03.23.09 - Kiss the Floor

Location: Redwall Great Hall

Characters Involved: Bradge, Eithne, Magramba, Ahti, Benar, Orph, Belliger, Harper, Darcy, Crow

Bradge walks in and has a seat at the table.

Eithne is rather dusty in appearance as she exits the library, pausing to give herself a brief shake, and heading toward a seat. She drops herself into a chair near Bradge, giving her friend a quick grin and sweeping her tail up into her lap to comb dust particles out of it.

"Afternoon, Eithne." Bradge gives a little cheery smile to his friend in return. "Keepin' youself busy?" The otter looks rather not busy at the moment (don't tell anyone) and is leaning back in a chair, very relaxed, very laid back.

Magramba walks in from the kitchen, standing in the doorway for a beat, one paw resting on the frame, before coming into the room. His eyes glance about, questing inquisitively for something in particular. With a shrug, the squirrel heads for the younger two.

"Busy enough. Spent the whole morning reshelving books," Eithne says. "The place is /dusty/, you know... hello Magramba, how's your day been?"

Ahti comes nearly bouncing down the stairs, a wide smile plastered over his face. "Nice quiet sleep you'll get here. Better'n the road thats for sure," the squirrel says to noone in particular.

"Aye, that's what ya get when you 'ave a lot of books." Bradge reasons, giving a high wave to Magramba, as well as the newcomer that he doesn't quite recognize. "The more books you 'ave, the more books nobeast reads."

Magramba slips into a chair while returning Bradge's wave, absently reclining on the chair's hind two feet. "Been fine."

Benar gliding in through the main door is Benar, seeming to not be walking as his habit trails over the floor. The squirrel smiles at those present and waves. "Hello all, how is everyone?"

Eithne's ears tilt up and she gives Ahti a quick smile. "Hello - join us. I don't think I'm seen you around.." A quick nod to Bradge. "Nothing truer. Hello Benar!"

Ahti grins and moves over towards Eithne and her group, giving a theatrical and rather unnecessary bow, "Good day to you all, I'm Ahti." He raises up with another grin, his tail twitching a little, "Pleasure to meet you all and thank you for the hospitality."

"Doin' well, Benar, an' yourself?" Bradge gestures with his paws for all those still standing to go on and have a seat. "Reckon I should go make tea or somethin'. Didn't know we were gonna 'ave a reg'lar gatherin'." He chuckles, apparently considering it for real with his glance to the kitchen.

Eithne gestures for Ahti to take a seat as well. "Welcome to Redwall, then. I'm Eithne, this is Bradge and Benar - we're all novices of the Order." She gives Bradge a smile. "Would you? That'd be great."

"And I'm Magramba." The squirrel indicates himself with a vague wave. "I don't live here." A broad smile is offered to ensure that that's not a complaint.

Ahti takes a seat in the indicated chair, "Eithne, Bradge, Benar, and Magramba that doesn't live here," he says with a chuckle, committing the names to memory. "Pleasure. Can't say that I can claim such a well respected title as Novice of the Order though."

Bradge nods and heads off to the kitchen to go gather hot water and tea for everybeast! "Welcome to the Abbey, Ahti. I'll be righ' back with some tea for ya if'n you want some."

Benar walks over and smiles, taking a seat, "Thanks Eithne." he nods to Ahti, "Hello there, indeed we are all Novices in the order. Welcome to Redwall Abbey. I hope you find what you seek here."

Magramba grins and shakes his head, eyes focused downward. "What you seek..."

Eithne settles back in her seat with her tail ticking side to side. "Hope you've enjoyed your stay so far, Ahti... Magramba, how've your smithy endeavors been since we brought back those supplies?"

Ahti chuckles, "Well, I only seek songs and grand stories to tell. And from what I gather, there is /always/ something happening here."

Benar laughs warmly, "Well Redwall does seem to be a hive of activity, but at the moment it is mostly spring planting and such."

Magramba's eyes flick up, meander about, then find the speaker. "Oh, uh. Yeah. I just need to find a heavy apron and gloves or something."

"We can find those for you, probably... I'm not sure if oven mitts are exactly what you need..?" Eithne offers Magramba.

Ahti starts mostly to listen to the others, fidgeting with his paws out of excess energy.

Magramba chuckles dryly. "No, not at all." A paw wanders to his chin, where it rubs gently. "But. Maybe I could modify them."

Benar rubs his chin and thinks, "Mmm we could check the attic? Lots of old clothes up there in boxes and such. We might find you something?"

"There's always the market," Eithne suggests, "maybe that would have what you need.. Or the attic, yes. I found this huge ridiculous hat up there when I was looking for something entirely different. Pirate-like, heh."

Magramba shrugs. "That's an idea. I'll check around."

Ahti continues to watch and listen to the novices talk. He didn't have anything to add to that particular conversation.

Benar smiles at the squirrel who just arrived, "So Ahti was it? What brings you to Redwall Abbey?"

Eithne murmurs, "Would anyone care for something to eat? I think I'll go help Bradge, get us all some food as well.."

Benar looks over at the cat and mms, "Something filled with nuts would go down a treat."

Ahti gives a nod, "That would be great, thank you." Then he looks at Benar, "Just wandering. Got into a spot of trouble not too long back, ended up in this area. Decided to stop in for a spell."

Bradge is soon coming back with tea, though! And he's carrying the tray towards the table where everybeast is gathered. "Mint fine with y'all?"

Magramba gets up out of his seat to give Bradge some help with the tea.

Eithne rises while giving Bradge a smile. "Mint is just perfect - was there anything in there we could bring out to eat, maybe? Dinner still isn't for a little while, I wouldn't mind a snack."

Benar says, "Mmm Mint would be lovely Bradge thank you." He nods to Ahti, "I know how that is, i came back to the area after several seasons away and decided to settle and give up the soldier life.""

Ahti raises his brows, "A soldier huh? I'm sure you have some great tales and songs. I'm always looking to expand my collection." He glances over with a smile, "Mint would be great, thank you."

"There's always somethin' to eat in the kitchens. I saw... Some sorta pastries in there with some chestnuts in 'em, if'n you want you can go grab those an' bring 'em out. Somebeast left a note sayin' they were extras, so..." Bradge sets the tray down and begins pouring out tea in some teacups for all present.

Magramba gestures at the kitchen to Eithne with a thumb. "You get those, I'll get us something fresh and forbidden."

"Well we've got enough squirrels here that /those/ will be popular," Eithne chuckles, and heads toward the kitchen.

