his eye. In a crowd this size it really was just pure chance that he caught it.   

Bandit's ears flatten in anger, but he also smiles grimly. The rat is providing him just the distraction he needs from his own woes. There is surprisingly little to do as a head guard beyond paperwork. Aside from the occasional tavern brawl (or hostile takeover / assassination) few were bold enough to steal in a city with the threat of tossing thieves to the chieftains pet snake was a viable punishment.   

The fox begins walking briskly towards the rat. He leans against the jewelry vendor with his arms crossed, "Looking for something for your girlfriend mate?" He says in a happy tone.   

Patch looks over at the fox and rolls his eyes "No..whats it to ya what I am looking at." Well no way to steal a chain now as he just looks at the different  bracelets "Yeah this are boring..."But there is a fancy dagger that isn’t boring on the edge of the table, for now he just plans.   

His plans may have to wait, the guard doesn't seem to take the hint to get lost. "Oh! Would you look at that." The fox reaches out, picking up an ornate silver necklace with a metallic knot at the bottom, "I wouldn't recommend these. I tried to give one to a vixen a while ago...didn't take it too well." Bandit slides juuuuuuuuuust a little closer. "But as you said, you are shopping for yerself. Hmmm," He rubs his chin, looking the rat over, "I don't think Gold and Silver is your color. Have you tried Iron? The guard makes the most lovely iron bracelets for /thieves/." The fox leans in, eyes narrow with a  wide toothy grin as he just growls the word to the thief.   

Patch backs up and glares at the fox “Who ya calling a thief fuzzy? Maybe you’re a thief, who is ta say." He goes to slip further away from the fox if he can, but this isn't a good stand to have something..accidently get bumped into to spill all over the street.   

The fox's grin fades a little as he is called a thief. "Well, I have been called worse I guess. I'm NOT a thief. I'm Bandit!" He pauses, realizing how that sounds, "It's...never mind. It doesn't matter. I'm the Head Guard of Ferravale. Don't you turn away when I'm talking to you rat!" The fox reaches out to stop Patch, trying to grab him by the shoulder!   

Patch goes to send the fox a kick to the leg before he goes to rush off into the crowd knocking down a couple ferrets who cuss loudly as he tries to get to another area of the market and hopefully out of sight for a while.   

The Head Guard yelps as he goes down to one knee. He is quickly back up though, limping along, clutching one leg as he hobbles after the rat, "STOP! Stop you mange furred little cus!" When people dare get in the fox's way Bandit draws his blade. Suddenly beasts are making a path for the Head Guard, desperately trying to get out of his way as he brute forces his way through the crowd. "Stop! Stop in the name of 'do what I say or I'll drop kick you into last week!'" Beasts hardly ever stop in the name of the law...   

Patch chuckles as he manages to get away, he slips behind a tall marten and then makes a bee line towards the center of town where he has more room to run   

By the time the fox spots the rat Patch has quite the distance on Bandit. He begins to chase, but as it becomes clear there is no way he is going to catch up to the thief the Head Guard begins to slow down to a brisk walk. He's already starting to breath hard from even this small sprint. "You can't escape forever!" He shakes a fist at the fleeing rat. Growling he sheaths his blade. "I'll get you yet...just you wait." He says, turning for the guard shack. He's actually happy the rat escaped. It gives the fox the excuse to focus on other than paperwork for the rest of the afternoon...   

Patch seems happy he got away and now has some gold to spend   

Patch had a good day yesterday and is  once more to try and rob a beast of something, he has already taken an apple that seems to not be missed so far as he glances around the market place this late morning time.

Takeo has decided to get a better look at this village and has found himself in the market place. He has his thick winter cloak on, a cloak not made of anything common either as he stops by a stand that has some peppers and goes to get a few. After a while coins are traded for the peppers and he nods his thanks.   

It's just another busy day in a the snow covered markets of Ferravale. Walking lazily through the streets, twirling a billy club in one paw is Bandit. The swift fox has elected to take on more walking patrols in an effort to keep himself trim enough to still be able to fit into his chain mail armor. The jelly filled pastry he snacks on as he walks doesn't quite help with that though.   

Patch doesn’t see Bandit, but he does see the beast in the fancy cloak and chuckles to himself as he walks over quietly, stopping to look at a table with some pots and pans first, yep just a normal shopper here.   

Takeo smiles "This is very much interesting than where I am from" The ferret rolls there eyes and seems bored, the badger shrugs and hums a soft tune as he looks to see what else is in this market place.
   
Bandit stops dead in his tracks. His eyes however are locked upon the badger rather than the little rat whom he has yet to notice. The foxes experience with badgers has been hit or miss lately. As in they tried to hit him and missed. The last one tried to kill the village champion, and the one before that tried to tan his hide. Bandit gulps, could this be...could this be a friend of Krull?   

The fox shakes his head, laughing nervously. He's just being paranoid, yes, that's it. Slowly, cautiously Bandit begins to walk towards the badger, billy club no longer swinging but held tightly behind his back.   

Patch frowns when he sees the head guard and cusses under his breath and bumps into a cart of pears and they spill everywhere and a couple beasts fall face first in the snow, the rat quickly backs into the crowd as a "My pears!!" is heard.   

Takeo gives a chuckle to the ferret and looks at a stand with some necklaces "Oh ...how much is..oh?" He looks to see the pears roll around and blinks "Well someone is having a bad day yes?"   

If not yet...they will be soon. The fox's head snaps around to the commotion the rat causes. His eyes widen before they narrow. Ears flat and with a terrible growl Bandit shouts, "YOU!" All heads turn in the market as if being personally addressed. Bandit wasn't the most terrifying beast, he was short and fat bellied. But the crowd parts as the snarling beast barrel's through it. "HALT!" He shouts again and points to the offending rat, either by accident or design tossing the wooden billy club at Patch.   

Alas his aim is slightly off, and the club sails for Takeo instead.   

...   

On the bright side, Bandit didn't toss his sword...   

Patch eeeps loudly and ducks, and most likely further helps the path of the club, he tenses up and waits for pain that doesn't come, he opens his eyes and looks around and behind him to see where the club did go.   

Takeo looks towards the voice just in time for the club to hit his shoulder and knock him backwards. He starts to regain his balance and his foot paw finds ice and he crashes backwards to the street and lands with a low groan and a paw holds his shoulder as he takes a couple deep breaths, yep that hurt but it's luckily not broken, but will surely be bruised fairly badly later on.   

Paw still out stretched Bandit twitches an eye and an ear at the sight of the badger going down. "Uh..." He glances about. Everyone's eyes are on him now. "Um...good catch! Citizen! Really good catch with your...shoulder....sorry." He says before turning his attention back to the rat. "You! Rat! Get your mangy tail over here. Don't make me throw something else at you...cause I'm all out of billy clubs..." He draws his broad sword this time and everyone in the market suddenly ducks.

Patch chuckles "Yeah like your sim is that good fat fox." He then sees who was hit and starts laughing like it’s the funniest thing ever, "Way to go ya hit a stripedog!"   

Takeo slowly sits up and scans the area, his eyes land on Patch and then he sees Bandit, he is helped up by a stoat who points at Bandit "He hit ya...it was him" The badger nods and starts walking over towards Bandit as the crowd just parts for him, a clear path right to Bandit.   

The fox, blinded by rage for the rat doesn't see the badger until it's too late. He growls deeply, winding up his sword before chucking it at the spry and agile beast. "We will see how bad my aim is you mange filled street ra-" Out of the corner of his eye Bandit catches sight of the badger. He suddenly regrets tossing away his weapon very, very much.
   
Patch barely sidesteps the blade, it lands in the snow with a clank, the rat just smirks and grabs a pear off the road and sits down to watch what he hopes is some funny stuff, well funny for him anyways. He takes a bite and just grins.   

Takeo stops beside the fox and clears his throat "You...hit me with your club and that was not very nice sir fox, one should be careful" He doesn't sound too happy but he keeps his low at a fair level and he doesn't growl, yet anyways. "Perhaps you will explain your aim please?"   

The fox doesn't reply at first. He closes his eyes and gulps before turning to address the badger. He may be a badger but the fox is still the head guard! That...counts for something right. "M-my..." He pauses to cough into one paw and steel his voice, "My apologies sir badger. Twas just collateral damage in pursuit of a wretched little thief. But you seem to have survived soI'lljustbegoingonmywaynow." The fox's bravery seems to slowly ebb away until he turns briskly away from the badger, trying to walk towards the rat.
   

Patch stays where he is, he is not to concerned the fox will make it to him as he takes another bite of the pear, he looks to a ferret "I bet ya 50 gold they need a new Head Guard after this afternoon" The ferret nods "Ok then.." The rat just smiles.   

Takeo narrows his eyes and then just snorts, "Make sure is not happening again then" He doesn’t like foxes too well, the only other one he saw almost killed his mate by the river. He decides to go back to looking at the necklaces, the club is still on the ground as no one picked it up just yet   

Which, in lack of badger maulings upon the fox, means that Bandit is free to pursue his original goal of going after the offending rat. "You will DIE NOW!" The fox shouts before 'mouse poucning' at Patch. Lunging into the air and coming down at him with his claws. His teeth are bared in a contorted growl.   

Patch closes his eyes and waits for what he believes is the yelp of a dying fox, he opens his eyes to see the fox leap at him and screams, he goes to sidestep out of the way and his leg is caught.   

Takeo glances over after buying a rather nice looking necklace and places it in his punch at his side. He studies the rat, ok why is it sort of familiar to him   

The fox has him! He tightens his grip on Patch, trying to get his free paw around to grab him by the back of the neck and pin him to the snow. "You're MINE now you little runt of thief!" Ha! Now Bandit has a reply to all those who thought desk work had made the fox soft! This will show them! This will show them ALL!   

Patch tries to get loose, even goes to kick backwards at the fox as he is pinned down, “Let...go ya fat fox!...Your lucky I can't reach my dagger, you would be in pain then!!"
   
Takeo walks over slowly and blinks, "Wait you is rat...the rat from the river and the road, you found out where the one fox was"   

The fox let's out a grunt of pain as he is kicked squarely in the gut but he keeps a tight grip on the beast. Trying to keep the beast pinned to the ground Bandit reaches for Patches dagger, "Why thank you for letting me know yer armed. Heh heh, if you like the food of the market you will just LOVE jail house food. I hear they make the gruel from the left over market slop."
   
Patch cusses again as his dagger is taken, he also has a couple throwing knifes and a stolen bracelet, and that pouch of coins. Also some now stale rice cakes and scones   

Takeo frowns the language this rat knows, he looks at the fox "So what will happen to the rat?" His shoulder still hurts by a lot, but it has eased some as he places a sprinkle of some sort of herb into his water canteen and takes the last few sips of it.   

"Oh don't worry your pretty little badger head about dis one." After taking out a pair of iron cuffs Bandit tries to shackle the rat's hands behind his back before lifting him to his feet. The process of disarming Patch is a lengthy and...quite honestly harrowing experience as the fox continues to draw out a seemingly un-ending supply of knives and blades. "He'll be well taken care of. We only feed the finest prisoner meat to the villages pet snake!" The fox laughs. Ok, so the rat is due just a few weeks in jail but he summoned the ire of the head guard. No reason he can't let Patch sweat a little over his potential fate!

Patch starts to panic now as he tries to kick his way free, and he turns to see the badger "Hey help me! I won’t make good snake chow, do something slap the fox...get me some help! I know beasts here...save me!"   

Takeo was never one to interrupt the law, but the rat did help him once, well sort of helped and he also had to be helped on that boat. He sighs as he is not sure what to do "I am not being sure whom to ask"   

"Of course you won't make good snake chow. That's why we have spices!" There is a particularly nasty cruel streak in the head guard which causes the fox to smile. One that fades when he is kicked in the shin. "Hey now! That's enough of that unless you want me to drag you there by the scruff of your neck." He goes to shake the rat before leading him away by the shackles. Bandit pauses to stoop low to retrieve his sword. "Or perhaps you would like to forego jail completely..." he says darkly as he grips the blade.   

You don't need to be a mathamition to put that 2+2 together...   

Patch starts shaking, he doesn't want to die, not like this, he looks at the badger pleadingly for help, his eyes beg for help. He gulps "Jail is good, jail is great those nice iron bars of grey"
   
Takeo starts to step forwards and then thinks better of it, Zinnia would so have a fit if he punched someone of a high rank out cold, then again he isn’t from around here and he seems to be debating on whether he should of not.   

And then just like that the moment to save the rat passes. "Sorry again Badger for the uh...club innocent. I'm sure a little flesh wound won't keep you down long though. And as for you..." he shakes the rat again, dragging him off to the guard shack. "Come along. Best not  be late for your 'dinner date'." Bandit cackles, shaking his head. "Dinner date. Oh Bandit, ye still got it."   

Patch frowns as he is dragged away and watches the badger, his head then lowers in defeat...well he is sure he will get free, somehow   

Takeo blinks, well he can't punch a guy that says sorry "Ummm...ya be forgiven....oh wait!" He frowns and sighs, ok he has to find who is in charge of this place, he glances around and then heads to the center of town so maybe he can help the rat after all, or maybe not....depends on if he finds someone in time.

Patch meanwhile is placed in a cell, and then groans as he remembers, he also owns someone 50 gold, then again if he dies he owes  no one anything!

