Redwall MUCK Forum

WHO:

Krisha- Badger Mother

Xander-Novice

some dibbuns spoofed

LOG:

Krisha was having a hard time getting the dibbuns to get to sleep, a sigh " Go to sleep"

"We needs story"

"Yeah a new story"

Xander took a deep breath as he walked in on this chat, he tilts his head and whatever was on his mind, he chooses to forget as he smiled "You all should be good, ya know tis almost time for the Snow Badger after all"

Krisha turns and smiles "I almost forgot about that" She nods "He is right you know"

All the dibbuns pout, frown, one is asleep though but almost all of them are wide awake.

Xander sits down "I can tell a story...but you all have to go to sleep afterward. Us badgers can get notes to the Snow Badger a lot easier than others ya know" He grins " Help him know who is nice or naughty"

Krisha looks to the dibbuns to see their reaction.

The dibbuns seem to look at one another and soon decide to listen to a story before they go to sleep for the night and some are even already tried.

Xander smiles "I know a good story...not scary just...nice, and simple..."

"There once were two beasts, a nice vole couple who lived by the river. It was the time of the season again...that time of the season when the Snow Badger would be around.  But over the many hundreds of seasons, the snow badger had inspired others to give gifts to each other as well. This story is such a tale.

The voles lived by the river, had no children of their own. The wife's name was Sara and the husband's name Jim. They had very little coin to buy each other gifts.

Jim walked around the market place and saw a small gold chain, that would be perfect for Sara's locket, she could wear it since her old chain was broke and lost. But it costs more than he had.
The sales beast said, "maybe a trade? I could use a log boat, log boat for the gold chain?"

After some thought the deal was made.

Meanwhile, Sara noticed oars, nice and with a good design...Jim's Log boat had none ever since he lost them in a storm. She had not enough but she did have her locket, she sold it and got the oars.

Now comes the day of giving and the two exchanged their gifts to one another. Jim looked at Sara "You sold the locket for the oars"

Sara looked to Jim"You sold the log boat for the locket chain"

One would think the day was ruined but it was not. the love for one another only grew as they showed just how much they loved one another that day ."

The story ended and most were asleep, a couple was awake and of course, asked questions and seemed to get the reply they liked, soon all the dibbuns were fast asleep.

Krisha smiled as she walked into the Badger Mother's room "That was a good story, where did you hear it ?"

Xander replies "Some otter along the River Moss, one of the days I and some others camped there  when we were heading to the Western Shores, the otter had helped us find some vermin we were looking for and stayed the night with us, told a story ...that story and a couple of others and shared Hot Root Stew"

Krisha nods "I suppose we should go to bed also dear"

Xander speaks "Yes.....umm Krisha could we....never mind"He decided he was too tired to chat, it could wait after all.

"Could we what dear?" Krisha asked

Xander yawned "I was ..just a chat but it can wait."

Krisha nods "If that's the best, then first thing in the morning or maybe at lunch"

Xander smiles "or after dinner it's...not that important" He is such a liar but...he decided to not tell her, yet anyway, he would tell her of the nightmares...when he was ready if that ever came.

It was later in the night when the nightmare hit and it just had to be one of the bad ones too.

=================================================
Xander was in the woods, that was odd he decided and then frowned as maybe it was a dream but so far...it was nice

The day was sunny and no clouds in the sky and he could see the abbey and it was just a nice day and the temperature was just perfect.

"This is a good dream"

And then...dark clouds suddenly came and one cloud turned into a monster and laughed as it ate the abbey and another cloud seemed to rain down stuff that destroyed the woods.

Xander backed off and frowned, only to get held tight by Kurgun the marten, Jedrick the one that had made him a slave when he was younger, for 4 seasons he was a slave.

"Let me go...nooo!" No matter how much he struggled he could not get loose.

"Watch the abbey, the woods, all you care for disappear and you are helpless..helpless a failure..failure...FAILURE!!"

Xander screamed and struggled more till he fell and then pain in his right side and he couldn't move and that caused more panic as the vermin laughed and the clouds laughed and the trees even looked evil and laughed and then.....

=================================================

Krisha was woken by a yelp and whimper and then he thud and .....what was that? She sat up and looked around.

Xander was on the floor...tangled in the blanket and shivering, he whimpered and mutter "No no no....no please...no...no no..."

Krisha frowns and got up and gently went to untangle the blanket and speak softly "Xander?..Xander love...what is the matter?"

Xander shivered and seemed to panic "No no leave me alone.....them alone.....please....please...."His good eye opened to see Krisha looking at him and  then tears, he then just tightly  hugged her once his arms were free enough and just started sobbing into her nigh shirt

Krisha wrapped her arms around him and frowns, she rubbed his back and spoke softly "It's ok love...I am here and ...." They needed to talk but now was not the time, she would take the morning off and tell the abbot and Matilda Xander was off all of tomorrow.

Xander sobs did quiet down...finally as he ended up crying himself to sleep.

Krisha frowned and then lifted Xander to the bed, yes she is strong, and adjusted the cover on him and laid down beside him. She watched him sleep for an hour before she drifted back to sleep as well. She let him sleep in as she left those who needed to know that she be off till lunch and maybe longer if needed and that Xander didn't have novice duties any of today. She needed to have a chat with Xander as she was sure this was not something that was just a random dream as it could explain his trouble sleeping and a couple of times he just seemed...off, they would have a chat whether he liked it or not!

