Posts by The_Brony_Marek

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

This ICLY happen the day after this role play
http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=46

***Inside the home of Nightbreath the Seer, him and Quade have a simple chat that turns…..intrestting***

Quade comes into the house, dragging a chest as no beast seemed to be willing to help some random squirrel carry a chest through Ferravale, much less into the house of the local seer. "A little help wouldn't hurt" he scoffs at a weasel who just simply passes by. He makes his way into the house and sits the chest down, taking several deep breaths.

The fireplace is crackling relaxingly in the main room, filling it with warmth. Thought Quade did not knock, Nightbreath is instantly awake in the next room--he walks out in his robes, but without his cloak, which is hanging by the door. His knife is in his sleeve...just in case. "Who enters uninvited?" He inquires, not seeming too upset about the intrusion. He walks across the room not looking directly at the squirrel, instead crouching by the fire.

Quade is taken aback a moment by Nightbreath's unsettling appearance, but having met the undertaker not long prior he quickly recovers. "Pardon the intrusion, sir. But I've been sent here at the request of a Mr. Zee Winters". It is clear that he needs a few moments to catch his breath before he can continue speaking. "He wanted me to inform you of his recent passing as well as to escort this chest safely to you". He gathers enough strength to find a chair to sit in before he adds. "Might I have some water? It is quite a long journey from Redwall"

Nightbreath nods. "Your apology is accepted." Still not looking directly at Quade, he heads over to the cabinets and retrieves a pitcher of water. "It's a bit warm," He apologizes, "But it will quench the parched throat." He pours water into a wooden cup for Quade and brings it over. "Ah. Zee has passed, then," He says softly to himself as he sits down across from the squirrel. "Might I ask just what I am to do with this chest?"

Quade thanks Nightbreath before partaking of the water as he pulls out a note. "Yes of course, Zee had spoken to me prior to his passing but I received more information in this note I received from his will" he clears his throat "Quade, I recently told me friends that I was dying, and now that I have I need ye to do something for me. In the Abbey bunk room you will find a chest, it is one of many chests and part of test for me nephew Xander, to prove he is worthy to wield de family blade. This particular chest is to be delivered to Nightbreath in Ferravale (I know he can be a bit creepy, but that's de point) and de contents of the chest will be revealed when Xander arrives to open it. Goodbye me friend, I did not know you very well, but you seem like a good lad".

Nightbreath nods once, listening to the message and committing it to memory. "I will protect this burden with my life. It is my honor to bear it. So," He says, changing tack as he leans forward slightly, "where did you meet Zee, exactly?"

Quade holds out a paw. "Where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself, I am Quade Bracktor, I hail from across the Eastern Sea". he takes another sip of water. "I met Zee a few times while in Redwall, mainly at the feast. We also encountered each other when his nephew and I joined Marek Redthorn's new group. The Mossflower Defenders. The group has been kind enough to help me search my sword Furyblazer, which was stolen from me while I slept a few weeks past"

Nightbreath accepts the offered paw and shakes it firmly. "Nightbreath Greycloak, as you may have gathered. The Eastern sea? Someday I want to explore what lies beyond. But for now, I am oath bound to protect and guide Blisa, the Chieftainess of Ferravale." One brow quirks at Quade's statement of Marek having a new group. "Marek is quite an interesting beast. He's walked a long, winding path," He says cryptically. "I will let you know if I hear anything of this sword you speak of." He narrows his eyes, barely perceptibly, as if listening to something.

Quade nods. "Yes, the Eastern Sea...at least I believe it is east as my sense of direction is not too keen" he momentarily stares off blankly as if trying to remember something. "I am not sure how much you will find if you look there however, my own home was struck by quite a few tragedies. Our population was already small in comparison to here in your Mossflower but then a plague struck, I myself was victim to it" he rolls up the sleeve of his tunic and shows what appears to be a permanent series of disturbing looking sores and scars of an unsettling color, clearly from the aforementioned plague. "As if that was not enough, the rest of us were slain when two hordes came to our home within a few seasons of each other. Much of my friends and homeland were destroyed by a vile beast, all that remains of my homeland now is the sword Furyblazer, a symbol of hope".

Nightbreath nods slowly, but his brow furrows again. Not with suspicion, certainly not confusion...but....conflict. "I am sorry, then," He says distantly. "I did not intend to bring up pain." He pauses, his eyes gazing into the fire now. "How did you escape?"

Quade pauses for a moment as he begins rummaging through his bag for something. "I remember it too well" he says painfully. "I should begin this by informing you that the small village I had called home for many seasons also had a monastery. We had been doing well, recovering from the onslaught a few seasons before of a stoat who called himself Ormaz when about week prior a new horde had descended on us. I was sent out by Father Gorvenalus to fetch some herbs for the medical supply" he pulls a pouch from his bag. "I had originally wanted to go out on patrol with a good friend of mine, a rabbit named Brantor, our village's champion. I was gone but a few hours and when I returned the village had been destroyed and Brantor had been killed. I look around and my other friends had met their end as well, I never found Father Gorvenalus though I searched for many weeks. I promised my friends that I would not let their memories fade away, so I decided to wield Furyblazer in hopes of preventing these beasts from harming anyone else. I know not where they went, but if they ever appear again, they will know my wrath"

Nightbreath nods slowly. "My sympathies. I swore a similar oath seasons ago." He does not elaborate, instead raising an eyebrow as he glances at the pouch. "The key, I assume?"

Quade pauses "The key? Oh no umm Xander would get that from whatever chest is before this one as I know there is more than one of them I was just asked to bring this one to you and so I DID"

"Then what is in that pouch?" the Seer asks, a tad curiously. He idly begins chiseling away at the symbol-etched wood of the table with a claw as he waits for an answer.

Quade stops looking and pauses "Nothing important, must of let it somewhere." He offers a simple "Well anyways I should get back to the Defenders as there was supposed to be a training meeting later today and I promised I would go"

Nightbreath goes to stand, but freezes suddenly and falls partway into his seat, his eyes misting over as his breathing stops for a moment. He's totally still, his heartbeat slow. Quade, of course, might not know what's going on...but those who have been familiar with the Seer for long enough should.

Quade watches the Seer and frowns as he looks to the door, "Should I find a healer....or..."He backs away to the doorway as the seer starts to freak him out a little bit "I could find the chieftain or something"

It is not quite the Seer that answers. A rattling breath forces its way through the ermine's lips, and he begins to speak, eyes completely misted over now, like a blind beast's. "One will fly...One will lie...One will fall...And one will rise." After a moment, he continues with: "Trust will be questioned--but the true light will be known, the liar found out when the One with no hope escapes..." He collapses fully into his chair this time, his breathing beginning to return to normal and his eyes clear. He says nothing.

Quade keeps his calm as he listens and studies the beast, "Umm...well that’s interesting. I should tell the Defenders of this, it..it could be important whatever all that ment"

Nightbreath stands slowly, breathing steadily. "You will tell none of this," He says slowly. "Not yet. Not until I can understand its implications." The Seer's face brooks no debate.

Quade nods, "If you say so, sounds like a bunch of mixed up things to me..probably nothing but nonsense I mean only birds fly and...well beasts could fall on the ice with winter time, am I right?"

Nightbreath growls, eyes flashing. "You would do wise not to discredit my Gift in my presence again. More than once has it saved this village. Believe what you want, but the truth will remain." He walks to the door, gesturing for Quade to leave. "I think it's time for you to go."

Quade steps away from the seer.Quade says, "Well I will leave you to figure it out then, sorry to upset you. I am sure you will figure out its meaning, in the mean time I have to get to training and then I have some other things to do" He bows and walks out of the hut and keeps the words spoken in memory as he looks back at the hut in thought and then turns to head on to what ever plans he has for the day. One being he needs to find that blade.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

=Short role play but important=

The woods are somewhere quiet except for some whimpering from a group of dibbuns, 15 of them. A couple moles, 2 otter dibbuns, 8 mice and a couple squirrels and one beaver is among them. Guarding them is a couple ferrets and a tall rat.

Bolt walks over and shakes his head “Watching these brats is annoying, I need some action, some excitement or something, this is boring”

A cloaked figure walks over, his voice muffled as it usually is “ Action would be bad just yet, we don’t want too much excitement to happen, they will be missing a couple days and then rescued, that’s the plan”

Bolt looks over “If ya say so boss, I don’t know though some sort of action sooner be nice and whats the point of just keeping these…dibbuns here a couple days and letting them be freed by those Defenders for?”

A couple mice dibbuns start crying and one mole hugs his knees to his chest, all of them are scared.

Tanya sniffs “Wanna go home…foot is ouchie!”

The cloaked figure walks over “Do be quiet little one, your be home when I say you are home and not before that”

Aira was flying in the air and scanning the area below for signs of lost dibbuns she had heard of.

Bolt smirks “Yeah when the boss says so, so in de mean time shut up!”

The shout caused a few dibbuns to whimper louder and start crying again, well they had been quiet for at least a little while.

The cloaked figure grumbles under his breath and just happens to look up, a frown forms ”Well this is not a good sign”

Aira circles and lands on a nearby tree looking at the source of the noise and makes a started sort of noise before quickly flying away!

Bolt follows his boss’s line of vision and sees the sea gull, he quickly selects an arrow and fires it towards the bird and if needed gives chase.

Rayen is coming to look for some of the horde beasts and seems in a foul mood, she stops and listens as she picks up some noise but can’t pinpoint where it is.

Aira quickly flies into the area and almost crashes into a tree when the arrow from Bolt’s longbow slices across her side, she flutters down and lands near the vixen.

Bolt catches up and comes to a halt” Don’t let that sea gull fly away it saw where the dibbuns are and the boss said no one can find them till he says so!”

Rayen glares at Bolt, but does look at the sea gull and blinks, “Your..your that one badger’s friend, the one Zinnia knows”

Aira nods “Yes I am…wait what does he mean by…you not letting me…”It dawns on the bird ”You work with them! You…you are bad….Sir Takeo needs to know of this” Despite her hurt side she can still fly and quickly manages to painfully get into the air and flies towards the abbey.

“Shoot it down!” Comes a call from the tree ”Now!”

Bolt frowns and looks towards the tree, he reaches and…finds he has no arrows, well he should get those back from the arrow target earlier he was using, some old tree stump..ooppps

Rayen seems at first to just let the sea gull go and then quickly selects an arrow, she always has at least 3-4 in her quiver, and fires towards the sea gull, mainly aiming to bring it down and maybe place it in a temporary cage.

Aira side prevents her some flying to far, to quickly and the arrow hits her in the already injured side and buries it’s self deep into her, a soft gasp and she feels herself fall from the sky and land roughly on the ground, her injury is serious and the fall made it worse as she lays on a snow pile and shivers.

The cloaked figure walks up and looks down at the sea gull, he then glares at Bolt ”Always have arrows in your quiver or next time you may suffer bad results of your failure”

Bolt looks down “It won’t happen again boss. I am sorry” He decides to head back to the dibbuns before anything else happens.

Rayen bends down and checks on the sea gull while the other two chat.

Aira tenses up at the fox’s touch and tries to edge away as she is afraid of the fox now.

The cloaked beast speaks “Rayen…finish the bird off, I can’t have anyone know where my temporary camp is just yet.”

Rayen looks to him ”But it might die anyways, we could always keep her in a cage and keep her captive”

“You said your loyal to me….now obey me” It’s a simple command and one that says obey or else.

Aira shivers a little as she speaks weakly “I…I won’t…tell who did this.”

Rayen frowns and takes a deep breath as she pulls the arrow out of the sea gull, and places the arrow in her bag, she will get rid of it later. She takes another look at the sea gull and pulls out her dagger and makes a quick and knowing fatal stab. She then stands and walks away “May want to move camp anyways” She says quietly “I know of a bit better location I can show you and then I am going to go home and have a nap” Yes sleep is needed, not that it will be a peaceful nap.

Aira feels the blade and then her world fades, as does her life.

The cloaked figure follows her, after seeing the new campsite he allows the vixen to leave before he goes to get the dibbuns and horde beasts guarding them to the new location, yes this area is much better and less likely to be found as quickly, not so open area as the last that was easily seen from the air, this place…isn’t easily seen from the air. So far so good goes his plans, this is only the beginning.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

The very morning after this log where Nightbreath gave him a chest to open towards the end of this log

http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=109

and so now he heads to the next chest-

Xander frowned, why oh why was the clue to go here, the seer was bad enough by the undertaker of Ferravale, that was worse as the home isn’t exactly in the housing area, oh no it’s in the graveyard, or off the graveyard on an unkempt and creepy path, graveyards are creepy, or least this one seems to be, unlike the Redwall one that is…well a LOT less creepy.

Markalaway was inside his hut, the hut looked like it needed a serious paint job and one of the 5 steps up to his porch was rotten through, but the undertaker seemed to care less.

Xander walked along the curved path to get to the hut and gulped as he disliked the close up view of the place, he carefully walked up the step, more carefully on the broken one and finally to the door where he took a couple deep breaths and knocked.

Markalaway stood and went to answer the door, he looked at the badger with his one good eye, the other eye was just dead and unseeing. His look was monotone and then he spoke in his raspy voice “What does the nephew of Zee Winters want of me?”

Xander felt like he was about to faint, he avoided stepping back as he had the fear of falling and injuring himself “I..I…I…..”He closes his eyes and reopens them slowly” The note said to find Markalaway and that you have a…chest for me, I..I have the key s..sir” He does his best to speak clearly and calm his quickly beating heart of its racing fear.

Markalaway listens, “Ah the note about the chest, indeed…enter my home” He then turns and walks on inside.

Xander frowns “Can’t I just…stay out here….ok” He walks in and looks around, ok it’s still creepy inside as well. He stays close to the doorway as he rather not go too far inside this place as he is sure he already going to have a nightmare when he sleeps tonight.

Markalaway just frowned as he stepped further inside “Do sit” The only place to sit was an old wooden chair, no pillows on it . It was just cherry wood and simple at that as he headed to a door and went down some stairs to a basement.” And stay there” The deep voice said.

Xander nods “My pleasure” He says softly not wishing to go further into the home, after making sure nothing on the chair would harm him he slowly sat down and folded his paws in his lap and waited quietly.

Markalaway enters the room once more with a small chest and sits it beside the badger and stands there as if to watch him open it.

Xander watches his every move and looks at the chest, well clearly not the sword. He gets a key out and opens it…slowly he lifts the lid and carefully peeks inside…course a note and key.

Markalaway watches “Expecting something terrible?”

Xander starts to look at the note and jumps slightly “I…well…no just, not been the best week is all…t…t..talking to Nightbreath and then…y…you..s…s..sir”

““Fear cuts deeper than swords.” Markalaway says in his deep voice, “You should…defeat it, though sometimes fear helps keep one alive so sometimes it’s good to keep.”

Xander blinks, “Ummm?” Ok he will have to think on those words as he finally reads the note and achally smiles “I have to talk to Dorarose next.” Hey least no more scary beasts…right?..ummm right? Well he hopes not.

Markalaway just nods and looks to the kitchen and to the badger “Staying for lunch?”

Xander blinks and shakes his head as he goes to the doorway “No thanks …I….” Think fast! “ Lunch with Dorarose, yeah better go!” He quickly heads out and rushes down the porch steps, down the path and out of the graveyard onto the normal area of Ferravale, but just in case he seems to decide to just head on out of the village and onwards to the abbey, he has had enough creepy the past couple days.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

A Log with Zolomon and joining him is Xander and Abbot Benar

RW:Kitchen
----------------------------------------------
This is a long, narrow room with five large fireplaces set into one wall, and two equally large wood burning iron stoves set against the opposite wall. Several small, rectangular tables rest in here, but there are no chairs available. The rest of the wallspace is taken up by an entire array of shelves, cupboards, and counters which hold the day-to-day cooking supplies and utensils. The kitchen is clean and well maintained, and more recent efforts have been made toward organization of the cooking ware.
On the wall just right of the door leading into Great Hall is a neatly penned chart, which lists the names of beasts assigned to cooking duty as well as the dates and times they are scheduled. A small note above the chart urges residents to volunteer for at least a slot or two a week.
The curtains around the windows have been drawn against the night. The room is dark and the ovens are cold.
-------------------------------------------

Xander might be into his teen seasons, not a dibbun but also not yet an adult, but it doesn’t mean he won’t get into mischief at times once in a while. The afternoon finds him on a stool reaching whats left of some cookies in a clay pot, he manages to slide it over so he can get a better grip on it when he about loses his balance and luckily manages to not fall, the pot sadly isn’t so lucky and it, and the 5 cookies within, crash to the floor, the pot is in pieces and the 5 cookies, oatmeal looks like, are ruined. He frowns and looks around quickly for a broom.

Zolomon eyes widen as he had just stepped into the kitchen "The..the horror, the innocent cookies cut down in their delicious prime." He walks over slowly, “You killed the cookies, all they ever wanted was to be eaten"

Xander frowns at the hare "Be quiet...you’re gonna draw attention of someone...."He finds a broom and a dustpan and goes to start to sweep the cookies and clay pieces into a pile, he looks at the hare. "I am.....sure more can be made..maybe soon?" He is unsure, he just wants to get the mess cleaned up.

Zolomon just stands there "But...you killed the innocent cookies. How could ya Xandy....." He frowns “Make more? That’s ya solution?"

Xander groans, and sweeps up more of the mess, “You hares are strange...You can’t kill cookies...wouldn’t ya kill cookies by eating them?"

Zolomon blinks "Tis not the same..see that’s their job, their purpose.....they are made and baked and then ATE..with ale or greensap milk, maybe tea." He watches the badger clean up the mess. "This day is a sad one now" His ears even droop some.

Xander finishes cleaning up the mess and places the cookies and broken clay into the trash area and sits down on the bench, "Now what? I..I think that was the Friar's favorite cookie pot and it broke in like...lots of pieces"

Zolomon shrugs, "I don’t know....your be peeling veggies for days...weeks....seasons...years...yeah nice knowing ya Xandy"

Xander frowns more and looks at the floor, he still is holding the broom in his paws.

Zolomon thinks quickly "The friar doesn’t have to find out ya know"

Xander glares at the hare, he stands and puts the broom by the wall and folds his arms over his chest." Yes he does.....it’s wrong to pretend it didn’t happen"

Zolomon frowns, well he wasn’t in here, he just heard the crash and saw the broken pot and what was left of the cookies, "Umm.....well....good luck with that."

Xander shakes his head, the mess may be cleaned up but it doesn’t mean it didn't happen" I just need to figure out...how to mention it is all"

Zolomon shrugs "Well...I wasn’t here and no beast else seems to be...yet, so what de Friar doesn’t know hurts no beast...am I right? You cleaned up the broken pot and the....innocent dead cookies that will never be eaten...and all is good...let’s get outta this room"

Xander glares at the hare again "Stop saying how I killed the cookies......good grief hares and food its....I have no clue"

Zolomon frowns "But ya did when you made the pot fall....but hey cheer up and lets go before grumpy Friar comes"

Xander frowns "No Zolomon......I am telling him ok as its the correct thing to do"

Zolomon shrugs "Wot ever, as said before was nice knowing ya Xandy"

Benar opens the door from outside, the abbot carrying a large box of freshly made crockery in his paws. He frowns at the hare and badger, "What... is with all the raised voices in here?" He looks from badger to hare and back, "And what are you both doing in here?"

Xander sighs "And what are you going to do?" He frowns as he looks over at the Abbot "Ummm...A..." He frowns and looks at the floor

Zolomon looks at the abbot, "Well ya see......someone broke a pot of cookies and...that’s it, nothing to tell we were just leaving"

Benar sets down his box and looks from one to another, "I see, well life, you broke a pot of cookies you can both report to the kiln to see about making a replacement for Friar Lacota. I am sure after giving you permission to take food out of the kitchen you'll be mortified you broke his pot and want to replace it straight away."

Xander frowns "I..didn’t really ask, I was trying to reach them and..it broke, but I cleaned it up and Zolomon wasn’t in here, it was just me...he came in afterwards" He frowns "But I..I don’t know how to make clay pots, I'm...I’m sorry Abbot" He is just glad the abbot is the only one to know, well so far. "I..I can tell Lacota wot happen...just..didn’t want to anger him"

Zolomon blinks as he listens to his friend "Yeah I wasn’t in the kitchen...just saw de after math"

Xander says, "I can..also help make a new batch of Oatmeal cookies""

Zolomon says, "Yeah ya killed the other cookies...poor innocent cookies they were"

Benar chuckles and pats Xander's arm, "That is ok, I will teach you, besides being the abbot I also happen to be the abbey potter and everyone needs to spend some time helping out with the chores. Trust me it'll go much easier for you Xander if you can hand Lacota a new pot when apologizing for breaking one," He then eyes the hare, "And you Zolomon, just what are you doing in the kitchen?"

Xander smiles "You can...help me, that be great...I mean....yeah that would be nice and maybe he be a little more forgiving then and not like make me peel veggies for like..a long long time"

Zolomon backs up as he answers "I was...simply...checking on things...yeah that’s it....yep all seems good you can go back to ya normal daily activities"

Benar asks, " Zolomon will be joining us in the kiln, now that dear Xander has intercepted you on one of your attempts to forage in the kitchen," He gives the hare a stern look, "So shall we head out to the kiln and get to work? I will have you all making crockery in no time at all."

Xander nods as he speaks to the abbot, "Yes sir"

Zolomon frowns "Wot...but abbot...really I am a busy hare, things ta do and see and do...and places to jolly well go"

Benar smiles and walks over and loops his arm with Zolomon's "Not too busy to repay all our kind hospitality by helping out with some of the chores? Of course I could go and check the register, see how many work hours you have against your name but that'd mean going upstairs and bothering people. Or I could just assume you are a good, kind hearted hare who loves helping out so will come to the kiln?" He offers a friendly smile and starts for the door, trying to lead the hare that way, "I always need help in the kiln."

Xander chuckles a little as Zolomon is led away with him and the abbot "Ya could learn a new skill. might be fun"

Zolomon frowns "Work is...fun?"

Benar asks, "Come along Xander”

Xander goes to follow the abbot

Zolomon frowns but he follows Xander and the Abbot. “Fine but I won’t jolly well like it"

The three beasts head to the Kiln to make a new pot to hold cookies, if anything its warm there on such a nice winter day outside and then it’s back to the kitchens to make replacement Oatmeal cookies, so no way can either the badger or the hare say they were bored the rest of the day!

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Zolomon speaks to Xander

RW Abbey:Open Ground
--------------------------------------------------------
The Open Ground is a place for feasts, good times and just general social meetings. The wide-open space allows a large group of beasts to gather upon the plush grass and chat. But it also allows access to many places of the abbey, towards the walls of the abbey is the Bell Tower. Notable abbey defenders graves alongside the plot of land the massive structure takes up. A staircase shrouded by a case of stone allows one to make their way to the busy infirmary. The large brass lined doors to the lower dormitory are also evident from this position.
The earth is worn slightly bare in some patches here. The area for conversing in the heat is used often by small children by the size of the dry spots. The summer is in full blast now, trees from the orchards near-by tempting one to seek shelter under it's shade.
------------------------------------------------------

Xander had went on a walk, one to Ferravale and back and for now sitting on the steps leading to the wall top and reading over a paper he has and fiddling with a key.

Zolomon loved walking in the snow, and fresh snow always let one make prints but seeing the badger he decides to forget the snow and jogs over to his friend "Hey Xandy, thought you were going to Ferravale, or wait did you not yet...can I tag along? It’s a bit boring right now"

Xander looks up and shakes his head "I...went, I will need to go back sometime, but it can wait.....for however long" He mutters as he grows quiet, “This whole..quest or whatever it is tiring and starting to wonder if it's even worth it. I been going back and forth places and even went as far as the Western Shore and back..whats next?" He sighs as he looks skywards and frowns.

Zolomon sits down beside him, if there is room or least in front of him, "Well ya get to find the blade gramps had....right?" He tilts his head "So you found another clue, I know you were to see Blisa...that’s the chieftain right?" He is not always good with names, "If ya did then who is next...a beast...a place maybe? And if it was back in or near Ferravale why did you not stay and do that first?"

Xander blinks and shrugs "I...know where to go next and who to talk to...ok" He sounds unsure of weather he wants to go or not anytime soon. "And yeah she is the chieftain there and I talked to her, got the next clue and will go....well, where I need to bit later just not ready to yet" He frowns "Least other beasts...places were not so bad" He mutters quietly just above a whisper.