Benar mms and nods his head, "I have... some tales I could tell you Ahti that is for sure."

Ahti turns his head away from Benar at the words from Eithne and Magramba, sounds interesting. He looks back to Benar with a smile, "You're going to have to tell me some sometime."

Magramba follows Eithne to the kitchen, grinning.

Benar says, "I'd love to share my tales with you tree-brother, but mmm maybe not right now." he sips his tea nad smiles, "I need to unwind a bit.""

Ahti nods to Benar, "Of course. I'll be around here for a little while to unwind myself."

Orph sits on the floor building a tower with some small round pebbles. He dosn't look to interested in the conversations going on around him.

Bradge has a seat with a sigh, smiling and sipping at his tea, returning to his relaxed state. "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind a bite or two myself..." He let the other two talk away though.

Benar smiles at Orph and waves a paw, "Hello Orph are you ok over there?"

Eithne steps out of the kitchen again, a tray of various pastries in her hands. "Are you sure these are left overs, Bradge? They're still warm... and they smell delicious."

Ahti takes a cup of tea and sips it, "This is good. Thank you." He sets his cup aside and rummages through his pack to find something in particular.

Benar smiles and licks his lips as he smells those pastries. "Mmm they do smell rather awesome like Eithne..." he glances at Ahti and smiles, "Anything in particulare you wished to hear about?"

Eithne's mouth forms a smirk. "Awesome like /me/..?"

"Didn't you see the note?" Bradge shrugs. "Maybe we jus' 'ave good timin'." The otter isn't one to question good fortune, and sits up, sniffing the air and smiling in agreement with the cat's judgment on the aroma of he pastries. But, of course, "After you?"

Ahti looks up from his digging in the bag, "You know...stories of heroism, bravery in the eyes of certain defeat..."

Benar blinks and scratches his ears, "I can tell you stories about building Ballista, or moulding pottery or the drudfgery of being a corporal in the rank and file." he murmurs softly, he then eyes Eithne and laughs, "Sorry.. I mwant the pastries smell awesome. Eithne."

The journey has been long and interesting, but it is finally over. The double doors leading into the Great Hall are pushed open and a small group of four enters the Great Hall. Harper is amongst them. He walks forward a few feet and, really, just does the most cliche thing that springs to mind. He kisses the red stone beneath his feet.

Darcy is a few steps behind Harper. She gives him a kind of bewildered look and glances around. "... are we too late for dinner?"

Ahti turns his head towards the group of four, raising a brow when he sees the hare kiss the ground, "Um....I have to be missing something here," he mutters to the small group he's seated with.

Orph looks up the the stangers entrance. "Hi. No dinner won't be for a while so you didn't miss it. Were having a snack right now. you want some?" The ratling pushes his tea cup toward the group.

Magramba emerges from the kitchen, a tray cradled gently in singed paws. Atop the tray are two positively /steaming/ pies, the odor of apples and cherries spurting from the top of each through massive, fruit-shaped vents in the dough. In a curious voice, he says, "What's all the-" and then. He stops. Dead. Sadly, already-complaining paws can't handle the shock, and the tray crashes to the floor, the pies bursting in an explosion of delicious flavor like overfilled balloons. "You. Are back."

Bradge turns to see who's entering, and straightens up, placing his teacup down on the table. "Uh..." He stands. "...'arper! Darcy!" Bradge runs towards those two-- the other two, no offense, he's just got no idea who you are.

Eithne chuckles. "Of course, I know what you meant.." She sets the tray down on the table. "Well dig in, everyone, don't let them get.. cold." Her eyes move over toward the new arrivals, and her eyes widen a little.

Belliger stands a little off to the side and behind Harper and Darcy, paws pocketed as he... Lets reunions be, and all that. Don't mind him.

Benar blinks and watches the strange group enter, he slowly stands up and approaches them, "Of course not." The novice says softly, "Erm... are you ok sir hare?" he asks Harper. The squirrel not recognizing the group. "Welcome to Redwall, I am Novice Benar."

Ahti flinches and a paw jerks to where he sword normally was when the tray crashes to the floor. Then he masks it by looking around, yes, he's definitely out of the loop.

Harper kisses the floor once more, silently thanking the wonderful novices who keep it so mud free... and rises. His grin blazes out. The buck has a metal slave collar around his neck and his clothing's kind of ragged, but he's alive! And couldn't look more relieved. And then he sees Magramba, following the clatter. He crosses to the squirrel and throws his arms around the bloke. "Mag!"

Magramba just stands there, arms raised, vaguely paddling the air. "But you.. The ship.. They.. What?"

Darcy /sprints/ toward Bradge, to snatch him up in a hug. Or be snatched, whichever works. "Bradge!" She looks considerably worse for wear also, with a slave collar and metal bracers, hair definitely shorter than it was. And ... she's wearing a dress. What.

Belliger tilts his head this way and that, tip-pawing and looking around. "Er, I sure 'ope ye don't mind me tuckin' in a mite..." He mutters this more to himself, sidestepping around all the hugging and backpatting and heading for the table to spy out some of the wares.

Well, Harper is kissing the floor and hugging squirrels, which leaves Darcy, Belliger and the fourth group member that is small enough to be almost be overlooked at first. Crow is walking for the last leg of their journey, looking a lot better than the two with slave collars on. That is he's wearing rich-looking clothing and has no signs of slavery upon his person - and is following the shrew closely with his fingers go out to try to curl around Belliger's tail but missing when he is forgotten. The toddler stands uncertainly in the doorway.

Ahti gets to his feet and watches all the commotion. He spots the dibbun standing in the doorway and moves over to him, kneeling down, "Hey little one..."

Orph stands up not sure what is going on, but wanting to be friendly to the new arrivals, he walks over to the kitten, "Hello. I'm William. What's yurr name?"

Bradge's momentum is probably enough to assume that he is the one snatching up Darcy. "I knew ya'd be back. I /knew/ it, you ain't gonna let nobeast enslave ya for too long, 'cause you'd jus' tell 'em off an'... An' find a way to get outta there an' stuff, an'..." He just trails off and /hugs/ Darcy ever so tightly.

Benar pauses in mid step as all the hares run past him. He slowly turns slowly to look at the people behind him. "Erm... Wait.." he's not the brightest rodent but it's pretty obvious. "Brother Harper... Miss Darcy... what.." he glances at the dibbun and leans down to offer his paws to the cat, then backs off as Ahti moves in. "You seem to have forgotten your.. dibbun.. erm... wait.." he laughs. "Brother Harper you are back! You are alive and well! Ha! Sound the bells someone! This is.. this is marvelous!"

