Erg, World's Largest Dibbun. - LP 12/7/19

Ol'random · 2019-12-08 09:48:03 PM

Pvt. Dominik A. Kasimir,
Sgt. Felicity E. Rosinbloom,
Lt. Gregorian F. Harthwill,
and Sgt. Terrence W.H. Cadwallader, hares.

The day after Dominik was taken in...

Hard work had been done in the night and morning, the hares taking down their encampment as quickly as they could. By noon, nearly all the tents save for a few pavilions had been neatly packed away, and, while the luncheon meal is being prepared, the last of the tents are bing pulled down. A little way off from the camp by an old, knotted tree, Terrence sits with a walking stick next to him. The sergeant is seemingly contemplating the cold swamp, staring out into the marshlands.

Felicity has been helping with the packing and breaking camp. Now that there's not really much more to do, she, too, has time to contemplate. She quietly makes her way over to where her fellow sergeant is and stands by him, arms crossed, blue eyes scanning the swamps. She says nothing for now, her brows furrowed, her countenance sad.

"Suppose Dom will hate me from now on." Terrence breaks the silence, gaze fixed on the bogs and mud. His spectacles are long gone, having been lost in the struggle to subdue the private, and he has been using a walking stick to get around. "I never talked to him before all this started, and I think I regret that, now." He turns then to face Felicity looking at her through squinted eyes. She isn't the only one in a somber mood.

Felicity sighs. "I dunno....'e seemed pretty ready t'go with ya. May'ap 'e'll forgive ya, assumin' 'e's mad in th'first place." She kicks absently at the dirt. "I wish my talkin' t' 'im 'ad worked. I 'ad so much 'ope. It seems like m'friend might be gone f'r good." Tears are welling up in her eyes. "Y'can't blame y'rself," she manages to get out. "There are so many 'ares, 'tis 'ard to talk to 'em all."

Though nodding slowly, Terrence doesn't seem convinced. "Perhaps." He mutters, closing his eyes - though he can't quite see her clearly, he can hear the sadness. "Dom only went with me after we broke him, I believe - he reminded me of a terrified leveret in the end, a far cry from what he was..." The sergeant turns his face up the sky. "I can just barely see the blue up there, wot." He sighs, "And you- you shouldn't blame yourself for not getting through to him. You had no paw in any of this, really. The toads and our unwariness is what did it... I've been reaping what I sowed, I think."

Felicity swallows as a tear trickles down her cheek. "Oh, aye, I....I know. It still makes me so sad t'see one o' m'friends 'urt so badly, y'know? Dom used to be so gentle and brave. I....it breaks m' 'eart t'think of whot those acursed toads must've done t' 'im to make 'im like this. I just 'ope, once we get back t'th'Mountain, I can keep talkin' t' 'im an' maybe someday bring 'im back close t'th'way 'e used t'be." She wipes her cheeks, trying to make her crying not be obvious. She is secretly glad he lost his glasses. She's a mess right now.

"If it means anything, I hope that too." Terrence tries to meet where he thinks her gaze is. "By all accounts Dom was - is - a well liked and promising hare, least by how you and the majah speak of him. Whatevah happened with the toads, its done and over now. Dom is back with us, now." He only half believes what he says, of course - the way Dom had acted once the nets were over him will be burned into Terrence's memory for long seasons.

Felicity is actually still staring out into the marsh, so her face isn't even turned towards him. Shows how important eye glasses are to their wearers, huh? She nods, a tear reaching her collar. "Aye. At least 'e's safe with those who care about 'im. I....'e's got t'still be in there, somewhere. We just need t'find the way t'get 'im back. In every way."

With a sigh Terrence shifts on the fallen log. "Indeed..." Noticing the outline from the bright sky behind that her ears and head are turned to the marsh he looks back down, sheepish. Then a thought strikes him - "Majah Varus spoke of having him committed, o'somesuch thing." He does his best to look directly at her, regardless of if she's facing him or not. "That is not something we can let happen."