Redwall Log
Oz-Papa Oz and dibbun caretaker of Redwall
Zinnia-Sister in the Order, and also know as Lady Zinnia over seas and mate to Takeo
Rascal-A fox
Taeko-Zinnia's mate
spoofed badger twins

RW Abbey: Great Hall
------------------------------------------
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here.  A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance.  The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist.  The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.
---------------------------------------------

Zinnia arrives in the room quietly, caring one of her dibbuns, the little girl, the boy is most likely with Takeo.   

Oz is in his chair when he hears her enter “Greetings, how are you doing today?"   

Zinnia smiles "I am doing ok, guess still getting use to dibbuns" She looks down at the little badger cub in her arms.   

And then there were foxes. Rascal is looking considerably better, given the half-starved half mad state he was after dragging his sorry hide back into the abbey. His fur, while still a bit scruffy and unkempt is glossy and shiny. His clothes are neat and clean if a bit tight against the belly growing around his waist. All that wine and rich food had to go somewhere, and that somewhere being his hips and stomach and just a little bit to his chin as well.   

With his winter coat set in Rascal looks like a giant fluff ball barely contained by his coat. regardless he bounds into the Great Hall like he owns the place, carrying a glass of red wine with him. "Good Morning beasts of the abbey." Says the fox as he plops down into a chair, legs kicked up onto the table.   

Oz listens to the voice, "Rascal, is that...you?" He has not heard the voice in a while so he is unsure.   

Zinnia blinks and frowns, the infant badger whimpers in her arms to which she rocks it some "Shh..Northstar...and yes it's Rascal"   

"Of course it's me. Do you know of anyone else as devilishly handsome as me to come bounding in here?" The fox quips before taking a swig of wine, "You can say Devilishly in an Abby right? The famed warrior of Martin isn't going to leap off the tapestry and lop off my head for saying that, right?"   

Oz shakes his head "Do behave please, it’s been a while since you been here or least since you spent any time here"   

Zinnia sits down Hello Rascal, it has been a while then I was sort of away for a long while...I got back here a few days ago"   

The fox tilts his head to one side, "Really? You left?" Scratching his chin Rascal ponders aloud, "I did notice a certain lack of yelling and cursing of my name...no matter. I probably missed your absence because I locked myself in room. Which brings me to my wonderful announcement!" The fox stands up, a smug grin on his face as he declares, "I have decided to never leave the abbey again! Literally. It's much safer here, inside the building, away from the...the outdoors where shrews, rabid badgers (no offense) and eagles exist to just...swoop down and carry you off for their dinner. So I'm going to spend the rest of my life...here...inside...under a desk in the upper office rooms just to be safe." Rascal takes a swig of his wine.   

Oz frowns as he listens, "And what may I ask did you do to a random badger to make them attack you?" He sighs and leans back in his chair "Outdoors in winter is not always best anyways"   

Zinnia calms her dibbun down when it cries a little again and nods "I was looking for Xander and ended up lost, like really lost somewhere south and west of here..I was found by a beast who became my mate, he saved my life and then when I got a letter from Uncle Zee I came here to visit...though not in time to speak to him but its..ok I still have my son and Uncle Oz"   

The fox sits back down, listening in to a conversation he probably should keep his nose out of. It's why he is listening in... "I wondered where you went off too. It sounds like things worked out for the best. Is your mate here with you?"
   
Zinnia nods "He may be helping in the infirm, he is a healer, he is also very protective of me, we are most likely only here for winter"   

Oz nods, “You can stay longer if you would like but that is up to you Zinnia"
   
Rascal nods, then sips more wine. "A badger healer?" Rascal gets a chuckle out of this. Then, shaking his head he says, "It was a pleasure as always, but I must be off. Busy schedule to keep, living under an office desk wot. Oz, Zinnia...badger child. It was good to see you both again." He nods as he begins moving for the stairs.   

Zinnia waves and looks back to Oz "Rascal is odd it seems, why live under a desk?" The badger infant starts crying again and Zinnia frowns.   

Oz tilts his head "Did you need help Zinnia? I could take the infant for a while if that’s needed" He smiles "I am use to dibbuns of all ages"   

Zinnia chuckles "I know Uncle Oz" She does stand and walks over to let him hold the infant badger" She is small for her age, but she was born early but Brother Leon has told me they are both healthy"   

Oz carefully takes the infant and smiles" It’s been a long while since I held a badger this young, before a few days ago it was many seasons ago...yes there was badger dibbuns, you but you were 3 seasons and Xander, but...well he was about the same age wasn't he?"   

Zinnia nods "Yes he was around 4 seasons when I brought him here and now he is in his teen seasons...and soon grown up, maybe a little too fast"   

Oz rocks the infant in his arms as he speaks "Well perhaps, but your twins, let them take their time to grow up" He smiles as he senses the badger asleep and speaks again to Zinnia" I am glad your back dear, you were missed and without Uncle Zee here anymore, it’s sort of lonely....I am" He frowns "I am the last of the Winters Clan...by blood anyways, and you have a new home now elsewhere far from here, you will head off with your mate and the twins"
   
Zinnia says, "I am here till spring I think, far as I know. we may ask Xander to go but maybe its best he stays here"

**** Here and to the end this music fits nicely     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bH4vYJk2FdE   ****

Oz says, "It is best to let him decide" He holds the little badger close and sighs, seeming to be thinking of something as he grows quiet.   

Zinnia watches him, "You ok Uncle Oz, you’re  sort of quiet suddenly"
   
Oz nods slowly, yet a single tear goes down his face, "Just thinking of the past, before I came to live here."   

Zinnia frowns at the tear, "I can take her elsewhere, I am sorry Uncle Oz and can even, well change names if needed for the babies"   

Oz shakes his head "No, its fine keep the names Northstar and Zork as it honors them" He makes sure the young badger is comfortable " Yes it reminds me of when I held my son so many many seasons ago as I mentioned it’s been long seasons since held a badger this young, last time was my own child. I even helped Northstar when she was giving birth, it was afterwards my adopted father had come to check on us, which was good at the time for Northstar was fairly weak, and had a fever. I was so worried I would lose her then, but after a week she was recovered and all was perfect in life"
   
Zinnia smiles "So what was Northstar like, you rarely spoke of her"   

Oz smiles "The prettiest badger maid I ever seen...she was a great cook, friend and when I asked her to be my mate she said yes. She also knew how to truly cheer up a beast, and her singing...beautiful." He smiles at the memory, " And we had Cole, our newborn son, all was perfect..great...best days of my life..."He frowns" But one month later it was...they were gone. An avalanche took them from me and at the time I wanted to join them...."   

Zinnia carefully hugs Oz, she tries to not wake the infant he holds in his lap." You still have family, family isn’t just by blood...or even adoption into one, but friends are family also and you have those here at the abbey also and always will. And you have me and Xander..you have my twins Zork and Northstar, even have Takeo and I adopted that beaver dibbun Tanya"   

Oz smiles and gently hugs her back "I know, and I am glad. It helps me not be lonely...friends here helped me when I was a hermit also..maybe I still slightly dislike large crowds but its more manageable with the dibbuns and close friends" He smiles " And family"   

Zinnia kisses his cheek and smiles "Love you Uncle Oz....you want to watch over Northstar and Zork..Takeo wanted to check on the boat and they are still so young and small to go too far"   

Oz smiles "Of course dear and I assure you they will not be any trouble, and when you go out do be careful please"   

Zinnia nods, she smiles as she sees Takeo and goes to speak to him, she lets him take the other infant to Oz as the two head off to check the boat “I will be back by tomorrow. We will spend the night in Ferravale, then walk here after breakfast" She and Takeo then head off, along with the sea gull Aira following behind them.

Oz takes both twins and smiles, as Zinnia and Takeo leaves he clears his throat ”So….a story?” He smiles, he knows they are way too young to understand yet but he also knows it’s good to speak to infants, he even sings a soft song for infants   he knew a long long time ago that he sang to his own son, Cole.

Right after
http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=82

Lacota mmms, nodding. "Fine names. Zork would be proud." He nods his head in turn to Takeo. "Well met, sir badger. I hope the feast has met your expectations."   

Zolomon smiles as he gets more cake and some rolls "Hey Friar L...food is great!   

Leon shakes his head at the hare and its nicknames

Quade gets a large bit of cake, his mind on food nothing else.
   
Lacota hmphs in annoyance at the hare. "That is 'Friar Lacota', La-co-ta."   

Oz chuckles as the Friar corrects the hare   

Zinnia smiles as she drinks some tea and smiles as she looks at her friends, her family, life is good today.
   
Benar inclines his head to Marek, "That is to be expected, Last time you stood in this hall things were not... like today. But that was the past. And Redwall is if anything full of forgiveness Marek. Now come enjoy the feast, mingle and talk. There will be music in a short while too"   

Marek nods as he finishes getting a plate of food and a little more ale, he does speak to a couple beasts and of course a couple avoid him   

There may be forgiveness in Redwall, but there is none in Lacota's heart for Marek, whom he pointedly avoids as he mingles and speaks with other beasts. "I dare say, Miss Zinnia, you have most likely traveled further than most beasts I know..."   

Zolomon frowns "I say chap...name is too long Friar L....then again may confuse ya with Brother L...hmmms..."   

Leon coughs on some cordial and mutters something, a deep breath and he calms himself, yes ignore the hare the food will distract it    

Lacota ahems, giving Zolomon a pointed stare. "I say, young rip, that there is very little chance of confusing me with good Brother Leon. Furthermore, my name is not 'too long,' it is just the proper length."   

Zinnia smiles "Well Takeo does live over the sea, it is nice there but it’s always good to visit and I do have...well some family here. I have Uncle Oz and...well Xander also" She glances up the stairs briefly as Takeo offers a smile "He will be ok dear"   

Marek looks over at the hare, "Mr. Zolomon, do behave and try not to over eat" If that’s possible for a hare even.   

Oz sips some tea and nibbles a scone as dibbuns behave fairly well, one tries to climb onto a table but is stopped right away.   

Benar inclines his head to Marek and moves on, continuing to circulate. He drops in on Zolomon and Lacota, "I do hope you are enjoying the food and not antagonizing my Friar friend Zolomon. I would hate to have him decide to petition me to send you to bed with only bread and water and leave all those beautiful food un tried."   

Zolomon frowns "He wouldn't do that.......would he?" He is a little worried.   

Leon gets a little more soup as Caleb gets a buttered roll.   

Lacota crosses his arms, looking as if he would indeed do exactly as the Abbot suggested. "That *is* the question, isn't it? One never knows just what I might do."   

Oz listens curious as to how the hare will respond, a couple dibbuns giggle and one says "Hare is silly and not goona eats all cake!" And said dibbun proceeds to grab a couple pieces of cake and get back to his seat, course he shares with a friend. “Cake is yummy!"   

Patch enters the room and looks around. He gets a quick drink of ale and a couple scones and looks around. He grabs a roll and stuffs it into his mouth.   

Zolomon gulps a little after finishing some food "But ya be...the great friar and provider of food, food that needs tasted and...someone to make sure it’s perfect still, right?"   

Lacota waves a paw dismissively. "It is *always* perfect."   

Marek glances at Patch as he enters and takes a sip of ale as he starts to get up an order beast decides to talk to him and he politely does so. He even chuckles slightly and nods as the order beast walks off, well he is getting along with some as a small smile forms.   

Zinnia smiles, she drinks her tea and looks to see whom else is here, Takeo knows...well no one so he has say maybe a word here or there to beasts who come close to say hi.   

Leon eats some soup and sips a little cordial as he enjoys the feast “This year’s feast is good so far"   

Zolomon grins "And I can make sure of it Friar L...errr.....umm.....yeah" Maybe he should sample some of that soup on the other side of the table.   

Benar chuckles softly and pats Lacota's arm, "Then I am sure you will remember his full name Zolomon, no antagonizing the Friar," he winked and headed off to mingle and move through the crowd some more.   

Patch pockets a couple rolls before he sits down with a plate of cheese scones and starts to put his feet on the table, his way of relaxing.   

Marek shakes his head and walks over to where Zinnia is and nods "Hello, is there news on how Mr. Xander is doing?"   
Zinnia shakes her head "Not really last I check he was...still unconcious" Takeo shrugs "I am unsure, but he is being watched I do know that, he should be...fine"   

Leon says, "Angela is up there, not to worry"   

Lacota nods at Benar. "Thank you..." However, Zolomon is shortly forgotten as the squirrel spots, in the midst of committing the mortal sin of putting his feet up on the table. "Excuse me, sir, but what do you think you're doing? Were you raised in a barn?"   

Oz calms down a couple dibbuns who start to fight over a cookie, he breaks the cookie in two and now the two voles have half a cookie and seem happy now.   

Patch takes a long drink of ale and burps loudly" Nope squirrely...live in a tree house, got an issue pal, and I am on me best behavior do relax"   

Leon frowns as he hears Patch address Lacota, well not his problem.   

Benar shakes his head softly as Lacota goes over to pester poor Patch but the Abbot leaves him too it and circles around to Oz and the dibbun, "Hello everyone, so Oz did everyone eat their main course before they started on all these deserts?"   

Marek frowns as well, he drinks some ale and eats a scone...well this could get interesting so he watches.

Lacota stands there, paws on hips. "Of course I have an issue. Your feet on that table. I request you sit properly like all the other beasts."   

Oz smiles "Mostly...some salad and veggie soup and some cherry scones....but dibbuns do tend to think desert is mid meal "He chuckles a little. Sister Ginny gets the dibbuns interested in some salad, salad will help one grow tall and strong, then maybe a cookie afterwards.   

Zolomon quickly sits down while the Friars attention is elsewhere, and grabs a large amount of fish as he gets to his seat, and some ale too.   