Zolomon listens and catches the last part " Bad? Wot ya mean by that Xandy, who ya have to find? Sure they aren’t hard to find...were others hard to find?" He is curious "You can tell me of some of the ones from before right? I mean you just can’t have help with ones looking for"

Xander nods "Well first I was to talk to Abbot Benar and I thought well maybe Uncle Zee left the blade with him....no, A clue he had led to Uncle Oz...then Brother Leon...then had to find Patch and his clue had a map where had it find a buried chest that said to find Corporal Flint and he was all the way on the Western Shore...then I had to go all the way back here to find you, then talked to Chieftain Blisa of Ferravale and now I have my latest clue on whom to talk to next."

Zolomon nods "Exercise that’s fer sure, hee hee..so who do you go to next?"

Xander takes a deep breath and exhales...."Nightbreath....need to talk to him next and I already know where he is...or maybe he will just know and look for me...or...well..I don’t know" He frowns " I don’t know if I--WANT- to find him, he is sort of...welll" Gee whats the word.." Creepy....."

Zolomon arches an eyebrow “Don’t think I ever meet the chap..why is he creepy? His name sounds sort of creepy though...wot does he do, walk around at night?"

Xander shrugs "I don't know, I don’t think any beast would brother him at night, he is a seer and I have seen him before, from like a distance and he was in the tavern once at Ferravale when me and Uncle Zee was there. He is an alley of Redwall so he is on our side....just...why a seer, why do I have to go to the seer for?"

Zolomon says, "Your Uncle wanted ya to...have some excitement and not get bored maybe?"

Xander groans and covers his face with his paws staying that way for a little while before lowering his paws" I have no clue why....find courage maybe, for sure been trying to have Patience with all this. I had to figure out a couple sort of riddles with the chest buried in the woods or least solve one or two to find its location and I did"

Zolomon watches his friend and nods "Well both are good like warrior skills....right?"

Xander says, "I...guess. But other things are also like being alert and staying in shape, trying to not get hurt." He frowns "Controlling emotions...like with the fox a couple weeks ago, I let anger cloud my mind and almost died cause of it, Marek said if that fox had stabbed me just a little in any other direction I would of been dead....if you hadn’t fired the arrow to kill the fox when you did...I would be dead....if Brother Leon and Takeo were not BOTH there and WHEN they were...well I would of died..I got very very lucky."

Zolomon nods and goes to hug the badger, if he is allowed " I am glad I was jolly well thar, your me bestest friend and if you had died...I would of been sad and never of forgiven me self for not acting sooner to save ya...I was afraid you were going to die even after I took down that foul fox...it...it wasn't a good thing ta see, that vermin’s blade was...."He decides to shake his head to clear his mind of the memory.

Xander says, "I know" The badger answers "I just don’t remember much of it and maybe that’s a good thing"

Xander does allow the hug as well and returns one of his own and gives the hare a smile "I am glad we are friends and hope to stay friends forever"

Zolomon smiles "Yes jolly well right friends forever!"

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Outskirts: Clearing
Any hint of overgrown vegetation has been eliminated from this area to the point where you cannot see any of it in your immediate sight. Standing here are a large amount of bricks and what appears to be the foundation for some sort of building.

Xander walks slowly towards the base or what will be the base soon. On his back is the sword he uses for now, least till he finds his rightful blade. His cloak hides his bandages.

Swords, bah! Brookshire has no need for swords! She relies solely on her wits and skills to get her by! That and her sword belt no longer fits. It doesn't look like much of anything the ferret wears these days fits. Her vest is hardly able to button around the bulging gut spilling over her tight fitting pants. The ferret can't imagine how she keeps putting on weight, as she lounges on a crate inside one of the tents feasting on an apple. There are several apple cores scattered about the floor around her. Through no fault of her own of course...they were there before she got there...obviously...

Xander frowns, and walks over to the ferret "You should clean that up before Marek gets here, he may frown upon this sort of thing"

Marek makes his way around and then over to the two beasts and sighs loudly "What is all this? And Mr. Xander what brings you out and about shouldn’t you be resting still?"

Before Marek arrives The ferret waves off the badgers concern, "Oh pish posh. I'm on break. Union rules." Assuming villainous vermin have unions. Beyond hordes that is. "What Marek doesn't know won't hurt him. I bet he- MAREK!" The ferret snaps to attention, sitting up on the crate with no lack of effort. "What are you doing here? Er, I mean. Marek! S-so good to see you again. I was just...testing the apples for freshness. Yeah. Don't want yer troops to suffer eating a worm now eh? I can assure you that all these apples are of the uh, highest quality! No worms to report so I'll just be on me way..." She tries to duck out of the tent, laughing nervously as she goes.

Xander turns to face Marek "I came to the village to talk to the Chieftain Blisa and while I was close though I would find you to ask when my training can start back up again sir?"

Marek blocks the path, so neither one of them is going anywhere right now. He studies both of them before speaking to Brookshire" 50 pushups and 50 sit ups now...and I assure you the food here is good and you will not stuff yourself with all the apples either" He then frowns at Xander, "You need to heal before you get back to any serious training, maybe some stretches and some strength exercises for now. I saw your injury and few...if any...are able to live from it"

The ferret let's out a squeak of terror. Exercise? Her? Was he MAD? That could get people killed! Oblivious to the needs of the badger Brook puts on her best smile, even if it comes across as nervous. "You make it sound like I'm just gobbling up food for the sake of...gobbling up food! Nah, you got it wrong sir! I'm just...getting into character." The beast pats her stomach with both paws. "I'm getting intot eh part of a thiefy vagabond so I can join a bandit gang and then..." And then what she thinks, "And once I join their ranks I'll lead them straight to you lot, yeah! And it's just a little winter fluff anyway. I swear I'm fit as a fiddle sir!"

Xander frowns as he looks at the ground, for now he is quiet as he listens to the other two beasts talk.

Marek narrow his eyes as he speaks to Brookshire, "I said push-ups and sit ups...Now" His voice sounds dangerous as he speaks "And what bandit groups...you shouldn’t try and join them, I don’t need trouble for this group as some beasts don't trust me, others do trust me and I would like to gain more trust...not less"

The ferret makes a chittering noise. With a panicked yelp she drops to the ground with a soft THWUMP, beginning to do rapid sit ups. She starts out rather fast and energetic. It was amazing how much motivation fear could put into a beast.

Xander watches the ferret, he could try and do some but it would cause pain, he glances at Marek again "Sir....I do want to keep training if I can and I tried to remember what was taught to me..just..."He looks away "I let anger get to me at the fox...I thought it killed my mother, it didn’t and she is ok but at the time..."

Marek looks to the badger" Anger clouds the mind, so one must be careful. It’s possible you could of almost went into Blood wrath but I am not sure, I only saw the aftermath of the fight and where Mr. Zolomon had shot the fox with an arrow in the back. You are very lucky Mr. Xander as that blade could of easily entered your chest or throat, not your collarbone and shoulder blade as it did and having two healers there was also a blessing "

Brookshire has some trouble as she struggles to do a sit up and finally she does one and then does some more . She didn’t have to much trouble with the pull-ups…at first…the last 5 or so were torture to her.

Xander says, "I know I should of paid better attention and I didn’t, I am sorry."

Marek snorts, “One must always pay attention to what is around them, what the enemy is doing and how to better beat them. You most likely over extended your blade and left yourself open for an attack that could of been blocked. Also fighting one more skilled than you is not wise either, it is not always a bad idea to run from a fight, or distract your enemy till help arrived"

Brookshire will hold Marek to those words eventually, but for now she continues with her assignment. Admittedly this is probably the worst time and place for Brookshire to be exercising but that shouldn't be a problem for much longer. She falls backward, turning to jelly. "H-how many...did I do?" she asks between labored breaths.

Xander nods "Yes sir" He leaves it at that and looks to the path to the village "Can I be excused now, I would like to speak to Chieftain Blisa now"

Marek nods "Excused, and come talk to me more later tonight" He looks at the Ferret and decides to be polite, in fact she did 10 mo0re than she was supposed to, oh well. "You can rest Ms. Brookshire"

The ferret gives the beast a shaky thumbs up before returning to her state of jelly on the floor.

Xander nods his thanks and heads off to the village to find Blisa.

Marek shakes his head as he calls out its break time and he heads to the tavern, though it’s unclear if Brookshire will get lunch or not

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

==Follows http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?pid=83#p83 ==

==ICLY Happen Jan 18th,2017==

Marek looks to the hare “She is about to give birth!” He nods for him to go to the other side of the badger.

Zolomon helps instantly and nods as they go to the abbey gates.

Marek sees the abbey gates and motions for the hare to get on the other side and they get the badger to the gates “Help is needed” He explains whats going on.

The guard on duty eyes widen and he frowns “Brother Leon is…elsewhere…Angelia is..I don’t know, somewhere inside and maybe asleep”

“What is going on….” A voice says and the tapping of a staff, he stops as a familiar scent comes to him…”Zinnia?”

“Uncle..Oz….”Its clear she is in pain. Zinnia whimpers as another guard explains what Marek mentioned.

Oz nods and frowns thinking fast ”Take her to my room…find Rayen…” He hears a small eep, “Sister Ginny tend to the dibbuns, I will be busy for…not sure”

Zolomon blinks “You know how to…help her?”

Oz speaks as he leads them to his room, a lot more quiet there “I am the dibbun caretaker Zolomon, and I have helped someone birth a dibbun…though it’s been a while” Yeah like a LONG while. “Is there anyone else outside that needs inside, if so get them to the abbey, I will take care of this, me and Rayen she is a healer.”

Marek nods “Let us go Mr. Zolomon, we need to get Mr. Xander, Mr. Takeo and Mr. Leon back to the abbey…” Snow starts pouring, “As soon as possible” He doesn’t wait on the hares reply as he heads back towards where they are, luckily just a little ways north.
Also there is a small campfire and he can change his outfit into a dry one.

Zolomon quickly follows, saying a prayer his friend Xander will survive.

Patch is at the abbey and once he sees the others he goes to follow “What is happening now?” He stays in the Great Hall.

Zinnia breaths in and out and tenses up shivering .

Oz helps her lay down on his bed and as he hears Rayen “Dry robe please and help her..” He will help her out of the wet robe and into a clean dry one as he hears Rayen enter the room and tells her,”She is with dibbun…”..”WHAT?!...ok ok…we can tend to this”

Zolomon stays close and watches, curious maybe or just he wants to try and help.

Zinnia whimpers and breaths in and out as not one but…two newborn badgers are born, a boy and girl…tiny but they are a little over two months early, she shivers and has little energy as she looks near to fainting.

Oz has held Zinnia’s paw while Rayen helped her, offering words of encouragement and when needed help Rayen to better help Zinnia. “Zinnia…zinnia?” He frowns worried now that Zinnia is not responding as well as before "Zinnia!"

Zolomon blinks…wow miracle of birth “Oh..That’s how….born…” And he luckily falls backwards into Oz’s soft chair, yep he fainted.

Zinnia has a fever it seems and shivering a little still from the icy ditch, her breathing is a little rough and her pulse slightly weak…this can’t be good as she has also passed out.

Rayen frowns, “Oz..she is burning up..she has a fever, this can’t be good..we need Leon or Angela in her now!” Oz nods and goes to try and find one of them, whoever he comes across first.

Meanwhile at the gates Marek walks with Takeo, whom is carrying Xander. Beside him is his sea gull friend Aira.

Leon shivers, luckily only slight cold, he will be ok…”I think…cause of storm and fact who helped free slaves..you-sneeze- can be inside for now Marek….I think…I will take you to the abbot”

Xander lays in Takeo’s arms, in a deep deep faint and a bandaged chest and left shoulder, bandages on both arms and doesn’t look too good at all.

Oz appears “Leon you are needed in my room, it is Zinnia…”

Takeo frowns “What is wrong with Zinnia?” He sounds worried “She is with dibbun!”

Marek frowns seeming unsure “I was invited to the feast, nothing else Mr. Leon. Besides I need to check on my Tavern….Thunderwing can come with me, I have been in worse weather” He then exits The entry area and heads back to his tavern while he can.

Oz speaks “She…had the dibbun, two…a boy and a girl but she has slipped into a…for now light faint and has yet to awaken”

Leon frowns “I will check on her...”

Takeo stops the mouse ”Please Brother Leon, tend to Xander first”

Leon sighs “There is not much I can do for him that I haven’t done…Angela is in the infirm and can help tend to him and let me know changes, I can tend to Sister Zinnia…now get Xander to the infirm and then you can come to where she is” He heads to Oz’s room.

Oz follows Leon back to his room, “Well this has turned out to be a rather interesting afternoon Brother Leon”

Takeo gets Xander to the infirm, after making sure he is tended to he goes to see Zinnia.

Zolomon sits by Xander’s side refusing to leave it, he could care less.

Leon checks Zinnia and checks on the two dibbuns, “Well…we wait and see, the dibbuns are in fairy good shape for their size, I am more worried for Zinnia.”

Oz nods as he sits down in his chair.

Takeo enters the room, “It is alright if I am…here”

Leon nods “Of course sir, she is your mate”

Oz nods “You and Zinnia are always welcome here, I can sleep in the chair…you can stay beside Zinnia, she needs to know you’re here for her. " He then gets another idea "I can sleep in my brothers old room”

Leon looks to Oz ”You sure Oz?”

Oz nods as he stands “It is fine…I am sure he wouldn’t care” He smiles a little and exits the room.

Takeo sighs and lays beside Zinnia “Please wake up soon love our dibbuns need you, Xander needed you…your Uncle Oz..your friends need you love” He looks to Leon “get some sleep Brother Leon, you must be tried after tending to Xander, even with my help….I have healer skills as well and can wake you or fetch this….Angela if I need to…alright”

Leon nods, he is tried “Alright…” He goes to head to where ever his wife and son is.

Zinnia stays silent, it’s unclear if she hears anyone or not. The two newborns sleep as well, novice have volunteered to help feed them when needed.

Takeo watches Zinnia closely all night, never leaving her side.

Xander lays in his infirm bed, a mere hairline from entering the dark forest gates, he is still alive but just barely. He lost a good deal of blood . Healers check on his a lot during the night and mutter quietly on whether he will survive till morning or not, if he does he has a decent chance to pull threw but the first few hours are always the most stressful and important ones.

In the infirm Zolomon has fallen asleep but still is near Xander. This has been a long day for many it seems.

Outside the snow storm shows its fury, but beasts are safe at the abbey and recovering form injuries, from time outside, freed slaves are enjoying freedom, some new friends are being found and old friends coming back to the abbey. Inside the tavern in Ferravale Marek makes sure beast are warm and have a place to stay.....the storm will last most of the night and end once daylight comes. What the next day brings, well....that is yet to find out.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

==Follows http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=75 ==

==Happens ICLY JAN 18TH, 2017==

Xander was not at the abbey, close yes but he was following Kaage, and he was managing to stay hidden so far as he wasn’t by the ship when he saw them pass, he was down a path getting some stress out on an old oak tree stump, that now had many chunks out of it and damage from the badger’s sword blade.

Kaage luckily hasn’t seen the young badger, he has been too busy, he shoves Zinnia towards a tree and chains her there “You best be quiet” His crow stays at his side and acts as a look out.

Zinnia nods as tears go down her face, she is cold and depressed. Any hope that was there is fading now, she closes her eyes as she feels some pain and pain is not good right now, it’s not too bad but it worries her. The air is cold against her but right now she doesn’t care too much about it.

Xander watched with narrowed eyes, he got a stone and threw it away from the tree he was at, purposely making a noise some yards away to distract the crow and fox.

Kaage stands and scans the area, he nods to his crow ”Search for the source of the noise my pet.” The crow is off to do his Master’s bidding.

Zinnia only briefly looks up, and then back down to the snowy ground.

Thunderwing is nearby, his beck sharp and he seems ready to tear the fox apart the first chance he gets, but he also knows when to stay quiet and just simply watch.

The crow flies around and searches for the rock source, he lands close to where the sound was and tilts his head seeing the rock in the snow.

Xander waits and when the moment is right he grips his blade and slices at the crow with all his strength.
The crow starts to caw loudly, but before sound comes out of his beck his head falls to the ground, well least the crow is no longer a problem.

Aira flaps into a tree and looks down, she lets out a small gasp when she sees Zinnia and the fox and does her best to stay hidden.

Thunder catches movement, noting it’s the sea gull he goes back to his watch.

Xander quickly gets behind another tree, trying to listen and see where Kaage is.

Kaage walks around, he soon almost steps on the dead crow and a growl forms as he draws his blade and quickly scans the area, ”Come out and show yourself!” He then goes to unchain Zinnia and places the sword at her throat again and looks around, ”Out now or her blood is on your paws!”

Zolomon had been looking for the past hour, hearing the fox yell he speeds up and quickly gets behind a tree and peers around.

Xander tries to slip behind the fox and slices at his backside.

Aira gasps as she sees Xander”Oh dear…”

Takeo is close by as well, he rushes after the hare and about trips over a log hidden in the snow.

Kaage yelps in pain as the blade cuts into his shoulder blades from the back and lowers his blade to make a quick swing backwards at the young badger.

Xander glares at the fox as he jumps backwards and blocks the move, just barely “Leave my mother alone!” He raises his blade to slice at the fox again.

Zinnia frowns and whimpers, pain again and it’s worse. His eyes widen when she hears Xander and goes to stomp the fox’s footpaw.

Kaage goes to stab at the young badger when his footpaw is stomped and he yells out in pain, he growls and goes to slam Zinnia into a tree, and then elbow Xander in the face if he is close enough.

Zolomon gets his arrow ready and frowns, he can’t risk hitting his friend and is forced to wait for the best timing for a shot.

Xander errks as he is knocked in the face and stumbles backwards, he coughs as his snout bleeds and then growls quickly getting back up.

Kaage acts quickly and goes to grab Zinnia again and starts to head to the side of the dirt road with her, he stops just by the ditch. He keeps the sword at Zinnia’s throat again and gets his bolas off his belt and spins them with his other paw and the throws them at Xander.

Xander manages to sidestep the worse of the bolas, but they do cut into his side and he tenses up in pain as a small line of blood forms.

Zolomon narrows his eyes and pulls back his arrow, he causes to himself as he wants to fire but he can’t yet.

Zinnia keeps her eyes on Xander and shakes her head “Xander…go..please I don’t want you hurt I love you, I can’t lose any beast else please”

Xander steps a little closer “Release my mother!”

Kaage looks at the ditch and back to Xander and smirks, He lowers the blade and then pushes Zinnia towards the creek, “Poor choice of words boy”

Zinnia screams as she falls towards the creek, its full of ice cold water, topped with a thin bit of ice on top, she gasps and manages to reach out to grab a root but her grip is failing fast.

Takeo has lost track of Zolomon and frowns, but hearing Zinnia scream he quickly heads that way.

Marek also hears the scream and rushes forwards in time to see the badger fall, he gets out some rope and ties it to a tree, and the other end to himself as he dives in after the badger, the cold hits him like a brick but he forces himself to not give in to it and reaches for Zinnia..”Mrs. Zinnia…your paw…”

Xander snarls as he charges the fox “Murderer!” He raises his blade up to go and slice at the fox.

Kaage only smiles coldly and then stabs forwards when the badger lifts his own blade towards him.

Aira flies over to where Zinnia and Marek are in the creek.”I..I will get help!”

Xander stops sudden as pain shoots throughout him, the blade entered his collarbone and exited his back, his blade falls from his paws onto the snow as blood rushes down his chest and shoulders.

Zolomon takes his chance and the arrow is released and heads straight toward’s the fox’s back.

Kaage smiles as he takes a small dagger and slices at the badger’s arms a couple times, “I am in a good mood….I shall end your pain….forever…just one quick twist of the blade and a hard yank to free it from your body…and you enter death’s sweet…..release.” His paw grips the blade to get ready to do just that when he suddenly coughs up blood and a look of shock forms as the arrow hits his back and the tip exits his chest, he lets go of the sword he was holding and falls into the icy creek dead.

Zinnia manages to grab Marek’s paw and shivers…”D..D..Dibbun…….”

Takeo eyes go wide, he then goes to pull the stoat and Zinnia up to the dirt road.

Xander shivers and falls to his knees, he touches the blade in his shoulder blade and lays on his side, his arms both have a couple slices on them as he fights to keep his eyes open.

Zolomon grins as he hit the fox and then a face of horror as he rushes over to his friend “Xandy!!!!” He looks at the sword and gulps, “Help…..HELP!!!!”

Marek blinks when he feels a tug and places his arm around Zinnia so she comes up with him. Once back to the road he sighs a sigh of relief and coughs, his eyes widen when he sees Xander.

Takeo looks over and looks between Zinnia and Xander and quickly goes to examine Xander and frowns “I..I have skills but I need help, this is delicate work to remove the blade without it causing more damage…”

Thunderwing already flies off and heads to the abbey, looking around the grounds knowing not too many would be out in this weather most likely but he only needs one mouse.

Leon decided to make sure Dorarose and the rest of his family was inside the main building during the storm, and after finding a wayward dibbun mouse he heads inside now himself.

Thunderwing gives no warning he just dives and carefully grips Leon in his talons, “Friend Leon needed quickfast!” He gets a little ways up the road where Zinnia and Xander is and drops Leon in a pile of snow

Leon barely has time to react, he tenses up and if it wasn’t for Thunderwing’s voice he would be screaming right now, he closes his eyes and then feels a landing and shakes his head “What the seasons!!....”He then looks before him, “Xander?” Healer mode activate !! He looks around “unless you’re a healer..back off!”

Takeo stays by him “I am a healer my friend, together we can save him” He looks to the badger and frowns, he glances at Zinnia.. ”Zinnia love are you alright?”

Zinnia doesn’t respond, she just frowns and holds her midsection.

Xander looks at Zolomon and his eyes close as he slips into a very deep faint.

Marek looks to Zinnia “I should get you to the abbey…they will tend to Mr. Xander, can you walk alright Mrs. Zinnia?”

Zinnia nods and then tenses up in pain…she gets a few steps and it happens again, She shivers and frowns “My…dibbun…is coming….now” Fear, worry and pain fill her voice. “Too..soon…”

Marek blinks “Your with?...She is with?” He looks to the others and then Zolomon “Mr. Zolomon help me now!!”

Zolomon fights back tears “Xandy..don’t die please…please your my best friend…”He looks at Marek and blinks “Help..help with wot..I failed me best friend” Tears go down his face. He goes to follow the stoat “Is..is she hurt?”

Leon goes his best, with Takeo’s help to slowly get the blade from Xander, it’s a good thing Leon had his herbs surcoat and his healers pouch, hey he is not called the walking infirm for nothing.

Takeo helps slide the blade out and apply pressure, Leon can do sewing as it takes a good hour to do, his focus is on Xander and Zinnia is a little ways up the road so he fails to hear what is happening.

Zinnia whimpers and leans against Marek shivering.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

** The next day from this log http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=75...so ICLY JAN 18TH-2017 **

Marek keep an eye out for trouble and scanned the river side and the boat, “We best go soon, I am sure your ship will be fine”

Takeo checked and double checked things making sure the boat was secure and things tied down, any tarps down and that it was moved to a safer area, just slightly downstream a little. “Yes I am sure it will be, she has been threw worse storms than this out on the sea.” He stands by the stoat “So where is this Redwall and how far is it?”

Zolomon comes along having kept an eye on the beaver dibbun, “Well they are bally well ready to get to the abbey Mr. M, tis maybe a little over a half day away and we should get there before the storm gets worse”

For now the storm had slowed some, but the worse was likely to come within a few hours, for sure before nightfall that day. Icy rain led to some snow, that stopped a little while only to threaten with dark clouds to come again, very very soon.

Marek nods and looks around, “Mr. Zolomon , where is Mr. Xander at?”

Takeo frowns, “I thought he was with the hare?”

Aira flies to the railing “I can look for him, maybe he went to the abbey?”

A couple voles came over to the hare “Sir, we really should go soon before the storm comes back and worsens” The female speaks.

Zolomon nods and frowns ”Q and Mr. M can get ya there.” He looks to Marek “I want to go find Xandy, please.”

Takeo listens as he stands “I can go with Zolomon, perhaps we will find the foul fox who has Zinnia, and make him pay”

Marek looks between them “I would advise caution with that, we don’t need more deaths, weather his threat meant something or not.”

Patch speaks up as he walks forward “Stripy most likely didn’t go to the abbey, maybe Ferravale but he seemed restless to me”

Takeo frowns “Xander seems to have been through a lot, but yes it is wise to look for him..Aira can search the skies as can this eagle of yours if he is out there and give one of us info on where Xander is or where my mate is….I..I don’t want to lose her, she is my world and my reason to live, she is with dibbun…I..I could lose them both and if I do my world is gone, its….it will fall into darkness”

Zolomon frowns as he listens and gives Marek those pleading eyes.

