01.04.09 - Match A King's Price?
Location: Redwall Abbey Great Hall, intially
Characters Involved: Tameus, Kolya, Harper, Zen, Jarril, Magramba, Nidlorf, Odilo, Anba_Hor, Nighteyes
Tameus climbs down off the table and beelines toward his father, going to lean his hands on Harper's knees once the Brother is seated. "Di' y' not 'ear me? I sai'. go. T' bed."
Kolya looks at tam and laughs. "Tam, you'll make a good Father someday" he laughs.
Tameus gives Kolya a thoughtful look. "A'ready am. I gots three kids an' 'nother on th' way."
Kolya goes blank and glares at Tam. Glare glare glare.
Tameus smiles oh-so-sweetly. Smile smile smile.
Zen still stares at Harper. Man... young eyes don't seem to drift away for anything. Didn't anyone teach this mouse it's impolite to stare? Well anways, he continues to stare and then finaly, smiles softly at Harper.
Harper blinks. He looks at Tam for several seconds, as if he hasn't heard him. Then, "I just want some warmth for a bit, Tam. Then I'll go up." And back to work! Harhar.
Harper's eyes shift to Zen, next. Whether it's impolite or not, Harper doesn't seem to mind. "'Llo, Zen."
"Good. Fine. But y'r goin' up t' /bed/," Tam says to his father, firmly.
Jarril takes out a small pouch again, pops it open and frowns as he notices that it's empty. Tipping it upside down he see's just one tiny drop land on his open paw and frowns more, before moving his paw up to rub just inbetween his eyes.
"Th' Major tol' me I 'ave full 'thority o'er y' while y'r sick. If I say 'go t' bed' 's th' same as y'r da' sayin' 't," Tam chides Harper.
Kolya looks at tam still. "R-Really?" he asks tam. No you stupid stoat!
"Huh?" Tam responds to Kolya.
Zen smiles at Harper, "Hello!" He smiles softly and giggles. He then finaly stops stareing and closes his eyes, leaning back a little.
Kolya huhs and then shrugs. "Never mind...I just fell for something that's dumb" he laughs.
"... aye. Y' di' 't that," Tam mutters skeptically.
Zen giggles a little and hrmms... he gets a rather puzzling look on his face. He sits quietly, just observing... as if waiting for something..
Harper pats Tameus absently on the shoulder. "Yessir."
Kolya Stands up and sits near the fire. "Oy...I cant believe i fell for that" he mumbles.
Tameus scowls at Harper. "Don' y' /yessir/ me 'nless y'r gonn' do 's I say, mister 'Arper."
Kolya Looks at harper. "You'd better do what he says. You dunno if he go Long Patrol on you" He laughs
Zen chuckles a little too, but he's oddly observing things. His eyes shifting quickly from beat to beast.
Jarril slowly places the small pouch back into the inside pocket of his jacket and walks over to where the others are near the fire.
Zen smiles at Jarril and squeeks, "H.. Hello sir.. How's are you?"
Jarril smiles back. "Doing fine, y'self?"
Harper sighs, looking 'round at those ranged about him. "Can't a beast be sick without bein' talked at by folks?" Harper queries. He says this mostly to Tam, even managing a small smile.
Kolya flinches and hms a bit, slowly putting a paw to his side, slowly hming, glaring at harper, then to zen. "So how much have to snuck from the kitchens?" he asks with a chuckle.
Zen smiles softly at Jerril, poking his own reather plump belly, "I.. I ates a bit too much..." He sighs and urns to Kolya, "Um... I.. I got... about..." He starts to mummble a little under his breath, "Thr....whls.... pprr jck.... and... some candied nuts..."
Kolya Frowns. "You really should not be eating that much" he says.
Tameus scowls. He was scowling before but now he's /really/ scowling. "Fine, I won' talk t' y' then."
Zen blinks and squees, "Ughnh.. but I like pepperjack! I... three wheels... isn't all that much is it?"
Jarril rolls his eyes upwards on this conversation and just smiles. Then its gone and he gives a slight frown and sits down someplace. "Aye well, everyone overeats from time ta time."
Kolya nods. "Its quite a lot actually.." he says. "If you take Three wheels and eat them all yourself, thats not a good thing"
Harper is too out of it to pay much attention to Tam's scowl, least of all because he's rested back with his eyes closed. Siiigh.
Zen blinks and blushes softly, then pokes at his tummy again, "Well... it... all goes... away I mean... so... w... why can't I eats as much as I wants?" He smiles and giggles a little, "I mean, hehe, it's not likes the cheeses stays in me forevers!" With a bit of an uncertain blink, he rubs his head, "Right?"
Magramba ambles down the stairs, rubbing bloodshot eyes as he suppresses a yawn, apparently having just arisen. The squirrel's face is drawn and weary, and there is a curious list to his walk. The squirrel raises a paw of greeting to the assembled company, and manages to grunt "G'morning," tossing on the G because it grunts better that way.