Patch looks around the room and rolls his eyes "Ya woodlanders are annoying at times...." He does get his feet off the table and looks at Lacota "Happy fuzzy?"

Zinnia frowns, she quietly drinks tea and then excuses herself when one of the newborns start wailing and picks them up to take them to the library to calm them, Takeo blinks as a lot look over at the rat and Lacota now.   

Lacota narrows his eyes. "Pleased as *punch*," he replies icily. "And don't call me 'fuzzy' again."   

Leon blinks and takes a bite of cake, "Hey Lacota...you should sit and join us, eat and drink something"   

Marek clears his throat as he addresses the rat "It may be wise to be quiet, we do not wish the good Friar blood pressure to rise"   

Zolomon sits beside Marek and eats some fish, just listening and watching Patch, "I say the chap is being rude...the rat not the Friar"   

Content with keeping to himself in this feast Bandit the swift fox laughs at the story he is telling, "And then the badger came at me with a knife and..." Brookshire, even though she sits next to the portly beast, hardly cares about what the fox has to say. She is too focused on the glorious feast around her. She sheds a small tear at the pies, cakes, fine fishy dishes and salads, the delectable delights before her, knowing that she would never be able to eat them all. The ferrets stomach is horribly swollen from trying though...   

Patch smirks, he seems to test this "Fuzzy" And grins, he looks at Marek and back to the squirrel. "This food is good"   

Benar says, "I am glad you are all behaving and enjoying yourself," Benar says to the dibbuns and squeezes Oz's paw as he moves over to a table occupied by several otters. They are all bare chested and wearing a variety of brightly colored trousers, after a few words they leap into action. Spinning, leaping, and jumping into the clear space in the middle of the hall. A barrage of multi colored balls whirl out of their pockets as the acrobats start to play."
   
Takeo looks to where Zinnia went and sighs, he smiles weakly at a few beasts, he knows no one here, no one at all.   

Oz listens and the dibbuns ohhh and awww and cheer on the performers.   

Lacota hmphs. "Yes, well... Of course it's good." He gives a passing glance to Marek, as if disinterested, then turns his attention to the performing otters.   

Marek watches the show as well quietly, relaxing a little now as he is not as worried of being here. He waves a paw to Lacota "Hello Friar Lacota" He sips his ale and even smiles a little achally enjoying the otters perform, seems the first time he has watched one of these shows and he rarely smiles.   

Brookshire uses the distraction of the acrobats to shovel Bandit's plate onto her own where it quickly disappears down her gullet. While stuffing herself with food she catches the annoyed glance of the swift fox. Gulping quite audibly she smiles, stepping away from the Ferravale head guard as he barks at her. Relocating herself to another part of the room the greedy ferret begins feasting once again.
   
Patch shrugs and pockets a couple scones for later. Yes he is behaving but he has to take something, why not the food   

Zinnia listens from the other room as she calms her newborn dibbun, which finally goes to sleep. She looks tried herself but does slowly return to the room.   

Zolomon smiles as he watches the otters perform   

Benar applauds the otters as they finish their first set and then launch into another set of tumbling and leaping. The Abbot sidles up to Bandit and Brookshire and grins, "Hello you two, I see you snuck in whilst I wasn't paying attention. Welcome to Redwall."   

Oz smiles at the music, the dibbuns seem to really enjoy it, but one has fallen asleep and is taken upstairs by Sister Ginny.   

The fox nods. While still heavier than a swift fox should be the guard is looking a bit sleeker these days. "Oh you know me, I always arrive fashionably late, usually when someone finally finds me in the pantry!" He laughs. The laughter is cut short as he watches Brookshire, swollen bellied to the point of bursting carried out on a stretcher. "Pies...we...we can't leave until ...pie..." She waves a claw at the table, trying to catch a pie on the way to the infirm.   

Lacota peers at Marek, his expression neutral. "Good day, Marek..."   

Zinnia yawns and leans against Takeo as she looks ready to fall asleep, he slips an arm around her as she still holds one of the badger cubs, the other one sleeps...but then wakes up and whimpers a little.   

Patch has calmed down his rudeness, and is drinking more ale, and eating some hot root stew, just a little thought.   

Zolomon looks over "Did ya find Hot Root chap? Hot root is good stuff...had a couple otters seem to think they could eat more than me a few days ago...silly otters"   

Oz stands and goes over to check on the badger cubs, "Do you need some help?" He offers to take one of the cubs, or even both maybe.   

Zinnia smiles and nods, that would be helpful as she is very tried   

Marek decides to try some cake   

Zolomon walks over to Marek "So Mr. M..ya able to be in the abbey whenever now?"   

The fox known as Bandit stands up, stretching out the kinks in his back and even tail. "It was good to see everyone. Excuse me as I take in some fresh air." The fox heads out with a content smile on his face, picking his teeth and leaving his pie un eaten...   

Benar returns to his chair and settles down, leaning back and holding his goblet, content to watch the hall and everyone enjoying themselves.   

Oz carefully gets the badger cubs and goes to sit in his chair, as he passes Zolomon he speaks "That’s up to the abbot Zolomon, not him"   

Patch nods "Hot root is ok...sometimes"   

Benar lifts his head, "Marek was invited to this feast and the invitation to other feasts stands. But ... I am afraid he does not have access to the abbey at large as of this time." He looks at Lacota and the other elders at his table then back to Marek, "I am afraid forgiveness takes time... I am prepared to forgive. But those who lost loved ones are not yet prepared to forget." He lifts his goblet "But now is not the time for such talk."   

Zinnia listens and decides to excuse herself and starts to head upstairs, Takeo watches her carefully and decides to follow her letting Oz watch over the badger cubs for now.   

Lacota looks toward Benar. His feelings on the matter are well known to the other elders. "Indeed," he agrees, pouring himself another cup of cordial.   

Oz listens but just keeps quiet, he has two badger cubs to tend to and the other dibbuns are with a couple order beasts, in fact a couple dibbuns may be half asleep.
   
Patch drinks his ale and starts to put his foot paws on the table again, but then stops.   

Zolomon nods, 'Guess that’s....wise"   

Marek nods as he listens to Benar, if the abbot wants to discuss anything further he can always ask him to come to the abbots quarters one day if its needed.
   
Patch burps again and looks around, well he mostly behaving himself
   

Zolomon stirs his soup as he sees if there is more dancing or maybe some singing
   
Lacota stands, and starts for the kitchen. "Excuse me, I best make sure everything is still going well."   

Benar smiles and claps his paws along to the tunes being played by a pair of squirrel minstrels who have joined the otter acrobatic troupe. They are playing in tune and tempo to their music   

Oz smiles "I think this feast has been one of the best ones"
   
Marek sips his ale as he watches the performers quietly   

Patch shrugs "Good food anyways"
   
Zolomon nods "Food is always good at Redwall Abbey"   

Marek says, "This feast was enjoyable, but I do not think I am able to stay too long and end up needing a room, I most likely will head back to Ferravale soon" He looks to Benar "And...thank you for inviting me to the feast Abbot Benar, I do hope your any meetings about me being here again go well"
   
Oz yawns, the two badger cubs are asleep in his arms, hmms this may prove hard to get out of the chair easily.   

Benar says, "You are welcome Marek," He stands up and raises a goblet, "May life continue to show us how you have changed as the seasons pass. Go in peace."
   
Xander has not been awake long. He is sore and has a bandage on his collarbone/shoulder blade area and a bandage on both lower arms. He walks slowly and about falls down the steps before two otters help him and he slowly sits on the last step of the stairs with a slight weaken groan.   

Marek nods as he stands, but then he turns and sees "Mr. Xander...."   

Zolomon eyes go wide, he then drops his spoon and rushes over to his friend "Xandy!!!”
   
Patch blinks "What happen ta stripy?"   

Oz blinks "Xander?" The hare had to scream didn’t he, well now the badger cubs are awake and wailing, Oz sighs...wonderful.   

Marek will let the abbey beasts handle this as the guard is ready to escorts him to the road, he watches for a moment and decides to head back to his tavern, one beast nods to him, hmmms he may of gained one forgiveness he didn’t have before, well it’s a start as he heads off with the guard to the road, then walks himself to the tavern   

Benar smiles as he sees Xander and raises a paw in greeting, "Xander my dear boy, come in, sit down and join us."   

Patch holds his ears" Why are they so loud?"   

Xander looks at the dibbuns..."W..who?" He looks at the hare and manages a smile "Zol..Zolomon" He will accept any help to a chair.."Smelled food...sort of hungry"   

Zolomon nods and helps his friend to a chair and then gets him some soup, bread, and some cordial "Of course you need food, lots of good food"   

Oz slowly manages to get the two cubs asleep again, he may end up falling asleep in his chair, least its soft.   

Xander smiles as the food is gotten, he studies the cubs "Who’s?" Yeah he needs to catch up on the past 3-4 days.   

Zolomon offers to help Xander, he can feed him the soup and help him drink some cordial "Food first then answers Xandy"   

Benar walks over to Xander "I am glad to see you are awake, but after you eat do get some rest Xander" He glances at Oz and smiles, “If someone could get the badger cubs back to Zinnia and Takeo that would be good, I think Oz has fallen asleep."

Oz has indeed fallen asleep, at first he mutters when the badger cubs are taken from his arms and upstairs. He then slips back into much needed sleep. He has fallen asleep in his chair before. Most of the other dibbuns go upstairs with Sister Ginny and one mouse dibbun snuggles against papa Oz and falls asleep by him.   

Xander lets the hare feed him so soup and bits of soup filled bread bites and coughs a little as he drinks the cordial.   

Zolomon smiles and is happy to help his friend.   

Patch decides to leave while he can, he pockets a LOT of rolls, some scones....he grabs a apple pie and slips out the door, but not before his fingers wrap around a 1/3 full bottle of ale, yeah he will finish that later in his tree so he leaves with his prizes   

Xander just nods and eats, "I...hurts a little"
   
Benar checks on Xander and calls over an order beast "Get Xander something for pain and Zolomon will you please help Xander back to the infirm. I will let his mother and Takeo know he has awakened " He then heads up the stairs and out of sight.   

Zolomon nods as he goes to carefully help Xander back to the infirm, "Let’s go Xandy and I will keep ya company my friend, not to worry I won’t leave your side"   

Xander leans on the hare and slowly allows himself to be led back to the infirm.

The feast still goes on, a mouse maid starts to sing a song and a vole does magic tricks afterwards. Some beasts still eat food and drink their drinks as they chat among themselves as the feast goes late into the night before it finally starts to ease up. Dibbuns are carried to their room, tried guests are shown to a guest room, or the bunk room, and any leftover food is carefully put away.

Oz sleeps in his chair, a couple mice dibbuns sleep beside him as its cozy and warm as the fireplace is keeping the room warm and even giving off a little light.

Redwall Log
In Log:
Oz-Papa Oz and dibbun caretaker of Redwall Abbey
Benar-Abbot of Redwall
Takeo-Visitor and mate to Zinnia
Zinnia- A sister in the order, and mate to Takeo
Tanya-Beaver dibbun
Zolomon-Hare in Mossflower Defenders and an archer
Zinnia’s spoofed badger twins (A boy and a girl)
Some other spoofed dibbuns

RWAbbey: Zork's Room

Oz was worn out and needed a nap, still doing his normal dibbun activities and then caring for the newborn badgers was  enough to wear one out. Plus his brothers bed, least to him, wasn’t that comfortable. But he had managed to fall asleep and still somehow about two dibbuns found him, a couple mice dibbuns and fell asleep beside him, also this bed wasn’t as large as his, as his was purposely larger in case dibbuns wanted to sleep beside him during storms or just those afraid of the dark. The two newborn badger cubs were in a large bassinet close to the bed.

Zinnia walked slowly to the room, she knew she shouldn’t be out of bed but she wanted to see her cubs, beside her was Takeo “Now dear…maybe it’s best you lay back down I am sure they are fine.” As if to make her mate seem a liar one of the cubs and then both start wailing. This causes Zinnia to make her way over to them. She gently picks one up.

The cry also wakes the two mice dibbuns, draws the attention of a curious vole dibbuns in the hallway and a rabbit dibbun as well. Oz snaps awake and reaches out to lay a paw on the two cubs..wait…He suddenly sits up as only one is here, the dibbuns in the room all go to hide behind the other two badgers.

Zinnia speaks, her voice a little weak as she is helped to a chair, “Its ok….Uncle Oz…I have one of the cubs. “She sits down and Takeo kisses her “I told her to stay in bed, she would not…her fever broke this morning and she had some soup, but is still sore and weak but insisted to see the cubs”

Oz relaxes and smiles, he picks up the other cub to rock it and walks over to where Zinnia is to give her a hug “I am glad you are back, I had been worried and when you passed out after giving birth to the cubs I was worried as well but yes you should rest.”

Zinnia returns the hug best she can and nods, “I..I will, but you shouldn’t have to sleep in papa’s old room, you should sleep in your own room” She giggles at some dibbuns here and those peeking from the hall “Lot more room in there”

Oz listens and smiles “It seems I have been found.” He stands “I can get some softer sheets or a cover for to lay on…do you have names yet for the cubs?”

Zinnia shakes her head, “Not yet” Takeo lets her speak as he stands, takes  the girl dibbun “We should keep the cubs in our….well the room we are using” Zinnia nods as she stands, but is still a little woozy and about falls.

Oz quickly is at her side hearing her misstep and gently takes the male cub from her “Takeo, get her back to bed please…I will take the cub with me.”