Marek nods “Very well…Mr. Quade and Mr. Patch you will come with me and led the 2 voles and 2 otters, and beaver dibbun to the abbey”

Milo and Ottis at first look like they rather not let Takeo go off without them, but decide to head to the abbey with the others after a brief discussion.

Zolomon nods and nods to the sea gull and badger “Come along, we shall find our friends”

Takeo follows while Aira takes to the sky to get a better and wider view.

Marek meanwhile leads the former slaves to the abbey and lets Quade and Patch be the ones to take them on inside, he then adjusts his sword and goes to make sure Zolomon and Takeo are not out too long, and offer aid in taking Kaage and the crow down to free Zinnia, he also hopes Xander is safe where ever he is.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

The snow storm had started and like most it started lightly with a mix of cold rain and some wet snow flakes. Any beast out in the snow right now most likely should seek shelter somewhere before it got any worse.

Marek though was figuring out the best way to free slaves, but at the same time not damage a ship sense the ship was stolen from another beast who still needed it.

Thunderwing speaks “Thunderwing could fly to ship and take out couple of slavers yes..makes them go overboard”

Zolomon grips his longbow “Or jolly well shoot them when they are too close to the edge.”

Xander had tagged along, “Why are we just standing here discussing, we should just charge them and free the slaves, my mother is somewhere on the ship” He starts to go towards the water.

Marek goes to yank the young badger backwards “Mr. Xander, one always needs a plan, without a plan one usually fails a mission”

Thunderwing listens as he keeps an eye on the vermin walking on the ship.

A weasel gets a little too close to the edge and looks bored and yawns, showing he is tried, while another weasel slaps him upside the head and seems to be guarding a door, most likely where the slaves are being held, another door goes to the captain’s room where the fox has made his own room.

Takeo was there also “The one door goes below deck, it has a storage room and an extra room one can rest in, there is a few odds and ends in it, but its cozy…well usually” He frowns. "So..what is this plan?”

Zolomon stays focused on the weasel as he drawed back his arrow, but he had yet to fire it.

Marek nods “Yes a plan, we distract the slavers, maybe get them off the ship one by one if we can and as Mr. Zolomon is pointing out long range attacks are good to use.”

Aira has stayed by Takeo, and mostly quiet.

Quade arrives, and shakes his head “It seems Patch is nowhere to be found”

Xander frowns “What if he is captive also, they could of gotten him too”

Kaage exits the one room and checks on each beast he has enslaved and looks around at his crew ”We stay here for a couple day, maybe go inland for supplies”

“In a storm boss?” The marten seems surprised.

Kaage just grins “The best time to steal them of course, whats a little snow and rain”

Tanya has been crying and shivers a little “It’s…cold”

Zinnia is close to the beaver and if allowed will bring her close to her “Here lay against me, what is your name. I am Zinnia”

Tanya smiles “Tanya..” She then frowns “Bad fox killed grandma…I is all alone now”

A weasel passes by them and then goes with the two ferrets to steal some supplies from the nearby village, or least that’s the plan.

Kaage stays on the ship with one weasel, a marten and his fateful crow and heads back to his room.

Zinnia watches and sighs “Don’t worry you’re not alone now, you have me and you have to have hope we will get free” She silently thinks to herself-I hope so anyways- .

On the shoreline Marek singles for the Defenders to get ready for an attack, he glances at the sea gull and Takeo as well.

Zolomon nods and readies his longbow, he slips into some tall grasses.

Quade draws forth Furyblazor and waits.

Thunderwing caws lightly and moves down shore where he can take flight more easily, and strike from above

Takeo steps back and draws his longsword, but stays where he is.

Aira frowns “Sir Takeo what are you doing, you are not a fighter…why your get seriously injured “ Clearly she is worried for her friend.

Takeo looks to the sea gull” I may not be well skilled in sword fighting, but I can defend myself and help the ones I love, and if nothing else I have my healer skills”

Marek looks back “A healer may well be needed sir badger .I do not expect this to go without trouble and it’s hard to tell what shape some slaves he already has are in, so please try not to get injured yourself.” He then has his focus on the slavers once again.

The one weasel leans too far on the boat edge again and looks ready to fall asleep.

Zolomon takes his chance and fires an arrow at the lone weasel, his aim is carefully done.

Tanya has fallen asleep against the badger, the two voles smile a little , least the beaver dibbun is a little happier.

Milo and Ottis sigh “Lady Zinnia, are you alright?”

Zinnia frowns “No, but I have hope we will be saved” She lays a paw on her midsection and feels some tears, she is stressed which can’t be good right now and the fall on her stomach earlier still causes her a little pain, not nearly as much but a little. Her worries are only slightly less when she feels her dibbun move, but it’s not moving as much as she would like.

Also nearby is Patch, tied to a chair, ”This is the worse day of my life, least I think so” He has been keep away from the other slaves.

Milo and Ottis seem to notice her stressed and frowns , they are unsure what to do.

The weasel who is shot by the arrow and makes a small gurgle sound before slashing down into the icy river. Looks like there is just the maten, the fox and crow now to be concerned with on the boat, on shore a weasel and two ferrets.

Marek glances over as he sees the weasel fall, “Let’s hope he isn’t missed too soon Mr. Zolomon and good aim by the way”

Zolomon grins and readies another arrow. “Thanks Mr. M”

Meanwhile the weasel and two ferrets slowly head towards Ferravale.

Quade sneaks up behind the weasel when he is a little away from the ferrets, after a brief struggle the weasel lies dead in the snow.

Thunderwing keeps guard and watches the ship closely.

The wind and snow picks up, which causes the two ferrets to not be as close to one another.

Marek waits till one ferret is close and then jumps out and slices it’s chest, the ferret has no time to sound an alert before it dies.

Takeo edges towards the ship, he looks both ways and then quickly slips aboard. He first gets to where Patch is and decides to untie him,” You are helping me.”

Patch starts to scream at first and then notices it’s the tall badger from the path and only relaxes a little as he nods”S…Sure there big stripy, whatever ya saids….” He points to a barrel to hide by and then the marten “He has the key to the slave chains.”

The ferret suddenly notices his buddy is down, and sees the stoat and goes to try and stab him from behind.

An arrow flies though the air aimed right at the ferret, landing right in his back as the ferret makes a gurgling sound and falls over dead.

Marek spins around at the sound and sees the ferret, he nods his thanks to the hare “Now…we have whomever is left on the ship…Mr. Quade, Mr. Zolomon let us get aboard” He frowns as he glances around “Where is the badger?”

Aira has already flown ahead and looked around the ship, trying to find a way to where the slaves are without being seen.

The marten walks around the deck, not too much going on when he notices Takeo and the freed Patch and gets out his darts, he smirks as he tries to sneak behind the badger.

Tanya wakes up and looks around, she goes to tap Zinnia on the shoulder “Something going on?”

Zinnia slowly wakes up and rubs her eyes ”What….”

Patch meanwhile follows the marten and looks where the keys are on the table where the marten was, he quickly gets them and goes to unlock the chains “Ello..ya friendly rat here ta free ya….no questions just go before your seen”

Quade looks around “I am not sure sir, I am sorry”

The two voles wake up and at first seem afraid of Patch before seeing he is freeing them and tears of joy go down their face” Thank you” They then hurry to get off the ship.

Marek came aboard the ship, following was a hare and squirrel.

Takeo looked to a door where the fox was and glared at it, he then slowly moved towards it, his plan surprise the fox and get rid of it, this is his ship, not the fox’s ship.

The marten slipped behind the badger and raised a dart went to stab down at the badger, all that was needed was a small puncture wound, a small little bit to enter the blood stream and the victim died a moments later a painful and horrible death from the poison.

Milo and Ottis nod their thanks as they are freed “There is another, a beaver dibbun and a badger, Lady Zinnia just around the corner”

Patch nods and goes to free them as well, finding them rather quickly.

Zinnia frowns at all the noise, and then catches movement and her eyes widen as she sees Takeo and worse yet the marten behind him “Takeo Behind you!”

Kaage hears the warning and grabs his longsword and quickly exits his room and growls as he sees whats before him, he looks to where the Zinnia is and goes to grab Patch, if he is close enough, and slam him into the ship’s railing and if he is able to grab Zinnia and the beaver before they escape, he is not leaving without at least 1 or 2 slaves!

Tanya screams and manages to barely get out of reach and runs towards where the Defenders are, a little afraid of Marek at first she goes near Quade and Zolomon instead.

Zolomon scoops up the dibbun and hands her off to Marek “Tis ok lass, Mr. M won’t harm you, he is with the good guys” Quickly afterwards he goes to fire an arrow at the marten hoping he isn’t too late.

Marek takes the beaver dibbun but is a little surprised she is passed to him as he watches the hare.

Takeo spins around at the yell, the dart hits his chest but clanks off something, that something is his family crest amulet hidden under his tunic and cloak, it causes the dart to bend and get stuck in the cloth of his cloak, not getting a chance to even scrap the skin, but he knocked down the barrel, spilling apples all over and trips on one causing himself to fall backwards, hit the wall hard enough to be temporary knocked out cold.

The marten chuckles thinking he has killed him “The stripedog is dead!...”His victory is short lived as the arrow enters his back and he gasps for breath and falls sideways, dead as a doornail.

Zinnia is grabbed from behind as she is distracted and screams, “Nooooooo!!!” Believeing Takeo dead, she offers very little struggle against Kaage.

Kaage quickly lays his sword at her throat as he eyes the other beasts” One step to follow me, she adds to the death count…” He smiles coldly and walks off slowly, Zinnia as his captive.

Marek holds up a paw for no one to follow, he is not willing to try and fail at a save, and then have to report to the abbey a Sister that’s been away awhile came back only to die in front of him.

Aira quickly flies over to Takeo “Sir..Takeo oh no…no” Tears go down her face.

Quade checks the badger and blinks “Guys…”

Takeo groans as his eyes open and he rubs the back of his head, he looks down and pulls the bent dart from his cloak and raises his tunic enough to see the amulet, and looks back to them “The dart..scratched it slightly…” He then looks around “Where…where is Zinnia?” He almost sounds panicked.

Zolomon rests a paw on him “Whoa whoa chap calm down,…..that black furred fox took her away sir but not to worry we will find her, we have a blooming eagle who is likely following the rotter now.”

Marek nods “Yes, for now we need your healer aid for these former slaves, and then a trip to the abbey” He looks up as some snowflakes get larger” And the sooner the better.”

**Oh no what will happen to Zinnia? Will the defenders get to the abbey? Will Zinnia be rescued? Will the storm gets worse?…part 2 is soon stay tuned! **

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

***Somewhere within Mossflower Woods ***

A group of river voles were by the creek, their 2 dibbuns laughed and played as the proud mother and father watched, “Come dears we need to get going before the storm starts, get to Redwall for the feast. So the family of four river voles started to head to the abbey.

Also on the way to the abbey was a young beaver, and her old grandma. Not always social she decided to head to the abbey mainly due to the storm, she would stay in a guest room and let her granddaughter have fun , well once she learned of the feast that is.

Kaage grinned as he watched the woodlanders, he nodded to his small group of vermin, and they slowly surrounded the family of voles, while the fox went after the beavers.

Tanya skipped along and smiled “Come on grandma, we almost there, we almost there” She sang a little happy tune and giggled, she was always in a good mood. Her grandma just smiled “We….be there soon my dearest”

Zolomon walks along the path in the woods, looking a little bored as he is on patrol. “This is boring and the feast is soon, like in a couple days”

Quade shakes his head, “But it is important to patrol the area and make sure evil ones are not around, is this not correct my friend?”

Meanwhile not too far away the group of voles are ambushed by the vermin and quickly gathered up, chained next to two mice and the fox is still out there.

Kaage draws close to the old beaver and draws his blade. He quickly gets behind her and after a very brief struggle her throat is slit and she falls dead at his foot paws, he then smiles coldly at the younger beaver “Hello…slave!” And goes to grab her while she is hopefully in shock of what happen, he will not kill her but knock her out and take her to the others.

Tanya turns around just in time to see her grandma fall over dead and screams, she is grabbed and struggles screaming again and then all goes black as she is knocked out. She drops her doll, a stuffed mouse with blue button eyes.

Marek is traveling with the hare and squirrel when his ears perk up and he draws his blade, “Come you two there is trouble.”

Zolomon grins “But food is good….”He hears the scream and grips his longbow, “Was that a bally scream?” The 2nd one id heard and he nods “Yep! This way!” He starts to head towards the sound.

Quade quickly follows, Furyblazor, his blade, is beside him.

Kaage quickly disappears, his new captive in his grasp and he is soon with his small band of vermin, “For now we make camp, then it may be wise to head back to the river” He smirks “Besides I have a couple stripe dogs to deal with and maybe some last minute slaves to…add to our little family. “ He chains the beaver to the group. He then smiles coldly “The Shadow has striked and soon will again”

Marek finds the area where the old beaver was killed and frowns.

Quade catches up and frowns as well “It appears we have a killer nearby but signs show….perhaps another” He picks up a small doll and shows it to the group.

Zolomon ears droop “A dibbun..we need to find them and help them, we..we have to that’s wot the jolly Mossflower Defenders do, help beasts and aid them!”

Marek first buries the old beaver, a proper funeral before he turns to look at the Defenders, “Yes we track down this…” He growls as he says “Slaver…this kidnapper of dibbuns”

Zolomon nods “I am fully agreeing with ya Mr. M”

Quade nods “And we best do it soon, a storm approaches and it may well be here before the end of the day”

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

This ICLY happen 12-28-16

Quade walks along with the others, "This was where I was when I camped out that night so there has to be clues somewhere"

Marek looks around "Well Mr. Quade perhaps you need to learn to pay more attention to your surroundings."

DoraRose is here, too, wearing her black travel outfit, with the addition of her mottled green-grey-brown cloak, dark green scarf, brown hat, and black mittens. Oh, and a black sweater. It's cold, okay! "Yeah, keeping track of your surroundings is kinda vital." How did he survive his trip? She refrains from asking. Hefting her axe, she looks around, tugging her cloak closer around her, covering up her bastard sword as she keeps watch.

Quade frowns, he glances around again as he studies an area near a tree stump, some weeds and maybe a hint of brownish fur, he mutters "Nothing helpful...wait whats this?" He finds an ale bottle “Well guess the thieves had a little drink before they left my campsite or had the ale with them maybe."

Marek walks over to look at the empty bottle, "This has been something in the tavern, but not many drink it at all." He hmms "Fire and Ice...I may know someone who may know something, granted the beast is hard to find."

Patch was close to the area, limping slightly he has made a trip to his tree, and a couple other places for some supplies. His side is bandaged but at least it's healing, he slows and climbs into a tree when he hears voices and looks down at the gathered beast with a frown.

DoraRose just keeps watch. She's good at that, and she still doesn't trust the stoat, so she just let them look around for clues. "Anything would be helpful....even fur or dried blood." Suddenly her head whips around. She thinks she may have heard something. Blue eyes dart back and forth, she searches the woodlands, and then she looks up....

Quade nods "Well then whom is this beast as the faster my blade is recovered the better. I dislike using daggers but have and so far have been fairly lucky. But the blade is important as its history is of hope"

Marek listens to the squirrel, least somewhat as the squirrel has told of the blade a lot, "Yes Mr. Quade, so I heard and this beast is named Patch.."

Patch backs up and ice on a branch causes him to about fall as he yelps in surprise and manages to grab ahold of the branch and prevent himself from falling onto the mouse maid, he looks down at her and then the others "Umm....yeah this tree has ice go figure"

"We have company," Dora growls, then, stalking over to the foot of the tree, she points to the ground. "Get down here right now, rat! Why were you spying on us?" Don't argue with or lie to the Warrior carrying a ginormous axe, people. She is fully capable and willing to use it. Don't make her mad.

Quade draws forth his daggers, "Who are you rat? Do you know of anything of my missing blade Furyblazer?"

Marek starts to draw his own blade and then face palms as he knows that voice and walks over "It would be most advisable to listen to Ms. Dorarose Mr. Patch and come down where you can be better seen"

Patch very carefully, and slowly he gets out the tree, "If it's about stripy, I was more hurt than he was...I mean good grief, but hey he helped me and I helped him, in fact helping now as went to find some special supplies for our hike"

DoraRose hefts her axe. "Who is 'stripey'? What on Earth are you talking about....Patch?" Shaking her head, she moves a little to the side; hopefully Marek will help her keep the rat from running away. "And you still haven't answered my question of why you were spying on us."

Meanwhile...elsewhere but close. A certain beast was left behind and out of the scene to make sure no one was sneaking up on them for an ambush. This beast was so cunning and so stealthy that no one could find her in the forest around the ruins!

That was because Brookshire wasn't even there! She was back a ways, guarding the supplies and making sure no one would make off with their food. By keeping it safely locked away in her swollen gullet. The ferret hiccups and giggles before stretching herself across the now empty pack of supplies like one does a pillow. "Maybe I should check in on them..." She thinks, "Nah, they'll be fine."

Quade narrows his eyes at the rat "Yes led who into a fight...wait Patch is your name?" He walks closer "That means you may know whom stole my blade, and who drinks this" He holds up the ale bottle of fire and ice "It’s best to speak quickly before I lose my patience"

Marek folds his arms over his chest as he looks at Patch, “Let me guess a badger?" He shakes his head, he knows of few badgers that can fight well, then again are there any that fight well around here as he frowns, "Which badger?"

Patch backs up against a tree, he then looks at the bottle "Umm....oh! I know who drinks this, it’s a group of weasels...4 of em', lot less dangerous than what me and...umm the badger cub found, but hey he is fine at the abbey now"

DoraRose sighs and looks at the sky. "WHO WAS THE BADGER?" she says loudly and firmly. She bes grumpy. Also, she has been gone from the Abbey for 2 days, and the day before that was full of her packing to get ready for her trip (and Brookie is possibly DEAD MEAT if she ate Dora's special cookies), so she's a bit out of the loop on some things. "And how do you know that they stole his sword, hmm?"

Oh, the ferret so totally ate those cookies. They were the first thing Brookshire to be shoveled down her greedy gullet, followed by the cheeses, apples, breads. Sprawled out on the ground Brook manages to lean up on one elbow, patting her bloated middle with a soft sigh, "Brookie...I think you may have a problem." She says to herself.

Quade keeps his calm as he listens “Well?"

It's been life as usual within the ranks of the 67th...which basically consisted of sitting around in the den, eating, training, playing cards, and the occasional patrol outside of the grounds surrounding the HQ. Nothing of note had happened recently, and so at this point the daily patrol was more of a stroll around the grounds than anything else. The tall, rather intimidating-looking hare known as Dominik trudges slowly down the path, sword sheathed upon his back, his eyes wandering the surroundings as he hums a familiar tune to himself. He kicks at a stone that lies there before him on the path, watching as it skitters away into the underbrush. He watches it with a disinterested stare, then gives a shrug of his broad shoulders as he continues on his way in the direction of the church grounds.

Patch frowns “Well ya see...I spy tis my job lady..."He then answers "I can show you, follow me" He goes to led them to a campsite, and yes there is the 4 weasels, "See....and fine the badger is named Xander...ya happy?" He then smirks "I should go, I show the camp and should really get back ta me friend" The small vermin camp is not too far from the church, he also looks ready to walk away, if he can that is.

DoraRose goes to grab the rat's arm. "You led Xander into a fight?!" She is temporarily distracted now by this revelation. "How dare you....how can we know that he can be trusted?" She demands of the stoat. "Oh, wait.....grr, how can we know he can be trusted?" She asks the squirrel, although it's not clear if she's talking about Marek or Patch or both. Her voice is low, of course, since they're so close to the enemy campsite, but she still sounds kind of urgent. Er, more like grumpy. "And who hired you to spy?" She's a very suspicious little person.

The ferret slowly rolls onto her feet, she stretches out the kinks in her back. "Alright, time to at least pretend I'm doing my job. They couldn't have gone too far could t-" Brookshire lets out a terrified meep as the long patrol hare merely appears in her vision, less than 20 yards away. She panics, tripping over her own tail and landing into the empty sacks of food with a loud oof.

Quade looks through the tall weeds and snorts "These 4 have Furyblazor? Well not for much longer they do not, we shall get it back" He arches an eyebrow at the mouse maid when she mentions trust issues "I assure you, you can trust me lass"

Marek looks between Patch and Dorarose "I do not think Mr. Patch is someone to worry on, or least worry much and he did seem to find the vermin responsible for stealing Mr. Quade's blade"

Dominik's attention is immediately caught by the loud 'meep' the ferret gives off, and he quickly goes into Patrol Mode. Being that Brookshire is so close, her actions are caught out of the corner of his eye, and the hare swiftly steps towards the commotion. Soon, Brook can see a large hare towering over her, an icy glare on his already stony features, a large paw resting back on the hilt of the sword on his back, ready to draw. "Slinkback better have good reason vy is tresspass near church ground...." his heavily accented voice booms down at her. His eyes look over the scene carefully as he attempts to piece together what exactly happened here.

Patch frowns "I...hey ya see here lady, I needed my stuff back and needed help, so he helped me...." Yeah in more ways than he thought "And he lived...so did I..." He frowns at a voice, yeah this could draw attention to the 4 weasels....oops too late as Patch goes to make a mad dash away but Dorarose gets his arm. Patch yells out , "Hey let go fuzzy!" Yeah that double did it attention drawn as Patch frowns "This is not good"

"Fuzzy yourself.....oh, snap." DoraRose had been being quiet, but it may still be partly her fault that the weasels have come over here. Releasing the rat, she readies her axe and goes to hide behind the nearest tree to regain what little surprise they have left...

Meanwhile, back at their camp, Brookshire is having her own troubles. She sits up, a nervous smile on her face. Long patrol, here? Oh the madness! She can only imagine what would happen if she told the hare she belonged to an armed mercenary group dedicated to protecting the woods. He would probably laugh and then stab her in the guts, or laugh while she is stabbed in the guts. "Oh, uh...was this YOUR land? My bad. I was passing through when some...uh, I came back to my camp to find some rats had made off with all my supplies. Dirty varments they are. But as the saying goes, no harm, no foul. I'll just be on my way." The ferret struggles to get up before trying to simply walk away from the hare.

Quade goes to watch the weasels, one gets a little too close and a dagger is suddenly in the weasels back. So now it’s down to 3 weasels who clearly know beasts are here and the leader speaks "We has company....let us finish this company off shall we"

Marek stays close to the others as he studies where the last 3 weasels are, he draws his longsword and tries to slip behind one of the weasels.

Patch is in no way fighting and climbs a tree, he has seen enough fighting "Time to get back ta stripy" He leaves the area as fast as he can, he is not sticking around.

Dominik most certainly doesn't seem to be in a laughing mood, judging by his stony expression, his ears standing upright, his icy eyes staring holes through Brookshire. He may not be the most intelligent hare in the Patrol, but he's also most definitely NOT stupid. His paw strays away from his sword handle, as he reaches down to grab the ferret by her scruff. If successful, he lifts her up to eye level (which is quite a long way off the ground), and just -glares- at her. "Is not good at lies," he finally replies, his voice flat and deadly serious. "Think of better reason. I give you five second. Start...now..."

DoraRose stays silent behind her tree, waiting for a weasel to come into her line of sight so she can attack. Flipping off her hood, she yanks off her hat and stuffs it in a pocket. Twisting her ears about, she listens, waiting for the enemy to come within sight.....

The ferret let's out a nervous 'meep' as she is easily lifted from her feet. "A-heh-heh." She chuckles. "Well sir, it's a very funning story really, you see..." and then Brookshire goes to kick the hare where even vermin cringe to kick a beast. Dishonorable? Maybe. Could it be effective in getting the hare to drop her so she can run away? Oh Brook hopes so.

Quade is too concern with anything else but where the weasels are, he then he charges at one weasel that went away from the others and stabs him in the chest with 2 daggers as he glares "That’s for stealing Furyblazor ya scum" Now there is 2 weasels left

Marek scans the area, he sees one weasel but not the other and he scans the area quickly and catches sight of the other close to..."Ms. Dorarose behind you!" The weasel is within feet of the mouse maid.

Dominik grips the ferret by her scruff, glaring at her still as he waits to listen to whatever new lie she can come up with in the time alotted. However, as Brookshire aims the kick for the no-no place, Dom certainly wasn't born yesterday...and so he extends his arm out away from himself as he feels the ferret tensing up in preparation for the kick. As a result, her footpaw connects with the stone like slab of his midsection. One might think that he would be further angered by this, however, a grin very slowly starts to spread across the hare's scarred muzzle. After a moment or two, he even begins to laugh...a booming, humorless sound. "Is best shot?" he chuckles, his ears twitching as he eyes the ferret. "Answering qvestion is easier option, yes? Dis time, I give three second. Start now."