Harper laughs! It's a happy sound, a /relieved/ sound. He pats Magramba firmly on the back before stepping back, releasing him. "We ended up in Ruingate, but... We escaped! And Belliger," and he thumbs his paw backward, glances around, and... where did he go? "Belliger gave us a ride on his boat 'n' we hoofed it the rest o' the way back." He looks around, then, and spots Crow. Attention is currently being lavished on the kitten, so he just stands there and grins.

"Still warm," Belliger comments, loading his paw up with a pastry and taking a rather gigantic bite out of it. His peripheral vision catches the fallen pies, and he tsks through his full mouth, looking saddened by the display of wasted food.

Darcy's feet lift off the ground as she flings her arms around Bradge's neck, hanging off of him. "/Ruingate/!" she tells the otter. "Bradge, we were /slaves/, and /Ruingate/.. and.. and we got /away/, of course we did... oh my holy hell you do not /know/ what has gone on..." She squeeeeezes him and drops her feet to the floor, standing back. "I am /so/ happy to see you!" Her eyes are kind of moist.

Yes, that's right. You've forgotten your dibbun. And now he's being bombarded by rodentia. The cat looks uncertain how to take this attention - never having been one for strangers and now even less so when he's been through.. well everything. Crow stares up at Ahti with big green eyes, then his ears fold backward. "K'oh." Is offered to Orph then he glance back towards the door uncertainly, tail tucking.

Magramba regains himself and laughs, returning the clap on the back. "Ruingate, huh? Daft vermin couldn't keep y' in, it seems." After a beat, he adds, "We've just sent a trainload off to find you. To Ruingate, if you can believe it."

Ahti reaches his arms out to pick up the kitten, "Koh? Well then, you want to go and meet back up with those two hares?" The squirrel was still more confused than ever, but hey, might as well make the best of it. Besides, with this much joy at the arrival of some beasts, there might be a good story he could get out of it.

Benar shakes his head and moves back to sit in a chair, "Yes.. Elder Sunrose.. Brother Antioc! A whole host to set up a Priory in Ruingate as a mission of healing!" It doesn't take long for the sound of the Matthias and Methuselah bells to be heard as word slowly spreads that the Recorder and Miss Darcy have returned alive, the bells ringing out a joyful and somewhat wild refrain. "Well... welcome home Brother Harper, Miss Darcy..." the squirrel says trailing off, he really doesn't know them so can't say more.

Bradge lets Darcy down, giving her one last big squeeze before he lets go. "Oh I'm so glad ta see you, too, Darcy. We sent out a search party an' everythin' ta go find ya's an'... Now yer back, so maybe we can go an' call that off an' they can come back too, an'..." The otter pauses, and picks Darcy up again in another hug!

Harper's ears twitch at Magramba's words. "Ha! How'd you guys figure that'un out?" He laughs, but looks a /trifle/ uneasy. "Mayhaps we c'n end someone out t'catch 'em before they get there." He claps Mag on the shoulder again, then goes to direct him back over to Crow, who he crouches by. "Hey, Crow. It's okay. These are all friends." He smiles warmly, then laughs at the sound of the bells. To Benar he nods. "Thankee - Novice?" A new one!

Belliger's eyes spy an empty tea cup, and he pours himself some of the tea, smelling it approvingly and taking a drink, his mouth barely empty from the pastry before it fills with the liquid. "Ahh... Why'd I stay 'way from this place so long?" he asks himself.

Benar smiles and bows, "It.. was all I could think of! Redwall's giving you a rousing welcome home Brother." he smiles, "Novice Benar sir... that is Novice Eithne.. there have been quite a few new novices whilst you have been gone sir... but... ack.. we need to get those vile things off from around your necks.. Magramba do you think you can do it with the tools from the forge?"

Fur prickles out on Crow's form and suddenly he resembles a ball of fuzz as he is captured by unfamiliar hands. His limbs tense and his claws unsheathe as he eyes Ahti uncertainly. Why is it touching him? His tail swats. Too much going on.

When she's lowered from the second hug, Darcy gives a heavy exhale. "Yeah. Yeah, maybe.. uhm, sorry, Bradge, will you hold on just a minute..?" She gives a glance at Crow - good, he hasn't bitten anyone yet - and then a bright beaming grin to Harper as she aims toward Magramba. "Mag!"

Ahti gives a comforting smile to the little ball of fuzz, "Oh come on then, I'm not going to hurt you." He looks to the two new arrivals, "Um...."

Magramba shrugs, in tow of Harper. "We didn't, just figured that'd be a good place to start." As for Benar's question, "Definitely the collars. Quick work." And. There's his name again. "Darcy!"

Errr. "Be careful, mate," Harper warns Ahti. "He c'n be a mite temperamental." At Benar's question, Harper glances to Magramba. And then looks pleased at the answer. "/Good/..."

Darcy's pace quickens toward Magramba and she takes a few bouncing steps that culminate in a leaping hug to catch the squirrel around the shoulders. "You! Hi!"

Ahti glances at Harper, "The names Ahti. And I'm only guessing that you're Harper?" he asks with a grin. "Welcome home I suppose."

Oh, again with the hugging and hanging. This time, though, Magramba is ready, and quickly moves his paws to support the little hare. "Glad to see you." He pulls his face back. "Things have been dreadfully dull, lately. I mean, no one's tried to kill me lately."

Benar claps his paws and stands back up, "Ok tell me what you need Mag, I'll run to the forge and get them right away... those.. those filthy things are coming off rught now." The squirrel seems rather adamant about that point. But then he hates collars.

Bradge lets Darcy go down, all grins as he watches her go off to Magramba. He spots the kitten confusedly -- He didn't come from the abbey -- and watches, taking a step or so closer to Ahti and Crow, taking note of the dibbun's difference in clothing and general well-keptness in comparison.

Crow is pulled in to a more secure hold by the squirrel and he eyes him with an uncertainty. Now his claws curl into the front of Ahti's shirt as he slowly turns his head around as if ready for an attack at any moment. He gazes over the crowd with his ears turned backward, nearly hissing at every quick movement. It's almost like a horror film. A possessed little child. Cute. But possessed.

"What, no one at all? That /is/ dull," Darcy agrees, grinning ear to freaking ear. She leans in to smooch Magramba firmly on the mouth. Haha. "I have /missed/ you. Please please get these stupid things off my arms.."

