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Registered: 2016-11-20

Posts: 1,659

Slight Chaos In The Abbey-REDWALL LOG

Gorvenalus is sitting repairing a thick book, the pages are taking a little more time but he is slowly working on fixing a thick cookbook.

Benar comes down the stairs from his office, walking along slowly as he reads a scroll. He pauses to look around the Great Hall and then starts across the hall toward the fire. He murmurs softly then raises his head, "Gorve, do you have a moment?"

Velm is nearby watching as the book is repaired." So you can....save this cookbook right?"

Caleb would be wandering around, having done his training for the day. He looks back towards everyone and wanders over towards Velm and the others, wondering what they were going on.

Gorvenalus sighs "Not if you hover over me Velm" He looks over at Benar and stands"Want did you need Abbot Benar?"

The squirrel Dibbun Dochas comes leaping down the staircase, followed closely by LilyMoore. "Slow down, you could trip!" "I'm norra gonna trip, I'ma squirrel!" The Squirrelbabe darts across Great Hall and takes a flying leap onto the back of a chair, not stopping until she's up on the mantle of the fire. Lily stands sternly staring at her. "You need to be more careful! Even squirrels can have clumsy moments." Dochas stands and waves a paw nonchalantly, readjusting the straps of her bag on her shoulders. "You worries too much, Lily!" She hooks her thumbs into the (adults sized) ornately decorated sling she has tied around her waist like a belt. "I be just fine!"

Benar explains" The new Log-a-Log has invited the Abbey to enjoy a spring feast at their camp, a GUOSIM style feast and celebration. I think this would be great. We can send some novices and supplies to the camp to help with cooking so they don't have to feed us all. But I am worried about the population of the abbey traversing to the camp, so I wanted to put my head together with you and Matilda and come up with a safe plan."

He then turns from Gorvenalus and looks at Dochas, "Young lady," He says sternly, "Please get down off the mantlepiece, it is not for sitting on, and go and put that weapon in the gatehouse where it belongs," He looks at Lily, "I won't break the no weapon rule, even for slings." He moves over toward the Squirrelbabe, "As much as I am pleased to see you, weapons are not allowed for anyone inside the abbey and that includes slings."

Gorvenalus hmmms"Well I am unsure, perhaps see if Ferravale wants to help escort us there and back? The abbey doesn't  have too many guards really"

Minsc pokes his head inside,for now, a cloak and hood as he slips inside overhearing a bit as he tilts his head and speaks "Beasts be a goin' somewhere? I was always good at de escorting."A soft chuckle escapes him.

Velm sits down and pouts, though seeing the cloaked beast he stands." Who are you chap?"

Caleb thinks for a moment. "I could technically help out if you all need it. I mean... I am now the leader of the Defenders as I took up the mantle after the death of my father."

Dochas's tail stands straight up in indignation.  "You can't has my sling!!!  'Tis mine!!"  Her paws curl into fists.  "It was my daddy's an' you can't has it ever!!!"  LilyMoore gestures at the belligerent Dibbun.  "This is why nobeast has taken it from her yet.  She actually bit me last time I--"  "YOU A NO GOOD THIEF!!  It's MINE!!"  The young squirrel stamps her foot (because she's actually standing on the mantlepiece).  "I don't even know how t'use it!  I'm just usin' it as a belt!"

"Thank you Caleb," Benar said, "And Minsc is it not? I will keep your offers in mind and speak with the Champion and the Recorder and come up with a plan, but do excuse me a moment."
   
He turns to the mantle and reaches out, paws moving swiftly to seize the Squirrelbabe by the waist and pick her up, holding her at arm's length, if she tries to bite him or throw a fit he'll ignore her, he has no fear of squirrel teeth, "Young lady, you will apologize to Lilymoore immediately, she is not a thief, no one in the abbey is a thief."
   