==Its short but good==

All was quiet at Brock Hall, quiet was normally good and one could sleep in but right now quiet was not totally welcomed.

Krisha just sat, arms over her chest as she was thinking, a frown formed "I want to go home, we need to get home"

Xander shook his head "We could run into Zoltar, we are safe here now."

Oz went to crawl into Krish's lap to take a nap.

Beth sighs "What do we do? That cat has Brother Gorvenalus"

"Will we see him again?" Another novice asked.

Krisha nods "We...we will, I mean...I don't know what I mean" She looks at Xander "We was supposed to be home by now so Matilda will likely come to see  if we are ok and we have to tell her about Zoltar and that ..Brother Gorvenalus is a captive"

Xander nods "I know, I know but we have to have faith things will be ok. I am not saying totally relax but we can't just  worry ourselves to insanity either" He  offers a small smile "I can ..bake some more  scones or cookies maybe?"

The couple order beasts smile at this, one of the novices tilts their head "More?"

Krisha looks at Xander "Xander...dear..how much have you ...made already?"

Xander rubs the back of his head "Well we are out of flour and sugar that we brought....."He chuckles a little "We have 3 dozen sugar cookies, 2 dozen blueberry scones, 1 dozen honey sugar cones, and....ummm...well 1/2 dozen raspberry scones..I could make some cheese scones."

Krisha shakes her head and manages a smile " No....so your  stress relief is baking?"

Xander smiles now "Yeah...why not...we could eat them now ya know." He sits down beside her and kisses her "Look...things will be ok...I mean you  said we would never see the dibbuns again and we  did...we will see Gorvenalus again, he is smart  and will likely figure out how to leave us a trail or someone might see him with he vermin"

Krisha nods "Alright...fine "But she still needs her mind off things, of this..."How about a story?" She motions for all to sit down.

Xander nods "A story be good, one of Brock Hall and its history?"

Krisha nods and goes to tell a story that has the first Badger Mother...Bella..in it. After the Story, everyone goes to bed for the night.

Who:

Krisha-Badger Mother

Xander-Novice

Benar- Abbot

Matilda- Champion

Gorvenalus- Recorder

LOG:

Benar stood at the gate with Matilda, he had on his cloak as the wind was a little strong today and there was a chill in the air.

Matilda smiled "I will make sure they get there safe and sound and I will be back tomorrow by lunchtime, I promise"

Krisha came out carrying Oz as she smiled "I think a few days off will be good, a lot of peace and quiet and time to relax."

Xander followed, in his paw was his walking cane though he didn't seem to need it right now, he was able to walk around without use of the cane, though with a limp, for short periods of time, though he still had the limp even with the cane it was just a lot less noticeable."You sure this is a good idea dear. I am still very early in my novice training"

Oz yawned and seemed to like the idea of being carried, least for now as it seemed a good time for a nap maybe.

Benar smiled as he walked over to Krisha "You do have some others going with you correct?"

Krisha nodded "Yes Benar"She motions to two novices and a couple of order beasts. "Sister Anna and Brother Rick are helping with the dibbuns, and even novice Piper "She then smiles at Xander "Oh don't worry your be helping in Brock Hall and will still have some novice lessons"

Xander sighs but node "Yes dear, of course, but still some time to relax and maybe sleep in?"

Gorvenalus ith a small knapsack chuckling "I am sure your get to sleep in Novice Xander so enjoy a few days off while you can"

Benar smiles as he hands Krisha a key "Here is the key to Brock Hall and I think it's wise Mother Krisha lets you sleep in...but once your back at the abbey and your two-week-long vacation is over...right back to waking right before the sunrise"

Krisha just chuckled and kissed Xander on the cheek. She then got the key from Benar " We will be fine while we are gone." She then blinks "Two weeks..I am only staying a week Benar"

Oz is asleep, so yeah he is quiet.

Benar smiles "Two weeks, you need it Krisha. Some time with family. You, Xander, Oz, and someone can see if Caleb wants to go as well" He will wait, if Caleb wants to go he can go, if not he can stay here at the abbey.

Xander looks over "Two weeks be good.....quiet time, family time...sleeping in"

Krisha smiles and hugs Benar gently, she smirks at Xander "Yeah best enjoy in like he said once back here at the  abbey your sleep in time stops"

Gorvenalus chuckles a little as he stands off to the side and waits.

Matilda walks on towards Krisha and nods, she smiles to Benar " I think I will head off now Benar as would like to get to Brock Hall while it's still light and I will be back by lunch tomorrow" She nods to Krisha, Xander, and Govenalus, as well as who is going with them "Let's head on out"

Gorvenalus nods "Let's go then and I will be heading back with Matilda, only staying the night"But he will likely be busy looking around and reading, so will be tried upon getting back to Redwall the next day.

Xander nods "I am ready, let's go and I may even know a small shortcut to save some time"He smiles, yes it may or may not save time seeing as he has his limp but he is better than he was since his return with the dibbuns .

Krisha smiles "Yes let's head out"She nods to the couple novices and the two order beasts and they go to follow Matilda.

Benar watches them head off and then goes back inside the abbey.

===A few hours Later===

Krisha smiled as she went up to the door and unlocked it, letting everyone in "Welcome to Brock Hall"

Matilda looked around in amazement "Wow, this place is...so grand, it's so amazing"

Xander looked around and went to sit in a chair frowning some, his leg was hurting fairly bad from the walking but otherwise, he was fine. He smiles faintly "Yeah it's nice here...Uncle Oz got to be here before, he liked it and he even learned his away around the place fairly quickly"

Oz was now awake and blinked"Hall?" He said, he still didn't really speak too many words.