Tameus huffs and glances around. Jarril gets a thoughtful look and then a quirky smile from the leveret. "Tell y'r son 'e's an arse, will y'?" he says to his grandfather.
Kolya hms. "because you'd get sick and the abbey would be out of cheese" he says, looking to Magramba. "Morning" he says with a small smile.
Jarril gives a look towards Harper and then he turns his head towards Tameus. "Tam, come over ehre will ya and let ya da rest where he is. He is resting ya know."
Tameus glances skeptically at Harper and then leaves him alone, going to Jarril's side. "Yeah 'e is /now/. An' soon 'e'll be back t' work, an' 'e shouldn' be."
Zen nods a little at Kolya then sighs, "But.. I... I like eatin' it." He fidgets with his tail a little and smiles, "Um.. can... I only have one cheese wheel at a time?"
Kolya Hms. "I think even a full wheel is a bit too much..Why not just wait until Meal times and such?" he asks.
Jarril chuckles at Tam. "Ya know I told ya last night ta look after him, well ya need ta find the balance. Besides I think I was wrong..." Jarril frowns again, rubbing his temple before continuing. "He's old enough ta know his limits as ya will as well when ya older."
Zen sulks a little, crossing his arms over, "Cause then I... has ta..." He blushes a little, "Well.. I... I's a little shy around others.."
"I don' care if 'e knows 'is limits. /'e/ 's sick an' /I/ 'm takin' care'a 'im. E'eryone else sick 's in bed, 'e sh' be too."
"The other healers aren't," Harper croaks.
"Well they's stupid too!" Tam informs his frog. Er, father.
Kolya looks up. "If the healers are in bed, who's going to heal the sick?"
Jarril blinks and looks at Tameus. "But then who would look after them if they don't know how ta?"
Zen blinks a little and squees, listening in a little... His ears perk up as he does.
"... I don' care. Da' jus' hast' be okay," Tam mutters. "I don' care 'bout th' other 'ealers."
Harper presses the flat of his palms against his eyes. Press! "Don't say that, Tam..." And on the tail of that, "I'm going t'be fine."
Kolya looks at tam and just shakes his head before looking back to the fire.
Jarril nods, such a natural young answer. "I know, lad. I know..." The major ponders for a moment and then gets an idea. "How about ya help him with his duties? Would that work?"
Magramba has managed to make it to the bottom of the stairs without losing his footing, but for some reason just standing is disorienting. The squirrel heads for a chair that looks like it has soft wood...
Tameus pivots a little to stare at Harper. "'ll say 't 'gain. Listen. I. Don'. /Care/. 'bout an'one else. Okay? I don' /care/ if e'eryone else /dies/ s' long 's y'r okay."
The leveret glances at Jarril. "I c'n. I c'n try."
Zen squeeks softly and slowly gets to his feet. He wobbles a little then slowly makes his way to a chair some place to scamble up in.
Jarril frowns at Tameus now as he looks at the young hare. "Now listen here, that's not something someone who wants ta be in the patrah should be saying. Maybe I should talk ta my cousin and reconsider ya joining." Jarril looks at Harper and then back at Tameus. "He's young ya da and he'll recover but that's not a very nice thing ta say that ya don't care about anyone else dying. That's not very officah at all.."
Tameus flinches and looks hard at Jarril, ears pinned. "... fine. Don' let me in th' Patrol. Doesn' change nothin'. I wann' be Colonel but I love m' da more. 'e's more 'mportant 'an anythin'. /Anythin'/." He shakes his head and turns to just .. leave.
"Tammy, you stay righ' there," Harper is sitting up, now, and forwad. "And you listen t'me." If you can understand the croaking, anyway!
Zen blinks a little and watches the sceene, shakeing his head softly and resting it on a table. He closes his eyes and sighs softly, thinking about something or even dreaming.
Jarril stays quiet now as he goes back to rubbing his head, why run out of medicine now..
Tameus stops.
"Come here," Harper says. He holds out a paw, to gather Tam onto his knee.
Tameus reverses direction, going with a shuffling pace over to Harper and grasping his hand. He climbs up onto his lap.
Magramba plops heavily down into his chair, grateful for the reprieve it seems to offer. Too soon, though, the pounding in his temples returns. Ugh.
Zen slowly, Zen opens his eyes and peeks at Magramba shyly. He then folds his arms infront of him and slips out of the chair. He paces around before nearing the kitchen door, glaning at it for a while. Then he turns away and finds a spot on the floor to sit down.
Harper's paw rests on Tam's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Now I want you t'listen to me. Are you listenin'? I love you 'n' I have no intention of leavin' you, not ever."
"'m listenin'," the leveret mumbles, eyes shut - holding onto the front of Harper's habit. "'m listenin'. I /know/. Bu' y'r sick an' ... an' sick beasts. They leave sometimes, da'. E'en if they don' /'ntend/ t'."
"I know. Folks have had t'leave already. It's hard - they were sons 'n' daughters 'n' mothers 'n' fathers 'n' brothers 'n' sisters. Their families are very sad, Tammy. I don't want anymore folks t'have t'be sad like that. Do you understand that?" Harper asks.