Magramba moves to set Darcy down. That means let go. "Let's have a look."

"... Okay. I lost my habit? I need a habit. I'm going to get a habit," Harper announces, elated! "And I might just /burn/ these clothes..." Harper grins, starting towards the stairs.

Magramba glances over at Benar, taking the opportunity to backhand his mouth. "Uh. Just a minute."

Ahti grins again, this time from claws in his chest, "Ahh...ha....yes...hello there." He brings his other paw up to pat the dibbun's back, "Calm down now, you're safe."

Darcy squeezes, then releases. Her feet set down and she brings both arms around for him to examine the bracers that have been welded into place on her wrists. "/These/ stupid things. And the collar. All of them, they /must/ go.."

Orph watches the kitten as he walks over to where the hares are, "K' oh doesn't look very happy to be here. Is he from the Abbey or did he come from somewhere else?"

"Uhm, mister Ahti?" Bradge pipes in. "I don't reckon the kitten likes bein' 'eld very much." The otter hears Orph's question, and offers a shrug in return. "'e didn't come from the Abbey." He turns to locate one of the two that brought the kitten back. Harper's going, and so Darcy, "Where'd ya find the kitten?"

Belliger is stuffing his face.

Darcy is distracted briefly by Orph, and glances over. "No, he's just.. overwhelmed. Mag, juuust a minute." She moves toward Crow and Ahti, hands out to take the kitten. "Here, let me have him... ah. We found him, out in a storm," she tells Bradge. "Little while before the slavers picked us up."

Magramba taps the bracer, tries to peel it up a bit. "Is there any slack?

Harper is gone. Up the stairs, two at a time!

Belliger looks up at Darcy at her explanation. Browraise?

Crow is just a baby. He doesn't understand. New place, new people. Things that might harm him all over again. His tail is resembling a bristlebrush at this point, until he suddenly sees Darcy coming through the crowd. Salvation. The toddler waves his hands towards the doe, which at least saves Ahti's chest.

Benar walks over and peers at the bracers and shudders, "Ouch those look nasty... how did they put them on?" He tugs at his tail and glances at Harper who is off to get a habit. Of which he approves of. Habits are warm and cozy.

Ahti gives Darcy a smile and lets her take the kitten, "Here you go...welcome home."

It is a good few minutes before Harper reappears. He is /now/ wearing a /habit/! Ahhhh. So exciting. The Brother trots back down the stairs, smiling and looking all around. "/Home/," he murmurs to himself.

Darcy scoops her arms around Crow and brings him toward her chest. "Hey handsome," she croons reassuringly at the toddler, then nods to Ahti. "Thank you.. Harp? Haaarp." She glances around - there he is. "Hey, hold the tyke? I need Mag to look at these bloody bracers. .. hi, sorry, Benar is it? They were kind of.. welded. It hurt."

Orph doesn't repond to Flicktail because he is still over by Darcy. He looks at K'oh closely something about him seems off, "He wasn't a slave was he." he states more than asks.

"Good, always glad ta 'ave another dibbun 'ere. Think 'e's a future novice?" Bradge half-jokes but not really. But she's got other stuff to take care of. He notices the pies on the floor now, and winces. And he goes to clean that up, heading for the kitchen to get a mop and water.

Benar growls and tugs on his tail, "Welded... the.. the stinking vermin put molten metal against your fur and skin!" he shakes his head and shudders, "Ugh.. slavers I hate them I really do." He idly fingers the bracelets around his own wrists and nods to Harper as he returns. "You look better already Brother Harper."

Magramba raises an eyebrow, looking inquisitively at the bands on Darcy's arms. "That's. Not good. Welding makes things tough."

"Same with my collar," Darcy comments to Magramba. "You'll have a better time with Harp's, his just has a lock on it.. Just please tell me I won't be stuck with these.."

It's almost like his life is getting better all the time. Darcy takes him from Ahti and then goes to pass him back towards the now habited Brother. Now Crow is suddenly lunging away from her chest with her hands outreached. "'Ahpah!"

"Hm." Magramba glares darkly at the collar and bracers. "Did a real number on you, huh? That.. might take a few sessions to get rid of. It's gonna hurt. Crazy bad."

Ahti steps back and away from everyone. He only just got there a day or so ago, he didn't know anyone so he'd stay out of their way. He smiles, it was always nice to hear of good beasts getting away from slavers.

Harper's ears twitch. He looks around at Darcy and nods, trotting over. "Hey, kiddo. Hey." He reaches out to take the kitten, holding him in close to his chest. Kissing the top of his head. To Orph he answers. "He was picked up by the slavers with us. The rotters /branded/ him..." He sighs, shaking his head. "But when we got to Ruingate, this big cat announces he's his brother. He took Crow back from the slavers 'n' took me as his slave. When we left... I decided to take him." He says this kind of defiantly. "He's /better off/, here. I know what kind of beasts they are."

Darcy chuckles as Crow reaches out so eagerly for Harper. "Ahpah, Ahpah, yes." Harper gets a smirk as the kitten is passed over, though her expression sobers. Let him tell /that/ part of the story. She says to Magramba, "I've dealt with plenty of pain the last month or so.. just. Get them off okay?"

Benar nods to the brother, "You did the right thing... they'd only teach him to be like themselves! Which would be a terrible shame..." he shakes his head and moves to the table where the shrew and bradge have been scoffing. He takes a plate of pastries and offers them to the returned friends and the kitten. "Here you must be starved."

Orph's eyes widen, "You stole him from his brother?!" The ratlling shakes his head as he walks back toward the fireplace muttering about the Abbey's letting /anyone/ in.

Bradge returns with a mop and bucket, as well as a broom and dustpan, working on getting what he can with the broom first. He's in quite the good mood, humming ever so quietly to himself as he work, work, works.

Magramba nods, watching Harper and Crow. It's still eeevil. "When'd you want it off? Tomorrow, or...?"

Harper looks vindicated by Benar's reaction. He nods. "He'll grow up happy, here." As for Orph, he glances his way. Frowns slightly. But! Ignore him. He takes a pastry. "Do we have fish? You'll be Crow's best friend." He grins.

Belliger glances up at Benar, narrowing his eyes at his back when he turns away. But eh, no harm done. He grabs another pastry and has a seat, munching dutifully at some delicious abbey baked goods.