He stares over his glasses at her, "I don't care if it was your father's, Martin's, or Saint Germaine, no one is allowed to bring a weapon inside. Not unless the abbey is under siege,"
 
He frowns at the squirrel, "So you have two choices, store it in my room where you can be sure it is safe and you can see it whenever you like, or put it in the gatehouse with all the other weapons. But I won't have anyone carrying a weapon around, even you. I think we have talked about how the rules of the abbey apply to everyone, including you. You will also apologize to Lily, or I will confiscate it myself, not because I am a thief but because you have broken the rules and called someone else a thief unjustly, you will learn to live by the rules young lady."

Gorvenalus frowns as Squirrelbabe shouts and then the cloaked beast distracts him, he seems to recognize the voice and then smiles "Minsc..what are you doing so far from Willowbark?"

Minsc takes off his hood and smiles"Visting." He goes over to hug the beaver"All is well father,do not worry. Its just been a long while since I have seen you"

Velm ears droop."ooh me poor ears, your very loud young squirrel"

Caleb would be watching everything with a small snicker to his voice, trying his hardest not to laugh at the situation with Squirrelbabe or the others. But he does nod towards Benar since he kept his offer in mind.

Dochas starts wiggling and shrieking and hitting out at the Abbot as she's picked up.  A few curse words slip out of her mouth as she discovers his arms are longer than her legs, thus making kicking him a currently impossible feat. 

"LEMMEGOIWANNAGETDOWNYOUHAVENORIGHT!!!"  Tears start trickling down her face.  "I'm sorry I calleded Lily a thief an' I bit 'er I'm jus' mad but I don't wanna give up my daddy's sling 'cause it...it's all I....has left of him!!"  She starts to cry, but she's still wriggling and hitting with fervently.  Lily is filled with compassion.  "Could we make it so it's not a sling anymore?  The thongs are just braided.  Maybe Momma could alter it into a belt so it's no longer a weapon, and then she could keep it."

Benar is not without compassion either, he lets her kick and scream and wriggle and shout and nods to Lily before moving over to his chair and sitting down. He sets the smaller squirrel on his lap and holds her gently, stroking her ears.
 
"I am sorry to be a great big meanie, but you can't keep it as it is, this rule is the one that helps to keep us all safe. Sometimes yes it fails but most of the time it succeeds and keeps us all safe," He looks down at her, still holding her, "But it is our most important rule, now... Lily has a good idea but if it is all you have left of your father we shouldn't change it. What if we put it in a frame? It'd be safer than wearing it, it could fall off, if we put it in a frame we won't have to change it and can hang it in your bedroom."
 
The Abbot is aware of everyone else, but stoically dealing with squirrel tantrum, he might not be great at groups of dibbuns but he has raised enough of them to be able to deal with them one on one, "How does that sound Squirrelbabe? That way it is safe and secure in your room always where you can see it and we don't have to change it. And if it is in a frame it isn't a weapon that can be used."

Gorvenalus sits down to finish fixing the book, he smiles again at Minsc "I am glad you are here, I can update you on things later on"

Minsc sits beside Gorvenalus "What happen to de book?"

Since a certain badger's death, a certain young squirrel had been quiet: Spruce had felt admiration for the deceased and for months now the squirrel beyond doing as told and trying to not be a bother. Of course, the commotion of in the grand hall catches his ear and he comes in, curious as to what new ailment has hit the abbey - the sight of the elders gathered however makes him pause. He still continues after a bit but he's regretting his decision more with each step he takes. So he quietly watches the adults speak.

Velm watched Squirrlbabe and clears his throat." I might have something to help..Squirrlbabe feel better. "

Caleb would write a note to show one of the others to read aloud. "I think the idea of putting it in a frame would be perfect. It doesn't get changed at all and she can keep it in her father's memory... I know I wouldn't want anything changed of my family."

Tears continue to trickle down her cheeks. "My name is Dochas, I 'lready /told/ Muvver Krisha that! Call me Dochas!" She pushes against the Abbot, resisting the cuddle. Lily crouches down beside her. "Yeah, putting it in a frame would be even better! I think I've even seen a frame in the attics that would be perfect for it. And if you remember your daddy's name, I could even paint it on the frame in my best calligraphy. Whaddaya say?" The Dibbun hesitates, then nods, trying not to hiccup as she agrees to things.