Gorvenalus smiled "This place...so much history and wonder "He chuckles at Oz "Yes Brock Hall, badgers lived here for many seasons and badgers help check up on this secret place and keep it safe, keep in in running order."

Matilda decides to make sure all is well and then soon returns to the room and sits down"It's bigger than it seems. All is well, nothing broken and no signs of any beast being in here."

The couple novices and order beasts with them look around and unpack things brought. A mouse maid smiles "We can have dinner ready soon"

Krisha smiles "Good...oh and .." She then looks concerned noticing Xander in pain, she nods to the order beast and novice and looks to Xander "Xander are you ok? Is it your leg?"

Gorvenalus walks over to check on Xander "Perhaps another break on the path would have been best, for now, I say rest we would not want in swelling up" He goes to get a kettle for Willow Bark tea."I will make some tea for pain."

Xander nods "Yeah but..tis fine, not too bad and in the morning I will help make breakfast or least lunch"

Krisha nods, "Rest for now and you can just help make dinner tomorrow and another night, also will help with sweeping and mopping"

Matilda chuckles and leans back in her chair after getting a warm fire started in the fireplace "I would stay more than one day but promised Benar I be back by lunch tomorrow, though maybe slightly late...but only by a few moments"

Gorvenalus gets the tea and gives the mug of tea to Xande once done. He smiles "The rest of us can have a nice mint tea and if you want a small bit of mint or hiney in yours too Xander we can do that"

Xander sips his tea and nods "Yeah I will help tomorrow, sounds good" He smiles and looks tried but he will eat dinner before going to sleep for the night, basically go to bed right after he finishes dinner.

Gorvenalus enjoys the night at Brock Hall and does indeed find a couple of books to read and looks around studying design. He gets maybe an hour and a half of sleep before heading back with Matilda in the morning.....so yes he likely will sleep a lot once home at the abbey.

Leigh had arrived at the abbey with some of the GUOSIM but now seemed to regret coming at all as she felt ill but it did pass at least. Of course, she was checked by a healer and now sits on the steps quietly.   
   
Krisha was letting the dibbuns get some energy out and walked over to the shrew offering a warm smile" Hello you doing Ok?"   
   
Leigh nods, " I am fine..well better than earlier. Just getting some fresh air." She was told to take it easy today and she seemed to debate on still staying, but likely would as there is the feast and not staying would be rude.   
   
Oswald comes walking out of the abbey carrying a large shawl, he is not hard to miss, the shrew is a jingling from the bells in his hair and stops to drape the shawl around Leigh's shoulders. "We should think about heading back to camp soon Leigh."   
   
Krisha smiles, " Fresh air is always..." She stops as a dibbun screams and sighs. " PJ stop putting mud all in Suzzy headfur.." She shakes her head and looks back to the shrew ." Anyways...feast is later today if staying, course up to you" She then nods to Oswald when she sees him.   
   
Leigh nods " I..am likely just going back to camp last few days been not feeling well." And slight stress. She notices Oswald and smiles briefly, she adds" But it's fine. I did talk to a healer..." So she does know why the past week has been...well blah.   
   
Oswald says, "Yeah," Oswald frowns at Leigh then wraps an arm around her shoulder, "We are going to skip the feast I think, and head back home. Leigh needs to rest up and we need to get the cabin and camp ready for winter."   
   
Krisha nods" If the GUOSIM needs some help with the camp to make sure it's ok for winter maybe the abbey can send a little help. " She frowns" sure your ok then?" She asks Leigh.   
   
Leigh nods, she smiles at the shawl." Yes..." She smiles at Oswald as she decides to let him know what the healer said" The cabin will....need to be ready for...one more, though we have till late spring...early summer for that dear."   
   
Oswald hugs Leigh and grins, "Aye," he grins up at Krisha, "Good news no? hehe but yeah we are going to head home and rest up."   
   
Krisha smiles " Congrats and the roads are a bit safer now that some weasel causing problems is gone. You may run into beasts on way here but only cause they are going to the feast.   
   
Leigh smiles. A nod " We will be careful, some of the GUOSIM may be staying for the feast still, I am unsure."   
   
Oswald says, "Log-a-Log will probably be staying and some of the others, but we are going to have a quiet night at home in front of the fire."   
   
Krisha nods." For sure less loud." The abbey was very busy inside and near kitchens. " She strands " again congrats, maybe you both can visit soon"   
   
Oswald exclaims, "Thanks Krisha! Do drop by!" Oswald waves and heads on out to the gates with Leigh, ready to head back to camp."

Benar is in the kitchens, just generally being the abbot, seeing how everything is going before the feast, and doing his best to give a good word of encouragement to everyone.   
   
Krisha walks in having left the dibbuns with Sister Anna and Brother Rick " Hello Benar is all going well?"   
   
Benar turns from a plate of muffins and smiles at the badger, "Not bad, doing my bit to help out before the feast."   
   
Krisha nods " The dibbuns are behaving so far and getting some energy out. I was talking with a couple of shrews earlier that was heading back to camp but Log-a- log is likely somewhere with least some shrews, knowing them by the firepit seeing as they seem to like that area when they visit."   
   