DoraRose looks, see, and then attacks the closest weasel, swinging her axe at him with a wordless roar. Take that!

Quade steps back as one tall weasel is suddenly in front of him, he goes to slice at him with a dagger and narrowly avoids getting sliced with the blade the weasel has, his eyes widen "That blade is mine!" He flicks one of the two daggers at the weasel and it sinks into his shoulder but he still charges at the squirrel again.

The ferret twitches an eye. "Heh...you know...that, that usually works." She gulps, "OksoIjoinedthisMosflowerDefenderthingyandIwaslike,noIdon'treallywanttojoinyouguysbutheyifyouarebuyingmyfoodandwineIwaslike, sure!" The ferret begins to ramble off, quickly to meet her 3 second limit,"SonowtheyareherelookingforsomeblokesswordandI'msupposedtobeguardingtherearbutthenyoucamealongand...do you hear fighting?" She says, head turning to the sounds of battle in the woods. "Oh cripes I need to get out of here! “

Marek goes to help Dorarose and between him and her the weasel is taken down and slayed, he frowns "There should be one more...somewhere"

DoraRose tilts her ears, then turns and points. "Over there, I think! Come on!" Without waiting to see if the stoat is following, the mouse Warrior charges, yelling, "REEEEDWAAAAALLLLLL!!!" Unaware that there's a Long Patrol hare nearby, she may have just saved Brookie's life on accident.....so she can whip her with a willow switch later for the ferret eating her special cookies. THIEF.

Dominik stares blankly at Brookshire as she begins to ramble, her words all mushing together, and his expression slowly fades from one of anger into one of confusion and bafflement. The northern hare has a hard enough time understanding most beasts when they speak regularly, let alone when they speak at a hundred miles an hour. He blink-blinks at the ferret, catching the occasional word, but otherwise...he got nothing. "Er." *Blink* "Ya. Vell. You stay out of tvouble, yes? I not want to see you here again, is understood? Also, tip. Slinkyback must not eat so much foods. Is get large, unable to run. Unable to fight." He smirks as he looks her up and down, before he drops her in an unceremonious heap at his footpaws. At this point, his ears perk as he heads the Redwall cry, and he turns his head in the direction it came from. Going from absolutely NO action at all, to everything happening at once, the hare is inwardly pleased though his expression does not betray this.

Quade is fighting for his life and narrowly avoiding a slice from the sword, one cut gets his arm as he gets a good stab in one the weasel's shoulder

Marek has both his blades out now as he charges the surprised weasel, the weasel growls and stabs towards the stoat, he sidesteps and clips off part of the weasels ear. The mouse maid gets a hit on the weasels back as the weasel screams out in pain as he is attacked from both sides now.

The ferret drops like a sack of potatoes. She rubs her neck, "My friends! I need to rescue my fr- wait, did you just call me /fat/?" Brook growls, grabbing a paw full of snow she throws it at the back of the hares head before drawing her dagger and dashing into the woods. Don't worry gang! Help is coming! In the form of a bloated thiefy ferret...ok, maybe you should worry after all.

DoraRose ducks and steps back a little, all her frustration at the events of the last few weeks driving her in this fight. Using all her skill, she swings her axe around again, trying to kill the weasel. When the ferret and/or hare get close enough, they will see a female mouse skillfully wielding a double-handed, double-bladed battleaxe like a boss. FEAR HER. FEAR HER GREATLY.

Quade gets knocked down and flicks his 2nd dagger at the weasel and hits it in the back, he rolls out of the way as Marek and Dorarose now fight the weasel, the weasel is slowed some as he is injured.

Dominik's attention is focused on where the yell had come from, and so as Brookshire tosses the snowball at him it smacks him square in the back of his head. Ears shooting upright, the hare's eyes narrow severely, a scowl upon his muzzle as the fleeing ferret can hear his angry growl. Brook is sooo lucky that she had decided to flee in that moment. If she had still been there, she likely would have found out firsthand what it was like to have one's head twisted around and shoved up one's backside. Hey, ferrets are flexible, yes?

Brookshire doesn't want to find out! She continues onward, dashing through the snow until she reaches the scene of the battle, leaping out into the edges of combat, brandishing her puny dagger, "Huzzah! I have come to help!" She says...without actually helping.

Marek slices the weasel across the chest and avoids a stab to the side.

Quade catches sight of Brookshire as the stoat and mouse maid fight the weasel and blinks, "Did you gain weight?"

DoraRose gets a cut on her upper arm. "YOU JUST RUINED MY SWEATER, YOU FREAK!!!" She yells, as if almost dying over and over again weren't all that important. Meh, what's a little blood when her sweater may unravel? Roaring, she leaps at the weasel and goes swing, , aiming for his upper legs, then steps back and swings again, this time aiming for his chest! The ferret gets to be ignored....for now.

Marek ducks a swing of the blade from the weasel, it then turns, its mistake, to dorarose and gets stabs in the chest, a surprise look and the weasel falls over lifeless. Marek takes a couple breaths and kicks the weasel a couple times "The weasel is dead"

Quade walks over and takes the blade from the dead weasel "Furyblazor is mine once more" He then smiles and places it in its rightful spot, at his side.

Dominik reaches behind his head to wipe the rest of the snow from his fur, shooting a glare in the direction that the ferret had run off to. He mutters under his breath as he turns to march back down the path the way he had first come. "...vat a fool, vould not help for all da vodkas in da forest. Hopes da slinkback falls in pit...full of poisonteeth. Ya. Is good." A grin forms on his muzzle as he thinks of that particular scene. From the sounds of the nearby scuffle, it would likely be best if he checked to see if reinforcements were available back at the HQ. Either that, or he is just angry and wants to head back to base.

DoraRose breathes heavily as she kicks the dead weasel. Turning and taking a few steps, she goes to grab the squirrel's tunic front and bring her face close to his. "If you /ever/ lose that sword again, I will tie you to a tree and leave you there overnight!" Try not to lose it again. Stomping away, she stops and points at the ferret. "And next time, actually help, for the love!" Growling, she marches off, calling back to them: "I'll meet y'all in the tavern in a few days; right now I'm going home!" Her revenge upon Brookie can wait a few days. These were very special cookies. Justice will happen! But for now, Redwall. This mouse needs some family time....

Brookshire crosses her arms, "Tsk, I helped. See, I'm here. Not my fault you lot got everything done before I came. The nerve of some people..."

Marek shakes his head “Let us go to the tavern in Ferravale, whoever is going that is” He then walks off. They want to follow they can, up to them.

Quade does follow “Yes let us celebrate my..our victory”

-------Later that night, in the woods north of the abbey--------

A group of rats, weasels, even a tall vole, is greeted by a hooded figure. They at once stand and are at attention when the deep voice speaks “A new job for you, a bounty on the head of Quade Bracktor.”

“Ummm….why…” A weasel starts to ask and then falls over dead with a dagger in his throat.

“Any more questions?” The hooded figure says, clearly peeved now.

The rest are smart and quickly shake their heads no, “Sure boss…whatever ya say boss!”

“Good” The hooded figure grins under his cloak and chuckles one of those evil laughs.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Defenders Headquarters: Training Ground
This is an intricate and well crafted training ground. A large square area has been sanctioned off using large rocks as it's boundary. Inside the area are several wooden practice dummies, a few archery targets, some cloth punching bags and what appears to be a hand-operated rigging system for firing crossbow bolts into the air. A smaller area marked off by stone circles has been quartered off so as to allow for both sparring and paw-to-paw combat training. It would seem Marek has thought of everything.

Marek was in the training yard, doing some sword drills, his movements filled with grace and ease as he moved. Seasons of experience showing with each move and step he takes.

Xander walked up slowly and watched from a few feet away before clearing his throat to show he was there.

Marek speaks “I knew you were there before you told me Mr. Xander. One important thing to know, always be aware of your surrounds at all times, always be alert as something can happen at any time, or anywhere.”

Zolomon was busy using the archery range and waves to the badger as he goes to retrieve some arrows from the target.

Xander nods “Of course sir. I was here to let you know I was headed to the Wester Shores…one of the chest is there. I have Patch tagging along with me so I am not going alone and I have some supplies from the abbey.

Marek walks over, “I would not say Patch is the best choice, but it was your choice and I will respect that. Supplies? Do you have enough and everything you need? Food and drink, rope, other needs?”

Xander frowns “Why would I need a rope for? I have enough food and water, even some mead and ale for Patch to last about 3 or 4 days. I remember the way there so I don’t need a map and I have a thick cloak and a sweater, plus my longsword.”

Zolomon walks over “Western Shores? That’s a jolly far trip, wot? My Grandfather talked of it a lot, spend many a season there he did.”

Marek sighs, “Rope, flint and steel, a small pot for cooking, an extra knife or dagger, something to sleep on besides the cold ground, do you know how to make a lean-two? Look for possible supplies in the wild?”

Xander listens and frowns “I..I know some of that..J..Jedrick always made me start a fire, he also showed me some plants you can eat and I know some poisons to stay away from, I can fish and I know how to hunt wood Pidgeon, yeah I eat it..it’s good”

Zolomon makes a face “I say don’t eat wood Pidgeon…eating birds why that’s…not civil”

Marek shakes his head, he points to the training ground ”Before you leave a lesson. Mr. Jedrick may of taught you some fighting skills, he may of trained up your strength and how fast you can or can not move. You may have fought in a fighting pit but fights in those are not the same as fights elsewhere. All fights and beast fighting skills are different. You may have gotten some training from Mr. Zee as well, but one is not a warrior in a mere season or two.”

Xander follows and slowly draws his longsword to prepare for a lesson.

Marek watches as he goes to swing towards Xander’s left side with one of his blades, and then to the other side as the first was a trick.

Xander quickly catches the movement and just barely blocks the blade with his own blade. He keeps focused on the stoat.

Marek nods “Very good Xander. Remember Your blade is but an extension of your body and your body an extension of your eyes. Always be focused, alert to your surrounds and never take your eyes off the one, or ones your in battle with.”

Xander nods, he goes to try and jab forwards with his blade.

Marek blocks it easily and watches the young badger closely and then rushes forwards to knock the badger into a tree nearby, and quickly pressing him into it, his blade at his throat if he can, the flat of the blade not the sharp part.

Xander gasps and coughs, he has the wind knocked from him as he panics slightly when he is pressed into the tree and grunts, he coughs “This…hurts….”

“A real fight is never predicable. Expect the unexpected” The stoat speaks, “Your opponent is not going to tell you what he or she is about to do, neither would they of used the flat of the blade, they would of used the sharp edge and you Mr. Xander would now have a fatal wound to the throat”

Xander listens and goes to try and shove him away, he then brings his knee up and towards the stoat.

Marek’s eyes go wide as he stumbles backwards in pain, he gasps and looks at the badger..” E..Enough…today” He stands slowly and takes a deep breath glaring slightly at the badger, “ Though, an interesting move that could work sometimes.” He will offer the badger a paw up if it’s needed.

Xander takes the help up and frowns “Sorry Marek, I didn’t mean to do that, it was sort of a…don’t, defense move I guess.”

Marek nods and speaks after a few moments “ It is fine Mr. Xander, some moves are sometimes useful, but do not expect something like that to work on everyone and unlike today an enemy will not just back off and end a fight, they will come back and go to try and finish you off, no matter how much pain they themselves may be in. At times it may be a way to distract them long enough to make a surprise move against them or to simple run and fight another day. It is not being a coward if one runs. One should know when to fight and when to run when it comes to battle.” He heads to town “Let us get the rest of your supplies for your trip”

Xander nods and goes to follow Marek into the village.

A few Hours later the badger is ready to head off “You ready Patch?”

Patch nods “As ready as I am gonna be stripy, let’s go as the first step of our grand adventure and not ta worry, I gots us a boat.”

Xander nods as he starts to walk on down the path leading away from Ferravale

Off to the side Marek watches them head off, he then turns and goes back into the tavern.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

==This happen a day after Zee's Funeral==

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.
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.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Marek was cleaning the counter tops as it was a slow time of the day, some beasts normally here seem to be elsewhere, then again the past couple days have been slow due to the recent passing of a well-known Ferravale beast. He glances at a flagon hanged above the bar before checking on some scones he has in the oven.

Xander enters the tavern and looks around with a frown. He has a letter in his paws as he speaks to someone with him “Why would it say to come here and talk to Marek for?"

Oz shrugs as he follows Xander, he agreed to tag along to get his mind off things "I do not know Xander" He keeps a firm grip on his staff as he listened to sounds around him, it’s clear he rather be elsewhere than here. "I suggest you ask and find out." He says quietly.

Marek looks up as the two badgers enter and sighs, "Mr. Oz and Mr. Xander, how nice of you to visit Ferravale. If it is news on Mr. Zee's passing I already know, news such as that travels fairly quickly"

Xander frowns and walks up to Marek slowly showing him the letter, there is the short one and one that’s a little longer addressed =Marek Only=."It says to talk to you about a chest"

Oz makes his way slowly to a new by chair and sits down, "Xander wanted someone to come along with him so I volunteered to."

Marek glances at Oz before looking over the letters and folding one into his pocket. He then walks over to a storage area and brings out a chest that he sits in front of Xander, "You should have a key Mr. Xander or least your supposed to or this is a wasted trip" He waits on a reply as he stands before them.

Xander blinks and then pulls one from his pocket and rolls his eyes "Of course I have a key, why wouldn't I have a key, that be dumb to not have one" He takes a deep breath and goes to unlock the chest and slowly opens it only to gasp and blink, then he frowns "I..I don't...where is it?"

Oz tilts his head "Was something supposed to be in the chest?" He is not sure what it is as he was not told what the badger was to find, "What's not there Xander?"

Marek calmly stands and remains silent, he does walk around to look into the chest seeing a folded paper “Well there is the paper Mr. Xander, perhaps it explains and it would be advisable to calm yourself"

Xander seems far from calm “Calm!?" He reaches down to get the paper as he speaks "I can't be calm, where is Grandfather's blade?!" He quickly opens the letter and blinks, it’s a key and a note" Next step....seek Abbot Benar...what??!!" He looks totally confused.

Oz folds his paws in his lap and listens, he frowns at the yelling though and sighs. Maybe he should of stayed home.

"Then it looks as if you need to talk to Mr. Benar then and I do suggest you not raise your voice when you do talk to him, he tends to dislike that. I also suggest you sit and calm yourself before you head back to the abbey." Marek nods to a couple foxes who looked like they were going to escort the badgers out, the two foxes back up again and grumble.

Xander narrows his eyes "I will NOT be calm, I mean why come here if I had to talk to the abbot in the first place, it makes no since at all" He folds his arms over his chest and kicks a chair over before sitting in another one and snorts.

Oz clears his throat" Xander, it’s not good to be upset or raise your voice in the tavern of all places"

Marek nods "I agree, do calm down. Perhaps a meal before you head back, for both of you. And no worries on paying, least today. I offer my condolences on the death of Mr. Zee. He will not be forgotten and will be missed"

Xander looks at the letter and key and pockets both of them, when Zee is mentioned he lets a tear escape his eye and mutters "Not hungry"

Oz nods his thanks and speaks to Xander “It would be good to eat something" He goes to lay a paw on Xander's shoulder, “Maybe stay a little while longer before we head back, no need to rush back right away we could wait till morning and be back by lunch"

Marek goes to get some vegetable soup, a couple cheese scones, some mint tea and a plate of mixed veggies for both of them. “If you do spend the night there is the guest room upstairs"

Xander just frowns, he stares at the offered food and pushes it away, he also shrugs off the paw on his shoulder.

Oz sighs, he nods towards Marek "Thank you Marek for the meal and a room to stay in." He tilts his head at Xander "Xander...please talk to me, you been very quiet today" He tastes the soup and sips some tea.

Marek looks between the two badgers before he speaks "Mr. Oz is correct, now do eat. It is not good to dwell on sad events too long"

Xander just keeps silent, he doesn't go to sip the tea or try any of the food. He just leans back in his chair and frowns.

Oz sits his mug of tea down, "You are not the only one feeling upset over this, I am as well. It does help to talk sometimes but I will let you decide if you want to or not" He eats a little food and sips tea.

Marek decides to let the two talk as he goes to get drink orders and collect any empty mugs and plates.

Xander frowns, then he speaks "Don't wanna talk." He glances over at the fighting pit, that can't be a good sign" Talking makes things worse"

And the door opens! As the chilly gust of wind sweeps through the tavern, the petite figure who entered helps the taller beast shut the door. As they turn around, pulling down scarves and tugging off hoods and hats, it is revealed that they are none other than Blisa and Ferdinand. The cat glances around the tavern, then approaches the bar, her bodyguard trailing behind. "Good day," She says, then her salutation fades away when she hears the young badger's words. "....bad day?"

Oz starts to say something else to Xander when he hears Blisa, "Greetings Blisa, how are you and yes the day could be better"

Marek gives a wave as he serves some drinks. It appears Zaram is still not back just yet. He watches Xander and decides to keep an eye on him.

Xander stands "The last couple days been bad..."He walks slowly over to the fighting pit, yeah this may not be the best way to get his mind off things.

Blisa nods sadly. "Yes, I heard of Zee's passing. I attended the funeral, but I....I couldn't come up with.....much to say." Which is code for she would've started bawling had she tried to say something, but they don't need to know that, right? Right. "And I'm....about as can be expected. I have no idea how Daddy managed to run this village by himself. I am so grateful for those who are helping me..." Ferdinand watches the young badger carefully. "What're you thinking?" He asks in a friendly way. And then the door opens again! And a mouse enters, shoving the door closed behind her. Tugging down her scarf, the mouse reveals that she is DoraRose! Visitors from Redwall abound! She stalks across the tavern, tugging off cloak hood and hat, but then she slows as she sees Xander. "Hey, didn't expect to see y'all here, Xander, Oz."

Oz answers "Xander asked someone to come......with him..."He frowns when he hears Xander get up and walk away "Where are you going Xander?"

Marek doesn't see the mouse maid right off, he is instead instantly in front of Xander “Stop right there Mr. Xander, no further steps are needed. You will sit down right now, no questions ask so do turn around..sit and eat." His voice is stern as he speaks, oh yeah he didn’t forget the fact the badger is not to go into the fight pit, he then notices Dorarose and nods "Ahhh Ms. Dorarose, what brings you here?" His voice is calm and polite.

Xander glares at Marek and looks ready to reach for his blade, not the family blade as it’s a temporary one till he finds it, he snorts and takes a deep breath. “No"

Blisa stalks forward and stands beside the stoat, cloak swirling as she points up at the badger. "You /will/ do as Marek says! He may own this tavern, but /I/ am Chieftain, and I hold the power to have you locked in holding cell. Go sit down, or I shall have to do so; you are on the brink of becoming an endangerment to yourself and to others. SIT DOWN." She be small, but she be fierce. Ferdinand slips silently up beside her, paw on sabre hilt. DoraRose has her axe with her, and she slides up to beside the young badger. "Well, I was wanting to talk to you about somethings, but they can wait. Xander, honey, I can understand that you're angry, upset, hurt, sad..."

Oz frowns, he rather not hear a fight right now, or explain to the abbot why an abbey beast is locked up.

Marek stays calm and watches the badger's ever move, a couple tavern beasts look over as the stoat clears his throat" You will sit, there will be no fighting unless you start it Mr. Xander." He is ready to force the badger to sit if needed and keeps a paw close to his blade just in case. He also notes Dorarose's every move as well.

Xander draws his blade out," Yeah yeah" He interrupts the mouse maid "You guys can chat once he moves!" He angles the blade and looks ready to make a move towards the stoat “I can go in the fighting pit if I want...maybe with you. You and be with weapons"

Blisa backs up a little. "Guards! GUARDS!" The sound of falling armor can be heard as about 3 guards open the door and try to enter at the same time. Sighing, the cat turns back to the miscreant badger and says, "You have 1 more chance, Xander. Put down your sword and sit, or else be locked in a holding cell for the rest of today and all of tonight. I doubt Benar will be pleased when I have to send him a message saying I had to lock up one of his Abbey beasts." Ferdinand draws his sabre and goes into a fighting stance, ready for if things get ugly. DoraRose goes to disarm the badger with a surprise move, bringing her axe into play. She doesn't look happy.

Oz rarely gets upset, but he has his moments as he stands "XANDER...SIT DOWN!" Yeah and the staring and gasps are heard now, one rat whimpers and hides under a table.

Marek eyes narrow at the badger, he doesn't draw his own weapon just yet, he waits as guards come to surround them, he stays calm as Oz yells as his focus is on Xander only.

Xander starts to swing his blade at Marek's chest, but before he can swing too far he jerks slightly at the sudden yell, wait Uncle Oz never loses his temper. He then gasps as the blade is bumped upwards and spins in the air, it lands in a table and vibrates a couple moments. He looks in shock at Oz, then Dorarose and to the others and frowns deeply. He slowly sits and shivers some as if uncertain what just happen.

Blisa relaxes and breathes a sigh of relief. The 3 guards come stumbling over, and then shuffle awkwardly as she gesture at them grumpily. As Ferdinand sheathes his sabre, DoraRose kneels beside the young badger and sets her axe on the floor. "Xander, you can talk to us, to me and Oz. What's going on?"

Oz takes a few deep breaths and sits down, for now he just listens.

Marek goes to take the blade out of the table and places it elsewhere, the badger can get it back in the morning or whenever he leaves," Now that, that is taken care of any other talking or discussing can be done." He frowns at the table, well that will need fixed.

Xander just lets tears flow and lays his head down in his arms, he mutters something and sniffs, it’s unclear what it is he says.

Blisa shoos the guards away, with the orders to not try to all come through the door at the same time next time. Ferdinand cringes at the sight of the table. Good thing that wasn't a person, yo. DoraRose goes to hug the young badger as the cat goes to get the blind badger. "I think Xander could use a hug now," She whispers, going to help the badger go over there if he needs her help.

Oz jumps slightly as Blisa touches his arm to led him over to Xander, he sighs and goes to Hug Xander, unless he is pushed away if not he keeps the hug before excusing himself and using the walking staff and any offered help to get to the room upstairs, may be good to get some needed sleep.

Marek watches from where he is and lets a frown form. He then sits down across from the beasts and just stays quiet unless he is spoken to.

Xander allows the hug and wipes away some tears as he watches Oz go upstairs with whoever helps him and looks at Marek and Blisa, and Dorarose "I..I'm s..s..so sorry"

Nightbreath must've picked up on the aftermath of the tension in the room--the Seer enters the tavern with a bit of extra haste in his step than usual, but he quickly slows as he sees that all seems relatively well. His paw drifts away from his sword hilt to rest at ease at his side. He moves to attend Blisa, but nods to any other beast who catches his eye.

Blisa looks up at her Seer. "We almost had a fight," She explains. "But it's all good now." DoraRose goes to hug the badger in a rather motherly fashion. "You're forgiven, Xander, at least by me. I'm here for you. I won't give up on you, I promise." Ferdinand kneels beside the badger and goes to rest a paw on his arm in a friendly way. Smiling, he murmers, "It'th okay, I'm not angry. You're forgiven." The Ferravale Chieftain smiles, too, but for now stays silent, kind of lost in thought.

Marek decides now that its quiet down “So what was it you needed to discuss Ms. Dorarose?" He glances at Xander "And your get your blade back in the morning, you can rest in the guest room upstairs with your uncle and if Ms. Dorarose needs a room I am sure she can stay as well if needed" He figures why not, all 3 Redwallers can stay till morning and then head home.

Xander frowns as he nods "O..ok. I just...just miss Uncle Zee and I want him back and I am not understanding any of this. This test to find my grandfather's blade....I come here and then the chest just has this note to go to the abbot..why...why come here and have to go all the way back there for?"

Nightbreath nods slowly to Blisa. He nearly speaks to Xander regarding the instructions in the note, but then he reconsiders. "So all is well, then," He whispers to no beast in particular. "Other than...this," He says, sweeping a paw vaguely around the room, "How does the evening find every beast?"

Blisa kneels before the badger. "I don't know.....perhaps he wanted to test your patience and make sure you were ready. Or maybe grow your tolerance and patience and wisdom. I'm sure it'll all make sense, someday. You just need to trust that he wanted what's best for you....like my Daddy did me." She is very earnest, even though she knows a bit more about this treasure hunt (swords are treasure, right?) then she's letting on. Ferdinand nods. "Zee wath a very withe beatht. He knew what he wath doing." DoraRose, seeing that the other 2 have this handled, stands, hefting her axe as she leans on the table. "Well, sort of....except I heard that Marek here has somehow convinced the Abbot to let him back into the Abbey for a trial run." Accusatory voice! "Also, what's this I hear about you starting a do-good group to rid the area of evil doers? How am I supposed to know that you're not just trying to build another army to try and take over??" Suspicious mouse.