Benar lets her resist the hug, but won't let her leave his lap, not right yet anyway as he and Lily speak to her. "That sounds very nice, we can hang it in your room or you can pop it in DAB HQ instead where no adults can get to it. Not that I know where DAB HQ is of course." He lowers his voice, "Though if you are in DAB HQ, check the floorboards at the back, next to the old rocking horse.... it totally DOESN'T lead to a secret tunnel to the garden. Just saying." He smiles at Lily and smiles down at Dochas, "And Dochas is a very pretty name, thank you for trusting me with it, I won't tell anyone else unless you say I can."

Gorvenalus replies to Minsc "An arrow happen, long story but the book saved a life" He blinks as the dibbun screams her name, well now it seems a name is known.He smiles at Minsc"How long will you be staying Minsc?".

Minsc listens, a nod and smile "Well...maybe stay a long while, I known not yet. I couuld help the Mossflower Defenders...if they are still around"

Feeling even moreso as an outsider, especially considering Spruce has clearly missed /something/ in the conversation, the young squirrel looks for a way out of just standing there. He takes an open seat next to the fire, not really meeting anyone's eyes. He does look up at what the hamster says though - the group name vaguely familiar to him. "Arent they, well...?" His voice is uncertain. "Eh, well, gone?"

Velm smiles at the name Dochas." Yecouldce name indeed, oh yes news to perhaps cheer de lass." He speaks more." A group of foxes, now gone and no longer a threat to anyone, had teardrop or..raindrop" He shrugs." Tatoos...anyways them and thier creepy leader are gone forever." He does describe the seer vixen in good detail.

Krisha comes down the steps and into the Great Hall, seeing all the beasts she seems surprised but still heads over to her chair quietly.

Caleb smiles at the name as well, although his attention is caught by the others. The mouse wanders over towards the young squirrel Spurce and offers a note and his hand. "My name is Caleb... I'm the new leade of the DefendetheyI have not visited their headquarters since I was promoted though... but I am sure they're still there. If you have any questions, ask the others. I need to see to some things." With that, he'd bow to them all and head off.

The Dibbun seems to be calming down. "Everybeast is s'possed to call me Dochas..." She keeps in mind the hidden tunnel. She will have to use it for shenanigans when Spring comes back. She listens to the hare's report, freezing at the description of the tattoo, then jerking at the description of the silver vixen. "Nonononono, they killeded my fam'ly, she's come to kill me like she said she would!!"

With a scream and a wail, Dochas tries to scramble over the back of the Abbot's chair, the part the hare said about the foxes being dead not registering in her terrified face.

Benar had started to relax, but the moment Velm mentions that he grips her tightly, "No Dochas, stop, listen Velm said they are dead, they cannot come and harm you.... they are dead." He gives the hare such a glare, he had JUST got her calmed down, and now this! "Dochas listen to me, listen to Lily, it is ok, you are safe here."

Gorvenalus frowns at Velm as well and sighs.He stands to also help if he can "yes young one, alli is ok.There is no foxes, they are dead.They are gone to where they can't harm anyone ever again"

Minsc just frowns, he is not getting involved in this, sorry your on your own hare.

Velm frowns, his ears droop as he stands." I.." Well everyone else is helping so.He backs away more." I am..just gonna go....oh look pie."
He quickly goes to the kitchen! Oh no hare in the kitchen!

Spruce's tail shoots up and his spine goes straight, a brief outburst of panic as the dibbun squirrel freaks out again and tries escaping the abbot - there's a sinking part of him that worries somehow she'll blame /him/ for the foxes. The moment passes though, and he looks less likely to dart off to instead settle more comfortably on the hearth of the fireplace.

Krisha starts to follow Velm and just shakes her head, she is sure the Frair will deal with the hare.She looks towards Dochas and for now let's the abbot calm her, she can help if it's needed.