Tameus nods. "I un'erstan'..."
Harper kisses the top of Tam's head, giving him a squeezing hug. "That's why m'not in bed, Tam. I'm just one beast. There are many, many beasts who are sick. I know how t'help them stay well, so I have t'do that. /That's/ how I keep beasts safe. I don't go out 'n' fight in battles or rescue slaves or... or anything heroic like that, but I do this. That's my job 'n' I'm going t'do it well, just like you'll be a great Long Patroller one day."
Jarril just listens now, keeping quiet as he ponders heading up and pestering one of the other healers than his son, the major not sure another attempt to get his medicine at the 67th would work. He flicks an ear towards Tam and Harper anyways, still catching that conversation.
Tameus pushes his face in against Harper's shoulder, holding onto him. "... bu'. What 'f y' die tryin'a take care'a e'eryone else?"
"That's a risk we all take when we decide that we want t'spend our lives protectin' others, Tam. It's makin' a decision that there's something more important than yourself." The Brother strokes the back of Tam's head, comforting.
Tameus shakes his head. "... bu' there's not. Nothin' more 'mportan' than y'."
Magramba glances over at Kolya, and speaks softly to avoid disturbing the father-son dialogue. "Good to see you up and around." The words are more than a little hoarse.
Kolya hms and looks over. "Ah..yes..Well only waited till i was bandaged up to leave" he laughs.
Magramba puts on a grin. "Good on ya." His eyes shift focus, a forewarning of a change in topic. "You said you thought you might be catching the illness. Exactly how does that start?"
Kolya shrugs. "Dunno..." he says. "Just coughing..then again, i cough a lot anyways" he smirks.
Harper's smile is wan, tired. He hugs Tam to him. "I love you, Tam. I promise m'not goin' anywhere." He holds in a sigh, eyes closing. Soso tired. "I should get back up t'the infirmary."
Zen squeeks softly and then peers back at the kitchen door, then he gives up! He stands up and wobbles to his feet, then makes his way to the kitchen.
Tameus looks displeased about this. "'m comin' wit' y'. 'm gonn' 'elp, so's y' don' work s' 'ard. Okay?"
Kolya hms. "I'm gonna go outside for a bit. have a good morning" he says before heading out the door.
Just as Kolya is making an exit, the king Nidlorf sweeps into the hall from outside, with Odilo his soldier behind him, the door left open... snow blows in after him, as he shouts, "Mayeul - he's been taken! Someone has taken him in the night!"
Magramba glares up at the sudden entry, /not/ in the mood for this sort of thing. The squirrel glances to Harper. "Who's the loud-mouth squirrel?"
Jarril coughs and then he gets up and walks up to where Tam and Harper is. He takes out his small pouch and looks at it before speaking. "Er, Harper. Not that I wish ta be a burden but could ya arrange for some more headache medicine ta be made. I'll take whatever is made here since I can't get the stuff that Salamandastron usually gives out. There's no rush though on it."
Zen blinks, his ears perking at someone shouting. He turns around to see what the fuss was all about. He was rather startled.
Odilo just stands at attention, rolling his eyes a bit behind the king... he clears his throat at Magramba, "May I introduce to those that have not met his excellency, Lord Nidlorf, King of the squirrels of the Great Inland Lake, Rayuwil the Wise."
Harper's ears shift to Magramba. He... hehs. "His name is Nidlorf." And that's /all/ he says. Because he sets Tammy down and stands, holding out a paw to him. He nods to Jarril, also. "I think we c'n manage that. M'sure there's plenty mixed up righ' now." Ohhh yeah.
Zen blinks a little, looking very confused..
Tameus grasps onto Harper's hand once he's standing again, leaning a little into the older buck. Nidlorf is just ... ignored. Completely. Though the leveret looks eager to go upstairs. "Let's go then."
Jarril has somehow totally ignored the newcomers to the great hall, the major having other pressing issues to attend to, like get rid of this headache of his. He nods his head at Harper. "That would be a great help, had a headache since I woke up." He pauses and adds quickly. "I think it's that old wound I got in that war long ago, nothing else." Slight sniffle but the hare does well to hide it.
Tameus glances at Jarril thoughtfully. "'m sorry," he mumbles at the Major. "F' what I sai'."
Jarril gives Tameus head a gentle rub. "What was it ya said, I forgot..." He smiles at Tameus noting that all has already been forgotten.
Magramba nods, his expression cynical. "Oh, King, eh? What's your trouble again?"
Tameus smiles at the Major and leans into the rub. "I f'got too," he responds.
Nidlorf looks around, amazed at the lack of support, "Your friend has gone missing - there are none of you here who would go to his aid?" He looks around again at everybeast, his gaze finally resting on Magramba, "You have yet to introduce yourself, sir... You may take that opportunity now.”
Magramba stays in his seat, his annoyance deepening. "I may? Why, thank you for your permission." The squirrel's headache is doing nothing for his mood. "Magramba Dukal, /sir/, at your service."