Marek studies the mouse maid as he gets an ale and sips it before speaking "Yes, I am invited to the winter feast by Mr. Benar himself and yes I am starting a group, the Mossflower defenders and I already have some members, including Mr. Xander here." He sips his ale and speaks again " A group to keep an eye out for those who wish to do harm. I am not evil anymore Ms. Dorarose and I will not step paw in the abbey till the winter feast and..."He stops, well he can't say he wasn't barely inside once to get a wound tended to, in the gatehouse of all places, "And I am the leader of said group. Why would I try and do some sort of takeover, this group will hopefully prevent any take over from other sources."

Xander nods "Yeah....Marek is good, he is going to help train me to be a fighter" He frowns, it’s clear he misses Zee as a couple tears escape.

Nightbreath remains silent on the matter, although he disapproves of DoraRose's outburst inwardly. He knows Marek can be trusted now, but old habits do die hard. And sometimes they come back, he adds mentally. He heads over to find a chair.

Narrowing her eyes, DoraRose purses her lips. "Zee invited me to join....I'm debating about doing so, partly to honor his memory, and partly to keep an eye on you." And partly to get away from the pacifist Abbeybeasts, for the love of sanity and not stabbing people, but she's not going to mention that. "Just because a beast has changes doesn't mean that something can't revert them back to their old ways," she growls, unwittingly echoing the Seer's thoughts. "And I have no idea, whey does any beast try to take over Redwall??! It's not even placed strategically to make a good fortress....it's a better safe haven than anything...."

Blisa just listens, sitting crisscross-applesauce on the floor, letting the mouse Warrior say her piece. The rodent knows she can stay at the feline's house any time; she doesn't need another invitation.

Marek says, "The Mossflower defender's headquarters are, or will be, off the Ferravale path. There is already a training ground and there will be meetings in the tavern when needed" He listens " Your skills Ms. Dorarose would be welcomed. Mr. Zee had a good deal of friends here as well and also supported the Mossflower Defenders"

Xander decides to eat finally, he is hungry and he drinks the tea. He otherwise is quiet

Blisa starts doodling in her sketchbook as she listens. Ferdinand gets a chair also and sits in it, also just listening. DoraRose stares at the stoat for a few minutes, then nods. "Alright. I'll join. But!" she points a finger at his chest. "If you turn out to be lying, or if you revert back to your old ways, you'll come to know full well why I am able to use an axe." Nightsong the battleaxe is lifted meaningfully. "This doesn't mean I trust you, keep in mind; I'm planning on volunteering as one of the guards at the Winter Feast to make sure you stay where you're allowed." As Gatekeeper at the Abbey, she's allowed to do that, right? Probably. Straightening up, she nods to the other beasts, gives the stoat one more long look, then pulls her hat and hood back on. "I'll see y'all later." And with that, she's back outside, headed for the Chieftain's house. The young cat looks up from her drawing. "Well. That went well."

Marek listens "Of course Ms. Dorarose" He calmly watches her head out and looks to the chieftain and then the badger.

Xander finishes his food and tea, he then stands up and silently just heads upstairs slowly without a word to any beast.

Blisa stands and stretches. "I think I'm going to head home. Good evening, Marek. I hope your Defenders thing works out." Smiling, she leaves, too, putting away her art supplies and bundling up again. Ferdinand follows, waving and wishing the stoat well. Well, that was an exciting afternoon.....

Marek waves and the rest of the day is fairly smooth, a couple rats fight over a scone of all things, soon all beasts leave, and the stoat locks up for the day and heads to bed just as Zaram returns "Awww Zaram, I am glad you are back.....today was well let me explain" And they both head to their rooms.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

==This happen between the Open Ground and The graveyard of The Abbey ICLY==

Zee was laid on a table with some flowers around him, one would think he was just sleeping but sadly he has moved on to the dark forest. Beasts now gathered for his funeral and the reading of his last will and testament.

Rupert walked into the area and to the front of the gathered beasts, he pulls out a document and adjusts his glasses as he clears his throat” Salutations, I am here on behave of Zee Winters to read his Last Will and Testament.” He then proceeds to read
” The Last Will and Testament of Zee Eldrin Winters:
Well me friends, it finally happen….I kicked it. I probably would have died sooner but I had some unfinished business( That and I could not miss that last feast, hehe).
Anyways, I am sure you are all eager to get your paws on me stuff. So let us get in with it.
1st- Me staff is mine, bury it with me or be cursed for all eternity.
2nd- To me nephew Oz, I leave the old Winter’s Family tea recipe, don’t let anyone but Zaram read it boy.
3nd- To Marek, I leave behind me prized flagon. Let it hang in the Ferravale Tavern forever.
4th- To Abbot Benar, I leave what remains of my daughter Paige’s Library. May the knowledge of these five books live on.
5th- To our new friends The Mossflower Defenders I leave what remains of me gold. The amount should suffice to start a headquarters wherever you may please.
Last but not least to me nephew Xander I leave The Blade Of The Northwind Storms, provided that you pass one final test, hee hee.
Now that we have gotten me possessions out of the way it is time to discuss me final wises.
1st- I wish for my funeral to be in Redwall, so all me friends and family can be in attendance. (There you go Oz now you won’t complain so much about your knee boy)
2nd- I wish to be taken to Send Valley to be buried with me ancestors, me children and me mate. I know the journey will be long and difficult but please grant a badger his last request.
Goodbye me friends. I have certainly lived far more than enough seasons to enjoy me life but you all have made it a much more worthwhile experience. But as all things must do, life comes to an end. And I wish you all a happy rest of yours.

Zee Winters”

Rupert then places the document back into his vest and goes to sit down.

Benar walked to where the rabbit had just been “Thank you.” He looks to the gathered beasts” We are here to say our goodbyes to Zee. He was a friend to many and will be missed. He leaves behind family as well. Oz, Xander and Sister Zinnia were all part of his family. I know they will need our support more than ever now to get through this hard time. If anyone would like to come forwards and say a few words…about Zee, now is your chance.”

Leon stood and walked forwards before going to face everyone “Hello…all. I knew Zee and I would like to say I was a friend of his. Zee was fairly old when he first came here, but for his age he seemed to be able to do a lot. Like when the Vikings attacked, he volunteered to help, even when his nephew was missing and possibly dead, he still helped and almost lost his life doing it. When his nephew was found, he was very happy and I am glad Xander was found before Zee died.” He sighed “I was asked if there was anything I could of done to prevent Zee’s death...no. I may be a healer but that doesn’t mean I have some magic herbs that make beasts instantly well and to live forever, I wish I did sometimes, but sadly I don’t and sadly a healer can’t save everyone, even though he wants to. And one can’t fight back old age, it gets to a beast and one day they go to the dark forest, we all will one day and we never know if it will be extremely old age, an illness, an injury, or what….so love one another while you have one another.” He then quietly goes to hug Xander, if allowed, and sits back down.

Xander does allow the hug, but stays silent. He is taking his Uncle’s death fairly hard so far.

Thunderwing watches from the sidelines, he is with 3 other large birds and stays out of the abbey beasts way, but he is sadden over his friends death.

Caleb decides to go up nest “Hi…I um..didn’t know Zee too long, he was a nice beast and I even helped him make cookies and mint hot cocoa the night before he died, he wanted to give the dibbuns something nice..before the snow badger came for a visit. Zee also was smart, and kind and got a long with most” He then goes to sit down.

Oz sighs, he may as well go up next, beside him is Sister Jenny in case he needs help, he nods to the hedgehog “I am fine.” He reaches out a paw to lay on Zee and frowns as he feels tears fall, “Hey…Uncle Zee. I am going to miss you, miss you a lot. I am glad I got a chance to say goodbye, I am glad I was with you during your last few moments.” He smiles weakly “Tell Zork and Uncle Soot I said hi…ok and not to worry I will help make sure Xander will grow up and become the best beast he can be.” He then steps back and nods to the others “Uncle Zee has…helped me more times than I could count, not just here in Mossflower but also in the snowy Northlands….he helped me, well started me towards being less of a full blown hermit by finding me when Uncle Soot died and he helped me and my brother Zork get back together as we had not seen each over in over 5 seasons…..cause well of me being a hermit…I had my reasons but if he had not found me, it’s very possible I would of gotten deeper into wanting to be alone. He also helped me, as well as Sister Zinnia though the time my brother Zork died. He..may not be having his final resting place here at our abbey , but that’s ok and it doesn’t mean he won’t still be in our hearts and memories forever. Most of my family is buried in the send valley….and Uncle Zee will be also. “ He pauses and goes on “When my time comes, many many seasons from now I am hoping as it does seem Winters clan beast live many long seasons, I will be buried here with my brother Zork and my adopted son Maxtor. I only wish Sister Zinnia could have been here but I am sure she sends her love, as we send ours to her. I am glad Uncle Zee had many friends here, I am sure he is smiling from the dark forest at us now” He then lays a paw on Zee again and is helped back to where he was by Sister Jenny.

Xander walks slowly forwards and looks down at Zee and then the tears come. He just stands there and suddenly hugs Zee, “Why did you die? Why! I still need you…you are the best Uncle ever and you were not done training me, I DON’T WANT A NEW TRAINER…..” Ok this is not so good “Wake up…just WAKE UP!”

Benar frowns and is unsure what to do as he stands from his seat to go forwards.

Oz goes to try and pick up Xander, with some help from Rayen, and if able the badger will be carried somewhere slightly off to the side to calm down as Oz at least speaks to him “Xander…Xander its ok, please calm down. I am still here, you still have me, you still have your mother, you still have your friends.” He will, if able, hold the younger badger close and let him cry if needed.

Xander sort of allows himself to be lifted away from Zee, he kicks and screams at Oz and Rayen and tries to get loose for a short few moments before just sagging in his Uncle Oz’s arms and returns the hug sobbing into his robe and letting tears flow, he will stay beside Oz for the rest of the funeral, calming down mostly but a silent tear still falls ever so often.

Zaram was also here, he frowned as he listened , he then stepped forwards “Ello…sur Zee spent a lot of time in Ferravale as well as ere’ and had some friends and those that even respected him in Ferravale and some are here, others who could not be send their condolences “

Zolomon took his turn, looking at the still form of the badger he barely controls the urge to cry” Gramps or as I called him, aka Zee Winters. The chap were me friend, even if I know him a short while, he seemed one full of wisdom and….always friendly and loyal to his friends. From things heard..seen, he was also protective of his friends. Me and Q..also helped him with a task of his the night before he died..” He wiped away a tear and smiled, “ Gramps had the best grin, knew how to cheer ya up he did, wot. And..and I will miss ya gramps” He nods to Zee “ Goodbye my dear dear friend” He then sits down.

Dorarose is also here and steps forwards, followed by her daughter. Dorarose holds back her tears and quietly says a few words towards Zee.

Angela wipes away a tear that starts to go down her cheek and stays beside Dorarose.

Lilymoore starts crying uncontrollably, she will miss Zee a lot it seems. She is led back to the chairs they were sitting in by Angela and Dorarose as they all 3 go to sit down by Leon.

Leon offers a comforting smile to his family and listens to see what others say about Zee.

Nightbreath arrived a little late, and stepped forwards to mutter a quiet prayer over Zee and bows his head. He then quietly when to stand off to the side and out of the way of anyone else who wished to pay their respects.

Blisa and her body guard is also here, they pay their respects and then sit down with others here.

Flicktail stands close by, he takes a moment to go to where Zee is and bows his head before stepping away so others can say their goodbyes.

Leon listens to all the words said, sitting quietly in his chair, beside him is Caleb.

Texo had heard the sad news and even though it was briefly he spoke with Zee, he decided to come see him, he looked at the crowd and nods “Ummm…hi…yes I am a stranger and I only meet Mr. Winters…umm Zee Winters a couple days ago. He helped me, gave me advice on how to live a batter life and even helped me get a job and a possible home. To this I am..I am glad. I would of loved to get to know him better, he seemed to me a very wise old beast who was kind and friendly and helpful to those he meet. He didn’t have to help me, I..” He frowns “ I mean I tried to rob him and he forgave me. Because of him I put aside my thief days and want to live a good life, in honor of him and use my other skills like building things, like useful things…” He smiles at Zee “Thank you, my friend” He then excuses himself and sits down in an empty chair in the back row.

Benar looks to see if anyone else wishes to say anything before speaking himself” Zee was a close friend to all. I had hoped one day he settle down fully into Redwall instead of Ferravale but that was his choice. I also know Zee cared for his family and friends very much. The books he mentioned will be placed in a special place in the library soon. I hope you all help Zee’s close family though this hard time. And as always my door is open if anyone wishes to speak to me. Zee’s wishes of being taken to the Valley of Send in the Northlands will be honored. I had been told that Thunderwing and his friends will help with that to which I am grateful”

Thunderwing and his feathered friends bow to the abbot ”Thunderwing always help friend Zee. Thunderwing good friend to Winters Clan always. Thunderwing sadden by loss of friend Zee…will always remember yes. Thunderwing honor friend Zee last request, let friends of Northlands and Send say goodbyes also “

Xander has fallen asleep beside Oz and Rayen and maybe that’s for the best.

Oz makes sure Xander doesn’t slip out of the chair and nods for a couple otters to help get the young badger to a place he can sleep better.

Patch is one of the beasts that wait till almost the last moment to go up and gives a respected head bow to the badger “I…hope ya happy where ya be old stripes.” He then slightly sits back down, away from the other beasts, he is behaving himself out of respect.

Rayen helps to get Xander elsewhere” I will make sure someone watches him Oz, after I get him to the room I am gonna take a walk outside the abbey.” She then heads off to do just that.

Some other friends of the badger step forwards to say a kind word or a few words, they say their condolences and then sit back down.

Benar lets every beast that wants to speak, speak before he steps to the front again and nods to the group “Thank you all for coming, those who need to stay a day or two are welcomed to, we have a good warm meal and drinks to share, fellowship to be had and support to be given” He then steps back down after saying his own goodbye to the old badger.

Patch quietly leaves the area and heads outside the gates of the abbey, yes he behaved himself but he thought it best he left before he decided to not behave himself.

After others pay their respects and the abbot dismisses everyone that is when Thunderwing and his 3 bird friends pay their respects and then each of them takes a corner of the casket Zee is in and take to the sky, to pay the last request of Zee Eldrin Winters, to be taken to the Snowy North to The Send Valley.

The_Brony_Marek · RP Chat

Yes she can talk to him very soon

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

*This happens right before this log ended, so right before Zolomon and Zee go to the fire pit area http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=35 *

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 its gold and orange season. The abbey is sporting the colors in full pride.
Zee was on his way to the fire pit area with Zolomon. Leaning on his staff. “I will need ya to get me something Zolomon, but sort of left in in me room upstairs.
…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Outside was sometimes annoying in winter time, and right at the entryway was a patch of ice and the one beast who finds it without even trying is Oz. a gasp is heard right before he falls , luckily he manages to prevent himself from falling backwards but he still falls forwards onto all fours and drops the cloth sack he had with a groan. He grumbles and goes to stand only to hiss in pain, his knee…the one that always gave him trouble in winter, hit the ground fairly hard, not hard enough to break but it will be sprang a few days. Sister Polly is with him, a tall otter maid ”Oh Oz are you ok?” She gets a nod “Yeah but…..can’t walk too well right now…knee hurts….”

Quade happens to be nearby and rushes over “You ok there Oz?”

Zee also forces himself to walk a little faster “Ozzy!”

Zolomon is right there to help get the badger to his footpaws ”Ya ok Ozzy? Wot happen and why ya in the entryway for wot?” He goes to look at the cloth sack.

Leon walks out of the gatehouse ”You ok Oz? Should get someone to take care of that ice patch or least warn of it.” He starts to check Oz over and make sure he is ok, he frowns at the knee “Well good news, nothing is broken but your need to stay off your footpaws and rest the knee for a couple days.”

Oz frowns “I can’t yet, my dibbuns are expecting a visit from the snow badger, and there are cookies and special made mint hot chocolate in the kitchens for them to enjoy in the dibbun room, also some simple gifts a friend made….I…I can’t disappoint my dibbuns, they are looking forwards to this before bedtime and I am already an hour late as it is” His knee is swollen now.

Zee listens and smiles to himself as he mutters “One last…good deed…” He clears his throat “Ozzy…not ta worry I will handle everything and I even got a couple helpers” He grins slowly. He nods to Leon “Brother Leon you and Sister Polly get Ozzy ta bed, I will….chat with ya later Ozzy.” He looks over at Zolomon and Quade and just grins.

Leon nods as he checks Oz’s knee again “ Yeah staying off the footpaws..totally, a couple days” The tone in his voice shows or else feel my wrath. He then tends to helping Oz to his room, and most likely will just go to bed soon afterwards.

Quade arches an eyebrow as Zee looks at him “What’s the grin for sir?”

Zolomon frowns and he rarely frowns, he backs up a couple feet, ”Ya…feeling ok gramps? And don’t we need to…get to the fire pit and oh yeah you said you needed me to get something from your room..wot was that?”

Zee just grins “A chest, but it can wait lads cause the snow badger needs to come first. Come you two”

RW:Badger Mother’s Room
……………………………………………………………………………….
The 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.
…………………………………………………………………………………

Oz meanwhile is in his bed and glares at Leon “I promised the dibbuns a story, and I promised a surprise Brother Leon both which I cannot do if I am in bed early.” The dibbuns come in about now and a couple climb onto the bed and a couple sit in a chair and giggle. A chat of “Story story story “ Starts as Oz just sighs.

Leon frowns “Well a story…can still be told from bed as for a surprise..I don’t know”

Caleb comes in and speaks “Ummm….I was told to tell Papa Oz that a visitor is still coming and to not worry”

Oz tilts his head “And who said that?”

Caleb answers “Zee did, he said he talk to the…well guest since you can’t go walking around for a couple days.”

Leon glances at the dibbun and to Oz “Well I say tell the story and then the dibbuns can get to their beds.” He manages a smile and goes into the hallway with his son.

Oz smiles and nods “Well then my dibbuns. A story and then Novice Caleb can led you to bed…..” He then begins to tell the tale, a tale as old as time its self “ Old Autumn final day is done and when midnight bells do toll, toll of winters birth. That is, well as the legends say…The snow badger comes” He smiles to the cheers of the dibbuns. “ Awakened in his home where he lives, but he is unseen as he does this..Lord of the winter season to make stars shine brighter and rules the icy winds. Some say those who see him…that he must retreat, but not always so…….”Oz smiles as he sits up, “I..know Brother Leon said no but my dibbuns we do have a guest who has more room to visit in the dibbun room.” He talks Sister Jenny into letting him borrow Zork’s old wheelchair, so he can be pushed into the dibbuns large room where there is an area for a story, a play area and a doorway that leads to dibbun dorms. “So….where is this visitor?” He says the last sentence fairly loudly.

RW: Dibbun's Room
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About you is a rather dis-organized room. Everything from clothing to a few toys to empty dishes are spread about the place in a giant mess that suggests that either a tornado went through this location, or perhaps, a sometimes rather similar thing, a large amount of dibbuns. The shape is of a square, and a few pieces of furniture are near the walls. Piles of miscellaneous dibbun toys are heaped onto everything around. Your light source appears to be a few torches lit almost all the time, hanging onto the walls, held higher up by torch holders. They light the place rather well. You see two doors along one wall. One is labeled "Boys Room", and the other "Girls Room". Two other doors come from this room. One leads into a neatly organized, clean room, though what it's purpose is hard to tell. The other goes into a hallway.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A short time later the hare and squirrel are in robes of green, robes of green with jingle bells all sew into them that jingle every time the slightest move is made. Bells on the front, on the back, on the sleeves and on the green hat with the white cotton ball at the end of it. Zee himself is dressed in a snowy white robe with jungle bells all over and a smile on his face. It’s a surprise where he finds his energy sometimes, maybe he has saved it up for this one last good deed of the night. He waited on the single and then he goes to pull the hare and squirrel with him and steps into the dibbuns room and chuckles loudly “Well hello to you all….all you dibbuns I am here fer a quick visit and I bring snacks and friends, my Jungle bell friends!!”

Quade walks in slowly, a frown on his face as it’s clear he hates his new outfit and is trying his best not to tell his true feelings about it.

Zolomon is equally not too excited, “I hate this” He mutters. He tenses every time he steps and jingles the bells, he sighs loudly.

Zee looks back to the two helpers, luckily a couple novices bring in the Mint hot cocoa and cookies on plates and in cups and pass it around. Sugar cookies shaped like snowflakes and colored white and blue. The hot cocoa is still hot, but not burning hot since it’s for dibbuns. Zee whispers so only Quade and Zolomon can hear “Come on lads…look happy…fer de dibbuns lads and do the dance.” He smiles and steps away to pass out gifts, simple gifts like marbles and jacks sets, small stuffed toy mice that look like martin the warrior, small wooden block sets and here and there a new picture book. “Happy almost winter my friends!” He grins “I do hope you like the small gifts and snack, I can’t stay long and mot ta worry, The snow badger will return soon.” He leans on his staff a moment and takes a few deep breaths before slowly standing and looking back at the two jingle helpers.

Quade blinks “Dance?” He elbows the hare in the side when the word hate is said ”Hey…” He says quietly. He then whispers in his ear “What dance ?”

Zolomon grunts as he is elbowed “I…hate that de little ones have to go to bed soon but first the..umm…” He smiles a little “The Jingle Dance of the Snow Helpers….Jingle to the left and jingle to the right, it’s the best time of the seasons…..we jingle cause we are happy, we jingle all day long” He steps left and right and even does a cartwheel and for a short time is enjoying himself.

Zee smiles and even hands the novice small little gifts, scarfs for the cold weather, he has one for Oz as well and the dibbuns get one too. “I say I heard a story just before I came in….maybe Papa Oz can finish that tale.” He would sit but has his reasons to just stand quietly, his staff for support.

Oz nods and goes on with the tale” Well as you see, sometimes the Snow Badger does say Hi when in a good mood, like tonight….he will be back later after his work of frosting the land and windows, bring the snow is done. As without him there would be no wintertime. No blanket of snow, white and deep. See the lands sleep in winter and then comes spring..with crops and flowers and birds. Winter is a time for sleep so things can be awaken again in spring, so without winter our lands would have no spring and soon be nothing….so all my dibbuns let the Snow Badger do his work, sleep sound tonight my dibbuns and let the snow badger roam free.”

The dibbuns grumble about bedtime but love the idea of snow, snow is fun…ice not as much but snow can be fun!

Zee watches and chuckles at his friends, he looks at all the happy face of the dibbuns and smiles more, as they come up to hug him and give him a kiss he smiles and holds back a few tears, he finally steps back and smiles “I..have to go me young friends. I…have a long journey to go to tonight….others ta visit….so Happy Winter to you all me friends” He then walks slowly to the hallway as a couple Brother and Sister beasts come to tuck sleepy dibbuns into bed.

Quade follows the hare’s led, but he doesn’t do the cartwheel and quickly exit into the hallway.

Zolomon bows and follows, he then frowns “I say Gramps…that was a bally mean trick wot?”

Zee just smiles “Did ya see the look on their faces, so happy….so very happy and full of joy. Those dibbuns loved us me friends. I do thank you fer your help…I do” He sounds very tried now and this has worn him out a great deal but he is happy, he pats the two on the shoulders, and pulls out a letter to give Quade “Open it tomorrow lad…..”He looks to Zolomon “The chest….on me bed…in me room. Meet ya at the fire pit lad and again thank you both for ya help” He then turns and slowly walks off, more slowly than he usually does, but the night is not over and he has a couple more things yet to do before he rests.

Quade takes the note and pockets it. When zee is out of sight he quickly takes off the robe with all the bells and drops it to the floor, he turns to the hare “We never speak of this again…ever Zolomon, we were never in those robes”

Zolomon nods as he takes his off also, he gathers the two robes up and nods “Agreed Q….agreed, I will just take these …well somewhere…and then I promised gramps to meet him at the fire pit. Later Q!” And the hare is off. He gets the chest and heads to the fire pit and sits by the badger “ So as started ta ask earlier…..Entrust me with wot gramps?”

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Rw: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.
Soft light is slowly beginning to filter in through the stained glass windows high above your head.

Contents:
Message Board

Zolomon was already inside the Great Hall and in his paws two apple pies, also some scones, rolls and a small bit of cheese that he sits down.

Zee walks in slowly and sits down ”Zolomon…ya really should not eat so much” He smirks “And not share lad”

Xander walks in after leaving the large fish in the kitchens and waves “Hey Zolomon, how are you doing” He goes to hug his friend.