Takeo goes to help Zinnia back to the room, one arm around her and the other holds the female badger cub as they head back to Oz’s room.

Oz carries the male badger cub and calls to the 3-4 dibbuns that found him, “Come my dibbuns…downstairs with you” They giggle and follow him, all trying to stand on tip toes to see the small badger dibbun Papa Oz wraps carefully in a blanket as it snuggles into his fur and falls asleep.

RW Abbey: Great Hall
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here.  A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance.  The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist.  The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
 
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.
 

Oz walked down the stairs, 3-4 dibbuns followed him, a small dibbun he carried in his arms wrapped in a blanket, he stopped long enough to let the dibbun in front of him bounce on the last step a couple times mutter a soft "Be careful" They stop and go to one of the chairs.   

Benar is building a fire in the fireplace and staying out of the way of the younger beasts moving tables and chairs and tablecloths and cutlery and dinner ware into place on the tables being set up for the feast.   

Oz makes sure the dibbuns stay on one side of the Great Hall , "Getting last moment things ready for the feast it would seem"
   
Benar looks over at Oz and smiles, "Oh hey Oz, yeah just setting out everything in advance for tomorrow."
   
Oz nods "It should be a good one, it was snowing fairly bad earlier but it has stopped now I think, but then again all shall be inside where its warm"   

Benar says, "Well I am trying to stray inside myself. I am not a big fan of snow these days"
   
Oz chuckles "I dislike snow sometimes, the dibbuns seem to love it but the cold makes my knee more sore" He smiles "But winter doesn't last forever and then comes spring"   

Benar says, "Heh well nothing of me aches yet thankfully,"  He grins softly at the badger, "And I am glad the dibbuns are behaving today. I’ve not heard any wild screaming yet"   

Oz says, "They have been good, slightly restless when the brief storm didn’t let anyone outside....oh that reminds me...we do have some guests, just a paw full that will likely stay for the feast tomorrow"
   
Benar says, "Well of course they are welcome to stay, all our friends in Mossflower and from beyond are welcome"
   
Oz nods, the small dibbun he holds is asleep now and the other couple play on the other side of the room, they used a couple chairs, not in use, and a blanket and made a fort of sorts.   

Zolomon enters the room slowly looking tried and finds the closest chair and sits in it.   

Benar smiles as he watches the dibbuns making a fort then turns back to Oz, "Will you be joining us at the feast? I know you don't like the big crowds."
   
Oz answers "I usually sit and make sure the dibbuns behave" He smiles "Guess a crowd of dibbuns is fine, but yes I will be there, maybe not the whole time" He listens as he hears the hare wander downstairs “Hello"
   
Zolomon looks up and waves slightly “Feast? Oh yeah...tomorrow"He frowns "I may or may not be thar....depends"   

Oz listens to the hare "That would be up to you Zolomon, but it may cheer you up..."He frowns as the dibbun he holds has woken up and starts wailing, the badger sighs and goes to rock the small dibbun.
   
Zolomon shrugs, he glances at the badger and walks over slowly, "Is....that one of the dibbuns from the other night?" Well least something has his mind off his friend...for now.   

Oz just nods as he sits down, its then clearer as the dibbun has wiggled from most of its blanket, but has calmed some now...an infant badger cub. “Yes it is" He smiles at an idea "You could help me with him if you would like."   

Zolomon grins, babies are cute and the hare nods then remembers the badger is blind he can't see nodding "I can help...can I help now?"   

Oz nods "You can help, but you have to be gentle with dibbuns this young and he and his sister were born a few weeks earlier than they should of been." He thinks "You can get one of his bottles, but talk to the healer on duty, unlike older dibbuns they have a special green sap milk mixture they drink."   

Benar asks, "So Zolomon ready for tomorrow?" He smiles, "To eat us out of house and home?" He grins at Oz, "How are the little ones doing in general?"
   
Oz answers Benar “They are doing well and I know the dibbuns are excited for the feast, let’s just hope they all behave"   

Zolomon grins and makes a face at the dibbun Oz holds and looks to the abbot and smirks "I will try not to Abbot Benar, I am just one hare after all"
   
Benar asks, "You are one hare? That's all it usually takes you hares have bottomless stomachs! Worse than our badgers"
   
Oz chuckles a little. He is holding one of the badger cubs as he talks with the hare and squirrel.   

Takeo is unfamiliar with this place as he walks from the direction of the stairs and looks around the room, he clears his throat "Am I...interrupting anything?"   

Zolomon chuckles and waves to the tall badger "No chap ya not...we just talking of the feast tomorrow"   

Benar looks around at the other badger, "Not at all, welcome friend badger." He smiles softly, "Everyone is welcome here, we are just discussing tomorrows feast"   

Takeo nods " Hello and I heard of the feast" He walks over to Oz to pick up the dibbun as he speaks to the abbot" I perhaps will come, I do not know, I am not from here but looks like I will be a guest a few days while my mate recovers."   

Oz allows Takeo to get the badger cub and nods “I am sure she will be fine now, just make sure she rests like she is supposed to"   

Zolomon frowns, all this talk of recovery reminds him of his friend "I..I should check on me friend....see if he is awake yet...later guys" And he is heading upstairs.   

Benar says, "Well friend I do hope you stay. The main feast is tomorrow but we have games and events and lesser food times all weekend. You and your mate really must stay and join us."
   
Takeo nods "We shall see" He watches the hare head upstairs "I do hope the hare cheer ups and gets some good news, good news is always better than bad news"   

Oz frowns, "He is worried about Xander, but I have heard very little on how he is, just that he was in the infirm"   

Benar asks, "Why is Xander in the infirmary "

Takeo nods "I helped to tend to Xander, and got him back to the abbey, but after that my attention was on my mate to make sure she was ok" He looks down at the badger cub in his arms " Birthing twins took a lot out of her" He decides to answer the abbot as he was there to help Xander also " There was this black furred fox, a slaver...injured Xander fairly bad before the hare shot the fox down with an arrow...a small group of slaves were freed and are here at the abbey...couple mice, a beaver dibbun and a couple otters, The slavers were dealed with and are no longer a threat"   

Oz sighs "Least there is no danger on the road now, which is good..."   

Benar says, "Well I am glad the slaver is no longer a threat and those who had been kept in slavery are all welcome to stay here. As is your mate of course."

Takeo nods, "I am unsure how long our stay will be, but it is nice here at your abbey, she was right about that"   

Oz smiles "I need to check on some things, talk later"   

Benar asks, "Who is your mate? You've not mentioned her name to me before?"
   
Takeo listens to the abbot as he watches Oz head off, he glances at the abbot to answer his question" Oh I am sorry I had thought you had been told she was back at the abbey. I meet her when she was looking for Xander, when he went missing in the spring....she had become lost and was ill, near death  when she...well I..came across her, and I used my healing skills to help her get well again and.." He smiles "Well we fell in love....and I had asked her to be my mate and she said yes and a friend of mine wed us.....she got a note about her Uncle Zee...so we came back towards the abbey....some trouble we ran into and the storm, the vermin....she was with dibbun and...ended up having them a few weeks early...." He smiles "My name is Sir Takeo, and my mate is Lady Zinnia....though here she is Sister Zinnia and guess she still has that title"   

Benar smiles warmly "Zinnia is back? Why does no one ever tell me these things! That is wonderful news! And congratulations Takeo!"   

Takeo smiles "Well you have the news now my friend"   

Benar says, "Thank you for letting me know, it is a joyous day indeed"   

Takeo looks down at the badger cub and back to the abbot “I do have a request....if I may? With everything happening me and Zinnia are in Oz's room, he and a Rayen helped with....the birth of the twins....but I do not want to keep him from his room, would there be another room we can stay in? I do not want to....keep anyone from their own room"   

Benar says, "There are plenty of rooms, though very few badger sized beds I am afraid. Oz really has one of the few badger sized beds. I think we may have some in storage. I will have one dug out of the attic and re-assembled in one of the guests rooms."

Takeo nods as he thinks, where did he say he was..."Maybe we can stay in the room he was using...something about his brothers old room...you would not need to find any extra beds that way and he could have his own room back that way" He chuckles "Besides I am sure the dibbuns would like that very much as well....to better find their caretaker in the middle of the night"   

Benar says, "I'd usually say no to that request. I must be fair to everyone and most beasts have to make do with rooms in the dormitories, very few beasts get private rooms. But as Zinnia just gave birth and we have very few beds suitable for badgers that should be fine going forwards."
   
Takeo nods "Thank you sir and...I will make sure me and Zinnia are at the feast tomorrow, I am sure she has been missed and not many know she is back just yet" He looks to the stairs "I will go check on her now..again thank you"
   
Benar says, "You do that and I will see you both tomorrow Takeo," He stands up "I need to go talk to the Friar myself. Have a good day and give Zinnia my best"

Rw Abbey:Badger Mother's Room
-------------------------------------------------
he room you enter is rather neat and almost spartanly furnished, quite a visual contrast if you entered from the cluttered Dibbun's room adjacent.  The warm red of the sandstone walls is the primary motif, broken in only a few places.  There's a small leaded glass window for light, a bed (rather massive, which might give one a hint at it's occupant) with a coverlet of brightly dyed and woven cloth and a small table with a chair; this is holding a small pile of books and papers, a candle in it's holder and a couple odd Dibbun toys that ended up there somehow.  The only real ornament in the room is a middle sized, carefully framed parchment: a charcoal and ink drawing of some group or family of badgers. 
---------------------------------------------------

Takeo starts to head into Oz’s room where Zinnia sleeps.

Oz is sitting beside Zinnia and tilts his head up when he hears Takeo enter and stands “I will go to Zork’s room”

Tanya has taken to liking this room as she lays half asleep by Zinnia and the girl badger infant and yawns, she smiles “Papa Oz…”

Takeo hands the boy dibbun to Zinnia and looks to Oz ”For tonight, tomorrow your be back in here my friend”

Zinnia smiles, she sits up best she can so she can better feed the two newborns while she listens.

Oz shakes his head “I am fine in Zork’s room…its one bed and this is better for you and Zinnia, trust me I am fine and have managed to make the bed cozier…not to worry. My bed in here as said much bigger for two…”He chuckles “Well 4 badgers and Tanya as well.”

Tanya smiles, she watches Zinnia feed the badger cubs “What their names?”

Zinnia smiles “Well..I have name ideas but need Uncle Oz’s permission to use them and..thanks Uncle Oz, for letting us use this room”

Takeo nods “Yes thank you sir” He gives Zinnia a hug and kiss and sits beside her.

Oz arches an eyebrow “Why do you need my permission for names?” He tilts his head “What names do you have in mind?”

Tanya lays down, listening and slightly sad it seems.

Zinnia looks at the beaver dibbun ”Tanya what is wrong dear?” She then looks to Oz “Well…I wanted to name the girl after your…..late mate and the boy, after papa”

Oz smiles “Northstar and Zork…..I think they would be honored to have your dibbuns named after them” He hugs Zinnia “I approve honey.”

Tanya just shrugs “Me miss grandma..bad fox took her away and left me all alones”

Zinnia smiles at Oz and then glances at Tanya as an idea comes to mind “Tanya..would you like to be big sister to Zork and Northstar….me and Takeo could adopt you, you will also have Xander as a big brother…” She keeps a silent mental note, if he survives that is.

Takeo is half asleep but listens.

Tanya smiles and hugs Zinnia “Mommy…” She then hugs Takeo “And daddy”

Oz smiles as he starts to head from the room.

Zinnia stands and places the twins in their bed that was set up and goes to  lay a paw on Oz’s shoulder and kiss his cheek” Love you Uncle Oz and thanks again for letting me and Takeo have your room a few days, as well as Zork, Northstar and Tanya..” She sighs a little “Any news bout Xander yet?”

Oz hugs her, and smiles “Your welcome…..and” He shakes his head “No news of Xander but let Leon and Angela worry about him and get some sleep you need it”

Zinnia nods and lays down and like her mate and cubs is also soon asleep.

Oz waits and then heads to Zork’s room where he falls asleep soon as well.

** This happens in the late morning and a couple hours after  http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=72  so also ICLY Jan 17,2017. ***

Patch looked around and frowned “Something feels….it’s too quiet stripy I don’t like it one little bit, not at all”

Xander shakes his head “You worry too much Patch” He looks at some clouds, “Maybe there is some snow coming and the feast is here soon, beasts could be there.”

Aira has stayed with them, mostly left them alone but this sparks her curiousness, “Feast? For what…where?”

Patch answers “At Redwall, any good beast can come, it’s in like 2-3 days’ time. Good food and such”

Xander just shakes his head as the rat answers, “Yeah, feasts are ok..I guess. Not sure if I will go or not, or stay long anyways may just stay in my Uncle Zee’s hut. But I do have to find Zolomon, course that could wait a few days I guess unless I find him before the feast at like the Defenders Headquarters”

Aira tilts her head “Lady Zinnia has spoken of Redwall, she is from there it seems”

Xander Shrugs “So…she can go if she wants to,  that’s up to her, not me.”

Patch looks between them and just sighs, he then gets out of the boat quietly “I am heading to Ferravale, see ya later stripy.”

Aira watches him head off before glancing back at Xander “And where will you go?” She did sense something odd though “It is rather quiet…no birds or anything”

Xander rolls his eyes “So, it’s also early morning..maybe beasts are asleep or something and why would you care where I went? I rather not be here when YOUR friends catch up to us.” He gets his small pack of supplies and gets off the boat.