Darcy's ears tick back as she hesitates. "Maybe tomorrow... Yeah, after we've gotten some real rest finally. I am going to /eat/ and then pass out."

Bradge gets down on one knee, sweeping, sweeping a few times to make sure as much gets in the dustpan as possible. He pours the contents of the pan into another bucket and stands, dipping the mop in the water he brought out and letting it soak it up. "Hmm, hmm hmmm..."

Benar smiles and hands Darcy the entire plate of pastry and turns back to regard the lunch spread. "Sir.. shrew I am sorry I have been most rude. Especially for a Novice." he bows. "I am Benar, Novice of Redwall Abbey, can I get you anything whilst I go find some fish for the little one?"

Orph's ears swivel around catching Benar's comment about the kitten's being brought here as being for the best. He could say something but he stays silent and looks around for Zen and Flicktail.

Darcy blinks a little as she gets a... lot more than she's capable of eating. "Uh. Thanks!" Benar gets a grin. "Hey, Harp - want a tart? .. or, /ooh/, apple cinnamon scone?" she offers the buck, aiming over toward him.

The kitten curls in against Harper's chest and buries his face in his shoulder. He's the most recognizable face anyway, even next to Darcy. His claws dig into the fabric of the buck's habit and he hides there. Crow isn't looking around anymore. He's protected here.

Magramba snatches a tart from the tray as Darcy passes.

Ahti watches the group, then grins. He knew the best thing for good homecomings. He quickly moves to his pack that he left sitting by his old chair, now happening to be the one that Darcy was by. He reaches in and pulls out the case to his lute. After a small bit of preparation later, he starts to play a upbeat, joyous tune to commemorate their homecoming, making it up as he goes along.

Harper's ears perk. Did she just say...? Harper turns around, staring at Darcy. He walks over to her and, turned slightly to the side to keep from crushing Crow, he reaches out and draws her into a kiss. Whaaat? That's right.

Belliger's ears perk as he hears music. Upbeat music, even. Dancing music? The shrew sort of bounces in his place, trying to catch on to the melody and hum along.

Bradge drips the mop water on the floor and works on scrubbing up the mess left by the pies. As the music begins, his tongue clicks against the roof of his mouth to the rhythm of the lute playing, tail twitching to the music as he works.

Darcy has just enough time to look startled before she's soundly kissed, the tray angled out to the side so nothing drops off it. She leans back, grinning up at Harper. "... what was that for?"

Benar waits for a moment but Belliger doesn't say anything back so the Novice bows and slips down the stairs to the kitchens. He is gone for about 5 minutes and re-appears with a trolley, laden down with food and drink. Lifting it up the stairs with the help of another novice before they wheel it over. "Here we go... much better and." he picks up a plate which holds two grilled perch and offers them to the little kitten. "Here we go... some perch for you little one."

Ahti looks down at his playing, keeping the song going. Each note rings out true, the melody lifting to the rafters. Looks like he's not as fidgety and twitchy now. He's found his calm center.

Harper pulls back with a grin. Kissing her cheek once more before stepping back. "Do I need a reason?" He grins. "I understand there's apple cinnamon scones?" he queries.

Belliger must have been too absorbed in what he was doing or the music or whatever to notice Benar. "Dah da dah, hmm hmmm hm hmm... Deedle dee da dum da dum..." His foot begins tapping.

Crow has just spotted the fish that is being offered to him. His pupils dilate and his whiskers press forward as he peers at this plate. Claws, like hooked daggers, press fully out of Crow's right hand as he suddenly swipes out over the buck's shoulder to catch hold of one of the perch. It is snagged with those skewers and then the fish is slapped against Harper's chest, between his small body and the hare. My fish.

Benar blinks, "Well that got his attention.. those are some wicked looking claws..."

Harper laughs, looking down at his chest. Fish on habit? It's not so bad. He grins at Crow.

"No, you don't. And yes, there are," Darcy says. The tray is held in one hand and she grabs one up to offer to the buck, glancing around. She just looks so /happy/.

Ahti glances up with a big grin on his face and moves towards Belliger, the one that seems to be getting into the music the most. This is clearly a song that would play during a big festival.

All claws are revealed now, digging into the fish as he begins to chew on the meat. Crow seemed hungry? But then again he doesn't actually seem interested in eating it right now, just chewing on it and then lapping at the fish with a rough little tongue.

Benar flicks his ears and listens to Ahti's music, smiling as the squirrel plays. He watches Crow and sets the tray down with the other fish on it and sighs. "Well... erm.. welcome home Brother Harper."

Harper reaches out for one of those coveted scones. Takes a bit and then looks around, suddenly frowning at a thought. "Where's the Father? He didn't go /with/ them to Ruingate, did he?" Horrifying thought!

Bradge dips the mop in the water, squishing it against the bottom of the bucket to cleanse it of its mess. And... Over again, mopping up the mess.

Belliger sees the musician coming towards him, and stands up, hopping a little jig along with the music, looking around himself. He gonna be the /only/ one to enjoy the music here?

Darcy gives a shudder. "Banish the thought. I am intent on hugging him and I do /not/ want to go all the way back there to do it.." She eats half a tart and uses it to gesture at Bradge. "Hey, quit mopping - come over here and I'll tell you all about how Harper became a frog-king.."

Benar says, "No.. no Father Nicodemus did not go. he is still here with us... most likely he will be along soon enough." He then turns to stare at Harper, "Frog... king?"

Harper grins and shakes his head. "For like... half a day." He munches happily on the scone, eyes briefly closing. His /favorite/...

Bradge's head lifts. "...Frog king?" The otter chuckles, swiping across the floor a few times and leaving the bucket there, mop propped up against the side of it so he can leave it there and, presumably come back to it later. "... Like the king of... Frogs?"

Ahti manages to speak up to Harper while playing, "If you....don't min..mind...I'd like to....talk to....you....later...." Then he focuses more on the song, giving all present a big smile as the song starts to wind down.

Darcy chuckles, nodding. "This was before the slavers.. we're just walking through the woods, the group of us, and he up and vanishes. And we fought a wildcat who wanted to eat me... And /then/ we find Harper. Well. Sivaine found him. Some group of frogs had kidnapped him 'cause they had this little hare totem they worshipped..."

Benar blinks and covers his muzzle, "Oh.. Oh I shouldn't... ah.. hahaha... mmm something to record aye brother?"

Huh. Harperl ook around at the unfamiliar Ahti. He... nods. "Oh. Sure. Sure, of course." He looks at the squirrel quizzically. Then is drawn back to the conversation. "It was the smelliest, dampest half day I've ever spent." He nods to Benar with a grin.