Benar says, "Well I hope they come inside, it is going to get much colder as the sun sets, we are setting up the feast in the great hall today"       
   
Krisha nods," Sounds good. By the way, has Xander been doing better with novice duties? I have not paid as much attention as I likely should but not heard any complain either from anyone."   
   
Benar smiles softly, "I've been keeping an eye on him, from a distance, but yes he is doing well, working hard and doing his best to be a good novice."   
   
Krisha nods, " Likely very busy today then." She smiles " I spoke to our infirmary guest. She might be at the feast if the healers allow and if not someone can bring her something"   
   
Benar asks, "Yes she was a peculiar one, I heard you managed to track down Patch? What trouble had they gotten themselves into this time?"   
   
Krisha replies " I did yes, I did, seems some weasel wanted the tavern and though killing Patch would get it. The weasel is dead now so that's good news"   
   
Benar says, "Oh... well that is not good news Krisha," the abbot sighs, "It is never good news when someone loses their life. But I am glad they are no loner threatening people."
   
   
Krisha says, "I as well, I wonder if Patch is going to be at the feast or not. I know Safana asked"
   
   
Benar says, "Well if Patch turns up it will be nice to see them," he shakes his head and smiled and moves toward the door, "For now though I should get out of the way"
   
Krisha chuckles " Guess we will see, I best check on the dibbuns see you at the feast"

===Later That Day ===

Autumn in Redwall Abbey, more importantly, the Autumn Feast in Redwall!   
   
The Great Hall is festooned with garlands of woven branches festooned with crisp, autumn leaves that have been collected by dibbuns. The tables are groaning under the weight of food and drink and the air is filled with the scent of deliciousness just waiting to be eaten.   
       
Benar is at his chair at the top table and at a nod from the Friar, he stands up and raises his glass and waits for everyone to fall silent. Once he has the attention of everyone he smiles, thick grey squirrel tail swaying from side to side.   
       
"My friends, welcome one and all, members of the order, residents, guests from outside our walls be all welcome today to our annual autumn feast,"   
       
He paused and smiled at the various cheers from the long tables, "Now I intend to keep this short and simple today, we have had a great harvest and an autumn of plenty. Both food and good cheer so with this tankard of Matilda's finest October Ale I bid you all welcome, to the Autumn of Plenty, and open the feast to you all!"   
       
He then takes a swig from his drink and sits back down, the feast now official open.   
   
   
Gorvenalus smiles as he nods and holds up his own glass"Good name"He smiles, he can remember the name and will write it down later. He sips his ale and relaxes, watching others for now.   
   
Krisha has kept the dibbuns well behaved and quiet, they did get some ...a lot, of energy out playing outside and she has them wait and the helpers she has will help get their plates, though she will let those who can get their own plate.   
   
Xander has helped in the kitchens and helped to move a couple of things. He also helped clean and get the tables set. He goes to find a seat when he is given the ok to, he smiles as he sits by Krisha, he will help wash dishes after the feast is over.   
   
Lacota oversees the novices who are bringing in more dishes of food. He's become an expert at wrangling the three-ring circus in his kitchen   
   
Benar smiles at Gorvenalus in thanks as he sits down in his chair and reaches out to help himself to some of the salad before hi8m.   
   
Safana peeks her head out from the steps. She is doing better now and has been told she can stay a short while at the feast so she comes down the steps slowly. A bandaged chest is hidden under a light green shirt she has on.   
   
Patch has done something rare of himself....showed up at the feast, a little late but he is here. He is also....very well dressed, not a fancy suit but a neat and pressed tunic and vest of light blue and matching pants. He has his fur combed back and looks...well very different from his usual messed up fur and a hole in his pants or shirt.
   
Isa waits impatiently with the dibbuns for the grown-ups to get themselves all seated and ready. She's been eyeing the food constantly since she sat down and the moment the feast officially starts she stands up in her chair and starts grabbing things to eat.   
   
Log-A-Log entered with some of his shrews and smiles, waves to others.   
   
Angela is being supremely stubborn. I mean, she always is, but today it's worse than usual. Fortunately, this also means she's not at the feast, so most of the people here have been spared her grumpiness. DoraRose is not here at the moment, having volunteered for the first shift of wall duty for this feast. She'll come in later.   
   
LilyMoore is here with her uncle Emyuil and adoptive cousins Terfil the newt and Zarok the friendly monitor lizard, as well as Butterclaw the Sparra and a couple of other birds. They are seated at the edge of the horde of Dibbuns, most of whom seem to be obeying. Lily decided to sit here, just in case they need her help.   
   
Squirrelbabe has been basically good ever since they arrived back, which may be freaking out some of the more suspicious adults. Her natural leading ability may be contributing to why the rest of the Dibbuns are also behaving. The squirrel also stands in her chair, grabbing a sweet roll and munching it while observing all the other food that's there. "You fink dey gonna makes us eat /salad/??"   

   
A little ways up the steps a squirrel stops behind Safana, a look of mild surprise on his face. "Usually Ah'm th'only one lurking on th'edges, tho' Ah'm no one t'complain 'bout other beasts with sense, Ah'm no'." He smiles in jest more to himself than anyone else as he passes by the rat, the squirrel looks for an opening at a table - not to sit, but to grab a plate and food.   
   
Meanwhile, at the very end of the hall other a teenage squirrel sits with the other abbey beasts his age, and Spruce is doing his best to enjoy the feast; not talking much as his plates are stacked high and his mug full of what he may or may not have sneakily filled from the ale barrels - though he glances nervously around as he takes a sip. Hopefully, Lilymoore, the lizards, and the bird won't sell him out, or worse yet, one of the dibbuns tell.   
   