Felicity scowls deeply. "Committed? Committed t'where? There's not a 'ospital f'r crazy beasts anywhere near where we are. Would 'e send 'im t'Redwall? That just doesn't even make sense. 'E'd be bettah off at th'Mountain, bein' cared foh by beasts 'e knows..." she's sort of mumbling to herself now, trying to make sense of what the Major could've meant.

"It may have just been hyperbole on his part," Terrence shrugs, "But even so, you're absolutely right. I'd go so far as to say Dom shouldn't leave the mountain, nor should hares like me or Z-" He cuts himself off, biting his tongue before continuing, "...Most of the the privates go neah him o' bothah him. He needs time most of all, that I'm sure of. Time to himself or whatnot..."

Felicity finally looks at the buck. "The Privates are botherin' 'im? Like, on purpose?" She has an angry edge to her voice now, like some Privates are just *asking* for something really terrible to happen to them. "Which ones? Whot are they doin'?"

Terrence, slightly taken aback, says, "No - nothing on purpose. Howevah, my feah is that hares, 'specially those that don't know him well, might misunderstand and do something idiotic, whethah it be annoying, callous, or just outright rude." He bows his head, sighing again. "And I know for a fact at least one of the recruits is scared of him."

Felicity frowns. "Oh, great....is it Konnah?" She sighs and rubs her eyes. "Well, great. You're right, I 'adn't even thought o' that. May'ap we should ask th' 'Ealahs to do some, like, education trainin' or somethin'?" She looks back at the camp, her brow furrowing. "Whot d'y'think we can do t'support 'im? I'm now even more worried than I was before." Despite everything that's happened, she still sees him as a friend. And she's too loyal to truly give up on her friends.

"No, not Konnah, though I don't doubt he is too." Terrence remains facing the marsh, sitting on the log. "To be quite honest, I don't think any sort of education or training will help some of ou' hares," he mutters, darkly, "I'm rathah sure some of them will ignore it no mattah what we say, or think it's trivial..."

"Aye, o' course there will be those monstahs," Felicity agrees urgently. "But it would 'elp those who wish t'undahstand, but don't know 'ow t'go about it." She straightens, her voice hardening, "An' as long as they're lowah than Sergeant, I can deal with th' othahs. I don't bloody care whot they think, I c'n still force 'em t'do 50 laps 'round th'Mountain f'r not 'avin' compassion. Kindness is whot separates us from th'villains who keep tryin' t'conquer th' world, an' I 'ave no problems disciplinin' those who refuse t' acknowledge that." She smiles a little wickedly. "May'ap I should even talk t' 'is Lordship when we get back....see whot 'is ideas on this are..." She's had a rough time out here, can you tell?

Dominik is seated away from the main camp area, the massive white buck huddled down in the sitting position he'd adopted while living in the cave. It's more of a crouch, really, and those icy blue eyes stare out into the marshes, still with that hardened gaze, though with the occasional flicker of fear as well. He is still, the only movements coming from the occasional flick of an ear, flick of his tail or twitch of a whisker. There is soft, low rumbling in his chest, and it more than likely scared off anyone from at least attempting to approach and try to talk to him. He had fallen silent ever since being captured, not having uttered a single word since his panicked shouts while under the nets.

Terrence can tell. "Have to get back home, first." He looks up at the sky again, standing. "And, well, I'm also," he pauses, searching for the right word, "...Afraid, wot. Afraid that hares eithah too incompetent o' too stubborn might be an issue." After a bit of searching with his paw, he grabs the walking stick. Dropping his voice low, as if he doesn't want to be heard by anyone else, he whispers, "I mean that I'm particularly talking about highah ups being too bloody stubborn and set in theih ways, which they've all too often been in the past..."

Felicity snorts. "Like Varus?" She mumbles in a barely audible voice. "I'll make sure t'talk t'Lord Ciocan personally. I believe 'e will 'ave compassion an' 'elp us 'elp Dom. 'Is Lorship 'as a big 'eart, as far as I can tell." She turns, scanning the camp. "But, yes, we 'ave t'get back 'ome first, wot! Let's go check on Dominik now. I want t'make sure 'e's alright." After offering the other Sergeant a paw to help him up, she makes her way through the camp to where the big mountain hare is.