Zen squeeks softly and rubbing his head, King?!? He blushes red, he didn't ever think he'd see a KING! A little excited, the mouse trods forwords a little, then... blushes red... He quickly makes his way back to the door, rather shy. He blushes and thinks maybe it's an adult matter... hmm... don't make the grown beasts mad if they already are.
Odilo just stands at his king's side, always loyal, hardly having any personality of his own... Perhaps he'll get Mayeul's position permanently if anything should become of the mouse? His eyes dart around the room, but that's all that moves on the soldier.
"We have beasts dyin', righ' here, /inside/ the Abbey. If Mayeul's has been taken, he might even be better off." Harper has paused, to speak to Nidlorf. His tone is one of chastisement. "Nor would it surprise me if you yourself had him taken. Excuse me, I have sick beasts t'tend to." And, with Tameus at paw, he heads up the stairs, his movements slow and stiff.
Nidlorf answers Magramba, "Yes, pleased to meet you I'm sure; the dilemma is that my former scout, who is now one of your own, has been abducted by vermin... is there not something you can do to help me find him? You all were supposed to be protecting him, I suppose, but that didn't seem to work, now, did it?" He looks after Harper, "You fool! Fine, then! I shall bargain a price for Mayeul's return... and he'll never see this abbey again!"
Zen blinks a little and shyly tries to creep his way back to get closer to this King. He blushes softly and scratches his head fur, wow.... eveyone was so tense! He gets a bad vibe and a chill down his spine, but he still tries to approach slowly. One step at a time till he can actualy see this King.
Magramba is still angry with the "king's" impudent manner, but his interest is piqued by the mention of vermin. "Well, I can go to help, but don't expect too much."
Odilo looks down and growls at the dibbun who is coming closer, without moving.
Zen blinks and glances at Odilo, his fur bristling. "Uh... I...." He blushes red and takes another step closer, glancing up to see what happens.
Kolya comes into the hall, and spots Nidlorf. "Great..what beast let this air head in?" he asks with a frown, going to sit down.
Jarril looks about and only now gives the squirrel king a look but the major doesn't say anything and marches towards the stairs and heads up himself.
Nidlorf nods and suddenly his manners change, "Yes, yes... you all have been raised in the spirit of helping others, I know! I've heard great things about this abbey... you would all like to have your dear Mayeul back safely and soundly, yes? Are there any others who would help me?" He puts a restraining paw on Odilo when he hears the growl. "Not at a dibbun, Odilo... /please/!" Hmm... not at a dibbun indeed...
Kolya hears the squirrel speak and turns. "Great..." he grumbles. "What happened?" he asks.
Nidlorf eyes Kolya and smiles, however forced the smile is, "Ah, my friend the stoat... your dear friend whom you were supposed to be watching was stolen from us, last night... I should think you'd be willing to help us find him, yes?"
Magramba gets to his feet with some help from his armrests and confronts the king. "Listen, you, this Abbey's filled with sick creatures, some too weak to lift a paw, and you expect the only able-bodied beasts left to get up and run off with you? You've got me, and frankly you should be grateful for that. Given the Abbey's current state, I'd say its reputation's intact."
Zen blinks a little and blushes, closeing his eyes and steping forwards a little quicker. When he opens his eyes, he finds himself close enough to look up at Odilo... wow... Zen blushes a little red and takes a step back. "H-hi... I.. uh.. I'm... Zen F-Fetcher.." He says to Odilo.
Kolya's eyes go wide. "Great" he growls. "Help you? Hah. I'll kill who ever took him and then when you touch him, I'll kill you and hang you from a tree upside down, skinned" he growls before thinking. "Hm. how would that work?" shakes head. "Never mind...Point is, stay out of this Airhead" he says to the squirrel....The king, not the other one.
The squirrel guard looks with distain down at the small mouse, and says nothing. He dare not say anything unless his king tells him to. He isn't in a friendly mood, but the choice of words 'former scout' brightens Odilo somewhat. Ah, 'former'. That must certainly mean the spot is open...
Zen blinks a little at the guard. He blushes red and squeeks again, "Uh.. ughn.. I.. er... so.. uh..." He studders and stammers a bit, then scratches his head. "Can... you talk? I mean... I-I know... some beasts that... cant's..." He gets another chill up his spine and slowly starts to step away.
Kolya looks at Zen. "Zen, I'd not talk to these beasts. very bad beasts.." he says, glaring back to the king and The Guard before looking to mag. "And I'd not involve yourself with him either"
Nidlorf replies to Kolya, "Simply, you help us find Mayeul, and I am grateful that nothing bad has come of my old friend - and he shall be able to stay at the abbey as long as he wishes." He leans down to Zen, smiling, "Hello there, little one... pleased to meet you, Zen. He doesn't talk unless I tell him to... he's a very loyal subject of mine, and loyalty is a good trait for younger ones such as yourself, especially..."