Zolomon frowns “I will have ya know I brought two baskets of apples to replace the pie, and…oh hi Xandy!!” He returns the hug then catches Zee’s statement and grins “ A beast after my own heart, I feel like weeping” He quickly gets two more pies, blackberry pies in fact and lays them on the table.” Two apple and two Blackberry pies to share chaps”

Zee smiles “Pies always make a good meal my friend”

Xander chuckles “I could eat pie, it’s good especially Friar Lacota’s pies”

Caleb wanders in and frowns “You guys shouldn’t eat Lacota’s pies without least asking first. He will be upset and most likely make you do dishes for a month”

Zee smiles “Calm yourself Caleb, all will be well your see”

Xander gets a slice of pie and some mellow crème on top of it and eats the pie, a small glass of greensap milk to go with it, that he sips every so often.

Zee grinned “How about a story while we eat, this is a good one in fact bout this group of vermin I helped a couple warriors defeat, in fact it were me First time in Mossflower, many many seasons ago”

Zolomon smiles “A story, I love stories”

Xander decides to listen, as does about 4-5 other beasts.

Oz goes to stand” Well you tell that I think I will head upstairs.”

Zee speaks “Sit Ozzy, ya not heard this one before”

Oz sighs but sits down to listen”

Caleb sighs but listens, maybe it will distract the hare from the food he figures but he is still keeping an eye on the hare.

Zee starts “Well this was me first trip into Mossflower, tis too bad no group like the Mossflower Defenders were around, but there were good fighting beasts and I meet a couple good ones, so let’s begin shall we………..”

========================================================================================
Zee Winters was walking in an unfamiliar area, a wooded area in fact that he wasn’t used to as he lived in the Snowy North and most of the trees there were pine trees. He grinned “I should travel more often, or get my brother Powell to travel.”

Not too far from where the badger was a hare and a mouse, and they were studying a dead ferret with a black rose on its body, but at the same time the ferret had an odd tattoo on its paw of a 3 claw marks that look shadowy over an arrow facing two different directions.

The hare spoke “Odd I say B, odd indeed. But the black rose is clearly The Black Rose slaver group, no bally clue wot de tattoo on the ferret is, vermin are strange sometimes ya know”

The mouse sighed “Jake…please” He looks around “Maybe we should get back to camp, something tells me it’s not wise to stay here”

“Indeed” Says a voice as a tall black furred cat appears and snaps his fingers, and the two are surrounded by a dozen various vermin, weasels, rats and a couple foxes. It was the leader of the Black Rose.

“Quickclaw” Says the mouse as he draws his blade, “I would leave before you regret it”

Jake had only his longbow and glared as he got into a more serious mood “I say Bastien…we should teach all these vermin a lesson”

Quickclaw just smirked “I am not here to fight, or capture even though you two would make great additions to my slaves, no I have an issue with a more dark, more dangerous slaver group I see as a threat, The Shadow led by Snart and they need stopped, we team up and after wards go our separate ways”

Bastien and Jake looked at each other and slowly back to the cat.

Zee walked up “I fer one am against slavers, all slavers cat. My first thought is maybe they shouldn’t team up with you, or maybe they should but some terms are agreed to from both. Either way the hare and mouse have my help in wot ever needs fighting and I offer my rapier.”

Quickclaw narrowed his eyes, “Well a stripedog how…wonderful”; He clears his throat “As I was saying, a truce, for the time being, I will not try and harm you as long as you don’t try and harm me. Beside whom would you rather see causing trouble this…Shadow group or the Black Rose?”

“Never chap” Jake said as he looks ready to punch the cat.

Bastien steps in front of the hare “Wait Jake, this is not how to handle this” He glances over at Zee and back to Quickclaw “Besides we have a badger here now, so what are your terms Quickclaw?”

Zee crosses his arms over his chest “Yes badgers are good fighters, so who is this Snart beast, wot does he look like?”

Quickclaw answers “A wolf, and leads a group of rats and ferrets, not too large yet. As for my terms, that’s easy….none of my group harmed by you three, and no trying to look for slaves, which I don’t have any more thanks to do gooders and any slaves around that wolf has.” The wolf was seriously ruining the cat’s business, but he hid his thoughts well.

Jake just grumbles” Fine but one slip and an arrow goes in ya, no questions asked, nor a warning feline” His tone showed he was very serious.

Bastien keeps an eye on Jake as he nods “I do agree with Jake….this best not be a trick Quickclaw, so do you know anything else of this wolf…and what is a wolf?”

Zee answers “Sort of like foxes, but taller and more muscles, better able ta handle cold and usually not this far south”

Quickclaw just smirks “Well, he is this far south, now I need to go” He snaps his fingers and heads off with his group.

Jake speaks up right away, “I don’t trust that feline, never did and never will B, he is bad news”

Zee watches the cat and the other slavers leave before speaking “Well I be glad ta help against this Shadow group. My name is Zee Winters”

Jake grins “Jake Lafur Foreston Lakewood Johnston III”

Bastien goes to shake the badgers paw “Bastien the warrior, it’s nice to meet you as we don’t see many badgers “

Zee grins “Well tis always good to meet new friends on one’s travels.” He shakes both their paws “So let’s take care of this Shadow group and if need the cat’s group as well”

The three friends then went to a campsite and had dinner of fish, bread and some wild greens, and tried some tea that Zee had made. They then sleep for the night, and got up the next morning.

The morning was like most morning and they on patrol

“I say” Jake said “We are finding nothing, I need a vermin to shoot with an arrow”

Zee frowns “Is he always this trigger happy lad?”

Bastien nods and sighs “Sadly yes, but no friend is more loyal than him and I trust him with my very life”

The only warning the wolf gave was a low howl and then the friends found themselves surrounded by rats and ferrets, an evil grin lit up the wolfs face “Looks like I have 3 new slaves….knock em' out Ratface!”

Ratface, strangely a rat, he spined a blow dart pipe around as he and 2 others shot the darts at the hare, mouse and badger.

Zee was a little harder to knock out, it took about 4 more darts to do it, weapons were collected to be placed in a storage area and the friends were dragged off to Snart’s slave cell.

Luckily, or maybe not so lucky, one of Quickclaw's beasts saw them captured and went to tell Quickclaw who at first laughed insanely and then calmed himself” Well as much fun as this sounds we should go rescue them now, let us go I have an idea where The Shadow’s lair is.

Zee was the first to awaken and right away disliked the place. No windows and only one door, it made him seriously edgy “We need to…get out of here…l…lads”

Bastien groans, “Headache…bad headache”

Jake was semi-awake and watched the badger “Guessing ya dislike closed in places chap”

Zee closes his eyes “Yes…But I be sure we can get outta here….well somehow”

Bastien looked around the cell” Wonder where we are, I don’t remember seeing any buildings around or placed where a group of vermin could hide”

Jake shrugged” Most likely hidden well, not like they WANT found B”

Zee frowns ”Dealed with slavers once in de northlands, I hate slavers”

Bastien nods “Agreed, well hate to say it our only hope is ..is Quickclaw” It was like the name was painful to say.

Jake sits down “Yep…we are so doomed”

It wasn’t long before Snart came and first grabbed the hare to drag him off to an area for questioning “Now answer some questions, where is Quickclaw I saw you with him, see he killed one of my beasts and he needs to pay”

Jake shrugs “Gee…no clue sorry pal, then again you’re no pal of mine”

Snart smirked “Ok…”He nods to the two ferrets “Take him away….kill him.” He grins as the hare struggles “Get the mouse….”

Jake cussed up a storm and kicked and even bite the ferret to his left, outside they thought it would be easy, oh they were so wrong and a beast..two in fact, died, and neither was the hare. ”Now…the fun begins.” He slipped off down a darkened path but he had clear plans to return.

Quickclaw walked along the path along the river, always alert he watched for trouble.

Jake stepped out of the tree line, a stolen longbow in his paw” If you’re looking for the wolf, he is not far down the path, you did say we would work together and ya best keep the promise chap….you would not like to get on my bad side”

Quickclaw jumps backwards and glares at the hare as he listens,” You best stop with demands long ears, I owned you once hare, but yes I did promise to help, let’s go”

Snart and Ratface was just about to slice Bastien’s throat when an arrow flew through the air and caused the ferret to drop dead to the ground instead, an archer on the wolf’s side was on alert.

Jake meanwhile had slipped into the hallway, killed two rat guards and opened the cell, “Miss me chap?” He smiled.

Zee was just glad to be out of the windowless cell, he shakes his head ”Took long enough lad” He soon found his rapier and nods “Let’s take care of some vermin”

The battle between the Black Rose and the Shadow was losing beasts on both sides, also Bastien was injured, not too bad but he would need a healer, Quickclaw lost the tip of his tale but kept fighting.

Ratface was not a fool, “Retreat!” He and what was left of the Shadow ran off.

Snart growled and yelled “Fools!” He then grinned and went to slip behind the badger “Least I get to kill a stripe dog!”

Jake saw what was happening and fired off an arrow towards the wolfs backside.

Quickclaw meanwhile finished off a rat that had fallen behind.

Zee was too busy helping Bastien, he heard the wolf, but he wouldn’t be able to fully get out of the way in time.

And that was not needed as the arrow found it’s mark deep into Snart’s back, he died with a surprised expression, the battle was won and the side of good was the winner.

Jake quickly rushed over “B!” Worry in his voice, “Ok we need to get him somewhere…let’s go!”

Quickclaw watched and backed away into the night, he keep his promise, but next time he seen those woodlanders it would be as enemies, not helpers.

The friends made it to camp and Bastien’s wounds were tended to and he was resting, other wounds were tended to as well among friends and former slaves.

Jake smiled “Luckily B’s mother is a healer”

Zee nods as he rubs his shoulder “Yes a healer that is easy to contact is always useful, my mate knows some healing skills as well.”

Jake smiled “So ya gonna stay in Mossflower my friend?”

Zee shakes his head “Got to get home to my mate and newborn son, but I may return…I am a wanderer at heart, but not so much I stay away from home too long. Perhaps we will meet again or maybe I will meet a son..daughter, heck some relative some seasons later, one never knows”

Jake chuckled, the new friends talked until almost sunrise and then each went their separate ways.
==============================================================================================

Zolomon smiles “You meet my Grandfather….cool!!”

Zee nods “Yes, I guess I did….was a long time ago though lad”

Xander smiles and his stomach growls a little as he frowns.

Oz stands “Well I do need to head upstairs, I have my dibbuns to tend to. Goodnight all” He then heads on upstairs.

Zolomon grins, he waves to Oz and turns to Xander and Zee “I say chaps……chow time? We do still have pie to eat after all lads, we shouldn’t let it go ta waste, wot” Zolomon takes a whole apple pie and starts to munch away at the pie , ”Tell the friar he is a great cook, the best cook in Mossflower!!”

Caleb sighs, “I should go find him and tell him what you’re doing.”

Zee gets a blackberry pie and eats it quietly, he does stop long enough to speak to the young novice “Now Novice Caleb, I will have a talk with Zolomon…ok…deal lad?”

Xander gets another slice of pie and listens to what is said quietly.

Zolomon frowns as he looks at the badger “Now..gramps, please it’s just a pie and you wouldn’t have a lecture with a poor hungry young hare would ya?”

Caleb sighs and storms back into the kitchen, he will stay quiet….for now.

Zee watches the mouse head off and looks to Zolomon ”Now lad, he is right ya gots to respect the friar and not just take pies or whatever else from the kitchens. There is a whole abbey to feed, though there is a good deal of food and your lucky it’s not some ration season or something. Now I say let it go tonight, no more food from the abbey kitchens tonight.”

Xander yawns as he is tried, it’s been a long day for him “I think I may go on to bed, night all” He starts to stand and head to the stairs.

Zolomon nods as he sighs “But…us hares…I am hungry not ate in a few hours gramps..come on please, some more pie or scones…soup???”

Zee starts to answer the hare but then motions Xander to come over to him, ”Wait a moment Xander…come here lad” He goes to open his arms for a hug.

Xander walks over slowly, he goes to hug his Uncle and smiles his half a sleep smile.” Night Uncle Zee…I am sort of tried.” Thus should make the hare happy, “Zolomon you can have 3nd pie slice I started to eat but didn’t”

Zee hugs Xander and keeps the hug for a short while before speaking softly” I…love you…..goodbye Xander”

Xander smiles “Love you too Uncle Zee …” He does pause “Your still be at the abbey in the morning right Uncle Zee?”

Zee nods “Yes lad”

Xander nods and hugs his uncle one more time, then heads on upstairs where he will go to sleep fairly quickly.

Zolomon grins and takes the pie, “Thanks Xandy you’re a true friend, indeed a true friend!!” He then makes the pie slice disappear.

Zee watches Xander head upstairs and then turns to the hare “I need ta discuss something Zolomon, I have something ta entrust ya with: He stands slowly “Follow me lad to the fire pit”

Zolomon nods as he doesn’t ask what or why, he just follows the old badger till they get to the fire pit and sits down ”Entrust me with wot gramps?”
Rw:Firepit
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This is a small strip of land between the pond and the orchards which is bordered on one side by a portion of the Abbey's southern wall. This particular section, while well built and sturdy, is obviously much, much newer than the sections to either side of it. The ground is clear of almost all grass and weeds, and is somewhat uneven, still bearing deep ruts and impressions that have not yet been worn away by the rain. The center of this area contains a large firepit lined with flagstones and encircled with log benches.
---------------------------------------------------------

Zee sits with some pears, honey and candy chestnuts. Enough for two beasts so one each, and he has some of his ale spiked tea.” And these be from Ferravale….but on a more serious note” He points to a chest,” You keep that safe, keep an eye on it. Xander will one day…oh 2…..months or so…well hopefully before winter is over, come with a key to open it”

Zolomon looks at the chest “I can keep it safe but why not just give it to Xandy ya self gramps?”

Zee answers “Tis a test, inside tells him where to go next and gives a key to the next chest. I have given all the others, even buried one chest and this be de last on to give, not the last one ta find but the last one I need ta give out.”

Zolomon looks a little confused “And it leads too…and can I help?”

Zee shakes his head ”He needs to do this on his own, and if he succeeds he finds the family blade, The Blade of The Northwind Storms” He hands him a pear coated in honey and chestnuts and some tea as he stays quiet for a while.

Zolomon just nods “Alright, if ya say so gramps” He then gets concern “You ok, ya being real quiet suddenly” He tastes the tea and coughs a little “Strong tea…” He eats the pear in a few bites.

Zee answers “Just thinking of the past, mine mostly. I been through a lot in my many many seasons” He takes a long drink of tea and pours himself some more tea. ”And that’s me green tea with a hint of ale, tis good yes?”

Zolomon drinks the rest “Its…ok gramps, guess not much of a tea drinker me self “

Zee nods “That’s…good lad, all beast be different tis wot makes one special and not like another, always be you lad and never try to be like some beast else”

Zolomon smiles “Trust me gramps, I like the way I jolly well am”

Zee nods as he slowly stands, he leans heavily on his staff, he takes a deep breath before he straightens up slowly.

Zolomon walks over “You ok gramps?” He sounds concern for the old badger” You look really tried, like a lot bally more tired than you usually are”

Zee answers quietly” I will rest soon…..but need ta tend to something first before…before I sleep”

Zolomon nods slowly ”Ok the gramps, you get some good rest then…k?”

Zee nods “I promise Zolomon…I will get plenty of rest.” He then heads on inside slowly, every so often leaning on the staff a couple minutes and then once more walking again.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

FV:Entry
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
The scent in the air notably changes within the village compared to the sweet fragrant flowery smells outside the east gates. Stale air, rotting food and the occasionally not particularly pleasant smelling inhabitant all assault the nose until it gets used to things. Mercenary guards patrol the high wooden palisade wall separates the vermin village from the outside world, the only break in sight in the form of the main gate to the village to the east. North of the path one of the few stone buildings in the village stands a little run down, now an inn it butts up to the side of the tavern and boasts many beds available, at least that's probably what the sign says, much like the building it's old and the beast who wrote it has probably died of old age long after the paint was last touched up. West finally buildings begin to spring up everywhere and the path widens into a large clearing at the center of the village.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Zee walked out of his hut leading a weasel down the street and directs them to the tavern, “Get breakfast and then speak to Blisa”

The weasel nods and smiles “Thanks Mr. Winters” And then the weasel heads off and into the tavern.

Patch looks around, spotting Zee he points to him as he looks to someone beside him “There is ya uncle….hey stripes ya lose something recently!”

Xander stands beside the rat. Quiet and looking down at his boots as if he is unsure of what to say.

Zee slowly turns and speaks “Xander?” He walks over slowly and stands in front of him, he glances at the rat “Where did ya find the lad Patch, he ran off last night.”

Patch answers “He sort of found me, well sort of…found him close to my campsite” He jabs a finger to the older badger’s chest “You’re lucky I am letting this job be free…but no more freebies.” He straightens up “Now I have some…things ta do, yeah so going to do that now..bye old stripes” He turns and walks away, he had no plans to stay up this early he needs more sleep, so maybe wake sometime in the afternoon.

Xander speaks before his Uncle gets a chance “I..I am so..so sorry Uncle Zee. I didn’t mean to say I hated you. I..Didn’t mean…..” He starts and looks near tears.

Zee pulls the other badger closer and hugs him” Shhhhhhh….tis ok lad. All is forgiven, I am just glad you are ok Xander, you had your old uncle very worried, but now that ya be back, tis good” He smiles and then grins “How about we go fishing lad?”

Xander frowns “You’re…you’re not gonna lecture me, you are not mad at me?”

Zee smiles “No..I was worried yes, worried you would lose your focus…lose your way...forget wot be impotent but ya didn’t,…no lad fishing?”

Xander smiles, and then tilts his head “Fishing…now? But where and aren’t ponds frozen now?”

Zee chuckles “Maybe a thin layer of ice, and first we get breakfast, then we head off ta fish lad. Well first we get de fishing poles and bait fer de fish to eat”

Xander smile brightens as he nods and stands up “Sounds fun Uncle Zee, I have fished before in Halyard but not ever in the abbey pond, can we go there please?”

Zee smiles at this, “Yes in fact it’s where I planned to fish in fact, at the pond at the abbey” He uses his staff to help him better stand” Led de…de way lad, and I have me fishing poles in me room, two…one fer you and one fer me”

Xander makes sure Zee is standing ok and then starts to head to the abbey “Come on Uncle Zee maybe we can get there by lunch time, eat lunch and then fish. We could catch a fish for Friar Lacota!”

Zee nods and chuckles “Maybe lad, I like de idea, let’s get to the abbey then”

RW Abbey: Pond
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Abbey pond is practically the place to go for relaxation. The orchards that settle onto one side of the water hole provide decent shade for the more heated months to come. Various types of wild flowers grow about the edge of the ground that lightly overhangs into the pond. The pond seemingly invites one into its cool depths, which holds its fish life and multiple species of shrimp and other water dwellers.
The homely pond provides an oasis of relaxation amid the busy bustle of activity that almost always surrounds Redwall Abbey, especially in the warmer summer months when fruit and crops are to be tended to. A cool atmosphere, added to by the pond, wafts out around the pond area and onto the grass. The orchards simply extend that cool, providing shade and solace for those who wish to relax a little further from the sport that is usually taking place around the oh-so-popular pond.
lush lawn, studiously kept, surrounds the pond, all the way up to the orchard edge, even entering the orchard - though tentatively. Rushes grow in most of the shallower places on the pond's edge, but the clear water prevails, and in most places, only a bit of a muddy bank is visible and no water reeds find hospitality there. Bugs of all types flit about the surface of the water, testing fate of those who lurk below. sometimes a shadow can be seen skulking about the rocks at the bottom of the clear pond, but it could very well merely be a trick of the potent summer sun.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Xander nods and leads the two to the abbey and right away gets the fishing poles and heads to the pond, “Come on Uncle Zee we don’t have all day!!”

Zee grins “No..we don’t lad, we don’t” He sits down beside the younger badger and starts to fish, making sure Xander is getting it right as well.

After a while Xander asks “SO..who was the first to have the Blade of The Northwind Storms?”

Zee answers “Me father, Darien , it was forged by Uncle Soot” Let tell ya all about it lad.”

• The story he told Xander will be in a separate log*

Xander listens “And when will I know when I am ready to weild the sword? Or will you tell me?”

Zee smiles “You will know, trust me and can’t say I will tell you or not but ….well when it’s the right time it be the right time lad” He ruffles his head fur and goes back to fishing.

Xander chuckles and adjusts his fishing pole and smiles.

The fishing lasts for a good couple hours before a fish finally takes a bit on Xander’s pole and he gets excited and goes to pull the fish towards the shore line and it’s a large fish at that.

Zee steps up to help him get the fish to land and pulls it further onto land to make sure and grins “Friar Lacota should LOVE this fish its huge! Great job lad! I am impressed.”

Xander smiles large, proud of himself in fact “We could take it to the kitchens now, or..or I could, I can lift it trust me” He proves it by lifting it and carrying it to the kitchen himself.

Zee watches and smiles as he goes to slowly follow. He takes a couple deep breaths and leans heavily on his staff, then proceeds to head on to the Great Hall to sit down and rest, helping get the fish to shore did take some unexpected energy.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

FV:Houseing Area(#180521R)
This is the houseing area of Ferravale. The homes look to be in good shape and each are made of a strong wood and have simple roofs, a couple homes are large than others and a couple smaller,other wise most are the same size depending on number of beasts living in the home. A small gravel walkway leads to each home and a couple large poles keep oil lamps burning at night for light on the main pathway. A path heads back to the center of town.

Zee walked out of the tavern slowly leaving the mole Zaram to lock up for the night, his hut was still a fair distance from the tavern and he was walking slower than he usually did.

A black furred weasel appears in front of him looking as if they are trying to keep balance as they stand strangely and wave back and forth a dagger as if they have never wielded a weapon in their life, ”Halt…ummm yes halt woodlander and give me stuff, like your valuables or something.”

Zee stops and arches an eyebrow at the vermin, “Wot are you doing sir?” He asks calmly,

The weasel answers “Robbing you…mugging you and I have a dagger see” He shows the dagger, “So I have the upper paw here and you should do as I say or else” He takes what he truly thinks is a fighting stance and he is truly off by a long shot on getting it correct.

Zee studies the vermin and frowns “That’s not how you rob some beast, or how you get ready to try and fight a beast either.” He quickly uses his staff to sweep the footpaws of the weasel ” Your serious off balance this way and can easily be disarmed of your weapon.” He uses his wrist to do a sort of chop move to the vermin’s paw, one that unless a beast had a good grip is going to be disarmed easily.

The weasel gasps as he falls backwards and lands on his bottom, he frowns and looks up at the badger “T..thats not fair! I am supposed to be the one who should do that”

Zee offers a paw to help him up “So why go out and rob a beast, especially a dying, drunk old badger?” He offers a smile “You don’t seem the go and rob a beast type lad”

The weasel beast allows the help up and frowns “I….well you see I need some gold, or something to sell and maybe get some food or place to stay, and you don’t look like your dying.”

Zee listens and hands back the dagger, “Here”

The weasel takes back the dagger and blinks, confused right now “But….aren’t ya worried? I could still stab you and then you really WILL be dying.” He angles the dagger and then just lowers it.

Zee watches him “I am old but lived a good life I also know when a beast isn’t wot they say they are, you for example seem more to me than some random robber beast. Wot other skills do you have and if you need some coin or a place for the night, even a meal I can help, you’re welcome to come to me hut, I would like some company”

The weasel nods as he follows the old badger “No beast has ever…believed in me or tried to help me before.”

Zee nods “Well that’s their fault not your own” They soon arrive at the hut “I have a young nephew but seems he…went off to think maybe, and an older nephew at Redwall abbey, caretaker of dibbuns…both good lads” He starts to make some mint tea and heat up some veggie soup.

The weasel sits down in a chair and looks around. He pockets the dagger and sighs.

Zee offers the tea and soup “So I ask again…skills?”

The weasel takes the offered food and drink “I…like to create things, like build with wood and tried to use stone, I am good at designs also, like really good. Like I made plans for a bell tower cause I think Ferravale needs one, at one time I made some beast a home, a good home but...well not many really want a lone weasel to…..well build for them.”

Zee smiles as he sips his own tea and eats some soup” I think a bell tower is an excellent idea, you can talk to Blisa she is the chieftain here, tell her Zee Winters sent ya, you can also talk with Marek Redthorn. He is building a place called Mossflower Defenders, a group of beasts to defend Mossflower and he is the leader also.” He walks to a shelf and gets a small coin purse, “Here enough for a couple meals and a night or two at the inn, starting tomorrow as tonight ya can stay here and in the morning you can find chieftain Blisa. I would join you but I have some important things to tend to .”

The weasel nods” Ok…and thank you sir you’re kind”

“Always do to others as you would have them do to you. Always show kindness and help others” Zee states. “What’s your name?”