Dominik notices others approaching him, the fur on the back of his neck bristling and standing on end as Felicity and Terrence get nearer. Those chilling eyes fall upon the two, and the large hare simply stares at them both with that steely, emotionless gaze. His whiskers give a twitch, teeth baring for a moment or two, before he calms a little more, though there is still the soft rumbling. Paws clench, digging into the ground, then eventually settle. He had seemingly given a simple tunic to wear to cover himself, though that had already been partly shredded.

"Thank you..." Terrence mutters, taking the paw to help him up. "Varus isn't really the one I meant - besides, I think he cares about Dom just as much as you do, if not showing it the same way. I was a bit harsh I think earliah in what I said about the majah." He follows after Felicity, still speaking quietly, "No, I was generally talking of those hares who've been in charge for a long time. Like how my late fathah was - more callous and unthinking of the individual because of the main goal..." He is vaguely aware that the direction they went is where Dom is, and once he hears the rumbling he stops some yards away, leaning on the walking stick. He'll let Felicity do the talking, she seems better than him at that.

Felicity shrugs. "Well, I'll still tell 'is Lordship an' let 'im deal with them. Pretty sure they don't want a badgah mad at them, y'know?" As the Terrence stops behind her, she approaches the white hare, smiling and not looking even a tiny bit afraid (although she does stop out of his arm's reach). "Mornin', love. 'Ow are y'feelin'? I'm glad t' 'ave y'back with us, I am. 'As anybeast brought y'lunch yet?" She's pretty sure it's done being cooked, but with everyone being all scared of him and everything, he may not have been fed yet today.

Dominik's eyes rest on Terrence, narrowing after a moment as he stares at him, as if half expecting the smaller hare to try and taunt him or throw another net over him. He shrinks back a little, before noticing Felicity there as well. As the doe speaks, Dom's ears perk up, and his eyes fall on her. She doesn't get nearly the same look as he'd given Terrence, and he watches her quietly as she attempts to communicate with him. "Mmmmrf," he mutters, softly, giving a shake of his head to the question. He hadn't really felt like eating much, and of course, it's likely no one was brave enough to try and bring him something.

"I'd wondah..." is the only response Terrence gives on the matter of the Badger Lord- and he keeps his own private doubts about Ciocan to himself. Now that Felicity is trying to engage with Dom he remains silent, watching and oblivious to the looks the big white hare might give him. A little ways away from in in the now former heart of the camp the sounds of the meal starting can be heard.

Felicity frowns. "I'm sorry 'bout that. 'Ere, lemme go get us some food. I'll be right back, love. I promise." She walks off to where the food is being served, promising her fellow Sergeant that she'll bring him some, too. She is fully aware of the looks Dominik was giving Terrence. She just figures they can chill for a few minutes without her. As long as the nearsighted buck doesn't do anything ridiculous, everything should be fine.

Dominik watches quietly as Felicity heads off to seemingly procure some food. He keeps his gaze fixed on the spot where she'd left, and once she is gone, his eyes slowly drift back to rest upon Terrence. The smaller buck gets a stare and a scowl again, the large white buck simmering as he crouches there. He doesn't exactly look what one might describe as 'happy', the buck recalling the things Terrence had shouted during his appearances in the camp. He likely would never forget them, either, regardless of which way his mental condition would stray. "Hmmph." he grunts, dismissively.

"Thank you, Lissie!" Terrence breaks his silence and once she's gone he, currently unable to see what Dom is doing exactly or his expression, sits down. He can guess how Dom might look at him, and it might even be worse than the reality. The sergeant, though he stands taller than most bucks, is at least a head or so shorter than the arctic hare across from him, even while sitting. To appear unthreatening, he lays down his walking stick and tries giving a smile - but it's a sad thing.