Kolya laughs very loudly. "once he's free your gonna take him back regardless of what he says" he smirks. "Like I trust the word of a vermin" he says. "Now if you Excuse me i'm going to get ready to go find my friend" he goes to go, and on his way try to bang into the king fellow.
Zen blinks and trembles a little, "Oh uh... I-I.. I'm... F-Fetchn... Zer... I mean.. Zen Fetcher...." He stares at King Nidlorf. "Um.. I... I's sorry, I'm.. just shy... is all..."
Magramba points after Kolya. "Sorry, /king/, but I know him better. We'll find your boy." With that he follows the stoat.
Kolya looks at Mag and smiles. "Thanks" he smiles a bit, before smirking at the so called king and stopping. "Who ever finds him first, gets him..." he says. "I want your word that i if i get mayeul first, you'll leave him be...and if you get him first, I leave him be...deal?" he asks...he'll go back on his word, because he made a promise...
Angered by the stoat and squirrel, but careful not to show it, "You surely wouldn't deny me the right to follow, then, as he is one of my men outside the walls of this abbey...?"
Kolya laughs. "he's not yours. He took back what ever oath he made...and I'll kill you before he goes with you" he smirks, just turning and going to the door.
Magramba would laugh at the king, but that would hurt too much... Well, here we go again.
Zen blinks a little and tries to get just close enough to the king to touch him. Oh yes! If he is a king, think about all the braging I could do! Haha! I touched a king, I bet none of the other dibbun's here have! He grins and thinks his thought slowly trying to inch his way forwards.
Odilo follows them outside, warning them on the way, "I think that dreadful vermin beast is still roaming somewhere out there... he was just outside the gate when I went out this morning..."
Nidlorf shoots Odilo a glance, silencing him, "Yes, we found him waiting for us this morning..."
Kolya looks to The king. "You'd best stay here...you may get your amour dirty" he smirks, heading out the door.
RW Abbey: Main Gate
Kolya got his weapons and Slung his bow around his shoulder, heading out for the road. "I sware, I'll kill who ever too him" he grumbles.
After a stop at the gatehouse, Magramba is outfitted with his sword and dagger once more...
Anba_Hor is leaning on the red wall just outside the main gate, snickering and picking his teeth with a bit of splintered wood... "Good morning? Afternoon? How is our fine search party doing today?" He throws the makeshift toothpick behind him and parts his black cloak, revealing he is amply armed to fight if necessary... "Are we ready to discuss the terms of our friend's return?"
Magramba grins lightly, beginning to feel his blood thrum with energy, dispelling the ache in his head.
Nidlorf fits his sword back into his scabbard where it belongs... a mighty weapon, more than enough for one fox... "You! You are outnumbered here... it's a good day for scum like you to die, I think." He steps forward a pace.
Kolya looks over and quickly notches an arrow to the the bow he just Armed himself with. "Tell me where he is, or there'll be an Arrow through your skull fox" he growls, before looking to the squirrel. "Shut up. He'd not be nabbed if weren't for you, now get back, or Die with him" he growls. time For old Kolya to be back! Stoat P-P-Power!
Odilo steps forward with his king, now brandishing a long pike... awkward, but a good defense. He watches every move the king makes, knowing he'll probably be last into the fight if one should erupt...
Magramba has both paws in position to draw his weapons, crossing at his waist.
Zen hides at the entry gates, blinking at what he sees. He keeps quiet and low to the ground on his tummy, hopefuly not in site.
Anba_Hor backs away, an expression of mock fear playing briefly across his features before it returns to a snicker, "My, my... eager to settle with weapons and threats of death what could easily be settled for money... you are very liberal with your own lives, methinks... these daggers, here, on my waist - all poison - I would not be so hasty to use them unless I had to... and an arrow would not be enough to stop me pulling one and throwing at any one of you. Of course... if I am dead, you will never know where Mayeul is - and others will take him in my place." He stands confidently against the wall.
Nidlorf sheaths his sword... "I am willing to settle with money... although I don't think the others here have enough to please such a greedy scumbag such as yourself. Although... I am powerless to stop them from attacking you - you would be on your own there, vermin."
Kolya laughs. "You'd be surprised fox. I've been a tracker, pirate, thief and killer in my life, so I'm not afraid of what ever threats you have" He growls. "Tell me where he is..last chance slime"
Magramba has to keep himself from laughing at the fox's threats, his paws beginning to slowly draw his weapons.
Odilo raises his pike again, withdrawing and letting the others make a show of force. Nidlorf is playing it smart, he thinks to himself, letting the king be the alternative to violence while the others act on instinct. Either way, he wins. They'll all probably die in the process...
Anba_Hor folds his paws, one paw though resting on the hilt of a dagger in his belt... ready to fling, "So, the king offers money... to be expected - would you be willing to give me half of what bounty you have brought with you in exchange for the mouse? Such a steep price, I would think... but I am willing to go somewhat lower..." He keeps the others in his vision, and looks at the soldier, "Where are the others in your camp? Have you only one guard? Pity..."