Aira frowns “But…wait” She starts to follow him.

Xander spins around and snarls, “I said BACK OFF!!”

Aira gasps and flaps backwards, a sad voice “O..ok..I am sorry Xander, I really am for whatever has upset you. Your mother and Sir Takeo only wants to make sure you’re ok..so I will let them know you got to here safe…”She decides its best to fly off, not wishing to upset him further.

Xander heads on down the path to Ferravale

==Elsewhere while this was going on ==

A crow watches a boat as its beasts move around.

Takeo  smiles at twin sea otters “Milo..Ottis, I will be back shortly, going to see what sort of village is nearby, let Zinnia know I won’t be gone long, she is sleeping right now.” He gets a nod as the tall badger exits the boat.

The crow flies back to its master and lands on the shoulder of Kaage.

Kaage smirked as he looked at the boat and nodded to his small group of vermin “Strike Shadow”

The boat is soon boarded by a grey rat, 2 ferrets, 2 weasels and a marten, right away they go for the otter twins.

Milo sees the first weasel and acts quickly, his brother Ottis is a bit less of a fighter and goes to run below deck .

The ferrets quickly go to grab Ottis before he has a chance to get away, while the weasels and rat try to overtake Milo.

Milo manages to slice the rat’s throat and then gets knocked out.

Below deck an ermine gets his longsword and looks to a doorway, and back to the steps leading to the deck and hisses softly.

Kaage comes aboard and smirks “I like this ship, it’s now mine..even has room for my slaves” He smooths out the feathers of his crow and looks down at the dead rat and shrugs, he smiles coldly to Milo and Ottis “ Greetings slaves…”He nods to the marten to follow him below deck where they come upon  the ermine “Well whats this..a fellow vermin or a woodlander wantabe?”

Barttholmew stands his ground, sword at the ready” I am Sir Takeo and Lady Zinnia body guard and you are trespassing on this ship, do leave or feel cold steel in your chest.” He stays by the doorway.

Zinnia has been awoken by the noise and peeks out, she then quickly regrets it and backs up quickly

Kaage smiles coldly “Oh, I say this is my ship, I am Kaage leader of The Shadow and anyone on board The Shadow’s ship are slaves, or maybe being a fellow vermin you could work for me?”

Barttholmew quickly pushes Zinnia back and slams the door in the fox’s face, “Lady Zinnia do not worry I will not let harm come to you.”

Zinnia frowns “Where is Takeo? Is he ok….please  Barttholmew answer me and it’s not a request”

It takes a little effort but the door is knocked in and Kaage, two ferrets, two weasels and a marten do enter “I say its rude to lock a door but I did enter and doors can be…replaced.” He grins as he nods to his group to attack.

Barttholmew manages to kill a weasel and wound the marten before he is slammed into some supply crates and they fall around him, one pinning his leg to the floor. “R..Run…” Yeah like that will work now, he looks at Kaage

Kaage looks at the ermine and then the badger maid and snaps his fingers as the rest of his group go to surround her.

Zinnia screams and tries to run but falls onto his stomach and tenses up a little, she manages to get up only to see she has nowhere to run.

Barttholmew frowns and then growls at the fox “You will not enslave or harm her as long as I draw breath you vile creatures”

Kaage nods as he walks up to the ermine, “Sadly you are right….”He sounds defeated and then a smile forms as he takes his blade and in a lightening quick move he slices the ermine’s throat, once done he walks to Zinnia and the vermin part for him, he goes to cup her chin in his paw, ”A badger as a slave…how interesting, badgers are usually feared by vermin, you seem afraid of me though and I do enjoy seeing fear in beasts, I enjoy it very much”

Barttholmew tenses only once and then falls to the floor dead as blood leaks from his throat and his eyes are lifeless.

“Barttholmew!” Zinnia screams and tears come to her eyes, she looks into the face of Kaage and whimpers. ”Please…..please just let me go, I wouldn’t make a good slave I….I am with dibbun”

Kaage looks down at her midsection and back to her face “Well…this could prove useful, tell you what I will keep you around till it’s born…then you die and I raise the dibbun as my own, from birth it will learn  and won’t even be forced to obey…they will call me..father..” He nods to the others ”Chain her with the others, and…throw the dead overboard. “

Zinnia starts crying as she is chained, and shivers a little not knowing what has become of Takeo, or even Aira and she worries for Xander as well.

Aira is flying nearby but once she sees vermin on the ship she quickly lands in a tree and watches.

On the ship is Kaage and his vermin band, The Shadow and chained on deck is two voles, a beaver dibbun, two otters and a badger maid.

The vermin throw a grey rat over board and also Barttholmew, they look up as some clouds form and the wind howls, “Boss..maybe wait out the storm?”

Kaage looks at the clouds and snorts “Fine…we can wait a couple days if needed, but no more…sides that..Takeo as he is called will be coming back to his ship, I want him killed on first sight, this ship is mine and I will take no chances” He looks to the marten who as some poison darts, he himself has his bolas and throwing daggers.” I also want to make sure the one rat and younger badger are not something to worry on, captive or dead it matters not for the rat….nor the badger if he gives you trouble, I will soon have a badger that WILL obey me and will call me father and love me…be fateful to….me” He smiles coldly at the last word.

Aira quickly flies away to find either Takeo or Xander, either works.

Xander is on the dirt road a little ways from the bridge.

“Xander…oh young Xander!” Aira yells, her voice sounds urgent.

Xander stops and turns around “Wot now?” He frowns slightly as he sees the bird in a panic.

Aira speaks “Its..the..they have Milo, Ottis and  Lady Zinnia…they have killed Barttholmew…some fox and other beasts took over the ship and there were others aboard as well…slaves”

Xander frowns at this”W..what?”

Patch jumps from a tree, “Slavers! I knew it..knew it stripes it WAS to quiet but no one ever listens to Patch”

Aira puffs out not use to sudden appearances.

“Z..Zinnia is…captive? Barttholmew is..my friend..d..dead?” A voice says as a sack of supplies are dropped, apples and peppers and some wrapped packages of herbs fall to the snow.

Aira turns and quickly flies to the badger “Sir Takeo! Am I ever so glad to see you sir! “

Xander looks torn between worry and anger, he fights back tears, “Mom…” He looks to the older badger, “TH..they have my..mom”

Takeo listens and quickly picks up the supplies and sits them upright, “Where? Wait we will need help but where?”

Patch looks down a path”Well there is Ferravale…there is the Defenders…”

A stoat comes into view, beside him is a hare, and a squirrel, as well as an eagle.” Mr. Xander…and Mr. Patch, what is this of needing help?”

Xander hears the voice and rushes forward to hide his face in the stoat’s tunic and just starts sobbing “Marek…Marek they have…have my mom..have mom…”

Takeo starts to draw his blade and blinks when it’s clear the other badger knows this beast, “Slavers have my mate and my crew, they killed my body guard and possibly have other slaves, any help would be welcome”

Patch frowns, “I could go try and gather info and report back…if I am not back in a couple hours assume the worse” He disappears into the trees.

Marek stands there. Clearly not use to sudden hugs and unclear what to do to comfort a beast, usually others do that as he looks over at the hare and squirrel with him.

Quade walks forwards “You have the Mossflower Defenders at your side sir badger”

Zolomon gently pulls Xander towards him, if he allows and rubs his back “Xandy….tis ok, we will help rescue any slaves, including your mother”

Xander allows himself to be led away by Zolomon and only nods.

Aira frowns “they are close to the bridge, not to far downstream from Xander and Patches boat, there is a beaver dibbun, two voles, Milo and Ottis and course Lady Zinnia as captives, I am unsure what all vermin but the leader seems to be a coal black fox.”

Takeo nods, “Thank you Aira my friend”

Marek looks to the eagle “ Mr. Thunderwing get a birds view and be careful”

Thunderwing nods as he sets off.

Xander just stays close to Zolomon, if this was a normal day he would be telling him of the note in the chest to speak to the hare, but for now he only has worry for his mother, fear of her safety, even if he is angry at her, she is his mother and deep down he still very much loves her.

Aira sighs and stays at Takeo’s side to comfort him, the tall badger is worried about Zinnia as well, and their unborn child.

Patch meanwhile tries to find out some stuff about The Shadow best he can, but of course one can’t always hide well as he feels something hit him upside the head and then his world goes dark as he falls unconcious to the snowy ground, only to wake up chained and with a headache, his eyes widen and he does the only other thing he can think of…scream.

====Somewhere along the river Moss, about 4 days after this log http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=63 and 3.5 after this one http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=67 ====

=== Patch and Xander soon have company, and unknowns to them.....they may soon have unwanted company ====

They were making good time as the rat and ferret took turns steering the boat and the rat was fairly good at it, then the boat was easy enough to work and there was some strong winds today which made them go faster so they were a day further than they would have been normally.

Xander had not done much since they left, just sat and read a book he brought with him, one about Martin The Warrior and how he lives on the Northern Seas, but had visited the Western Shore and in fact was in Salamandastron itself, the family sword Martin carried, that other champions carry , was made there. ”Hey Patch ya ever hear of Martin The Warrior?”

Patch walked over letting the one eyed ferret take over the wheel, “Yes, who hasn’t. Though most rats fear the name, I don’t..I would of just been smart and avoided him”

Xander chuckles lightly and looks back to the book, ”He had an interested life, lost his mom when he was a baby, lost his dad later on..lost a possible mate and friends. He helped build Redwall Abbey also”

Patch shrugs, “Lot of beasts lost family when young, sometimes when older as well and I never had many friends….beasts I trust yeah but not true friends”

Xander offers a smile “Well you have me as a friend so ya got least one”

Patch smiled “I do…thanks stripy, that…well it means a lot”

Close by on shore a tall black furred fox walked along with a ferret, and a couple weasels. ”I see this as a chance gentlemen, most don’t do much in winter, why is that?”

A weasel answers “Cause its cold boss”

The fox smirked “True so that’s why we do this now, it’s not expected.” He looks to two other creatures with them, two mice looking truly scared and grins, he looks back to the vermin ”The shadow doesn’t take a break, they get slaves whenever they want and the best part of the river is it leads to the sea, lots of market, if look in the right places and at the right time, to sell slaves right under the noses of do gooders”

The other vermin nodded and laughed coldly, the two mice shivered more and felt what was left of their hope fade.

Not too far from the vermin group was another boat, one with a couple badgers, an ermine and a seagull, as well as a couple tall sea otters. The taller badger seemed to be captain of the ship as he made sure the way was clear before walking over to the other badger, his mate “Zinnia, love…are you feeling better dear?”

Zinnia nods “A little, it feels nice to be in Mossflower again Takeo and to see my friends soon. I wonder how much I have missed”

Takeo smiles, “I am glad you’re feeling a little better my love, and I am sure what ever was missed will be caught up on yes?”

Aira nods “Yes, maybe I can fly ahead and see if you like”

Zinnia shakes her head “No need to Aira, unless you want to, it may be nice to surprise them” She frowns “I don’t think Xander plans on telling anyone he seen me, I just hope he lets me talk to him and let him know I missed him”

Aira shrugs “Though some looking around may be good, scout ahead and make sure all is well, no blocked river or such and just how close we are and maybe find young Xander and that rat?”

Takeo nods “That is a good idea my friend, go on and do that and good luck”

Zinnia looks to Takeo “And if she finds Xander, then what? I am unsure if he wants our company or not”

Aira nods and takes flight into the air and heads on upriver.

Takeo smiles “Then she talks to the boy, maybe Xander will listen more to one whom is not you…and she may be able to help him to least think on listening to you”

Zinnia nods “I hope so, Felicity said she believes Xander needs me”

Takeo kisses Zinnia’s forehead “All beast need and love their mother and you are a good one” He lays a paw on her midsection “And will be a good one to our future dibbun as well. We should think on names”

Zinnia smiles” Still got a little over two months…oh” She smiles wide

Takeo blinks “What is it…oh” He chuckles and grins “They are active, see they be eager to see you soon”

Zinnia chuckles herself “Well not TOO soon though dear.”

Meanwhile up river……

Patch yawns as he looks around “Bored”

Xander grins “Well I am sorry Patch, sides the boat is faster than walking and a boat can go on day and night when there is more than one beast to make it move, we will make great timing and I can get home sooner.”

Patch nods “Yeah yeah, and not visit Halyard again…least fer a while, low lifes are there, and beasts to not mess with..and before ya say it those long ears and there super tall badger Lord don’t know EVERYTHING that goes on in that place, especially the docks, some vermin doing some mightily bad stuff and don’t get caught..why? Cause they be smart and keep to them selfs, stay there for supplies and head on to other places, rarely do sea vermin come inland..I mean…they do but not too often, and if it just a small group, say less than four….not much is looked on as a threat and not all vermin are a threat really, sides from robbing and such”

Xander frowns now “Yeah, let’s forget what happen few days ago.” Its been almost 4 days  since they left the coast line and they were already a day further along with the wind blowing so hard earlier in the day.

Aira comes into view about now and calls out “Ahoy there Young Xander and..umm….rat” Yeah she don’t know his name, so for now he is rat.

Patch looks up annoyed “It’s Patch…Patch, not rat have some manners bird or your lunch”

Xander frowns, he shakes his head no at the rat and folds his arms over his chest as he addresses Aira “Let me guess, Mother and Takeo sent you to keep an eye on me?”

Aira clears her throat” ACHALLY Sir Takeo sent me, but Lady Zinnia does send a message that she misses her and loves you, she is worried I can tell and so can Sir Takeo and stress is not good for the dibbun she carries”

Patch just listens and looks over at the badger for a reaction.