Crow isn't paying attention to anyone else anymore. He is fairly nursing at his fish and nuzzled into it. It's the first time they've been nice enough to just hand him a whole one before, usually he's just fed by hand little bits of one. He seems content now.

Darcy mutters, "Then we were taken in by this nice little vole... And you know what? He up and drugged us and stole our /stuff/!"

Belliger's jig is winding down as the song is, and he's already clapping before the song really ends. "Bravo, always wanted ta learn some manner o'stringed instrument, ye know!"

Benar chortles and shakes his head, "Oh my... well... erm... you have been on quite the adventure... and oh my never did reach your son Harper... or the mountain?"

Bradge just looks between Darcy and Harper. "/Woow!/ Sounds like you've 'ad way more adventure than you were plannin' on 'avin'."

Harper lets Darcy tell the story. He's not one for oratory. But when he's questioned, he shakes his head in answer to Benar. "I need to get a lettah to them. By the fastest runner or bird. They must be worried."

Ahti grins at Belliger, "Do you know how to play anything? I have some pipes too. We could get a nice thing going for their safe return."

Darcy opens her mouth to keep going. Looks like she's been craving an audience. It shuts, though, and she gives Harper a glance. "We were so /close/... a day away from Salamandastron, maybe." Sigh.

"Oh, uh. Well, I don't really know 'ow ta play anythin' at all, matey." Belliger shrugs apologetically.

Benar nods his head and frowns, "Sparrah might take it if you know any or erm.." he glances around. "Mister Belliger might take it down to the coast in his boat? Or.. erm I'm afraid I don't know any messengers."

"Uh, I think Magramba said 'e went and told the mountain about what 'appened already," Bradge pipes in to Harper. "So they already know, so you should send so they know ta stop lookin'."

Ahti shakes his head, "No worries mate. As long as you can help me get other beasts interested in the music later on after dinner. I can already tell it's going to be a big night."

"Or so they know we're not /dead/," Darcy comments to what Bradge says.

Harper grins at Bradge, then, approaching the recruit. He extends a paw to him. "It's good t'see you again, by the way." And then he blinks. "Ya got promoted while I was gone! Congratulations!"

Benar nods his head, "Maybe.. someone down at the 67th will take the message?"

Bradge nods in agreement with Darcy. "They /might/ wanna know that, too..." The otter reaches out his paw to shake firmly with Harper. "Aye! Second level novice now. It's excitin', all the new responsibilities, an' stuff. But aye, it's /really/ good ta see you, Brother."

Darcy eyes Crow and his... fish. Toy? Chewtoy. "I'll take him if you want to go deal with a letter before anything else," she offers.

"Haha, I think I can muster up some dancin' out of a select one 'r three in this crowd..." Belliger scans over them, nodding and turning back to Ahti. "I'm always glad to be 'round the Abbey when there're 'Big Nights,' ye know?"

Harper returns the shake, nodding his agreement to all of it. "It's good t'be back." He releases his paw and then steps back, nodding to Darcy. "Aye. Sure." And he goes to pass Crow, with his fish pacifier, back over. And then heads for the stairs. "I'll be back!" he calls. And up the stairs he goes.

Ahti nods, "Aye. Especially ones as special as these. From what it sounds, they've had quite the adventure. A shame they had to though."

Benar sinks into a chair, "Oh no.. .id o not dance. I could not dance to save myself."

Dancing? Darcy glances that way as she takes the kitten. Heh. No comment. "Congratulations, Bradge," she aims at the otter, and scritches her fingers into Crow's scruff while the other arm holds him up.

When he is passed Crow goes to wrap his arms around the fish more firmly, mouth suddenly closed over the meat and easily handed off to Darcy. The cat is balled up in the doe's arm and he watches Harper go before closing his eyes as he is petted.

"A shame? If they 'adn't, then /I/ wouldn't be 'ere, matey!" At this, the shrew slings his arm around

Ahti. "We wouldn't want /that/, now, would we?"

Ahti chuckles, "I think I can see your point. I'm Ahti."

Bradge smiles brightly at Darcy. "Thankya, Darcy." And he peers at the kitten. "What's 'is name?" With eyes closed, he assumes the cat doesn't want anything to do with him right now.

"No offense, Belliger.. I'm not sure if all the trouble was worth your company," Darcy chuckles. "But I /am/ glad you're here... Ah-ah, Crow. His name's Crow," she tells Bradge.

Aikuen stumbles down the stairs, a paw clasped to his head. Who's Ringing the bells at this hour... When he reaches the bottom, he Smiles as per routine. Glancing around he discovers four beasts that he has never seen before, but he had more pressing matters to attend to.

Benar smiles softly and watches the shrew and the other squirrel and smiles. "Well it has all been quite the exciting day really... I am just glad you are home safely."

Orph walks back in from the kitchen still unhappy with the goings ons but he remains silent glaring at Darcy and Harper.

"The name's Belliger, an' it's a pleasure ta meetcha." The shrew reaaaaches out to grab another pastry and munch at it happily, raising its remnants to the hare. "'ey, love ye too, miss Darcy-love!" Eyeroll. "Females, righ', Ahti?"

"Crow." Bradge looks at the kitten curiously. "I only seen like... Maybe two or three cats, an' all of 'em were big," he explains, as if anticipating the staring at Crow causing a question.

Ahti laughs and strums a few chords, "It's nice to meet you Belliger." He looks back to Darcy and Crow with a smile before looking down to the lute, strumming a simple slow song softly.

The kitten really doesn't care who is around him now. He's got food - nice smelly food to hug on obviously - and there are arms securely around him. Crow is purring now, content with the petting and finally calmed down. He is definitely not a big feline. The tabby is tiny, just a babe.

Darcy is too preoccupied to notice that she's being glared at. She gives Belliger a beaming smile, while moving her hand to scritch at one of Crow's ears. "Hey, watch it, Bell, or I won't give you any of the healing supplies you've been wanting... Hey, chh-chh, Crow, want to meet one of my friends? This is Bradge."

Crow looks up when he is spoken to, green eyes revealed and then flicking up towards Darcy while his ears flicker against the petting. His teeth remain in the fish. Whisker-twitch.

Benar leans back in his chair and smiles, "Well I hope you enjoy your stay with us Mister Belliger, if there is anything you need do please say so."