John gives small waves and quiet words of greeting to those beasts he knows, though he keeps mostly to himself as he starts for a more empty bench set against the wall but he passes by something that makes him halt. The male rat dressed all fancy he could've sworn he'd' recognized from somewhere, and his eyes narrow in suspicion. With a glance between Patch and the other abbey beasts around, the squirrel doesn't do anything yet beyond keeping his attention on the barkeep, muttering to himself, "No, can' be him. They'd never let tha'ol' wormtail in here, they wouldn'."   
   
Krisha keeps an eye on the dibbuns and yes she will make sure they eat something healthy at the feast, along with other things but they also need to be healthy. She gets her own plate and even helps Xander by getting his so he doesn't have to stand or walk anywhere.   
   
Xander smiles and nods "Thanks dear"He chuckles and looks around, it's a good day so far.   
   
A certain mouse tapping a walking stick along the floor also enters the room a bit late, on the heels of a squirrel named John. He descends the steps with practiced ease, just as Lacota stands and waves off a few overly-enthusiastic novices from nicking a whole for themselves.   
   
Safana looks up when she sees Patch and looks surprised he is even here, she stays where she is seated for now and waits to get food.   
       
Gorvenalus gets some food and drink after some others do and leans back to relax and eat   
   
Patch, meanwhile quietly gets a plate of food and some ale and sits down, and no where near John does he sit down    
   
Isa just shrugs at Squirrelbabe's question as she's seated herself near the other dibbun "Probably. Tha's what grown ups like to do. It's like baths, they're always thinkin' about it" she of course gathers only sweet things in her arms to dump on her plate as she flops back down in her seat and immediately stuffs a whole roll into her mouth in one go.   
   
Xander eats his food, sips some October Ale as he glances around."They keep me very busy, but guess that's normal at feast time."   
   
Grace the gosling is here, and boy has she noticed Spruce. While not aware that he stole ale today, she does remember his treatment of her from a few months ago, and now she hops out of her chair, walks over to the Badger Mother, and starts tugging frantically on her habit skirt. "Muvver Krisha!! Muvver Krisha!! Wookit!" She points to the him. "It dat naughty meanie face who pusheded me over an' tawkeded back to you an' shtuff!!"   
   
Squirrelbabe scowls deeply. "I no like bein' tolded what ta do." She gets some soup and some regular rolls in addition to the sweets. She sits down and starts eating her soup, silently comparing it to what they were fed while in slavery and declaring this the best soup she's ever had in her whole life. She does this every time they're fed soup. She just has stopped saying it out loud.   
   
DoraRose comes in with the guards, having made sure their relief were settled before leaving them up on the walls. The mouse Warrior passes by John, smiling and waving. She then hugs her family. On her way to get food, she stops by the rat. "I'm glad you came, Patch. I think it will mean a lot to Xander."   
   
Patch sips his ale "I..decided to come...and yeah suppose" He looks towards where Safana is "And ta..check on Saf.."

   
Safana stands and finally goes to get some food, she stops to look at Patch and study the outfit and fact he has his fur all combed back"You look nice for once"   

   
"Ah, hellgates." John curses as he realizes the rat recognized him. While suspicion and caution are still in his eyes, he lets things be and moves across the hall from Patch as the rat seems currently harmless. He waves to Xander in passing and stops to observe the chaos that erupted between the goose and young squirrel. "Looks like entertainment's 'ere, eh?"   
   
"How /darrre/ you, my good goose!/" With a look of mock horror, Spruce stands, looking for all the world as if he was offended to his very core. "More season ago, least I remind you!" His paw clutches at his heart, hamming it up as much as he can, "Cannot I grow and learn and live without biases of my /regrettable/ past lingering, my dear Grace?" His other paw, meanwhile, gently pushes the ale mug (thankfully nearly empty) behind his pile of dishes.   
   
Krisha folds her arms over her chest and looks at Spruce "I remember you being rude, to more than one beast. It be best to behave today as I would hate to ask anyone to leave the feast"   
   
Xander waves to John and then blinks as the..arguement? starts. He just lets others handle it, breaking up arguments is not on the list of novice duties.   
   
Lacota throws his paws in the air, as an argument appears to be breaking out. Lovely. Thomas the mouse, meanwhile, makes his way toward John. "Your voice sounds familiar, friend. Have we met before?"   
   
Another shrug from Isa for Squirrelbabe "Yeah but they're goin' to tell us anyway. Don't mean we have ta listen" she reasons. If there's one thing she picked up from slavery it was to become even more strong willed. The abbey folk wouldn't do anything like the slavers so she doesn't rebel too much but shouting at her doesn't really work now. Her ears perk and she looks up from her food to watch Grace and Spruce but it only briefly stops her from eating.   
   
Safana nibbles some salad and pie, and some scones "This is good food here,really good" She looks to see if anyone is paying attention and goes to reach for some ale. which she likely is still a slight bit young for...well she is a teen..well in her late teens she is ALMOST an adult right?   
       
   
"Oh, brother..." DoraRose watches this for a moment, then walks over to stand beside Spruce. "What all has he done, Krisha?" The Warrior picks up the squirrel's tankard and sniffs it. "And why are you drinking ale?" Gracie stomps a webbed foot. "'E a wiar! An' a meanie face! An' DON'T YOU SAY MY NAME!!" She yells at him.   
   