“Then she shouldn’t stress then, I am fine and can get home on my own…I got to the western shore on my own”  Xander states, he looks at Patch and adds “Well with one other beast but still…”

Aira frowns best a bird can “Well, permission to stay with you?”

Patch shrugs “Not up to me bird”

Xander rolls his eyes “I guess..whatever” He sits down on the other side of the boat.

Aira puffs up her feathers “Its Aira…..do use the name and I will use your…Patch”

Patch hmmphs “Yeah yea feathers…”

On the shore a crow flies off and lands on the arm of the black furred fox “ There is two other badgers..and a sea gull close behind the other boat that has the younger badger and a rat, the sea gull has joined the rat and young badger.”

The black furred fox nods “Good work, the shadow will keep watch…..and once the time is right…” An evil smirk “Strike……”

-Well this can’t be a good thing….-

==Why did Patch volunteer for this?==

Right after this log:

http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=58

Halyard Village: West Square(#93069RJA)
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Halyard Village ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Surrounded on most sides by short, squat buildings, none any higher than two
levels, the main square of this small, sea-side village is covered in a fine
layer of dirt, which mostly covers the old cobble stone beneath. Many of the
buildings lining the square are homes, though some are places of business -
and, of course, there are the obligatory pubs. However, pubs are not the only
staple of a small village, especially not this one. Scattered here and there
upon sidewalks and in front of stores, various fishing nets and traps lie
about, most considerably worse for wear. It's obviously a fishing village.
Beyond that, a dirt road runs north and south from the square, with a small
scattering of homes, and behind these, a backdrop of trees. Meanwhile, beyond
the trees lies the shore.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Patch looked all over the village, well not all over he checked a couple places near the tavern and an alley so far and decided to check the docks, never know in this place.
   
Xander walked along the street, he had not gone that far just to the bakery and got a pasty and now sat on a bench eating the pasty, the fur under his eyes wet.   

Patch sighs in relief and walks over "Stripy there ya are, why ya run off?" He walks over slowly and notes the wet fur as he frowns "Ya...doing ok?"   

Xander shakes his head "No..I just want to get done whats needed and get out of here"   

Flint just happens to be walking by and heading to the bakery when he slows and does one of those double takes "Xander?" He seems surprised to see the badger, as he raises an eyebrow at the rat who seems here as well.   

Patch sighs" And that would be....."He tenses as he looks over, oh great a long ears..."Hi....ummm..trust me I know the kid"   

Xander frowns "No.." He smiles weakly and goes to hug the hare, he is quiet before he speaks,"Hey..." He says quietly.   

Flint returns the hug :Wot ya doing ere'...surely you’re not just here with the rat....are ya?"   

Patch crosses his arms over his chest “I will have ya know I tagged along to keep him out of trouble, so far so good....though there was the tavern but we won’t speak of that" Or least he won’t.
   
Xander frowns "Just me and...patch" He steps back and reaches into his cloak passing the hare a letter and looks down at the ground "And I could care less bout the stupid tavern"   

Flint takes the letter and reads it, a frown then forms as he looks at the badger "Oh...Xander, I am so sorry, he was a good beast and will be missed"   

Patch watches quietly and sits down to let the hare and badger talk.   

Xander sort of hic-up sobs as he suddenly buries his face into the hares tunic and just openly sobs. He still misses his uncle and it would seem the tavern happenings are still upsetting him as well.   

Flint just hugs the badger and lets him cry as its sometimes good to just cry sometimes and just be there for a friend.   

Patch frowns, he hates seeing any beast upset but let the hare handle it, he seems better for the job..right?   

Xander sniffs as he calms some and steps back rubbing his eyes, "I...miss him and...I ..I don't know...other things. I just want to get the chest and leave..and go elsewhere, anywhere but around here" He mutters some of this.   

Flint answers "Well tis in my room....at the mountain but we could meet up later tonight when I am off duty or tomorrow at lunch somewhere. And why de hurry to leave, you just got here didn’t you?"   

Patch says, "He is probably upset cause of what happen at the tavern...long story up ta stripy..." Yeah maybe he should of stayed quiet but hey, he has info and felt it needed said...he then decides to go into the bakery. Mm.....that wise?

Flint blinks "Wot happen at the tavern?"
   
Xander glares at the rat as if to say how dare he, he clears his throat “Nothing important, it’s not an issue and sure we can meet up tomorrow...maybe elsewhere than the tavern, some other place to eat or something...even the beach works"   

Patch backs up "Whoa stripy calm ya self....just know it upset you but hey your choice to mention it to the long ears, not me"   

Flint just looks between them and sighs "Just so no one was hurt, guess that’s wot is important right?"   

Xander nods "Yeah....sorry just the past...3 weeks has been rather hard with Uncle Zee dying and..couple other things, this whole chest thing is rather confusing as well but I am trying, I really really am trying to be patience and...understand...things" He sighs.   

Flint nods "I understand lad, will take time is all but friends...family can help you as well get over things, life is odd at times, sometimes darn rough and not always easy. But your get through it, trust me" He offers a smile.   

Xander frowns, he should of mentioned Zee at the tavern, but he didn’t. He looks at the hare, "I..guess just..why, why do bad things happen?"   

Patch runs out of the bakery quickly and frowns, a hare maid glares at him and slams the door almost on his tail. He pants "Some..beasts..."Yeah he shouldn’t  of tried to steal, he got caught..he glances at the badger “OH...hi....I am fine not to worry...did you happen to get more than one pasty earlier stripy...huh?"   

Flint frowns as the rat comes rushing back outside and shakes his head, "I say wot ever ya did rat...don’t do it again"   

Xander frowns, he nods and hands the rat the 2nd pastry he has and looks at Flint "He is...ok, his name is Patch and he has helped me to get here and will help me back home, he is my friend"   

Patch smiles "Friend....well course I am" He takes the pasty and eats it "Though we seriously need more coins if we stick around long"
   
Flint nods and looks at the rat "I am sure there is an honest way of doing it....I could pay for an inn room for one night for you both as I know ...Patch, can’t come to the mountain. And me and Xander can meet somewhere tomorrow morning...sound good?"   

Xander nods "Yes sounds good, thanks Corporal Flint"
   
Patch nods "Yeah....thanks, so we get whatever this chest has and go...home hopefully?"   

Xander says, "Depends on what the chest has in it or if it....=sighs= says go to where ever and maybe where ever is not home, who know" He sounds a little annoyed."   

Flint says, "Well I can say its..small so most likely a clue on where to jolly well go...course didn’t ask just stuck it in a bag and brought it with me, that you would come get it and...well guess you came"   

Patch says, "Old stripes sure made this interesting...one was buried chest, and one I had...and a couple other beasts had..wonder how many darn chests there is"
   
Xander frowns "Hopefully not many...least hope not as Corporal Flint clearly doesn’t have the sword one..but that=deep breath= ...ok"   

Flint says, "I am sure he had his reasons and once you finish your...well..gain something other than that sword I be sure of that"   

Xander shrugs "Maybe..I guess...I don’t..know"   

Patch looks around and towards the tavern if Stripy won’t try something, maybe he could and get grumbled at later.   

Flint smiles "I best get going....see you tomorrow Xander..ok?" He gives him some coins "And there is enough for two meals...k?"   

Xander smiles "Thanks" He gives another hug and looks to the rat "Let’s go to the inn"   

Patch nods "I will catch up later...ok Stripy..." He then heads off.   

Flint frowns "I can follow him if ya like..and" He hugs him "Be careful, Halyard isn’t always de best place to stay by one's self to long...just stay in the inn room and then go to the tavern in the morning, I will jolly well be thar trust me"   

Xander pats a blade he has, a simple one till he gets the family one "I have this...yeah follow him, see you in the morning" He goes to the inn till morning.   

Patch soon is at the tavern, not knowing a hare is trailing him and he heads inside.

**Mossflower Woods somewhere **

Xander held the shovel, the map he let the rat hold as they walked along the snowy path. His longsword was on his back. He had cleaned, polished and sharpened it as it was his and he was caring for it till he found The Blade Of The Northwind Storms. “Doing ok Patch? We could head back, it has been a couple hours” They had left right before sunrise as he wanted to get things done early, so they wasn’t out all day, least he hoped they were not out all day.

Patch waves his paw in the air, “Its fine, I am tough and that keeps one alive stripy and also no offence but one can only stay at that abbey place for so long before one goes insane”

Xander frowns as he walks along the creek, “I like the abbey, I see it as home, well sort of. I do have my Uncle’s hut in Ferravale but it’s sort of…lonely without him around.” He looks around  and stops when they find a small area of pine trees as some do grow in Mossflower, just very few “So where next?”

Patch looks at the map " Says  go right and keep going till ya see some berry bushes and has a picture of the leaves, course the berries most likely are not there….well duhh its winter”

Xander nods and heads that way “Well come on.” He stays alert as he walks, mostly silently.

Patch follows “So ya ok there stripy, not talked much since…well ya know”

Xander frowns, “Don’t want to talk about it. I..I killed someone…possibly two someones and I almost died the other day. I saw…things I rather forget so…ok?”

Patch frowns “Yeah but it was a kill or be killed sort of thing, I mean even in that Redwall place there is a only raising paw to do battle when our life at Redwall is threatened by treachery and the shadow of war…well not that there were a war or anything but ya life..threaten…I mean who just stands there and is like…kill me please. No they fight back to live, as you did…you didn’t want to die so you fought back. And you’re going to train to be a fighter, a warrior and warriors do kill ya know.”

Xander just frowns and keeps walking in silence, looking up every so often for the bushes mentioned.

Patch didn’t go too far ahead and soon stopped as he looked around, “Something bout the tall weeds, follow  thorny path to…a marked rock and your be close?”

Xander goes to take the map and reads it, he looks around the tall weeds that’s across from the bush and frowns at the thorns, but he carefully moves his footpaws so he gets less cuts from the thorns. He moves slowly and growls once when a thorn cuts across his lower leg till he finds an area that is somewhat clear and a small pile of rocks, he blinks and “Letters……” He moves them around for a little while and smiles..”Winters….X marks the spot….” He smiles and uses the shovel tip to move away some thorns and starts digging till he is rewarded with a clink noise and  then digs up the chest.

The chest is about the size of one that may be able to hold a paper, it’s a little bigger than the one Patch had and a bit taller.

Patch watches from the sidelines.

Xander opens the chest with the key and looks at the paper “The next chest will require some walking boy…seek out Corporal Flint, ya remember him right? …Uncle Zee…” He frowns and slowly goes back over to the rat after gathering the stones and  refilling the hole. He puts the rocks in a pocket in his cloak and the key and note he found in the chest goes into his pocket as well.

Patch looks at the badger “What is it now?”

Xander answers “I have to go to Salamandastron…he must of gave one to Corporal Flint when the hare left the abbey to go home….why do I have to go so..far” He looks at the rat like the rat has the answer.

Patch frowns “No clue…hey ya want company?”

Xander sighs “Vermin can’t go there, I am sorry.”

Patch shakes his head “Butttttt….the village, that sea port place we BOTH could so SO go there, why waste a trip” Oh yes  a city, a sea port at that the rat could truly enjoy himself! “What ya say, ya know you go chat with Mr. Hare and I  check on things in the village..Halyard think it be called” He hides a grin and rubs his paws together. “We need supplies…and maybe a boat, yeah I know a guy…who knows a guy…who knows this really grumpy one eyed river vole, who has some hermit who has a boat, yeah so when we leave ?”

Xander frowns “I can’t just go walk off. I have to tell the defenders and Uncle Oz where I am going or they would totally freak out!!” He sits on an old tree stump and places his head in his paws and looks ready to have a mental break down.

Patch walks over and lays a paw on his arm “Calm down stripy…we can tell them and ya won’t be alone I will tag along, help you avoid dangers…what could go wrong? “

Xander gives him a…really? After earlier…..look and stands “Need to get to the abbey and …think how to do this, it’s a little over a week by boat, without a boat a little over 2 weeks and the snow will slow both most likely” He heads to the abbey.
Patch nods as he follows “That’s true….but the river isn’t 100& frozen, not in the middle! You know where boats go…hey wait up!” He walks a little faster to keep up.

The two make it to the abbey shortly after  lunch time, so a late lunch is had before supplies are gotten and making sure beasts know what is happening so no one worries about them.

RW:Entry
…………………………………………………….
You stand on a grassy sward between two cottages.  To the south you see a small, calm pond.  To the north lies an open space where the Abbey has its feasts in the warmer seasons. To the east is the Great Hall, a massive structure that rises far above the abbey walls and is completed with large towers that pierce upwards into the sky.  The main building is completed with a large, iron banded door that would allow one into the Great Hall.
Coolness has swept into the air now, bringing with it the autumn leaves of the orchards.  Coating the trails that lace and move through the dying grass and flowers.  Regardless of the death of plants, the area is beautiful in it's gold and orange season.  The abbey is sporting the colors in full pride.
……………………………………………………
=QUICK NOTE  IT’S WINTER SO SNOW IS ICLY AROUND THE GROUNDS =

Oz is in the entry listening to dibbun play a little ways from where he stands. It would seem he is also waiting on someone to come home.

Xander enters the abbey but walks on past Oz “I got to get supplies, it won’t take long”

Patch hurries alongside him “What?...Like now?”

Oz raises an eyebrow “What is going on, where is Xander going.” He walks up to the rat ”Well.” The tone means he should be answered rather quickly.