Kolya cant take this. The stoat aims the arrow as best as he can for the fox's footpaws, just in front. He lets it fly and quickly notches another arrow to his bow, as the first arrow Slams into the ground. "Fox, I dont miss twice. and so called king, get the Heck out of my way" he takes a few steps forward, now standing next to the /king/
Magramba decides that now /might/ be a good time to have his blades ready, and draws both, his left paw drawing back as if throw the dagger.
Nidlorf screams, "Noooo!!! You fool!!" He looks at Odilo, nodding over in Kolya's direction.
Kolya Aims an Arrow to the king this time. "Move and he dies" the stoat growls out, still looking to the fox. "Now, where is he" he growls.
Odilo brandishes his pike at Kolya, the point hovering /right/ near the stoat's neck. He growls, "You would put the king in danger, then you would die, no matter who's side you're on!"
Magramba notices that ab-so-lutely no one is threatening him, and hence takes the opportunity to attempt slam the pommel of his sword into Odilo's gut.
Anba_Hor draws two daggers, ready to throw both, "Tsk, tsk... so violent for supposedly peaceful abbey dwellers... and so ready to put your own lives in jeopardy - for what? Who wants the mouse more, you both? Or the king and his /pawmaiden/." He winks at Odilo, taunting him...
Kolya chuckles at the fox. "Actually, I may hate you, but that was pretty good" he smirks a bit. "Now king, Get back or You'll have an arrow through you" he says.
Odilo winces and groans as the wind is taken out of him, and the pike in his paws sways wildly in his paws, at close proximity to the stoat's head. Not a smart move with the weapon so close to the stoat... Something bad could happen.
Kolya steps to the side and ducks as the blade goes over his head, Arrow still aimed right for the Squirrel. "how about this, Fox..I'll match and Go higher than any price that King can offer..." How long can he keep up the bidding?
The king moves forward, towards the fox, in his first courageous gesture /ever/ at the abbey, "Fox... lead these beasts here to Mayeul and I /will/ pay you... I desire for no one here to be killed, and I know you could easily kill them. It is such a large price for them to pay for such an insignificant mouse - I am willing to pay for them, in gold, in whatever you wish." Then, there's a slight twinge near the king's eye, not recognizable from behind, but perhaps a wink?
With an exasperated sigh, Magramba sees the swinging pike and takes hold of the haft with his left paw while smacking the doubled-over squirrel in the back with his pommel, presumably flooring him.
Anba_Hor laughs at Kolya, "You, stoat? You could /match/ a king's price? What kind of nonsense is this? Do you expect me to believe that a regular abbey dweller such as yourself would have what I want? Why do you suppose I kidnapped a king's valuable scoutbeast?" He intercepts the wink, and smiles, looking back toward the mess across the way.
Kolya has had enough of games. He shoots the arrow that was aimed at the king and notches another, this time shooting it towards the fox. Weather or not the one for the king lands, he doesn't care at the moment. He's just Sick and tired of that...that...Thing.
Odilo falls painfully to the ground but recovers in time to roll back over and yell out, "King, head's up, he's going to--!"
Nidlorf grabs the fox and rolls out of the way of the arrows, one painfully slicing into his side... he stands and shouts angrily, "The fox has agreed to take us to Mayeul! Stow your weapons!"
Magramba slings his new pike away from the group, preferring his sword, and puts a foot on Odilo, sword still in paw.
Anba_Hor throws a dagger just before being knocked out of the way by the king - wherever it lands he doesn't find out, but his good aim will put it near the others for sure.
Kolya aims another Arrow for the king and fires....Now, He's just fuming. The fox may have agreed, but he's not falling for it. He keeps an eye on the fox though, and when he sees the dagger, he side steps and lets the arrow fly at the fox this time. What he wouldn't give for his old captain to be here right now. or even his brother. They'd make short work of The fox AND the king. But He's alone...Aside from Mag anywyas.
Nidlorf draws his sword and lunges at Kolya before he is able to notch another arrow... he leaps towards him in an attempt to pin him down. Hopefully Magramba will react, and Odilo would have time to put all four in a stalemate...
Magramba grunts as something hits him in the left arm. Bugger. "Kolya," he calls, slightly distractedly, then looks up to see the king advancing on Kolya. With a parting kick he hastens to cross blades with the king.
Kolya Throws his bow to the ground and Rolls out of the way, drawing his sword and...running at the Fox...he attempts to get his blade close enough to be able to pin him.
Odilo sees his king go down and gets up, drawing a short sword from his waist to meet Magramba as Kolya goes after the fox. "Not so fast... put it down."
Magramba nearly laughs in his face. "No, I will not." With that, he hurries after his out-numbered friend.
Anba_Hor runs away as fast as his legs will carry him... First sliding down into the ditch then running, running... his legs are far longer than the stoat's and he isn't being chased by any long range weapons... and today is /not/ such a good day to die, after all. Leave the fighting to them, and hopefully the king doesn't die before his bounty is received.
Kolya follows him. The Stoat isn't done yet and in fact. He's to that point where he could kill...kill...Killie! "Get back here" he growls as he runs after the fox.