The weasel nods again “I think I will talk to this Blisa in the morning then, thanks Mr. Winters” He then smiles again” My name is Texo”

Zee nods “You’re welcome lad, it’s nice to meet you Texo”

So Texo stayed the night in the hut with Zee, then in the morning went their separate ways.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Defender Headquarters: Training Ground
This is an intricate and well-crafted training ground. A large square area has been sanctioned off using large rocks as it's boundary. Inside the area are several wooden practice dummies, a few archery targets, some cloth punching bags and what appears to be a hand-operated rigging system for firing crossbow bolts into the air. A smaller area marked off by stone circles has been quartered off so as to allow for both sparring and paw-to-paw combat training. It would seem Marek has thought of everything.

Xander was getting annoyed at this training, awake before the sun was not something he liked too well.

Marek raised his blade “Again, you need to learn this Mr. Xander, its important and you must stay alert.”

Zee watched from the sidelines,” Stay alert Xander, ears and eyes always open, and stay focused as well”

Xander grumbles and then goes to swing his blade at Marek, he miscalculates the move and goes a little too high.

“Never overextend your thrust. You are vulnerable... and off balance!” Marek says as he goes to shove the young badger backwards.

Xander oofs as he lands on his behind and snorts as he slowly starts to get back up.

Marek lays a sword at his neck “Now you’re dead…” He steps back and shakes his head “Never take your eyes off an attacker Mr. Xander.” He looks over at Zee” Perhaps we should do this later, I need to get back to the tavern before noon.”

Zee nods as he takes over for a short half an hour. He wanted to try and have a training day with Xander, but so far it was wearing him out to do much himself with the younger badger , he had managed to block a couple moves, “Good…good so far Xander, maybe stop for today lad” He said quietly putting away his blade back into his staff and leaning heavily on it.

Xander lowers his own blade slowly, “I could do more push-ups or sit ups, we only been doing sparing a few minutes.” He then notices Zee looks pretty tried “You ok Uncle Zee?” Concern is in his voice as he puts the blade back on his back and walks closer to the other badger.

Zee nods as he sits down, “Yeah just tired Xander and sure always good ta stay in…in good shape, I will just sit fer a few moments while you do some sit ups and push-ups.” He looks around and points out a low tree branch, “You can do a couple rounds of chin ups as well lad. A warrior must stay in shape, exercise and do their best to stay healthy as well, spar when one can as well. One must be healthy in mind, body, and soul.”

Xander nods and then proceeds to do push-ups and sits ups on the ground. He even does some jumping jacks “And it helps me stay strong too right?”

Zee smiles slowly and nods “Yes, it will Xander…Xander how about we cut training short today and take in some late autumn fishing, ya know before the pond freezes over.”

Xander shrugs “I don’t know, fishing can be boring “

Zee chuckles “I fished with your mother once, then she hated it and once fished like an hour, caught pond slime and never tried to fish again, didn’t learn patience, an important virtue by de way lad”

Xander frowns as his mother is mentioned “Why did mother never come back? Didn’t you tell her I was back, I mean didn’t she care about me?”

“Of course she cared about ya lad, why would you say such a thing?” Zee asked the younger badger.

Xander answers “Well she hasn’t yet.” He shakes his head and then goes to pick up his blade again “I want to practice more Uncle Zee, let’s do that instead of talking bout mother.” He goes to swing at Zee.

Zee, even if tired, blocks it with his staff and frowns, ”Xander…calm down please your upset, a true warrior shouldn’t let something get to him, especially before a battle”

Xander rolls his eyes “Wot ever…let’s just train. I am good. In fact I am ready for The Blade of The Northwind Storms. Where is it?”

Zee sighs “Your get it when and only when you’re ready lad and you’re not ready yet. And as fer ya mother, she loves you every much and I did recently send her a letter…on a couple important things recently”

Xander is half listening, “I am ready, I am 6 seasons old …..and I am strong and quick.”

Zee shakes his head “No you’re not ready Xander and ya grandfather wielded the blade at 7 seasons and he EARNED de right to wield it and so will you.”

Xander yells “YOUR WRONG!!” He goes to slice at Zee, some anger showing.

Zee quickly manages to block the blade and then goes to force the younger badger backwards into a tree” You ARE NOT READY…you are NOT! Never…-NEVER attack in anger, your mind is clouded…” He backs off and takes a few deep calming breaths and coughs a little as he catches his breath.

Xander gets a look of surprise as he goes against the tree and then once Zee backs off tears go down his face “I…you just don’t understand me…..and if Mom cared she would of just not left Mossflower ever and she would of..of come back…..”

Zee frowns “Xander…please”

“I HATE YOU!!! “ Xander yells before he runs off into the woods and doesn’t look back, in fact he collapse into a pile of leaves and starts sobbing, so many emotions flooding his mind it’s too much for him.

Zee reaches out and frowns, a few tears go down his own face….”Xander……”

Mossflower Woods

It’s hard to say how long the young badger sat there on the log, till the rat showed up and sneaked up behind him “Why ya here kid?”

Xander jumps slightly and looks behind him and frowns “Oh it’s just you”

Patch blinks “Just me….wellllllllll your lucky it’s just me, any other rat seen this as a perfect kill the woodlander moment, didn’t that old stripe…..ummm badger teach ya anything kid bout staying alert?”

Xander frowns and looks at the ground “ Yeah…guess….”Tears go down his face.

Patch blinks and then waves his paws “No no no…no tears I won’t be blamed for this and why ya all alone anyways?”

Xander sighs “I..I got lost and I..I told Uncle Zee I hated him and I don’t hate him and now he thinks I do”

Patch looks back and forth and sits down by the badger, “First I know old stripes and I be sure he knows ya don’t hate him….least fairly sure. You should go back and talk to him”

Xander frowns “But…I don’t know what way to go…I’m lost.” And the fact it’s dark now is not helping.

Patch thinks, great he is not the watcher of teenagers, he then grumbles…then again the old badger gave him gold and chestnuts to watch some dumb chest, a dumb chest for the young badger and he could lose the gold, or worse the candy chestnuts “Tell ya what kid…I have a nice campfire, some fish…follow me….well?” He gets up and starts walking till he gets to a campfire where he has cooked fish, or half of one and some mushroom stew, and luckily water to drink.

Xander smiles and eats his full and then lays down by the campfire and soon falls asleep. He is warm but still has cried himself to sleep. He feels somewhat safer, but still lonely.

Patch sighs and lays down nearby, “Teenagers…..” He looks at the sleeping badger and smiles weakly before going to sleep himself.

Meanwhile Zee has gone to the tavern, worry on his face as he has drank down his 5th ale. Marek decided right then and there to stop the drinks “I will look for Xander Mr. Zee…..you try and get some sleep…ZARAM!...Take Mr. Zee to his hut, I need to get together a couple other beasts and lock up for the night” He exits and the mole nods “Course zurr”

……………………………………

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

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.
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.
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Once upon a dark and stormy night, naught was stirring in the tavern, not even a mouse. Because only a crazy mouse would have ventured into a vermin filled tavern. Sometime during the night amid the busy hours a particular vermin decided to score herself a free meal.

Coming in the backway the ferret scurries herself downstairs into the pantry. She has to clasp her muzzle shut to keep her giggling from betraying her location. All the wine, all the food to nibble on. It was just like being back at Redwall!

Marek is cleaning up in the tavern above and decided to check on supplies in the cellar. He makes his way down the stairs after locking up the tavern for the night.

Ears twitching at the sound of a beast coming the jill picks herself up from where she was laying under the tap, letting wine just pour into and about her muzzle. Her stomach sloshes a bit as she hides herself behind one of the wine barrels. Brook finds her heart beating faster. A small part of her enjoys this, the thrill of breaking in, the threat of getting caught. The other, rational part of her mind realizes the danger she is in and it makes her a bit queasy.

Marek gets out a quill pen and paper and starts checking supplies of different ales, wines and food. He hmms softly and jolts down a couple things." Shouldn’t be low on that yet...odd"

The ferret's heart is racing now. It looks like she will have to cut her little gluttony spree short. While the tavern owner is busy with his paperwork the ferret begins to slowly creep her way around the wine barrel. She just needs to slip around this barrel and then she will have a clear line of sight on the stairs.

That is when the jill finds herself wedged between the barrel and the wall. She sucks in her gut but doesn't come free immediately and pops out the other side with a loud SPLAT, as she falls face first onto the floor, "Blast!" She shouts, trying to get up but finding her paw still stuck behind the barrel.

Marek instantly draws his twin blades, drops the quill pen and paper and spins around to find the source of the shout. He walks towards the ferret as he speaks "And what may I ask are you doing in my cellar? Not a wise choice on your part miss ferret"

"Uh..." The ferret laughs as she continues struggling to get her foot paw out from behind the barrel. "Um, there is a perfectly logical explanation for this!" She continues to struggle until she finally stops. With a sigh she props herself up on her elbows, "Unfortunately none of those perfectly logical explanations end in anything short of 'ye caught me tapping the wine in the cellar." She says, foot still stuck. "Alright, ye caught me. Woo. There is a ferret in the cellar sipping yer wine. In my defense the wine was really too good to pass up."

Marek walks over "Now you need to give me good reason to not have you leave here with one less paw, do start talking...starting with your name. Few steal from me and those who do, usually don't like the results"

The ferret gulps, "N-no need to get violent! I didn't mean any harm. I just...planned to gorge myself on food without paying." She adds the last part quietly. "I just stole a few sips of wine, honest! I...I can make it up to you. You need a beast to do the dishes or...or sweep the floor right?" Brookshire laughs nervously at the threat of losing a paw. "I'm, I'm Brookshire."

Marek listens as he narrows his eyes, "A thief...never liked thieves, you should get a job is what you should do. And you have to pay back what you drank, wine is not cheap after all Ms. Brookshire....I am Marek, owner of the tavern here in Ferravale and leader of the group The Mossflower Defenders"

This only causes the ferret to laugh more, in an even more nervous way, "YOU'RE Marek? Heheh, of course you are. F-funny thing I actually did come here to Ferravale for a job. Uh, your job. Not /you're/ job, but a job in the Mossflower Defender thingy and-" She pulls her leg free finally, accidently kicking over the wine barrel. Against all reason and probably a few laws of physics, it falls over onto its side, hitting the next wine barrel, and the next like domino's until the last barrel in the line falls upon the wall, splitting open and spilling it's contents onto the floor.

The jill gulps, "Heh...I...I'm dead now, aren’t I?"

Marek watches as the barrels fall, luckily only the last one falls, and this one happens to be full of a higher priced wine. First his eyes widen and then narrow as he looks at the ferret and walks over slowly, blocking any path of escape, "A job....in my group hmm? And what skills would you offer Ms. Brookshire, you seem to have made a poor first impression so far"

The ferret gulps. "Um, any skill I need to keep me from getting tossed on the menu?" She laughs. The laughter falls short and she rubs the back of her neck while backing away from the armed stoat. "I...well, I'm thief. I can rob people for you. I am usually a lot better at it but this has just been an off day, as you can...clearly see. I also know my way around the woods and..." her voice trails off. Doomed, she is so doomed. "Look. You have two choices. You can either stab me in the gut and be done with it or you can put me to use. At least you will get something out of the latter, right? I can be useful! Honest!"

Brookshire ends with clutching her tail and saying in a pitiful voice, "Please don't stab me in the gut. I...I kind of need that to live..."

Marek keeps his eyes on the ferret "Know your way around the woods...that could come in handy maybe, I will let you live but with a warning that if you steal from me again or any members of my group you will lose that paw or maybe become a rug in my headquarters" He keeps his blades out " Maybe you can get me info or go on reconnaissance mission for me." He waits before going on" As a member of my group you will have access to the training ground, a small pension, and one free meal at the tavern daily....ONE. Though you will need to pay back the price of that barrel first"

The ferret blinks, "You mean...you are not going to hand me over to the guards and or try to kill me?" The ferret wavers on her feet before nearly fainting. She collapses onto her rump. "T-thanks. Y-yeah! Totally! I...uh...oo I feel dizzy."

Marek watches her closely, "I shall not kill you...today. but keep my warning in mind, now..." He will led her out to the door, making sure he keeps his eyes on her at all times, unlocks the door "Now....out of my tavern before I change my mind and show off a new rug for the tavern"

The ferret left, leaving the stoat to lock up for the night and head to bed.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Defender Headquarters: Training Ground
This is an intricate and well-crafted training ground. A large square area has been sanctioned off using large rocks as it's boundary. Inside the area are several wooden practice dummies, a few archery targets, some cloth punching bags and what appears to be a hand-operated rigging system for firing crossbow bolts into the air. A smaller area marked off by stone circles has been quartered off so as to allow for both sparring and paw-to-paw combat training. It would seem Marek has thought of everything.

Marek leads the small group of beasts into the clearing and onto the intricately crafted training grounds, he gestures around seemingly pleased with his work. "Welcome to the future site of our headquarters Mr. Zolomon, Mr. Quade, Mr. Xander. It's going to take some work and I'll still have to clear out some of the path, but I believe we have potential" He sits down on a tree stump and hands Zaram off some notes to take back to Blisa in Ferravale, to which the mole runs off to deliver them. "This training ground has a bit of everything, and should accompany the needs of most beasts, even our feathered friend should he decide to show up". Marek then waits patiently to hear the responses of his new recruits, hoping for the best.

Zolomon looks around and grins "Archery is always good Mr. M and course other things as well" He hmmms “We need like a mess hall in the jolly building when it’s made.”

Quade smiles at the setup, truly impressed. "Yes I think this will work. There seems to be plenty of room to build a headquarters, and I have taken up my abode only a few minutes walk from here. This will be perfect to hone my abilities as soon as we locate my Furyblazer"

Thunderwing soars into the open area and lands close by "Thunderwing is here, Thunderwing was having lunch and talking to other bird friends that came with him from Snowy North." The large bird looks at the different beasts, “Group is nice group"

Xander walks down the path, just a little late but still here "Hey" He says quietly.

A voice speaks from a shadowed spot in the lee of one of the massive rocks bordering the area. "Ah hope this group 'as room fer one more," is said in a thick Highland brogue. "'cos Ah'm in on this now." A figure steps out from where the voice was coming from, framed in sunlight because of the angle he chose to reveal himself from. A squirrel who hasn't been seen in these parts for at least a season. Light glints from the metal of a claymore on his back, matched by a determined gleam in his eyes, and a certain set to his jaw. Wiry, muscular arms flex and stretch, to work out stiffness from long waiting. He approaches slowly, so as not to alarm any beast any further.

Marek let's have every beast say their piece until the strange squirrel enters the scene, a bit startled Marek manages to compose himself. "Does any beast know this squirrel? I will take whatever help that I get in these dark times, but I do not remember being told of a character so...." He pauses for a considerable amount of time to think of the right word so as not to anger the claymore wielding highlander. "....unique"

Zolomon turns when he hears the newcomer's voice, " Hallo friend, least hope you are a friend as more friends are always good don’t ya know"

Thunderwing tilts his head and looks at the odd squirrel" Squirrel be....interesting?" The eagle seems unsure of Feisty

Quade is also noticeably startled by the newcomer, he looks back and forth between the group and the fellow squirrel before being the first to hold out a paw in greeting. "Hello friend, I am Quade Bracktor. I hail from across the sea, although my homeland was destroyed by a foul beast. Where I came from, I wielded a legendary sword named Furyblazer, though I it was recently stolen. I have hoped to join Marek's group in exchange for aid in locating my sword" He then promptly sits down and pulls out a sack of food.

Xander crosses his arms over his chest as he listens to the others chat "So...do we train yet? I would like to try some of this out, Uncle Zee said training is very important and one shouldn’t skip it"

Feisty runs an eye over the other squirrel for a moment, before seizing the offered paw in a firm grip, giving it one good shake, and releasing it. "Well met me lad, Ah go by Feisty, o'the late MacPunchles clan. Came from' the North, last survivor of an army. Came south, fought some battles...wandered for a wee bit. Heard by the auld grapevine aboot yer group, an' Ah decided tae check it oot." He sits down next to Quade. "Lost a famous blade, eh? 'Tis why Ah stick to plain auld steel, 'r iron if it comes tae it. Claymores'r harder tae steal anyhow," he finishes with a laugh.

Marek glares in Xander's direction. "One listen that you must learn, Mr. Xander is patience" He then turns towards the group in general. "As for the rest of you, I will reiterate. Welcome to the future site of headquarters, feel free to explore the training grounds as it is the only thing I have managed to build so far" He demonstrates the wide array of devices including the archery range that Zolomon had already expressed his fondness for, wooden practice dummies, punching bags, and a crude system that has been rigged to fire non-lethal crossbow bolts into the air or the ground. "As you can see, I am sparing no expense in the interest of this group. You will have access to the training ground, a small pension, and one free meal at the tavern daily" He then glares towards Zolomon. "*One* free meal, Mr. Zolomon...and it is the same portion for everybeast. Do not expect a feast, my tavern is not the abbey"

Zolomon grins "I like de long bow, " He pats his longbow Finish off an enemy from a distance I say...though do need ta learn a bit more close up fighting" He frowns "One? Way to stare a chap Mr. M....we fighters need are energy"

Quade nods. "That is very generous of you, sir. I will take this pension of course, but you do not need to pay me to be a warrior. Your aid in searching for my sword is more than enough". Clearly though, Quade's appetite is not as modest as his attitude for he is now eating a rather large piece of bread which he has laid three different large chunks of cheese onto and downing it with a flagon of strawberry cordial.

Thunderwing nods "Thunderwing can get own fishes from river...and waterdrinks also" He looks at some of the set-up .

Xander sighs as he sits on a log and pouts, he does listen to what is said quietly. "Ok.....yeah." He is still in training after all.

Feisty glances to Quade, eyeing the food hungrily. He's too proud to admit he's hungry, however, so he simply watches, remaining silent.

Quade nods “We all, also , can do our part in helping Marek clear up the area and maybe even help build or find a beast that does know good building skills” He lays his lunch in his lap.

Xander looks around on his own and then looks to Marek” Gonna find Uncle Zee, I will be back Marek” He then basically walks off before the stoat can reply.

Marek looks at Xander and shakes his head as the badger walks off, he clears his throat "Well then Feisty welcome to Mossflower Defenders....I hope to have others join as well soon."

Zolomon frowns, why does one beast get to eat and he doesn't "I say we should all get lunch after this, training will work up an urge ta eat" He grins "Training and then lunch sounds good to me"

Feisty nods coolly to the stoat. "Thank'ee. Ah'll spread the word aroond if ya like." He seems content to sit in silence after that, fidgeting with a cord bracelet around his left wrist.

Quade decides to put the food away "Lunch afterwards sounds good. Yes a larger group will be most helpful, maybe the one mouse maid at the abbey could join “

Thunderwing looks around as he perns a wing " Even have good training for Thunderwing, Thunderwing could find more birds to join, he could yes?"

Marek shakes his head and again points to the training grounds " Yes lunch is after training, which can be one's own and beasts can spar as well."

The hare grins at this "I say I think I will practice some longbow skills" He heads to the archer range to do just that.

Feisty stretches, standing up and cracking his paws. "Got any punchin' bags? Ah could use a warm-up."

Thunderwing caws loudly as he flies up into the air to get a biter view of the training area

Marek answers "Yes I do" He points out the area where the punching bags are.

Feisty nods. "Thank ye." He heads off to the indicated area, and starts with breathing exercises. Soon, he's punching away at the bags with tremendous force and precision.

Quade listens” It may also be a good idea to find a healer beast to tend to wounds, yes the abbey is good or even Ferravale for a healer, but it would also be wise to have one in the group for times one cannot get to one in time.”

Thunderwing lands after looking at the training area from above and the area around the training ground. Thunderwing want try training, friends help Thunderwing?”

Marek nods “Yes a healer would be good to have around, Zaram knows healer, as do I, but as you say to have a fully skilled healer within the group, would be helpful. “ He looks to the pile of bricks “ Help to build as well, I am unsure how long it will take to build the headquarters, it’s one reason I made the training grounds first” He walks over to work a device that shots cross bolts at flying targets, the tips have been made dull but they would likely still hurt if one hits , but they would not stick in a beast as these are for training purposes.

Zee walks into the area slowly, Xander by his side “Looks good so far Marek, very good indeed. “

Xander keeps close to Zee and watches Thunderwing before nodding a simple hello to the stoat.

Thunderwing manages to avoid most of the bolts, one does clip his wing but he corrects his flying and then lands, he fixes the out of place feather and nods “Thunderwing approves…Friend Zee!” He goes over quickly to the badger as he is always happy to see his friend.

Quade waves and smiles “I think I shall do a bit of training with the practice dummies, excuse me” He then heads that direction.

Marek nods to Quade and looks to Zee and Xander,” Yes it is, the group is coming along nicely Mr. Zee. I will need to set times to have sparing and some exercises for the members, all members even Xander”

Xander sighs and speaks “I could use the fighting pit, it’s more interesting than this place”

Zee frowns “A fighting pit is nowhere to properly train Xander, not the correct way. One learns how to fight using trickery and hardly anyone is honest in fighting pits, also under skilled beasts or beast that are over skilled tend to use them”

Marek nods “Mr. Zee is correct, you will have person lessons and when it is deemed fir you can have sparring practice with other members, but only when you are deemed ready”

Xander rolls his eyes and kicks a rock, “Whatever…”

Zee shakes his head “Xander….ok do some sit ups, push-ups and run a couple laps..then go wait for me in the hut, I need ta discuss something with Marek…ok lad?”

Xander nods and does as he is told, but not without some minor grumbling.

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

=Short log where Marek greets Bandit as he returns to Ferravale=
Fv:Tavern
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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.
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.
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If not for the chill driving beasts to seek warmth the tavern would probably be almost empty at noon. The tavern is half full with hardly a drunk or scoundrel in sight. Most have come for their noon day special. Some days the tavern doors were being beaten down by bandits and warlords...other days really were just...normal.

Marek is cleaning flagons and handing off the occasional plate of woodpigeon, it's a slow day at the tavern, such a slow day that Marek hasn't even bothered to bring Zaram into the mix, who is probably somewhere taking note of historical events in Ferravale's past.

The tavern doors open rather unceremoniously, letting in a gust of cold air. A fox stands in the doorway. A burly beast with some muscle to his arms he leans to the heavy side with the beginnings of a pot belly under his red tunic. His paw rests at the broad sword at his hip.

Scared and missing a large patch from one of his ears the fox seems to just...stand there taking in the sight of the tavern before walking up to the bar. There is...something familiar about this beast...

Marek raises an eyebrow as the figure strides into the room and puts the glass he was cleaning down, he eyes the beast up and down to confirm that the beast in front of him is truly who thinks it is ".....Mr. Bandit?"

The fox only smiles, leaning his side against the tavern bar. "Now ain't that rude, naturally assuming I'm a Bandit." The fox imagined the scene in his head for quite some time, assuming he ever made it back. Perhaps he would parade gallantly through the streets, perhaps he would have some dignity. Instead the fox just begins to snicker. "I don't suppose I still have a tab...do I?"

Marek seems annoyed at the question, but doesn't hesitate to pour Bandit an ale, any customer at all on a day as slow as this would be a blessing. "We had naturally thought you dead, Mr. Bandit. It is good to see you again. I did not think it was possible but the head guard that Ms. Blisa elected in your stead was even more incompetent" He makes an ale for himself. "Where on earth have you been?"

The fox doesn't reply. He just seems to stare at the ale before him. There is a quiet sniffle as tears roll down the fox's cheeks. He doesn't say anything for a long while, he just struggles to compose himself after finally getting home. "Over the hill and beyond all reason mate. It's...sorry." He takes a another moment to calm himself down. "What with the circumstances when I went missing I...I was worried there was no home to come back too..."

Marek only nods solemnly in reply. "Yes, I understand Mr. Bandit, ever since Mr. Scioto's unfortunate passing times have been hard on Ferravale, but all that business with Zurrgg's forces is behind us now" He takes a long swig of ale. "I assure you that Mr. Scioto has been avenged, and I am hard at work to assure that we have naught but better times ahead. I am more concerned about you, you certainly look worse for wear"

The fox laughs, he rolls his shoulder, "Joints don't move as fast I would like them but I actually fill better than I have in a long time. Who knew it only take two kidnappings and imprisonment to finally work off last winter’s weight." He laughs, slapping his still fleshy but certainly thinner stomach. His laughter dies down a bit, "I would like to keep my...appearance a bit private though. I am still working up the courage to tell Blisa I am back. And...well, everyone else too."