Felicity comes back with a tray. On the tray are 3 plates heaped high with steaming food. She bends and hands Terrence one, complete with a fork and a cup of warm, spiced juice. She then closes the distance between the 2 bucks, smiling. "Rice, beans, veggies. Smells pretty good for field rations, actually." She hands Dominik his juice and a spoon, then his plate of food. She then sits down near him and digs into her food with a spoon of her own. She doesn't seem afraid by any means, and is actually acting quite comfortable, considering she's near someone who would probably be certified as a legitimate lunatic.

Gregorian has been watching from afar, trying to judge just what sort of condition Dom's in without disturbing things. It had been a trying few days and for the first time in ages the blacksmith had dug his pipe out of somewhere and been smoking while he thinks. It's not until Felicity is clearly coming back with food and going to get near Dom that he finally feels the need to move. He's not diving in to action or anything, he hopes for the best, but he does start his way over in case the worst happens. "Aftahnoon all," he greets as he's getting closer.

Dominik's attention shifts back to Felicity as the doe returns with food. Luckily for Terrence, Dom doesn't give him any further dirty looks...at least for the time being. As he is handed the food and drink, he merely stares down blankly at his plate and the steaming rice, beans and vegetables. That blank look is lifted to Felicity, the buck giving her a look as if to ask 'what am I supposed to do with this?' He stares, his voice finally heard, low and raspy. "...not...toad." A frown crosses his muzzle, before glancing back down at the plate. "Is...toad? Vere...toad?" He lifts a paw and lightly pokes at the small piles of food. Greg gets a look from Dom, but his attention goes back down to the plate of food and his curiosity with it.

With another nod of thanks, Terrence takes the offered food, being careful where he sets the plate. He's soon tucking in, not yet willing to strike up conversation himself. When Gregorian comes, however, he does venture in saying, "Hello, sah." Beyond that he keeps quiet, as per usual - especially with what Dom says. He looks up and opens his mouth as if to say something else, but thinks better of it and goes back to his food. Not toad indeed.

Felicity has picked up her plate and set her cup on the ground beside her. The tray is still on her lap. She thinks for a few minutes as Dom finally says something coherent. She then smiles. "'Ow d'y'know there's no toad in 'ere, though? Just 'cause I didn't mention it doesn't mean 'tisn't there, wot!" There most certainly is no toad in the food, but she doesn't feel like saying that right now. Get him eating healthier food under the assumption it has toad guts in it, and maybe when he's not as crazy he'll stop wanting toad. She has no idea if this will work, but she might as well try, right?

Gregorian is pleasantly surprised that not only does Dom not attack on sight but there's words spoke too! Too bad it's about eating toads. He nods at the big hare "Give it a try lad, it's good food" he comes to a stop at a reasonable distance to keep an eye on things. Terrence he nods to "Doin' alright with the stick?"

Dominik gives Felicity a look of suspicion, guessing that she is more than likely just trying to tell him what he wants to hear to get him to eat. Just like a leveret. His eyes narrow at the doe, a frown upon his muzzle, and his nose twitches as he leans down to sniff at the plate. "...hmm. No smell...toad..." he mutters, after a short while of sniffing. "Still. Hungry. Vil...eat." he finally decides, though the spoon that had been offered is forgotten. Dom lifts the plate to his face and begins to make short work of it, likely covering anyone who happened to be seated near him in bits of vegetables as he ravenously wolfs down the food. He hadn't eaten since the previous day, and so the hare was likely quite hungry. Picking up the cup, he slurps down the liquid before tossing it away, and returning his attention to whatever remained of the food on the plate.

Both Felicity's and Dominik's words give Terrence pause, who looks down at his plate and gently sets it to one side. He wouldn't put it past the cooks to throw in something like that, even if the food is tastes all well and good. The juice should be safe, though. "Eh, the stick?" He asks over the rim of the cup, mildly confused, "Ah, right. Yes, it's been helpful, but the soonah I can see properly again the bettah." He downs the drink, with a slight wince as Dom's own cup makes a loud clank. "The plan is to head out once lunch is ovah, right sah?"