Squirrelbabe sighs and continues eating her soup. "Dat twue....but I fink I'll eat some, anyways, if it gots does crunchy bwead fings on it." She does enjoy her croutons. LilyMoore stands up, holding out her paws placatingly. "Now, friends, can we please stay civil? Gracie, I'm sure it'll be alri-" "HE A BIG MEANIE FACE!! Miss Dora, make 'im weave da Abbey!" The gosling is getting poufy from how agitated she is.   
       
   
Xander looks between them and hmmms. He does glace at Safana and decides to speak to her "Hey....there, you doing ok and maybe drink some cider or...ummm strawberry fizzz?" He glances at Spruce and back to Safana.   
   
John turns from the two young creature's arguing and chuckles a bit at the mouse's words. "It's been a long while, it has. Met fall 'efore last, methinks. Thomas, were it?"   
   
"Twas only one creature I was rude to, madam!" Spruce's mock offended tone had turned genuine for a moment as he speaks out right after the badger mother as he sits back down, "And I regret it very much, I do - regret it to this very day. And that /was/ more than a season ago, /and/ I apologized profusely at the time." Bowing his head he returns to himself, giving a very dramatic sigh. "Though I have begged Grace's forgiveness on /numerous occasions," an exaggeration, "She clearly has not found it in her stoney heart to forgive me. I swear on my tail there's /nothing/ in this wide, green, wonderful world that I want more than to be friends with the poor goose, "Another large sigh accompanied by clasping his paws over his heart, "But she seems rather unfairly determined to be set against me at every turn I take -" And the goose starts calling him names and trying to get the gate keeper to kick him out. "-And I am HURT Grace. /Hurt/." To complete the illusion his bottom lip quivers, looking pitiful. Xander   
   
Krisha takes a deep breath and stands up"Spruce....behave and please...ya know what...sit in another chair no where close to Gracey"   
   
Safana tenses up and glances at Xander, "Your not my..guardian and I am 6 and a half seasons old" And then she does to throw ale in his face weeeee!!!!!!... This feast is great huh? She stands and mutters "Why I even come downstairs....bunch of morons....."   
   
Lacota makes his way into the fray. "Please, *please*, quiet down, every beast." He stares at Spruce. "...Do I know you?" Across from the commotion, Thomas smiles. "Thomas it is. Glad to see you're back...relatively speaking. Out adventuring again? You have to tell me everything... I don't get out as much as I used to..."   
   
Isa slowly stops eating as she's watching the chaos unfold while the normal maker of said chaos is peacefully sat beside her. She points a bit of apple at Spruce as she's talking to Squirrelbabe "If we talked tha' much when we're tryin' to get out of stuff our tongues would fall out" she blinks then when Xander gets a drink thrown at him "...Y'know they might not notice the salad this time. They look kinda busy"   
   
Gracie starts to cry. "'E no said sorry....'e wiar....'e pusheded me over an' talkeded back t'Muvver Krisha..." DoraRose sighs as slight chaos ensues around her. And it's not even the fault of the DAB this time!! "YOU," she points to Spruce. "Find somewhere away from this area to sit in, and be quiet. YOU," she points to Safana. "That is unacceptable behaviour. I have no idea what you two were saying or how you know each other, but you /will not/ act that way in this Abbey. I suggest you also sit elsewhere and continue to enjoy your food." LilyMoore goes to separate Safana and Xander, silent for now as she lets her mother, the Gatekeeper, do her thing. Squirrelbabe continues eating. "Glad I'm not da one in twouble dis time. I fink he's lying. Only liaws say dat much when dey'we accused."   
   
Krisha seems to not be sure whom to go after and then the much needed help looks welcome but she still looks like she is angry, a deep breath as she speaks"Stop arguing..."A dibbun mouse slaps another dibbun who wails, the badger mother gives...a look and both dibbuns stop and go back to eating some food.   
   
Xander frowns and just slowly stands "I...should get ..cleaned off....."He takes one look at Krisha and decides, let's not ask her how she is or....get in the way as he gets his cane and carefully gets away from the table and to where he can clean off....yeah good plan and he will still help clean dishes after the feast.   
   
Safana glares at Dorarose and snorts "Your not my mom shut up lady....." She sits down in her chair and pouts.   
   
With one eyebrow raised John takes in the disaster playing out around him and Thomas with a middle amused look. "Indeed I sure will, tho' there's little 'nough t'tell h'past summah - I were lurking 'round this abbey since th'rat attack, I were. Keepin' well ou'o'th' way o' -" he waves a paw at the dibbun table, "- o' that."   
   
Spruce, for his part, has kept his emotions in check as he's been having a bit of fun up until the badger mother and gatekeeper turn on him. The young squirrel - old enough to not be called a dibbun yet young enough to not be called an adult - slowly stands, rearing to his full hight (though nowhere near that of the other older squirrels in the room he had grown more than a head taller since the spring) as genuine anger sparks in his eyes. "I'm not /going/ to sit." He drops his earlier eloquence but is calm as he says, clearly. "I'm refusing to sit back. I'll /leave/ this feast, because I've lost my appetite. /Thank you very much/." There's an edge to his tone as the young squirrel stands, extricating himself from the table and heading for the kitchen. "I'll start washing the pans for the good frier because Martin knows that's what I'll be ordered to do now, right?"   
   