Dochas continues trying to get away. LilyMoore darts around the chair, effectively blocking of the escape route. "Hey, sweetie, it's okay. Velm said all the evil foxies are dead and gone. They can't hurt you ever again." The Dibbun freezes, sniffling. "You sure?" The Bellringer nods and smiles. "Aye, if he said they're dead, then they are." The squirrelbabe sniffles again. "Dat silver foxie was da boss. She had my mammy an' daddy an' gammy an' gampy killeded. She was gonna make me her slave, but I smacked 'er on the face with a burnin' stick an' ran all. DoraRose and Brother Rick found me an' brought me here."

"They are gone Dochas," Benar says softly, "They cannot harm you and you are safe here, we promise." He closes his eyes and sighs, "You are safe with us here, and we can put your Daddy's sling in a frame, make it safe and sound forever ok." He peers around the Great Hall and notices Spruce, "Oh Spruce, hello there young one, are you ok? Have you met Dochas?"

Gorvenalus watches where Velm goes and chuckles "I would say we should warn him on going to the kitchens to get pie but....well he'll find out it was a bad idea" He smiles at Dochas and the others "I can get some tea and scones maybe.Maybe a nice snack will help everyone"

Minsc nods "De abbey is very safe place, and a good place."He seems to think and asks "Abbot Benar, a question if I may"

"Oh, yes, Father Abbot." Voice cracking, Spruce tries his best to not just run for the hills. "We've met..." He takes a gulp of air his nervousness palpable.

Dochas settles down on the Abbot's lap, not exactly snuggling, but not exactly fighting the snuggle, either. She unties the sling from her waist and stuffs it in her bag. "What am I gonna use for a belt, though?? I gave my belt to anovver Dibbun 'cause theirs broke..." Lily whispers to the beaver, "I bet she would like a cookie. I'll come with you to see if there are any." The Dibbun finally notices Spruce, and she scowls slightly. "Oh, yis, we've met afore."

Benar smiles at Lily and Gorvenalus, "Could you please check that Velm hasn't been murdered by the Friar, I suspect Lacota has put him to work scrubbing pots however if he tried to steal a pie." He then looks between Spruce and Dochas, "I feel like there is a story I should hear here, have you two not been getting along? I won't have Abbey beasts not getting along, if you have grievances with each other you can tell me about them and we'll come to an agreement."

Gorvenalus nods as he heads to the kitchens.He soon returns with the refreshments. Some berry scones, tea, even a few cookies and some strawberry fizz as he sets the tray down for all. He nods "I did not see Velm, likely he has indeed found him self very busy for a few hours"

Krisha manages a chuckle, one of the few she has had in a while. She gets some tea and a scone."I'm not too worried about Velm, I am sure he is fine....and will learn to not raid the kitchen for pies"

"Father Abbot, please," Spruce stands, making a show of wiping his paws of on  his knees. "If y'would kindly excuse me - I don' have an issue with... Do-Doc-as?" The name is foreign on his tongue and it's clear he has trouble pronouncing it. "Well, her, though I sure can well tell when I'm not needed overmuch. 'Sides, some beast should go look for poor Mr. Velm in case the ol' frier murdered him..." The last part's an excuse to be sure, but perhaps there is a grain truth to the worry? He's not yet gone, but he wants to be.

As Lily follows the beaver so she can help carry the snacks, Dochas glowers at her fellow squirrel. "He sass Muvver Krisha an' was a meanie to Gracie an' made her cry! He never told Gracie sorry but lies an' says he /did/! An' he's rude!" And the Dibbun is obviously holding a grudge. She snags a cookie and begins munching it. "But I wasn't gonna say nothin' 'til you said somethin', Favver Abbot."

"Well..." Benar looks at Spruce with a small frown, "Perhaps you should say a proper apology to Miss Gracie and Mother Krisha, we can't do with beasts being meanies and making dibbuns cry. But it would be a good idea to track down Velm and check that he is ok." He then helps himself to a cookie, "I am glad you are feeling better Dochas, I am sorry to make you upset over the belt. But it is our most sacred rule, I will make sure everyone hears about it at school tomorrow."