Aikuen sees Orph coming from the kitchens. So he walks toward him smiling and waving his good arm, "Oi, William!"

Darcy smirks. "I think introductions will come later. Bradge, take this tray..?" She's holding it one arm and Crow in the other. Makes things difficult.

Orph's face takes on a more netural tone, "Hi, Pa. Look Darcy and Harper came back. That's good. They stole a dibbun from Ruingate and brought him back here with them. Is that good or bad?"

"Ye mean the 'ealing supplies ye /owe/ me..." Belliger rolls his eyes again. "Anyway," he unslings his arm from around Ahti to let him play.

Bradge raises his paw to give Crow a little half wave, holding his paw still and just closing and opening his fingers. "'ey, Crow," he greets the kitten, softly. And then, well, duty. He nods and takes the tray, backing clear of present company and taking it towards the kitchen.

Darcy's ears twitch, and she gives Orph a cautious look. The temptation to intrude in that conversation, is it great. "Right," she says distractedly to Belliger. "Owe you. That. Heh." Crow is adjusted in her hold, now in both arms.

Benar shakes his head and stands up, "Well.. this has been a very very good day. Welcome home Miss Darcy."

Aikuen goes over and picks up Orph, Placing him on his shoulder. He looks toward the group, and the little cat. He shakes his head, "No matey, i don't think they 'stole' the little'un, more like rescued if he came from Ruinedgate." So he smiles and laughs, "But it would be a good thing if they did 'Steal' him... Right from under their noses!"

Ahti is only playing some background music now as he listens to the abbey beasts around him

Darcy shoots Benar a happy smile. "Thank you.. and nice to meet you, too!"

Benar smiles at Darcy and bows, to her, "It is good to have you all home safe and sound.. I just hope the Priory mission is ok... "

Darcy shuts one of her eyes with a slightly disconcerted expression. "We can only hope.."

Benar says, "I am sure.. brother Antioc will lead them well with Elder Sunrose to help him."

Darcy blinks a little. "Antioc is a /Brother/ now..?"

Benar smiles, "Oh did I forget to mention that." he grins, swishing his brush from side to side, "The Abbot promoted him for the priory mission."

"Huh." Darcy cracks a smile. "Good for him, I guess.."

Crow watches as the fingers are waggled at him and then he grunts as he is shifted into both arms, hanging easily from the doe's hold with his feet dangling free. The purr has started up again. He isn't relinquishing the perch.

Belliger might be getting full? He goes for some tea instead of solid food, swaying and foot-tapping to the music.

Bradge returns from the kitchen, having deposited the tray. He walks past the mop and bucket he'd abandoned before, stops, and... turns around. Must. Finish. Job. He takes the mop out of the bucket and works on scrubbing the floor again.

Darcy glances around - she didn't even notice Bradge leave. The doe goes toward a chair, plunks herself down, and arranges Crow in her lap. "Hey," she aims at the otter when he reemerges. "Hey, leave it. Or mop and talk, anyway. I haven't seen you in /forever/."

Apparently, the otter opts for mop and talk. "Well I can't jus' /leave/ the mess..." No really, Bradge probably couldn't pull it off if he tried. "So let me get this straight... Ya /found/ Crow, got caught by slavers, went to Ruingate where somebeast who said 'e was Crow's... Cousin? was, then /escaped/ from Ruingate, an'... Some'ow found yer way back 'ere?"

Benar curls up in the chair, arranging his feet beneath his habit and perks his ears up, listening to Darcy talk.

Ahti plays a little softer, the lute going on auto-pilot so he could listen to Darcy.

"Brother," Darcy corrects with a nod. "And.. yeah, pretty much. I mean it was much.. much. /Much/. More complicated. I mean the trip was already /ridiculous/ before we even got caught by slavers..." She exhales heavily. Exhausted, she's kind of running on fumes at this point.

Aikuen goes to sit down at the table next to the musician, with Orph still sitting on his shoulder. He loves a good yarn, And he loves music, what a combination!

Benar says, "You need to sleep Miss Darcy.. you look beat... your room is waiting for you I am sure."

"Why don't you come 'ave a seat?" says the otter who's currently mopping. "You sound like ya need a break. Take a few days off, aye?" Bradge smiles, mopping up the last of the mess and rinsing out the mop, getting on his knees and wringing it dry.

Whistle, whistle. Belliger gives a little wave. Hey, Darcy, remember the part where I came in? Little credit, maybe?

Darcy shrugs a little, petting at Crow's head. "Me and Harp will go pass out when he's done with the letter, probably.. Uhm. 'scuse.. would you mind stopping the music?" she aims at Ahti. "Makes it hard to think.. Heh, more like a /week/ Bradge. I look better now than I did probably... the guy who got me? At the slave auction, he.. ... huh?" Why are you waving, Belliger? XD

Obviously Belliger doesn't matter. Crow only matters cause he is doll-sized and easy to carry around. He accepts the petting happily, though, letting her mother at him all she wants.

Ahti oh's and nods, stopping his playing, "Sorry Miss Darcy."

Bradge raises his brows as Darcy stops, turning towards Belliger. The waving Belliger. Hm?

"Don' forget the part where I swept ye away on my boat. Ye probably'd be back in Ruingate righ' now, captured if it wasn't fer me..." The shrew looks nonchalant as ever all of a sudden, brushing his knuckles off on his shirt.

Benar says, "Aye Mister Belliger hear certainly helped to bring you home swiftly."

Belliger also looks a little peeved at the request to stop playing music, but he lets that one slide.

Oh. "Oh.. so we met Bell here at a pub.. in a brewer's village, where we won a dance contest... which was /before/ we found Crow. And Belliger punched Harper and someone knocked /my/ head into a bar..." Pause. Darcy grins. "And that. He's very very heroic, I'm telling you.."

Darcy adds on, "Though Harper got sea-sick on the logboat.."

Bradge turns his attention back to Darcy, nodding slowly. "Wait, 'e's 'eroic, but 'e punched 'arper?" He turns towards Belliger with ... a more polite smile than anything. "Well thank ya for 'elpin' bring 'em home safe, Bell."

Ahti grins and strums the lute, "With his head over the side," another strum, "Our hero feels like he's died," another strum, "Getting sick in a logboat," one last strum with a wide grin, "looking like a beat stoat...."

Darcy notes, "He gave us his healing kit afterward.." Ahti gets a smirk. Fine, strumming is okay.

"Don' mention it..." The shrew grins at the doe, giving her a quick wink before... Looking quite excited at Ahti. "Tha's great, matey, keep it goin'!"