Lacota harrumps, at the younger squirrel. Impudence. If only he hadn't been just as impudent in his younger days, too. "Yes, and don't you leave that room till you've cleaned EVERY DISH, young lad... And AFTER I've had a talk with you. That's final!" Then, he turns on Safana. "As for YOU, young lass, you're going to go HELP him. Is that clear? And don't you dare even think of back-talking me, or I'll keep you in there till you're 100 seasons old. IS THAT CLEAR?" Thomas startles when the Friar starts raising his normally calm and collected voice. Having unruly adolescents hijack his perfectly planned must really do a number on a beast. "Oh, I can *quite* understand," he says to John.   
   
Benar walks back in, he'd popped out to take care of something, and pauses as he hears Lacota shouting at people. He frowns around the room and puts on his best "I am not noticing anything, but I will start noticing if you don't all start behaving" Abbot expression and makes a move toward his chair.   
   
John laughs at the absurdity of it all. "Indeed!" He says, loud enough for the whole room to hear. "As th'abbot's not noticed anything, this here's a feast, aren't it? Enjoy it you lot - I'll go an' talk t'th'squirrel - Spruce were his name, aye?" He says as he follows the teenager out to the kitchen   
   
Isa nods to Squirrelbabe's words "I think so to...but it doesn't look like it was workin' anyway and now he's mad" she looks back to Safana again then, tail giving a little twitch "She's bein' angry to DoraRose though..." she's not sure if she likes that but then Lacota starts yelling and she stares at the Friar "Now they're in trouble" she mutters.   
   
Krisha manages to calm down, she starts to say something to Safana but....no, the rat maid has said something to Dorarose....yeah the rat maid is doomed and the BadgerMother lets Dora deal with Safana as she gives a behave look to the dibbuns and goes to finish some food.   
   
DoraRose's blue eyes harden, and she goes to grab Safana's ear and twist it. The Warrior may be relatively short for a mouse, but she is very strong, quick, and sometimes easily angered. "I may not be your mother, but I am the Gatekeeper, and I have the right and the ability to kick you out of the Abbey. Now behave, and don't talk back." LilyMoore frowns. "Why are you so angry, friend?" Squirrelbabe chuckles a little and eats some salad (hey, it has croutons). "Dis is funny....ovvew beasties needta gets in twouble mowe often so we's don't."   
   
Safana tries to pull away, bad idea as she mutters something rude and then after a brief moment "Sorry..."She says and shakes her head, wait is she about to cry?....maybe but she manages not to as she will sit down and just quietly eat.   
   
Lacota harrumps. Personally, he'd prefer Safana helping Spruce in the kitchen with the dishes, but he says no more, cool, calm, and collected facade returning, once more.   
   
With things calming down and beasts suitably calming down, Isa looks back to her food again though she's never stopped eating it "Y'know that would have made a good distraction for somethin'" missed opportunities. Hanging out with Squirrelbabe has made her think a lot more like the DAB.   
   
DoraRose releases the rat when she apologizes, her anger melting into concern. LilyMoore kneels beside Safana's chair. "Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?" Squirrelbabe thinks for a moment, then nods. "Yeah, we shoulda stole some cookies fow latew. Oops." She finishes all her real food and starts tackling her plate that is heaped with desserts. "Dis has been a gweat feast!" Gracie is still sniffling, and she looks ready to cry again at a moment's notice.   
   
Safana frowns, " Just....everyone is...kind of nice and...I don't have parents, they died...mom did couple of seasons ago and my Uncle...he is only family have but we hardly know each other and my mom didn't like him much....but he is still my uncle. And I had a..place" Sort of she did.." But it sort of got messed up ."   
   
Lacota shakes his head and sighs. What a day so far...   
   
Isa looks around quickly as the idea of stealing cookies is mentioned "It might not be too late..." she says quietly as she slides down out of her chair and under the table, silently disappearing. She's always been good at vanishing when grown ups stop paying attention.   
   
Benar departs from his chair and starts to circulate around the room, pausing to speak to people as he goes, chatting quietly and smiling and thanking everyone. He slowly makes his way over toward Dora and Lacota, "Dorarose, good day," he is carrying a tankard of ale and a cheese straw, nibbling on it, "I trust all is well and you are enjoying the feast?"   
   
DoraRose now kneels beside the rat, smiling sadly. "I'm sorry that happened to you. Life isn't fair. I wish it was. Is your uncle here? Maybe you could move here to Redwall and spend more time getting to know him." LilyMoore nods. "Yeah, we'd love to have you here. Maybe we could even be friends!" Dora gives the Abbot one of those looks that should inform him that he literally just missed everything. She is a little cranky still. Meanwhile, Squirrelbabe looks kind of offended at the kitten's disappearing act. "'Ey, whewe you goin'?" And she, too, vanishes under the table. What mischief they're about to get up to, no one knows.   
   
Benar smiles back at Dora, he is glad he missed everything, if he missed it all, he doesn't have to be Mr. Rules and Regulations handing out punishments and giving people talking toos for once. He then smiles at Safana, "You would be most welcome to stay, your Uncle Patch... visits us sometimes as well so you could see him too"   
   
Safana frowns, she rubs her eyes. She frowns and pulls out a couple of things...a couple of spoons, some pack of herbs, some sort of trinket and frowns, " You can...kick me out now...s..sorry just use to..stealing and.." She shrugs at her uncle and then speaks. " Patch...but I think he cares less" She doesn't know he is why she got to the infirm in first place. She looks at the abbot. " He...does?" She looks unsure." But ..." She is confused.." He has friends?"   
   