Patch gulps “Umm…..”

Xander is away maybe half an hour, poor Patch, and has a sack with about a 3 day supply of food and some drink, he stops as a couple novice speak to him and sighs walking over to the rat and Oz ”Its ok Uncle Oz and…well Salamandastron. I am supposed to talk to Flint and I won’t stay long just get the chest and go…unless of course there is more to it.” He wouldn’t be surprised either.” And I can send word when I get there and word on if I am staying long, heck word saying hey I am on my way back…plan is I stay at Uncle Zee’s hut, me and Patch and should get there by nightfall…or little after. Get other supplies, maybe stay a day and head on to the badger mountain. Patch said he may be able to get us a boat, small but there is just us two and whoever steers the boat”

Oz listens and frowns, “Its..a long trip Xander, are you sure you won’t wait? What of your training with the defenders?”

Patch nods “Yeah not ta worry there ummm….yeah no worries sir, this beast that has the boat owes me, so no problems in getting the boat and if it’s needed to get a new one back, well it’s a sea port  so should be able to find someone…right?”

Xander rolls his eyes, “I am not a child Uncle Oz. I can…sort of fight and THIS time I..WILL avoid trouble, if it finds me I will fight or runaway”

Oz frowns “DO not  roll your eyes at me” Whoa how does he know? He takes a deep breath and exhales “Fine…just be careful and avoid the swamps, then being winter should be fine. From what heard from past trips beasts took the swamps are not to go through. I believe the river barely touches the swamp area……I think”

Xander frowns, but answers “I know Uncle Oz. I know my way as came from there before, remember with…”He sighs “With mother and Jedrick had me in Halyard and took the river to the bridge….though he planned to go North and I am glad he didn’t get to keep me and that I was rescued”

Oz goes to hug Xander, ”Just promise your return safe, even if it’s in the spring.”

Patch just stays off to the side and watches.

Xander returns the hug” I will be back…one way or another. Just….you be here to greet me when I get back”

Oz smiles “I promise” He kisses Xander’s forehead and steps back “You best go if you’re getting to Ferravale before sundown”

Xander nods “Come on Patch…let’s go” And he takes the first step on his trip, he is a little afraid, ok a lot afraid but he is hiding that. He is not alone if your counting Patch, but still it’s a bit of a big step, he gets the longsword and is out the gates, he suddenly rushes back in and hugs Oz one more time and then heads off and on to Ferravale, the first stop on his way to the Western Shores.

Patch waves, even though he knows he can’t see the wave, he eeps as the badger rushes back in for a moment and then goes to follow him to Ferravale.

This was a few hours after this log
http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=49

This log has Patch in it, yeah I play Patch so what Enjoy the log
Joining Log:
Patch-A rat
Xander-Teenager badger from Redwall and Warrior in training in Mossflower Defenders
Leon-Brother and Mater Healer of Redwall
Dylan-Lizard and helping the bandits
-Spoofed bandits, spoofed healers, a random spoofed abbey beast or two, and a spoofed snake

==The log starts in Mossflower woods somewhere, along its paths and twists and turns, and hidden places ==

Xander must have walked around a good 4 hours and still nothing, he checked Ferravale, he checked with a weasel at the black gull even, course the weasel could of lied through his teeth, he sighed and sat down beside a tall oak and looked ready to cry.

“Ya looking for me stripy?” A voice said above him.

Xander gasped and spun around, long sword drawn and growled low” Show yourself!”

“Whoa there kid your poke someone’s eye out with that thing”    A rat jumps down and grins, its Patch “Hello, word in Mossflower is ya looking for me, now why is that ?”

Xander puts away his longsword and shows a key and a note” This….”

Patch yanks the note away and reads it “Ahh yeah that’s in my stash of stuff in the tree house, but I never do anything fer free”

Xander gives him the candy chestnuts and the two gold coins “Here, now where is the chest please?”

Patch bites the gold to make sure it’s real and smiles, he eats a couple candy chestnuts “ Ya want your chest, ya help me find MINE see it was taken from me and I have…..unreplaceable stuff in it see. You help me track down the thief and I get you your little chest…k stripy?” He starts to walk away

Xander narrows his eyes, and follows the rat “Hey..hey wait up!”

Patch just keeps walking “ What I don’t move that fast, well I can but see I WANT you to follow me, so yeah stripy, come on get with it already” They walk for about an hour.

Xander takes a couple deep breaths as he follows the rat "Hey I gave you those two gold coins and the stupid candy chestnuts now where is MY chest, not YOUR chest, or are you lying and the chest my Uncle left me was stolen and you just don’t want in trouble or worse..."   

Patch frowns "Lower ya voice stripy...and tis not ya Uncle's chest, that one is still safe at my...home, this one is mine and I was moving it when they jumped me and I have reason to believe the beast be close. You help me and I help you or no deal"   

Xander kicks a rock and makes it bounce off a tree as he follows the rat deeper into the woods, well so much for getting back to the abbey by nightfall.   

From the distance smoke can be seen, chimney smoke, just over the tree line.   

Meanwhile, Elsewhere but not far away.
   
Dylan wakes up with a yawn, stretching out the kinks in his back as he comes down the stairs. For a building abandoned to the woods Oakwood Inn was in a surprisingly good state of repair. The walls were rotten but sturdy and provided shelter for his beasts from the terrible winter outside. The inn itself was located in an old clearing with a few other small huts. The beginnings of some village so forgotten that there were not even roads to it anymore. The beasts clambering about the village numbered five, that could be seen from the forest around the village.   

Dylan steps out of his warm abode and into the cold, shivering as he walks to their supply hut.   

Patch looks ahead and slows as he puts a paw up "Whoa stripy...smoke, where there be smoke there be beasts."   

Xander glares "It’s Xander, you will call me Xander you...you furbag!" He quiets some as they get closer and ducks behind a tree when he sees five beasts, one being a lizard of some sort. "Whats that thing?"   

The beasts outside are mostly pine martens aside from the one weasel and the lizard. The others look like they have been on sentry, carrying spears in their paws, rapiers at their hips. Dylan pats one on the shoulder before moving into one of the huts. The pot bellied lizard emerges a moment later carrying a sack of food stuff before returning to the inn.   

Patch studies them" Lizard, not as dangerous as a monitor at least. Ok get something sharp and lets go stripy" Yeah he is going to stick with that name for now. He edges closer and looks around the area as he gets out a couple throwing daggers, he flicks one at the lone weasels back seeing as he is closer and then quickly gets back behind the tree.   

Xander frowns as he slowly draws his longsword and makes a mental note where the martens and lizard are, he tries his best to stay hidden "So..what now?" He whispers to the rat.   

Now? Now chaos happens. The weasel opens his mouth to cry out but nothing comes. He collapses in the dirt with a dagger in his back. A moment passes before the sentry martens take note. Their quiet conversation ending as they notice one of their beasts is down. One gestures to another to head back into the Inn while the other two go check on their downed comrade.   

Patch knows that hit in a vital place, well one down and about 3 pine martens and the lizard, "Try not to die" He mutters as he slips closer "Take me stuff will ya...ya don’t steal from a thief" He has another throwing dagger in his paw.   

Xander tenses, he has not been in any real fights before, "Patch?" He grips his blade and seems to decide whether he should just stay or go.   

Meanwhile, inside with the bandits. One can only imagine what devious plots they are scheming right now!   

"You know Scamp...for a wandering bandit leader you cook a pretty fine sparrow soup." Dylan says as he samples his breakfast.   

"Ex, Bandit leader. I find the mercenary work to be a lot more peaceful than trying to wrangle bandits together." The burly but heavy set red fox leans against the counter.   

"Still, where did you get the recipe for this sparrow? Did you use garlic or-"   

"Boss!" The sentry steps inside, "We got trouble out front." The lizard looks to his soup and sighs, taking it with him as he move into the lobby of the inn. "Wake the /others/."   

OUTSIDE...   

The martens confirm their worst fears. Their beast is dead. Angered the bandits ready their spears, searching the area and moving closer to the heroes location.   

Patch is trying to be quiet as he spots one pine marten and flicks the dagger towards his throat as he passes his hiding spot! Hopefully it’s one less to worry on.
   
Xander frowns as he stays where he is, the other pine marten gets very close to him and he moves but snaps a twig and mutters a cuss under his breath.
   
The pine marten let's out a gurgled cry as he falls to the ground, clutching a knife to his throat. His friend twists to come to his aid..until he hears the badger behind him. "ALARM!" He shouts thrusting his spear at the badger's chest.   

Patch frowns as he hears the pine marten cry out "Not good, not good at all" He rushes forwards and grabs the appear the dead marten has and goes to attempt to stab it at the pine marten that’s alive still "Look out kid!"   

Xander eyes go wide when he is face to face with a pine marten and panics, he staggers backwards and moves his blade forwards towards the martin. The spear misses his chest but hits his lower arm when he moved, the gash is lucky not to deep but it hurts badly and it starts to leak blood, making the snow a bit red in spots, "Aghhhhhhh!"   

The pine marten easily ducks out of the way of the sword; the spear to the back? not so much. The beast stiffens, the spear tip running him through the back and belly. "Not like..." He collapses onto his side.   

A moment later the door to the inn swings open. The pine marten, the fat bellied red fox, and the lizard storm outside. Dylan scans the area with a cold calculating glare broken only by slurping up his soup. "Scamp, I do believe we had four three sentries out here."   

"I do believe your right." The fox comments, drawing a heavy double bladed ax. "Spread out. Find them." The fox moves out of the way of the door. Six more vermin all in various stages of being dressed quickly exit the inn, they are mostly pine martens with a few ferrets in the mix and armed to the teeth.   

Patch pants as he looks at Xander "You ok stripy?" He has a spear now and looks at the badger's arm, making a quick makeshift bandage with the badgers headband if allowed, he peers over and frowns "We..have more trouble than I thought"   

Xander frowns and nods slowly. He has his longsword in paw, "W..What now, what do we do?" He sounds a little scared.   

The bandits move with terrifying speed, and yet remain cautious as they break into pairs and begin searching the small abandoned village. "You lot, stay here." Dylan orders the two ferrets in the group, fan out, find our beasts. Not you." He grabs one of the pine martens by the shoulder. She looks almost tribal in appearance. "Go secure the cellar." The marten nods, returning back into the inn. A pair of marten's reach the doors of the smaller huts, peering inside before moving on. One pair is very, very close and in a moment will round the corner of the building and see the heroes. It will not be a pleasant experience when they find them over their slain comrades.   

Patch has his spear ready, well it’s his now, "When you see them..stab forwards. Just fight and maybe we can get out of this and look for my stolen stuff. He will raise the spear and stab forwards once he sees one of the two beasts round the corner, no since in letting them warn others.   

Xander frowns "All you care about is your stuff, your stuff...shut up!" He gasps and when he spots one he closes his eyes and rushes forwards stabbing the sword towards the hopefully surprised beast.
   
The first marten to round the corner let's his eyes widen as the badger comes at him. "No! Wait!" He cries as the sword runs him through the stomach. The rats spear takes the other marten by the shoulder and he lets out an unearthly cry of pain.    .

"There!" Dylan draws his long sword and uses it to point. Like a horde of angry hornets the bandits descend upon the heroes. The fox coming around one corner of the hut, the other martens coming around the other side with their spears. Dylan can be seen not too far behind followed by the ferrets.   

Things do not look...good right now. Especially when Scamp comes around the corner, eyes blazing with anger as he pushes the wounded marten out of his way. The heavy set bandit looks anything but jolly while swinging a heavy ax with both paws.   

Patch narrows his eyes and yanks the spear out of the other marten and aims at whatever is closer to the two" We may need to try and run stripy!" There is a small opening if it doesn't close   

Xander eyes go wide, he just killed a beast, he shivers and backs up swinging his blood covered blade at a ferret and is in a state of shock and panic, his life is in real danger here   

The fox deflects the oncoming spear with an almost pathetically easy swing of his ax. As the ferrets join the battle one blocks the badgers sword strike. They are quickly being surrounded by 2 pine martens, 2 ferrets, an angry ax wielding fox and a lizard. The pine marten Xander stabbed curls into a ball, clutching the wound to his belly and letting out a quiet whine as he slowly passes into the dark forest.
   
The time to choose was now. Do they stay and fight or flee to fight another day?   

Patch whimpers, he then sees a chance, it’s a cave but he also sees...."MY STUFF!" He throws the spear at the oncoming ferret and somehow manages to grab what looks like a sack cloth from him, a blade sinks into his shoulder as he tenses in pain and a throw spear barely misses him as he lunges away from them "Cave...cave!" He is bleeding but runs with hidden energy and his will to live "Run!!!   

Xander whimpers and blocks another move of the ax and growls as he stabs forwards and elbows one of them before he is knocked backwards and rolls down the hill to the cave entry and then quickly goes inside, they appear to be...trapped   

The ferret dies with hardly a whimper, falling backwards with a spear up his nose.   

"Cowards! Come back here and fight!" Dylan waves his sword over his head before he moves to help the fox to his feet after Xander knocked him over.   

"And prey tell where were YOU during this fight?" Scamp growls.
   
"Took me a while longer to get to battle. I blame your cooking."   

"Oh sure sure, then how did /I/ get here before you?"   

"Because you lack the sense to hang back and let others do the work for you?" Dylan laughs. "Come on boys. These beasts spilled our blood and we still don't have their hides to show for it. Into the cave!" The bandits cheer and pursue the beasts into the cave.   