Nidlorf, with no one left threatening him, decides to let the fox run... He'll get away, and then he can bargain with the vermin separately. What a horrible idea, though, to have so many conflicts going on at one time... he didn't expect the fox to be /right there/, waiting for them! "Odilo, are you alright?"
Odilo answers, with a groan, "Yes... king, you were hit by an arrow... are /you/ alright? That stoat, why, he tried to /kill/ you!!" He picks up his pike and gives the king a paw to stand up.
(continued at bottom)
Magramba charges off after the stoat and fox.
Ditch
Mossflower - Ditch -----------------------------
Kolya follows the fox, his sword in paw. "Get back here Vermin Scum!" He shouts, gaining real speed on the fox, and slowly catching up.
Puffing along, the weary squirrel rushes to keep up, knowing he needs the fox either dead or caught.
Anba_Hor runs along the ditch, and suddenly stops, turning around to face both of them. "So... I have to deal with you two before any deal is to be made, then? Very well... try me." He draws more daggers, "You don't have the long-range advantage anymore, stoat... what are you going to do? Hope you can dodge all of these daggers? Doubtful. I would just ask politely for the antidote, for your dying friend there, and be on your way..."
Kolya stops suddenly and Grins. "Try it...Just Throw one dagger, and that first dagger will be poking out of your skull in a few seconds...go on! Throw it!" He grins. Now...he's Probably just Bluffing. He's dogged daggers before, and even Caught one a while back when he was still a hunter. But Since then, his reflexes may have been dulled. and he hopes he's wrong.
Magramba realizes the dagger is still sticking in his arm. "I don't know, fox, what do you figure your odds are of dodging a dagger similarly poisoned?"
Anba_Hor laughs, "The poison is all in you, no doubt... I doubt much of it would stay on the blade if it were pulled out in that fashion... and you had better make up your mind quick, stoat, or your friend could die while you are deciding what to do..." He takes a dagger out.
Kolya grins and Throws his short Sword At the Fox. While Running at him right behind it. Distraction Distraction. and He's ready to duck if the dagger is thrown.
Magramba shrugs. "Steel's pretty good poison. Haven't met many people... who live with a lot of it in 'em." His breath is shortening.
Anba_Hor dodges the throw and catches the handle of the sword in mid-air! He weilds it himself, it wasn't a very smart weapon to throw... Anba_Hor is used to catching even smaller weapons... he laughs and expertly twirls the sword in his paw, finally point out at the stoat, dagger still in his other paw. "Not your best move, I would say."
Magramba pulls the dagger from his arm, sick of the way it feels, and advances quickly, sword twirling easily in paw.
Kolya grins. "Actually it was" he says still Running at the fox. "Its dull as Anything" he laughs, attempting to grab the sword by the blade when he comes in range, before going to slide tackle the fox, trying to get the footpaws out from under him. Its a stoat, but he's not stupid. besides the sword is like Thirty seasons old or something.
Anba_Hor goes to knock the stoat out with the butt of the handle, and is tackled. He wrestles with the stoat for possession of the sword, but he is the one with more daggers, and he easily holds off the stoat with one paw on the handle of the sword with his strength. Slowly, his other paw reaches for another dagger...
Kolya stops going for the sword and quickly tries to head butt the fox, before laying a swift punch to his side..if it lands. "Mag Help!"
Magramba manages to catch up to the pair, applies the tip of his sword to the fox's throat. "Now," he pushes out, through clenched teeth. "The antidote, and one good reason I shouldn't cut your throat right now.
Anba_Hor chuckles, and reaches for the antidote, amazed that he's found himself in this situation. He hands it over to Magramba, and quickly brings his footpaws up to the stoats middle, aiming to kick the stoat clear into the air, simultaenously ducking out from under the squirrel's blade.
Magramba flicks the dagger off after the fleeing fox, and then its bottoms-up.
Kolya IS kicked but He doesn't get sent into the air. He just grunt loudly. "IF you..mhhm...tell me... Where mayeul is, I'll give you all the coin i have on me and let you live" he says, gasping for air from the kick.
The fox doesn't waste any time. Leaving the antidote, he leaps straight up the side of the ditch and away through the grasses to safety, back north.
Magramba shakes his head with a sigh. "Have to find Mouse-face later."
Meanwhile, Back at the Main Gate...
Nidlorf answers Odilo, "Yes, it was only through the fur, though... I'll be okay. If they /kill/ that fox, though, Mayeul is lost to us... they'll either find him or the mouse will die. I certainly don't want either... Should we rely on the fox to dispense with the others?"
Nighteyes makes his way up the path after the others have passed, the wildcat pretty easy to see owing to his height. His cloak whips behind him in the wind and he trudges towards the gates, one hand always on his rapiers hilt.
Odilo nods, "He is a mercenary, sire, he knows what he's doing... We, on the other hand, almost got ourselves killed... if you'll allow me to speak freely, sir.." A little too late for that. He eyes the incoming wildcat, suspicious. "Who goes there? Are you friend or foe to the abbey?" Not sure which would be better for them, at this point...