Lacota is helping himself to a flagon of ale to calm his own nerves after everything earlier. "Well, otherwise, this was all a success."   
   
Benar shakes his head, "I don't throw people out for stealing... trinkets, I'd ask you not to do so again Safana..." he glances at Dora, "I'll put you in DoraRose's charge though, she can teach you our ways, introduce you to the kind of peaceful life you can have here in Redwall."   
   
Everyone should be proud of DoraRose for not visibly reacting to the fact that Safana's uncle is Patch. She wants to roll her eyes, but she doesn't. She instead smiles. "Aye, I can help you learn how to be a Redwaller if you'd like." LilyMoore grins. "And maybe I can help you make some more friends, too!" Then again, everyone in the Abbey, basically, is Lily's friend, so it doesn't seem hard to her.   
   
Benar places a hand on Lily's arm and smiles at her then moves on, he doesn't want to play favorites at the feast, so he resumes his wandering around the tables, stopping to chatter to everyone and just mingle.   
   
Safana looks back and forth. " Like a...novice?" She remembered the term, she then frowns." But Im..a vermin."   
   
Lacota likewise almost chokes when it comes out her uncle is Patch. That explains...everything. He's too tactful to say anything, though. He has to give Spruce a lecture later, anyway.   
   
DoraRose shrugs. "You don't have to be a Novice if you don't want to be. I can just teach you how to be a Redwaller like me -- I'm a Warrior and the Gatekeeper. I think I'll die fighting, never a Novice or a Sister of the Order." LilyMoore chimes in. "And just because you're a vermin doesn't mean you can't be a Redwaller. Some of my dearest friends are vermin!"   
   
Safana manages a small smile, if allowed she might hug the mouse. She is also fairly tried so there is that. She will finish her meal and sleep soon.
   
Yay! A hug! The mice return to their family after making sure Safana is okay. This has been one of the strangest of feasts.

Who:

Krisha- Badger Mother

Gorvenalus- Recorder

Matilda- Redwall Champion

LOG:
Krisha of course had the dibbuns around her and carried Oz in her arms as she glanced around as if looking for something or maybe someone. The dibbuns were being well behaved, for now.
   
Gorvenalus offered a smile as he came in from the Library " Greetings Mother Krisha, did you need help finding something?"   
   
Krisha snorted" Yes. Xander was supposed to help with the dibbuns and is not back yet, he said an hour and seems he choose to try and skip the afternoon, he needs a lecture on how to be a novice if he is still serious about being one."   
   
Gorvenalus nods, " Yes novices are to keep busy after all. I can look for him and have a chat, but he is not the only novice who has tried to skip chores at times "   
   
Krisha says, "I didn't say he was Brother Gorvenalus but he needs to learn, he is used to having so much free time and needs to be told, he cant now" She looks angry and hands Oz off to the beaver" I am gonna go give him a lecture right now, he is likely sleeping in the clearing and if he isn't he BEST have a good excuse, either well I will drag him back if needed." She managed to stay calm as she walked to, the gate, the clearing was only a 15-minute walk."   
   
Gorvenalus nods and blinks as he takes Oz, " Krisha..wait.." He looks at the other dibbuns and frowns, ok he best get a couple of beasts to help, him with, the,dibbuns while Krisha is away.

The clearing was quiet, maybe a little too quiet or the afternoon in Mossflower. A bird nearby did seem to be singing. There was no one here in the clearing, it was just the grass, the trees, an area where the grass and dead brown and colored leaves were a bit, messed u...like flattened as it someone dragged something off to a path.

Krisha stormed into the clearing and looked around the clearing. She tapped her foot and then frowned as she walked further into the clearing. A sigh came from her 'Of course he wandered further."

Near a tree was a used sleeping dart, by that was Xander's cane and the drag sort of drag marks, sort of stopping and starting a couple of times to a path then stoped and are lost.

Krisha quickly rushed over and picked up the cane. A panic now "Xander...XANDER!!!!!"

A sound of crunching leaves comes up behind her and then stop close behind her, a paw on her shoulder. "Krisha" It was not Xander's voice.

Krisha spins around and swings the cane at whoever is behind her." Get away!"

"Whoa!" Says a voice "Calm down" Paws in the air and backing away to avoid being hit "It's me, Matilda, it's ok calm down...what happen?"

Krisha drops the cane "Matilda...I'm. I'm sorry I thought maybe you were someone else that may of...."She frowns, worry on her face "Xander would never walk off without his cane and the d...dart, wot is it? What...happen to Xander?"

Matilda looks around and examines the dart. She picks up the cane and hands it to Krisha "I..Don't know, sleeping dart maybe." She takes Krisha's paw to led her back to the abbey "You will go back to the abbey and sit. I will look for Xander I promise and maybe take a couple others with me"

Krisha allows the walk home and sits by the fireplace of the Great Hall "But..."She sighs and leans back, some tears show and she wipes them away. "Just fine him...I just...I went looking for him, he said he be at the clearing for maybe an hour...no more and it's been 3 hours and I was gonna go leacture him but he...he wasn't there sleeping like thought. What if he is in bad trouble?What if..."

"He is alive or else we would have found him. Whatever happened, whoever may have done this...well we will find out...well I will. You stay here Krisha and me and couple others will look" Matilda says as she pats the badger's shoulder and heads off.

Krisha nods and sinks further into the chair, the rest of the day she takes off, worry, and a little stress creeping in now.