Marek raises an eyebrow as his annoyance rises. "Yes, after several seasons of being missing you attribute your greatest accomplishment to be weighing slightly less" He points out clearly irritated. "The real accomplishment is that you have managed to keep yourself alive this long, fat one" it would seem now that Bandit has proven his health is at least passable he is back to his critical ways. "Nevertheless, I suggest you hold back your ridiculous sense of anxiety and report to Ms. Blisa immediately that you are alive. Report to this to her and hope that she is forgiving enough to restore you to your former post, for if I have to put up with the ignorant waste of space that took your place for one more second, I was considering falling on my own sword!"

One would consider the stoats words to be harsh but it was Marek being Marek. And the two were hardly friends to begin with. Bandit leans back in his chair and laughs. "Remind me why I missed this place again?" He shakes his head, "I got taken by bounty hunters on the eve of battle. They...well, yeah staying alive really was an accomplishment. Especially for the second group that..." He pauses, his words falling away. Instead he reaches for his drink, "Let's just say it was an accomplishment."

Marek nods begrudgingly. "Yes well..I apologize, but things have been harder here since your disappearance. It really is good to have you back, fat one; but one cannot simply waltz back into every beast’s lives as if nothing had happened. You must gather all the courage you can and present yourself to Ms. Blisa at once...although you may want to get yourself patched up first" He goes up the stairs and a short moment later comes back down with Zaram who begins applying herbs to Bandit's injuries and insisting that he drink some foul smelling tea.

The fox tries to shoo him away, "What? No. Shoo shoo. I'm fine. I only look like I picked a fight with a monitor lizard because I...well I did." That was...oh so long ago, and preferred to the beast that came after. "I'll do what I can. Just, keep it on the down low that I'm back, ok? There are plenty of beasts here who would prefer I stayed dead. And whether or not the one with the pet snake is one of them...well, I have yet to decide." The fox finishes his ale, ignoring the tea. He turns sharply for the door, pausing to say over his shoulder, "It was good to see you..." and then walks away...

Zaram frowns as he fails to give the medicinal tea to Bandit. "Umm....oi don't thinks Zurr Bandit is will be taking the tea, sir". Marek simply shakes his head in disappointment but accepts Bandit's exit. "That is fine then, fat one!" He yells after Bandit as he leaves. "I sincerely urge that you speak to a healer whenever...*sigh* whenever it's...convent for you" As Bandit reaches out of earshot he throws his paws in defeat for the second time in as many weeks. "Why do I bother, Zaram? Why do I bother?"

The_Brony_Marek · Logs

Happens right after this log http://forum.rwmuck.org/viewtopic.php?id=25

RW:Entry
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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 its gold and orange season. The abbey is sporting the colors in full pride.
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Despite the fall chill in the air the gates of Redwall stood open and busy to traffic. Even though the heavy snows have not hit yet winter was coming. One could almost feel it's terrible cold waiting around the corner. There was only so much time left for beasts to stock the abbey's larder with the seasons harvest.

There is a certain excitement today as beasts are abuzz with activity.

Zee arrives carrying a chest, not too large of one, it’s a small chest in fact. He sits it down in the entry staying beside it as he looks around for someone. He then leans on his staff as if a little tried "Dislike cold days"

Zolomon follows him inside as he hands his longbow and quiver to a guard, but not before making sure to give instructions first on its care, he walks over to the badger and shrugs "Not too bad gramps. be snowing here in a few weeks, ya know snow ball fights and snow forts, get fun"

Quade has walked out into the cold air with an umbrella, uncertain as to whether it was going to snow as if he did not trust the weather; of course this way have something to do with the large plate of food that Quade is carrying with him: half a pie, a small loaf of bread, two different chunks of cheese and bowl of soup...clearly this squirrel has quite the appetite.

And then there is Brook. The ferret stands awkwardly at the gates simply for being the only ferret in sight. "Well...if they let foxes in here..." She says aloud. The ferret eyes the guards at the gate nervously and while she is given a bit of an odd glance no one seems to try and stop her from entering. Still doesn't change the fact that the ferret feels like she is walking under a guillotine coming inside. This was Redwall, the Blood Red Wall o' vermin slaying from history. It was quite honestly the last place she wanted to be but with her belly thin and winter coming...Brook shakes her head, puts on her best smile and just fights through her nervousness as she walks in.

Thunderwing circles once and then twice and lands in a cleared off area of the entry, a couple nearby beasts back off from him as he nods a hello.

Zee smiles "Hello my feathered friend, good to see you. Stay awhile as I do have something important to mention for a friend, as well as locate a beast here soon, but it can wait for now."

Zolomon waves to Quade "Your my kind of beast chap, lots of good food, tis good here." And then he is curious of Zee's chest “Whats in the chest gramps and who's it for or is it your chest?"

Quade eyes the chest with curiosity and he finds a place to sit down and eat his food. "Aye, the chest indeed. It be a strange thing to see a beast dragging a chest around, especially one as old and..." He pauses for a second thinking his words so as not to offend Zee. "Umm...wise as you" He then notices Thunderwing and backs up slowly, making sure to take his food with him. "Does anybeast else notice that there is an EAGLE in your village, ahem...abbey?"

Thunderwing tilts his head " Thunderwing is friend to all good beasts."

The squirrel took the words right out of Brook's mouth. "Y-yyaaaah..." She chitters quite noisily. She steps backward, tripping over her own tail and landing on her rump before scurrying away on all fours, finally hiding behind the very tree Quade and the others are at. "Blazes they really do welcome all beasts here." She glances at the feast the squirrel has and her eyes go wide and her stomach rumbles.

Zee smiles "Thunderwing be a friend and as fer the chest its fer a beast named Dorarose as to whats in it not saying Zolomon, sorry."

Zolomon pouts "Whatever gramps...this ummm...." He thinks "DR can have it that’s jolly well fine"

Quade breathes a sigh of relief, sets his food down and speaks nervously. "Yes of course, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions" He starts back up on his food, curiously waiting for whatever the strange collection of beasts he has found himself with have to say.

"Oi. Never nice to judge a book by its cover now ain't it?" Brookshire says from behind the beasts. And as if to prove that one can't judge a beast by their species the theify looking ferret reaches for the food Quade set aside to eat something from it. Right in front of him all the while saying, "Hey, this stuff looks fairly good. How much did this cost..."

Thunderwing looks around and for now is quiet as he doesn't have much to say just yet.

DoraRose exits the main Abbey building and heads over to the gate, nodding to the guards who had taken over Gatekeeper duties while she got lunch. Taking her bastard sword back from one of the guards, she relieves him so he, too, can get some food. Waving to the beasts crowded around the tree, she takes a few steps so she is within speaking distance. "Hello, there. Welcome to Redwall Abbey. My name is DoraRose Strongheart; I'm the Gatekeeper and a Resident Warrior here."

Zee waves to Dorarose, "Dorarose so good to see you my friend, if I could have a moment of your time lass I have a couple things to discuss...well one involves others as well." He looks to the rest nearby "A group has been started, Mossflower Defenders and Marek asked me ta recruit beasts. A group to keep an eye out for trouble before it starts, we have a couple members already, one being me nephew Xander"

Zolomon nods as he fiddles with one of his ears that was behind him, it’s a little swollen on top and has some stiches in it, "Yeah, I already joined Gramps ya know that..." He then smiles at Dorarose, "Hallo lass your DR? How nice to meet ya lass" Seems the hare nicknamed all around, as he looks back to Zee" Wot about TW...or...Q here, bet they be interested, ummm....chaps?"

Quade slowly blinks at the nicknames that Zolomon is throwing around. "Well I suppose you may call me Q if you wish, friend. A little name shorting never hurt anybeast" he takes a large mouthful of pie and picks a slightly poor time to speak. "Moffower Defenda, hmm? I woulf wike top john, Merhop u ca help me fin moi swor?"

Thunderwing seems not to annoyed at his nickname, and then the squirrel speaks and the bird is confused "What words coming from squirrels mouth, Thunderwing not understanding this language"

The ferret behind Quade can be seen to stretch out her paw longingly for the pie he devours. "Pie..." She shakes her head. She stands there like the odd beast out. The vermin in the group who is desperately trying not to eavesdrop in on the conversation but alas, does anyway. Her ears tingle at the prospect of a job. It was the reason she came here...well, she was actually planning on stocking up on the larder while no one was looking but if there is money to be made. Suddenly the ferret just seems to appear in the middle of the group, "Oi, don't pain no mind to him. Probably just forest madness. What's dis fancy talk about mercenary work?"

DoraRose raises her eyebrow skeptically. "Marek, huh?" She says in a voice that shows that she's not exactly thrilled with the prospect of working with/for that 2-faced stoat who once took over Redwall. She may or may not still be mad at him and extremely untrusting of him. She has conniptions with warlords and conquerors, after all. "I'll think about it....oh my word, /please/ stop talking with your mouth full! Were you born in a barn and raised in a field??" The Q is the subject of this little spurt of grumpiness. Poor TW gets ignored for a moment. "Also, there is only one beast that I allow call me D.R. Please either call me Dora or DoraRose, Mr. ...Oh!" Then ferret happens! SO MANY THINGS HAPPENING AT ONCE! The mouse decides to just listen for a few more moments. Listening is always a good thing, right? Right.

If said Larder had been looted, there is one beast in the Abbey who wouldn't soon forget that particular crime. And thus he appears from the direction of the Open Ground, the nightmare of all would-be larder looters, Lacota, the Friar. "And what, may I ask, is going on here?" He eyes the strangers with no small amount of suspicion. "DoraRose, what is going on here? Who are these ruffians?" The squirrel especially eyes the ferret, as if sizing up how much of a criminal she might be.

Zee nods "Thinking is always good lass or you can talk to him directly, he was here earlier...arrow in the foot paw...long story but Leon helped and then Marek went back to Ferravale area for something important......oh yes the chest, yes. “He shows a small chest to Dorarose "A favor please lass, to hold on ta this till Xander comes with the key for it, he will open it and it has, well instructions for a next step. Tis a bit of a test to show he is ready to wield The Blade Of The Northwind Storms"

Zolomon looks over at the friar, well he has no pies...today anyways that was the other day he ate 3, or was it 4, he forgot and he decides to just look at...oh the wall looks nice today .

Quade holds up one finger and then swallows. "My apologies. My name is Quade Bracktor, and I would be happy to join your group, provided that your leader will help me look for my sword it would seem I have" He takes a bite of cheese. "Misplaced it"

Thunderwing looks to Zee "Thunderwing will join Mossflower Defenders friend Zee, Thunderwing need fishys now" He backs up so he has room and then flies away towards the pond, grabs a large fish and flies off into the woods to have a late lunch.

"Is this a job I hear? An actual job? Not sweeping the floors and selling potions or some other-" Brook pauses, she sniffs the air, her head eventually falling upon Lacota, "You..." She slides over to the friar, "You smell of food." She tries to slide an arm around the squirrel, "You smell of a lot of food. Pie." Sniff sniff, "Apples." Sniff sniff sniff, "And other goodies." The ferret gives Lacota the most serious stare ever, "Where do you keep the food here. WHERE."

DoraRose accepts the chest. "I'll keep it very safe, don't worry. Should I keep it hidden, or no?" She then holds it on her hip like a toddler and goes to grab the ferret's ear. "Oi, leave our Friar alone. If you want food you need to ask for it politely, like a normal beast. Land sakes, I'm surrounded by ruffians and barbarians!!" She's having a grumpyish day, don't mind her. "Honestly, Lacota, I'm not sure what's all going on. I just got here from having lunch."

Lacota looks deeply uncomfortable, and practically glares at the grab-happy ferret. "Goodies for Abbeybeasts..." He bats at her paw. "If you haven't found the pantry yet, I'm not saying anything." The squirrel looks to DoraRose with a nod of satisfaction. "Thank you... as for you," he points at Zolomon. "I know about the pies. I *know*..."

Zee speaks "Thanks lass, he most likely won’t be looking fer it, well too soon lass....least not till I'm...well. And not ta worry Marek was just by de gate to get his foot paw tended ta." He frowns at Zolomon.

Zolomon chuckles "Yeah Xandy is not good aim with the bally short bow....he got Mr. M's foot paw, his own and my poor ear. “That explains the missing ear piece, "Stuck to a archer target how horrible." He is not listening to the squirrel "I was so upset I ate 2 delicious pies.."He then cups a paw over his mouth, "I...mean,errr.....they are so good and the 4 apple ones few days ago was.....and..." He messes up again, he looks around" I think I should go....yeah Brother L needs to umm....check my ear by!" He then slowly edges away.

Quade surveys the seriousness of the situation, but is a little preoccupied with his own troubles. "I know it might seem ridiculous to place finding my sword as a stipulation to me joining your group, but it is a very important sword" He finishes his pie and then starts on the soup. "Where I am from, across the Eastern Sea it was passed through many generations until I was eventually to wield it. It is a symbol of hope and one of the last remnants of my home. It must be found, or my village's legacy will quickly die"

The ferret whines, and whines loudly, "Alright alright, le'go le'go." She frees herself of the mouse’s grip. "So you mean all I got to do to get a meal here is ASK for one?" She pauses. "What in the blazes am I doing here talking to you lot then?" She turns swiftly and makes a steady march for the abbey proper.

DoraRose releases the ferret. Pointing to the Friar, she says, "Well, you need to ask hi--oh, ferget it." Eyeing the possible confrontation between Friar and Hare, the Warrior backs away a little and decides to only have the comment, "No maiming, mauling, injuring, or killing in the Abbey, remember," be her only addition to that little fiasco-in-process. Looking at the other squirrel, she says, "I understand. My axe has been in my family for generations; hopefully one day my daughter will wield it, or her child if she gets married. Do you have any idea where you lost your sword?"

Zee speaks "Your welcome to join Quade, and we have an eagle now with good old Thunderwing joining up"

Lacota looks at the hare, mouth agape. "Do you hear that, DoraRose? The thief admits his crimes! The fiend! No remorse! Honestly! YOU, Come here, you thief!"

Zolomon backs away "I....ummmm......need to go!" He looks around and points behind Lacota "Whats that !!!" Then he runs quickly to the pond!

Benar steps out of the belltower, chatting quietly to one of the brothers who ring the bells. The grey squirrel's head comes up as he hears Lacota's voice and he stares across the green grass. He frowns but doesn't move towards the group yet, staying well back.

Quade smiles. "Run fast my half-eared friend!" He turns to Zee. "Thank you for your offer, I am glad to join any group that is willing to protect the innocent. Your leader has an ally in me" He then turns his attention to DoraRose. "I was camping south of here at an abandoned church and when I awoke in the night, Furyblazer was gone"

Zee nods and smiles "Thanks lad..." He watches the hare flee and sighs, "Well sure he didn’t go far"

"Yeah, I ain't helpin' you, thar," Dora drawls, really wanting to not get caught in the middle of a dispute between the Friar and...well, anyone except her family, actually, and especially not when the miscreant is a hare. "I can't run that fast," She adds as an excuse. Waving to the Abbot, she says to the Q, "Hmm, sounds like it was stolen. So you were in the ruins of St. Ninian's church....how long ago was that?"

Lacota sighs, and decides to forgo chasing the thief. "I will catch the fiend eventually. In the meantime..." He peers at Quade. "Why on earth would you choose to stay the night at Saint Ninian's? Place is a fire trap and a haven for criminals." He nods curtly to the Abbot. "Benar. I don't recall if I saw you at lunch or not. You did eat, didn't you?"

Benar asks, "Ah I had lunch in my study Friar, I was going over our winter supplies with Sister Hazel and Brother Roberto," He walks over to the group and looks at Quade and DoraRose and bows to them both, "Good day to you both, and you as well Lacota, what does all the commotion seem to be about?"

Zee nods. "Lacota has a point my friend, 'tis not a good place to be camping for the night"

Quade nods in respect. "Tis' a lesson I have now learned, but I am a stranger to your land" He takes finishes both the soup and the bread by mashing them together. "Where I came from their were a few villages and even a monastery, but nothing even a fifth the size of this majestic abbey"

DoraRose sighs and looks lovingly at the main Abbey building. "Isn't it, though? You say you're from across the Eastern Sea? Do you mean the inland lake or the sea up North? I thought for sure there'd be a few more beasts over that way." Smiling, she shifts the chest the badger gave her in her grip so it's resting on her other hip. She now has easier access to her sword, too, which is good since she's on guarding-the-gate duty...which she's doing pretty well, too, while holding on a conversation. Although since no one is attacking, it's easier. "I hope your day's going well, Benar."

Lacota looks up as well, toward the bell tower. "This place is the largest in Mossflower, I do believe. We do welcome you here." He also nods at Benar absently. "Good, good. I need to talk to Sister Hazel, myself... Mayhaps later today."

Benar says, "I think Hazel was heading to Cavern Hole after we finished," he looks up at the wall tops then over at the main abbey building then smiles at Quade, "We are very lucky here to have this place, the walls protect us and mean that if we are attacked we do not have to constantly rebuild."

Zee nods as he leans on his staff"The abbey be a great place to live or visit, and it looks like the defenders group may go well and has their first mission, find Quade’s blade, there is even a headquarters slowly being built now"

Quade shakes Zee's paw in thanks, and then turns very confused to DoraRose. "Um....well, Ms. I'm not a very good judge of direction. I am fairly certain in East, but the only thing I can be absolutely certain of is that it is a Sea, or Ocean as some beasts may call" He pauses. "If only Father Gorvenalus had come with me, he's very good with maps...but" He tries to hold back his tears but finds him unable to do so. "..Well, most beasts in my village were wiped out by plague and the rest were either killed or capture by a vile beast who burned my village to the ground" he finally finishes all of his food. "The world was a better place with all those beasts, I should have been there...I should have perished in that fire with them"

"Oh.....oh, I'm so sorry..." DoraRose goes to rest a gentle paw on the Q's shoulder. "It's not your fault...." A guard calls to the Gatekeeper, something about needing her urgently. Shoot. Biting her lip, she turns back to the squirrel and says, "I need to go, I'm sorry. We can talk later." She then hurries away with the chest, waving good-bye to the beasts under the tree as she goes to see what on Earth is the matter with the guards. The chest will go under her bed eventually, out of sight. She can explain to her husband and children later...

Lacota turns to look at Zee. "What defenders? What are you talking about?" Only now does the squirrel really take notice of the main conversation. "Is this something I should know about?" He points a finger at Quade. "Shush you. That's no way to talk. Hush that."

Benar looks at Quade as he speaks and reaches out a hand as if to take their hand, "You must never think that friend... never. You are still here, those who have gone ahead of us would be mortified to hear you speak like that. Knowing you are still here, alive and well is probably a treasure to them and when one day you do join them think of the stories you will have to bring them?" He looks after DoraRose then at Lacota and nods, "You are alive and that is the greatest gift to them all."

Zee nods. "I agree with the others, lad. You can't be down on yerself for the mistakes of the past, we must look to the future"

Quade smiles as he pulls an apple from his pack (seriously, is this squirrel a hare?). "Thank you kindly, all of you. And your wisdom is greatly appreciated, Father Benar" With a more determined look he walks over to Zee. "You are all right, I will find Furyblazer and I will make my ancestors proud. And when the faces of Abbess Korvale and Father Gorvenalus see me again, they will be proud of what their friend has accomplished. Perhaps I may find my destiny here in FlowerMoss yet"

Lacota shakes his head. "No no no, it's *Moss*flower." He adjusts his spectacles. "However, Zee, you haven't answered my question. What are these... 'Defenders' you speak of?"

Benar throws a look at Zee at Lacota's question and folds his hands into his sleeves, "Yes what are you two talking about?" He asks idly though his attention seems mostly focused on Quade, "If you ever wish to talk, please seek me out. Everyone at Redwall may bring their troubles to me."

Zee answers" A group of beasts to defend Mossflower against threats that may come. So far looks like Quade, Thunderwing, and me nephew Xander is a member, the leader is Marek. Marek is on Mossflowers side though some still think he is not. He has changed a lot from wot he was many seasons ago" He leans on his staff as he speaks.

Before the inevitable question from the friar, Quade answers. "Thunderwing is an eagle...and a rather menacing one at that. It would seem that Zee and his family have known this eagle for many seasons" he gestures to a soft patch of grass. "Zee, please sit down my friend, you look tired"

Lacota's eyes narrow at the mention of Marek. "Ahem, hrmm, ahhh... I'm sure I must be mishearing you, Zee, certainly, my ears must be playing tricks on me. I could almost swear you said... Marek." He nods a little at Quade, adding, "Birds are not generally my cup of tea..."

Benar frowns at Zee then turns his head to look at Lacota, "I see... well I am sure this group will do their best to protect Mossflower. I just hope they do not get over zealous and seek out trouble... and Marek... I am still on the fence about him as you know. He seems changed and," He places a paw on Lacota's arm, "One of the order's founding tenants is forgiveness, openness, a belief that anyone can find peace. But one does worry that wandering Mossflower, fighting evil, righting wrongs it may awaken that dark past he seeks to leave behind. Perhaps... a cooler, wiser leader without such a blemished history would be a better choice," He shakes his head and pulls his hands back from his Friar, "But enough of such talk, it is freezing out here let us all go inside and get something warm to drink."

Zee nods as he listens "Inside would be good, these old bones do not like the cold, it gets to me a lot more now than it...it use to" He walks slowly to the great hall, " Not to worry bout Marek, things will be ok and he will be well behaved at the winter feast I be sure"

Quade listens intently. "Yes, I spent some time in Farville and heard a bit about Marek's colored past. I am certain however from his more recent endeavors that he can be trusted" He jots a few things down on a piece of reed paper. "Any beast may change, I have seen what the seasons can do a beasts morality. My old friend Abbess Korvale once told me that even the coldest of hearts could thaw given time. She was the wisest Osprey I knew..well...the ONLY Osprey I knew, but you get my point"

-gh-

Lacota follows the others into the warmth of Great Hall, frowning. "Oh, now, I must protest. Maybe he changed, though I doubt it. I protest him being at the feast. This is *highly* irregular... What do the other members of the Elder Council have to say about it?"

Benar turns to look at Lacota as he follows, "They support my decision Lacota, we discussed it and I did not extend an invitation until then. The orders founding principles are based around our kindness, forgiveness and Redwall being a place of safety. Personally I do not know if I can ever forgive Marek, but I would not be worthy to continue as Abbot if I could not hold out the branch of peace and forgiveness and off it to him. Redwall is above holding a grudge, beasts can change, there have been other vermin in the past of Redwall who turned over a new leaf and made good. There are several in the archives, vermin who harmed Redwall or Mossflower but eventually saw the error of their ways. So it is not new ground, it is in fact a stalwart part of who and what we are."

Zee listens “I trust the stoat with me life...however much is left in me anyways" He chuckles a little and slowly sits in a chair sighing a little.

Quade has already found the October Ale (seriously, does this squirrel's stomach ever end?) and raises a glass to Zee's statement. "Indeed"

Lacota hmmphs. "That's all well and good... I disagree." He shakes his head. "Seeing as the decision was made without my input, my paws are clearly tied on the matter. I will ask that I be kept better informed in the future. I may be the youngest member of the Council, but I am a member." He sighs, looking up toward the rafters as he calms himself. "Listen, I'm sorry I snapped at you, Benar. This has been dumped on me out of nowhere. I won't say anything further, but I'd appreciate it if you or some other beast would kindly inform... Marek that I'd rather he not enter the Kitchen for any reason. I think that is a valid request."

Benar places a paw on Lacota's arm, "I apologize Lacota, you were invited, I have no idea why the message did not reach you. I will have to have words with Brother Frederick, he was supposed to make sure you got the message. But I will make sure he is not allowed anywhere but the Great Hall that night. I am all in favor of holding out the paw of forgiveness but I'm not stupid. It could all turn out to be a colossal trick to get inside the Abbey and kidnap all the children or something. I will have beasts nearby."

Zee is tired. "Well if no beast has anything else to say *yawn* I'm going to take a nap in Ozzy's chair...it's comfy" before anybeast can protest, Zee is already sound asleep.

Lacota nods, seeming satisfied. "That sounds good. Hopefully, all goes to plan. I need to get dinner ready, though, so I best get back to the kitchen."

Quade's eyes dart to the sleeping Zee. "Wow, he falls asleep quickly" he takes the badger's pulse. "Ah yes, he is in fact asleep. Alright, I just thought I would check" he turns to the stairs. "I'm sure we should let the Friar get to making dinner perhaps, as much as I wouldn't want to miss that I am also fairly tired. I think I will call it a night as well, it was nice meeting you all". A plate of scones is mysteriously gone as soon as the squirrel goes up the stairs.

Benar chuckles at Quade and smiles, "All our badgers seem adept at falling asleep. Now then I have some paperwork to do and you my young squirrel friend have more food to eat it seems." he raises a paw, "I will see you all soon."

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