The cave only goes deeper into the earth, it's surpassingly wide, and warmer here than outside. There is also a light source coming from deeper into the cave...it's source is still out of side around the next corner...
   
Patch moves slowly and falls onto his knees, he holds a cloth sack to himself and opens it "Still....still there...my precious...." He pulls out...a pained rock and a stuffed toy ferret! OH and a torn up blanket that’s yellow and clearly something a dibbun would of had. He shivers  and falls onto his side, blood leaks from his shoulder and arm, and his tail tip is missing now.   

Xander pants and holds his arm, he looks at Patch and his eyes widen "What..WHAT! You risked our lives for...."The rat is really hurt though and those vermin are coming in as he grips his sword and looks at Patch "No..don't die, please I can't do this alone!" He is already feeling ill from killing a beast. He holds his blade and stands by Patch in a protective stance, or best he can.   

The light source proves to from a hole in the ceiling of a large chamber behind the two beasts. It's large, circular and filled with what can only be called a horde of treasure. Gold coins, weapons, armor, chests of shiny objects, their beauty marred by the stench of death. And in the center of it all is a large jade colored stone. Upon closer inspection the giant stone appears to be...moving. Like a creature breathing. There is a soft hiss in the air and the two beasts are greeted by a pair of unblinking golden eyes.   

Patch groans weakly and coughs "We...need to get outta here k..kid." He hears the hiss..it would appear they could be doomed.

Log:This happen later in the day after Uncle Zee died, right before bedtime. Xander and Oz in the great Hall

In Log:
Oz- Papa Oz and caretaker of the dibbuns
Xander-nephew of Oz

Oz sat in his chair, his lower right arm  bandaged and he had some wrapped herbs on his knee that was slightly steaming from heat.

Xander walked into the great hall and then across the room and stopped in front of Oz looking over the other badger before frowning.

Oz was thinking deeply, but still listening and he heard Xander come in and reached a paw out “Xander…your back, where were you?”

Xander goes to hug his Uncle tightly, “I’m sorry I shoved you down, I didn’t mean to push you away.” He does not brother to even try and prevent tears going down his face.

Oz wraps his arms around Xander ”It’s alright, and you did not hurt me, my knee was bothering me before that and a weasel on the road cut my arm a little when I was out looking for you, but the vermin were knocked out…well one was slayed by Flicktail but all is well”

Xander frowns “You got hurt cause of me, you were looking for me so it’s my fault you got hurt.” He stays in the hug as if he is afraid his only living uncle will disappear suddenly.

Oz sighs “No  Xander, I could have easily went out for ingredients for tea, there is one tea Uncle Zee always made that calmed nerves…and not his ale tea, this was another tea, helps one sleep also. But I don’t need to go out, I have what I need now thanks to a family friend that showed up”

Xander nods “I love you Uncle Oz …” He sighs and steps back “I..I miss Uncle Zee..w…why did he..?”

“Die?” Oz asks, “I asked that same question many times of other family members,  he was also one  that was the oldest when he died. I …I was with him when he died….he also wanted me to make sure you were not alone, he cared a great deal for you Xander, and I care about you as well”

Xander frowns “W..what about mom? “ He lets tears flow “She is far away…how she gonna know”

Oz reaches a paw over and wipes away a tear “A letter can be sent, an owl knows a seagull who..well knows another seagull that can get a message to Sister Zinnia, she may not be able to come to the funeral but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care”

Xander sniffs “Ok….I miss her also” He then asks “You’re not ever gonna leave me are you? You’re…not allowed to”

Oz frowns “Xander I can’t promise that but I can say I believe I have many, many seasons left….Uncle Zee was…well a lot of seasons older than me, it would take me a long…long time to catch up to his age. I am also not a fighter like he was, the only reason I would fight is in self-defense and there was no other choice.”

Xander nods and just hugs him again, tighter burying his face in Oz’s robes for a short time before speaking again “Was he in any pain? When he died?”

Oz looks at first confused and then “Uncle Zee? No, he was not he was calm….peaceful even, he knew it was his time and I believe that’s why he tried to make his last day with family and friends special”

Xander nods slowly” But…if he knew why didn’t he tell me?”

Oz tilts his head “ Maybe he was unsure of how you would…handle it, beasts have different reactions to when a loved one dies….your mother was there the moment your grandfather died, she shall him when he fell in the orchards and she mentioned he sort of looked at her and closed his eyes and….was ..gone” The last word was soft, “If I had been there, I may have had some sort of mental breakdown….your mother had one somewhat, luckily others were there to help her. I learned 2 hours later of his death and cried for a good hour or two, after I talked to your mother.”

Xander frowns “So he was afraid I…” He does remember racing past Oz and shaking Uncle Zee, he sighs softly “Yeah…wouldn’t of wanted to see him…die in front of me, but he had not been dead too long,  right?”

Oz nods “Half an hour…maybe.”

Xander nods and is quiet “Can…can I sit in your lap Uncle…Please”

Oz smiles and nods.

Xander climbs up into Oz’s lap and sort of snuggles into his chest, he may be in his adolescent seasons but right now he is feeling very much like a small dibbun, “Love you…..” He ends up falling asleep in Oz’s lap.

Oz lets him rest there, in fact Oz  falls asleep in the chair himself, it’s been a long day for the Winters Clan.

Redwall log…sort of: I spoofed some random tavern beasts in Ferravale and then a group of beasts led by Zee talks to Oz towards the end of a picnic with the dibbuns in the clearing north of the abbey-
Those in log:
Oz-Papa Oz and dibbun caretaker of Redwall
Zee-Old Badger
Zolomon-Hare archer
Marek-Tavern owner in Ferravale
Thunderwing-Large eagle and friend to good beasts
Zaram-Recorder of Ferravale
Spoofed dibbuns
Spoofed Sister Ginny
Spoofed random tavern beasts at beginning of log

FV:Tavern
Outside a sign swings on a rusty creaking frame above the doorway of the tavern depicting a faded painting of what appears to be three rather rich looking skeletons slumped over a table around a black chalice, perhaps such a thing could be taken as a warning but it doesn't appear to work on the locals. The noise within on a normal day is usually heard before the door is even opened and only rises in volume when one actually steps inside. here are the typical qualities of a tavern within, from the bar to the chairs and booths and the odd drunk who never seems to move it's the little details which encourage a patron to pay his tab if he likes his fingers. One look at some of the staff or customers might give the impression but the room is decorated to the fiercer tastes with bones, mostly skulls cropping up here and there to fill a gap on a shelf or decorating the walls above the doorways, fireplace and bar, a pair of axes joining the one over the fire with some signs that they've been yanked off to join in a fight a couple of times. Some of the comfier chairs are lined with fur and very rarely one might be found with a few pointed bits of bone to decorate the back. Despite the looks there is entertainment and fun to be had, some form of music usually played on a small stage in the corner and at least one bouncer usually tries to keep the peace while beasts gamble, drink and be merry.
A small door behind the bar leads out the back to the kitchen and cellars while one wall has been opened up in a wide arch to increase the space off into the next room where what seems to be a wooden fence with gates on either end has been set up as a fighting pit as further entertainment and something to bet over.
………………………………………………

The tavern has just opened and a small crowd for breakfast arrive, the tavern is usually busier about an hour after the tavern opens. For now a couple foxes enter and a rat talking with a ferret.

Zee was awake, and with a slight headache as he made his way down the stairs and glanced around. “I will…let Marek know I will pay for the bar stool and those fish me bird friend ate last night”

Zaram  nods as he was already up and waved,”Zur Marek  says to wake the hare and head on off ya go.”

Markalaway has already left and gone back to his creepy hut, he didn’t seem to care to much being locked inside the tavern all night.

Thunderwing yawns and looks around, or least tries too….slight panic as he walks backwards and shakes the empty barrel off his head, it breaks into a few pieces as the eagle stretches out his wings and flaps a couple times. Thunderwing get good sleeps, Thunderwing ready for day”

Zolomon is still a bit out of it as he groans, “My aching head, tis hurts wot….the pain, and the ache of me sore stomach…maybe I need food” He opens his eyes and blinks a few times, hangovers are so annoying. He slowly stands and grins as he sees Zee “Yo Gramps!”

Marek walks down the stairs, “Well seems everyone is awake finally, well almost as Xander is still asleep.”

Zee nods and smiles as he sees the hare is awake now, “Let’s go lad…Marek, can  you make sure Xander gets to me hut safe and keep him company,  or maybe just let him stay in de tavern, keep him ouuta trouble I got ta go talk to Ozzy and get me hare friend here me secret hangover mixture, I will return by dinner tonight.” He nods to the hare “To the abbey lad” He nods to the stoat again  “And the barrel will be replaced.” He then heads on outside.

Thunderwing nods and heads off to do as Zee asks.

Zolomon smiles wide “Abbey ya say gramps, don’t have to tell this hare twice they have lovely great food” He follows as quickly as his headache lets him.

Marek starts to say something and then just sighs, it’s no use arguing with the old badger, he will just have a long talk with him later.

Clearing
This clearing is reminiscent to the meadows to the south of Redwall Abbey, yet strangely different in its unusual silence. No birds seem to banter in the trees surrounding its tall grasses on three sides. The well-traveled road to the west is barren, at the moment. Mossflower looms silently to the east, north, and south.
……………………………………………………..

It was the last good day of fall and it was decided that a late autumn picnic was in order, the dibbuns get some time outside the abbey while some other abbey beasts got to rest from being around restless dibbuns the past few days after some windy cold, and a couple times rainy days. Today was finally a clear day, and not too cold. The dibbuns have even made a large pile of leaves to jump and play in under the watchful eye of Sister Ginny, also nearby as always was Papa Oz. There is some food from a picnic, some leftovers now as some food has been eaten already. What is left is a few apple halves, a little bread and some cheese. A little water is left as well so must have been a good lunch!

Zee walks into the area and speaks “Hi ya Ozzy, need to talk to you bout something, well couple things but one can wait till later. The first one be more important lad, oh and this be me friend Zolomon and someone else be with me as well”

A couple mice dibbuns nibble on some apple slices and candy chestnuts and one waves to Zee.

An answer to this is a loud CAW as the eagle Thunderwing lands nearby. “Friend Oz ! Thunderwing happy to see!”

Zolomon stays beside the badger as he sips from a canteen and makes a face “This hangover mixture smells bad and tastes worse Gramps….”He then notices the group of dibbuns, the abbey sister and Oz “Oh..Hallo!”

Oz smiles, the dibbuns gasp and a few whimper, “It’s alright my dibbuns, the eagle is a friend and will not harm you” He does make sure the dibbuns don’t get too close as he walks forwards to hug the bird best he can “ I am glad you came for a visit as well Thunderwing, it’s been a while. But what brings you this far south my feathered friend?”

Zee frowns, “Same reason we need ta talk Oz. By the way I left something in your room, we can discuss that more  in private later”

Thunderwing returns the hug best an eagle can anyways and tilts his head at all the dibbuns “Many many eggchick.”

Oz snorts “Yeah I noticed you left something in my room, a warning would have been nice so I didn’t bump into it, I am fine just hurt my knee a little”

Zolomon is drawn to the food, “So this a picnic…anything I can munch? Not ate since last this morning and that was just some toast, salad and pie, and had some water ”

Zee sighs, but first he frowns at the hare “Calm yourself lad, we can still go back to the abbey  to have something to eat, wouldn’t be polite for a hare to join a picnic without a warning.” He then takes Oz aside “ Oz” A pulse and he continues “ I am not sure how ta say it, so just will. I been around a long, long time…almost as long as ya Uncle Soot was, and me time has come to let death catch up ta me, I have avoided it and it’s just time, first have some things to tend to and making sure all is in order. I have me will wrote already, just as said last bit of things ta take care of, one we discuss once you head back to the abbey, then I need ta head back to Ferravale as promised I be back thar by tonight and I wouldn’t want Xander to worry bout me, …I mean he may be a bit….well,  energetic or wot ever, troubled some but he still worries most likely, also don’t tell Xander of this talk, please Oz”

Oz nods “ I won’t I promise.” He gives his uncle a hug.

Thunderwing watches the dibbuns and even carefully joins them in their leave pile jumping, though when he jumps into it it’s basically ruined as leaves fly all over the place. “Thunderwing is sorry.” Her looks down at the ground.

Zee returns the hug “Tis ok lad….”He looks over at the eagle and the flying leaves and chuckles loudly “ I don’t think leaf piles are your thing me friend! Maybe we should head back to the abbey now”

Zolomon grins “I like that idea and get some jolly good food…meet ya thar!” He rushes off ahead of them to the abbey.

Thunderwing caws lightly and nods, he looks back to the dibbuns, or eggchicks as he calls them.

Oz watches the hare rush off, “Well I do hope Friar Lacota doesn’t get too upset with a hungry hare in the abbey.” He nods “Alright my dibbuns let’s head back. Clean up the area and then we head home.” He speaks to Sister Jenny” Sister Jenny can you and a couple novice watch the dibbuns once we are home, me and Zee need to discuss something in private” The sister nods in response and helps the dibbuns clean up and then helps led the dibbuns back to the abbey.

Zee simply follows quietly, once at the abbey he and Oz can better discuss somethings that need discussing, important things and more on why he left something in Oz’s room, that and his wishes before he dies. Zee leans on his staff and walks along slowly, a bit slower than he has been lately, but he will get to the abbey fine, chat with Oz and most likely take a nap afterwards, after the nap and dinner he shall return to his hut in Ferravale, perhaps a little later than he planned but  he did say he would return at night after all.