Felicity smiles and winks at Dominik, even as she scoots out of flying food range with her meal. "Nothin' much could evah get past you, Dom." Glancing at Terrence, she rolls her eyes. "Oh, f'r pity's sake, there's not actually toad in th' food. Yeesh." She finishes up her meal, slowly drinking her juice as she marks the path of Dom's cup with her gaze. She finally looks at the Lieutenant. "I can walk wi' Dom," she volunteers.

Gregorian nods once with satisfaction that Dom is at least eating the food. He'll forgive the table manners. "Yes, provided we're ready tah march out then." he responds to Terrence's question, "I'd like tah get home at last tah see my daughtah. A bath followed by a comfortable bed wouldn't go amiss eithah. I'm somewot tired of smellin' swamp." he eyes Terrence's meal for a moment, "If yah not eatin' that..." he'll gladly take it. A brief distraction and he nods back at Felicity. "That seems a sensible idea," seeing as she seems to be good with the big hare.

Dominik soon finishes off his own plate, tossing it to the side much like he did the cup, previously. Noticing that Terrence had decided to seemingly forgo his own food, the massive hare reaches over with a hefty paw and lifts the plate, bringing it over towards him. Lifting it to his face, he makes short work of that plate of food as well, even as Greg offers to take the food. Too slow! The plate gets tossed at Terrence, whether it was an accident or not, no one can really say. Dom gives Terrence a smirk, his face and front covered in the food, before he glances back over towards Felicity. "Hmrph. Vil valk. Vith her," he states, simply, pointing at paw at the doe, his tone quieter than it normally tended to be. It seems that decision was made.

"OI!" Terrence can tell Dom took his food, and he starts to crawl after him - he soon gives up and sits down, having smacked his knee on a rock. "What I bloody get for being paranoid..." The sergeant mutters, darkly. "A drink then my own bed in a warm room is what I'm hoping for tonight, wot. And not having to wake up to the freezing cold 'round here and have my food stol-" He's cut off as the plate, which the hare had little chance of spotting, hits him right between his eyes and breaks. The dazed buck, blinking for a moment, falls flat on his back to stare unfocused at the sky in a bed of shattered porcelain around him.

Felicity looks a little surprised with Dominik's declaration. Well, at least he's talking in actual sentences, right? "Alright, sah, I c'n deal with this," she says with a genuine smile, although she is trying to figure out how to get the huge buck to clean his face. She has less patience for poor table manners, although she's trying to be chill. She covers her mouth as Terrence gets conked in the face, then covers her eyes, groaning slightly. "Love....why....please don't smack 'im in th'face wi' plates." She sighs and wanders around, gathering up all the empty plates and things. "I'll be back, I promise," she tells the white hare, then turns and takes the stuff back to the kitchen area. "Sah, ask Terrence 'bout whot we were talkin' 'bout afore we came an' visited wi' Dom today," she murmurs to Gregorian as she walks by. She rejoins Dominik in a little bit, and marches off with him as the group returns to Salamandastron. Just as she promised.

Gregorian sees the plate fly but there's nothing he can do but yell, "Terrence!" and he quickly goes to the sergeant to make sure he's alright first. "Terrence? Yah still with us?" he asks before sharply turning his head to Dom and roaring at the top of his voice, "Wot the hell do yah think yah doin'?!" he assumes it was on purpose. Dom's smirk doesn't convince him otherwise. A glare and he looks back to Terrence with a small mutter to Felicity's words as she leaves.

Dominik gives Felicity the most innocent of expressions as she politely asks him not to throw plates at others' faces. "...vil not," he responds to her. "Erg...is sorry." Judging by the look Terrence gets afterwards, however, it is more likely than not that Dom probably isn't really -that- sorry. As Greg roars at him, Dom stares at the smaller hare for a few moments. As Felicity returns shortly after, he merely gives Greg a smirk as well, before the large hare rises up to his paws and begins to follow after the doe. This ought to be quite an interesting situation from here on out, without a doubt.

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#1 2019-12-08 09:48:03 PM

Erg, World's Largest Dibbun. - LP 12/7/19

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