Gorvenalus sits to enjoy his tea and scones and just listens.

Krisha looks over at spruce quietly as if waiting for this sorry he may or may not give her and a couple dibbuns.

"I-" It's clear Spruce is befuddled by the tirade, looking over at Krisha then back to the father abbot. "I thought... I did?" His eyes dart to the gaps in the group, looking for a way to escape. "I would hope," Sucking in a deep breath, the still young squirrel thinking carefully about what to say next, "I would hope not be public humiliated for something from a season ago, if not more? I will not apologize twice for something, and it isn't Dochas' place to accuse me in front of the whole abbey."

Benar says, "Well now we have both sides of the story, Spruce says he has already apologised and you say he has not. I guess we need to turn this over to Krisha."

Glancing around, Lily sips her tea and shifts on her feet, not having sat down yet. "This is just some of the elders, and I for one won't tell any other beast. Maybe the Dibbuns didn't understand your apology was sincere? You do sometimes come across as brusque, so maybe they just misunderstood you." She's only been in situations with Spruce a couple times, and brusque is the polite way to describe what she thinks about his mannerisms. Dochas scowls and grabs a scone, sipping her tea. "He sassed Muvver Krisha when he said 'is fake 'pologies...he's rude."

Benar says, "But as it sounds like this happened quite some time ago, you need to let it go Dochas, holding a grudge over something so long ago is not good for you and it sounds like whatever incident it was Spruce said sorry.'

Gorvenalus looks between them, he had fallen asleep and missed some of the talking.

Krisha leans back as she rubs her forehead "How about you two...be friends? friends are good to have. We can put this behind , and forget it. Start a new and be...friends"

With Lily's words he seems to deflate. She was probably was the closest thing to a friend Spruce had, but it's clear he'll get no support from her, or the badger mother, or really any of the elders - except the abbot. THAT was unexpected. "Uh...thank you... father?" Feeling an onrush of emotions, he blinks something back, Kirsha's previous statement still /stinging/. "It seems little good." The squirrel's anger boils finally, and he jumps to his feet losing control, "I - I'm only apparently seen by you lot when I do something bad, regardless of anything else I do. Or am...." The young squirrel moves towards the kitchens where he'll look for any odd job that can distract him.

Dochas scowls. "I'm fine not bein' his friend," She mumbles into her scone, then stuffs the rest in her mouth hungrily. Lily bites her lip as she watches Spruce go. "I hope I didn't upset him....maybe I should try to talk to him later." The Dibbun grabs another scone and gulps the rest of her tea. "I'm starving."

Gorvenalus says, "Why not be friends, friends are a treasure to have in life..maybe he just needs to know that"

Benar says, "I think he seemed quite upset to me..." Benar frowned, "If this happened so long ago we... really should not be holding him against it Dochas," He pets her ears, "You should always try to be friends and friendly to everyone, it is the Abbey way. You should maybe do something nice for him."

Krisha looks to where Spruce went and slowly stands "I will try and talk to him" She heads that direction

Nodding, LilyMoore watches the Badger Mother go. "I'll try to talk to him soon. I think Krisha should handle it right now." Dochas scrambles off the Abbot's lap, snagging 2 more scones, scowling. "Don't wanna do somethin' nice," she mutters. Lily swoops her up suddenly and hauls the wriggling, protesting DABer off. "I know, let's decorate a box for him to keep things in! I think I saw a spare 1 somewhere..." The Bellringer will try to convince the Dibbun to be kind. It will be a task...

Benar says, "Thank you Lilly," The abbot stands up, "I need to get on with my day though, I have this feast to plan I need to send a message to Blisa and see if we can arrange to do it safely."

Gorvenalus nods, he yawns as he may just nap in the chair."I am sure your work something out Benar"

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I play:
Oz-  Badger-young adult-Wanderer