Nidlorf leans up and eventually picks himself up, "That squirrel, I think he got it good, in the arm... yes... who goes there indeed...?" He looks at the wildcat.
Nighteyes frowns softly and stops about fifteen feet away, that paw still on his rapier. He eyes the two squirrels and speaks rather bluntly as he draws himself up, "Who's asking?" He looks at Nidlorf a moment and hmms, "You look like some sort of noble. You own this abbey?"
Odilo lets his king speak, but smiles at the suggestion of 'owning' the abbey. This could be interesting...
Nidlorf straightens himself as he stands, "Yes, I am a king, King Nidlorf of Redwall Abbey. What business do you want here at my abbey, cat?"
Nighteyes arches a brow and then hmms, "Redwall..seems I heard that name once.." He rubs at his muzzle and then shrugs, "A place to rest for a few days. I am hunting some vermin of little reknown and I hear once was seen in these lands recently. A fox with a green right eye by the name of DeadEye." He squints at Nidlorf again and frowns once more, "...You don't strike me as a king..more like a minor noble..Like those in my fathers employ."
Nidlorf is taken aback by the last observation, "Why, sir! I may only be in my military outfit, but I'll have you know that I /am/ a king - you certainly didn't strike me to begin as a noble yourself! Perhaps I shall not let you rest at all in this abbey, and maybe I saw the vermin in question go straight up the road without stopping? Perhaps you should follow him! I would hurry, at that..." He brushes himself off and addresses Odilo, "If he attempts to enter /my/ abbey, take him out."
Odilo is surprised the king almost read his thoughts, but 'ayes' and stands by the gate with his pike raised. Does he really look like an abbey guard? He hopes so...
Nighteyes's rapier is out with a soft hiss, the wildcats eyes flat, "I saw those beasts go by and none were my quarry or my concern. I would not suggest lying to me or your life shall become shorter, squirrel." He seems to be completely ignoring Odilo at the moment but he is not making any move towards Nidlorf, either, "Now, let's try this again. I am Nighteyes, vermin-tracker, mercenary, and son of the tyrant king Bloodeyes. I am seeking the one known as DeadEye and heard he was near this abbey. I /require/ entrance so I can search and, if I don't find him, restock for my trek. If you two stand in my way, I will cut you both down."
Nidlorf hmms, this doesn't sound like a very nice cat - he suddenly wishes the fox were still here. Nidlorf draws his sword and yawns, "Very well, cat... you see well that I am not king of an abbey - but if you are to pick a fight here, then I would advise against it. You will not find any vermin by that name inside these walls, I assure you."
Odilo just stands to "post", and spots Zen, "Hey.. you! C'mere, you little...!"
Zen blinks and srpings to his feet, pressing up against the entry gates and scratching at the with his paws, his eyes pouring out tears, "N-No.. I.. i... please just... I... I's... sorry... not again! Please! Help!! PLEASE HELP!!!" He starts to cry out for help as he turns around and stares at Odilo with fear.
Nighteyes grunts and sheathes his rapier, "As I thought, a minor noble. Who does control here?" His arms cross over his chest, that gaunleted paw clinking lightly, "I will speak with them about searc-" He cuts off and turn towards Odilo and Zen, that two-handed greatsword drawn in a flash as he makes his way towards the squirrel and mouse, "You harm that young beast and you will be in two halves before you can blink!"
Odilo bends down, still watching Nidlorf and the cat out of the corner of his eye, "You are /not/ to tell anybeast of this, or what happened earlier... understand?? That bad stoat turned on poor King Nidlorf, you saw that right? You're going to tell everybody that's what happened???" He digs the pike into the ground and grits his teeth at the dibbun.
Zen shakes his head, "N... no.. y... your.... your a-a-a.... n... ju...." His voice cracks out as he shakes his head, his tail swinging infront of him as he puts his paws over his head and curls up on the ground, "I... I.. just... please.. d-don't.. h... hurt me... please..."
"Pay no attention to Odilo... the dibbun is frightened - there was a fight here before, and my soldier is trying to calm the dibbun down. He could be scarred for life, I imagine, terrible thing for such a young one to see. He should have been better watched, not allowed out this far at all.. Ehem... so if you are going to enter, enter. Obviously I am in no position to stop you."
Nighteyes's eyes flick from Nidlorf to Odilo and back, "I am not stupid, squirrel. He seems more scared of your soldier than of anything else." His sword is sheathed, though, and he grunts as he turns and heads inside, "Of course you are not. Having tried would have ended in your senseless death." And in he goes.
Odilo looks at the king and the king back at him, before they both break into chuckling. "He really did have you at a crossroads, sire... I was afraid for you, dearly..." They wait a while and both go in after the cat.
Zen squeeks and curls up on the ground, sobbing and shakeing frightend. "Plea.... don't.. hurt me..."
On the way in, Nidlorf pats the little dibbun, "Remember, little one, shhhhhh..."