Benar snerks at Ahti's words and then chuckles, "Oh.. my."

Ahti chuckles and waves a paw to Darcy, "Sorry, sorry....I had to." He turns to the rest, "I'm sure I'll have something worked up before too long."

"Huh." Bradge can't help but smirk at the lyrics, no matter how... Crude? Eh, they're funny. "Now you an' Bell, you two won the dance competition?"

Darcy snorts, and shakes her head. "Nono, hah, /no/. I mean, he taught me a jig while I was drunk... but me and /Harper/ won a dance contest. Well. Third place, okay, but we even got ribbons for it!" She grins.

"The first lesson's free," Belliger comments, sipping with a brow waggle at Ahti.

Benar says, "Well third place is still a win in my book. Well done the three of you."

Darcy murmurs, "Harp was /very/ handsome. You ought to ask him about it when he comes back down.." Hah.

Orph frowns a bit climbing down into his pa's lap. He leans against Aikuen's chest and closes his eyes tight. "Every beast thinks it's just fine for 'em to go an steal away a dibbun from his brother 'cept me," he mutters under his breath, "Way things are with their 'Every beast in Redwall is inocent til proven guilty and the one what proves 'em guilty and then the one wot proved 'em guilty get punished.'"

Bradge nods in agreement with Benar. "Aye, very good job... I mean, Brother 'arper doesn't look like 'e'd be much of a dancer!" Bradge chuckles as he says this.

Ahti raises a brow and gives Orph a look before going back to the more pleasing conversation.

Aikuen pats Orph on the head whispering to him, "Now, now... Im sure they had their reasons... to take him away from his... brother?"

It's a good while later that Harper reappears, coming down the steps. He has an envelope, sealed, in paw. "So what'd I miss?"

Darcy is /rather/ proud of this event, and goes on grinning. "It was great. He got all decked out and everything. You should've /seen/ him. Anyway what was I.. oh /yeah/. So we were sold.. well /I/ was sold, and there was a /bidding/ /war/ I swear... and I was bought by this hob, Jarven..." She waves Harper over.

Benar waves at Harper as he returns, "We mmm got tired and all sat down and Darcy is telling us about how you and Mister Belliger danced yourself to victory in a pub."

Darcy snorts. ".. I'm clearly bad at story telling because Belliger wasn't /in/ the contest..."

"Shoulda been! Woulda jigged circles 'round all o'ye..." Belliger grumble mutters, but hey he's obviously doing it playfully.

Ahti is sitting and listening with his lute across his lap and a grin on his face.

"Brother 'arper!" Bradge still seems happy to see the hare. "Darcy's jus' been tellin' us about all of the things that 'appened to ya."

Harper quirks a brow as he is gestured over. He approaches, tentatively, quirking a brow. He grins for Bradge's sake. "Oh, aye?"

Ahti grins and strums the lute, "With his head over the side," another strum, "Our hero feels like he's died," another strum, "Getting sick in a logboat," one last strum with a wide grin, "looking like a beat stoat...."

Ahti laughs, replaying the simple tune he did for them earlier.

Darcy mutters, "And you're having a song composed about you..."

Benar says, "About how you look like a stoat... oh and mmm Darcy was telling us about the cad Jarven who purchased her and decided it'd be fun to play weld metal objects to the doe. For which I hope you killed him during his escape?"

Darcy grunts. "And cut my hair off and burned all my /bracelets/..."

Harper's eyebrows go up. He glances at Ahti and, heh. Shakes his head. "Aha. Well.... thanks?" And to Benar, he glances. Falls silent. He is not so anxious to share all as Darcy is.

Ahti shakes his head, "No. Not how he looked /like/ a stoat. But like a beat one. Have you ever seen a beaten stoat? Look even more rough than they usually do.

Benar winces, "PLease... please tell me you got him?"" he shudders, "No.. no ion fact don't tell me. I swore off the soldier's life when I put this on." he plucks his habit. "I am just glad you are home and it is an experience to put behind you both."

Darcy is no longer smiling. She quiets and pets Crow's ear, gaze on the kitten, the hair at her nape prickled a little.

"I'm sorry you 'ad ta go through that, Darcy." Bradge goes all somber. "Do you need me to do anythin'?" He's finished mopping, and sets all the paraphernalia aside.

Benar stands up and shivers, "I... am going to go out to the orchard for a bit... I need to centre myself and the trees always help. If I canhave youyr leave to be excused Brother Harper."

Crow seems to tense up ever so slightly at the anxiety he feels from the doe, despite her petting. He glances around uncertainly.

Darcy becomes aware of Crow's tension, and relaxes. The petting continues. "No.. you've done plenty, Bradge, thanks..."

Harper nods to Benar, smiling faintly. Odd to be in a position of authority again. He'll have to get used to that. "You're excused, Novice Benar."

Benar smiles and bows, "Thank you Brother Harper, and welcome home." The squirrel then heads off to the orchards.

"If you need anythin'..." Bradge looks between Harper and Darcy both, "Either of ya, let me know, okay? I missed ya's. Glad you're 'ome safe." When he wants to, he really has a knack for sincerity.

Harper smiles at Bradge, nodding faintly. "Thanks, Bradge. Thanks. I'll let ya know." He settles into a chair, then. Ahhhhh. Good to rest his footpaws! "So Bradge, tell me what's been goin' on /here/ while we've gone."

"Yeah.." is Darcy's response to Bradge, with a weary smile. She leans back in her seat, petting Crow's back. Exhale.

Ahti watches the two for a moment, then decides to play a low, soft, soothing melody. They obviously needed to relax some. He puts all of his focus into the song, trying to make it as beautiful as possible.

Aikuen Looks at Ahti, he smiles and says, "That's a beautiful song there matey..."

"Well, as ya've 'eard, we sent out a ... Priory? To Ruingate. Sort of a way for the Abbey ta care for the sick there an' stuff." Bradge rolls his shoulder in a shrug. "Other than that, we got some new novices, I got promoted, an'... Well, we jus' had a festival that ended yesterday."

Harper frowns thoughtfully. "Well... hopefully Martin will be with them." Big dogmatic for the ole buck, isn't that? Ah well. He's feelin' the Redwall love, right now. "Was the festival good?"

Darcy looks tired. She eyes Bradge, and cuts in. "You got taller."

"Aye, the festival was fun. There was a cookoff, an' an archery contest, an'..." Bradge smiles at Darcy. "Taller? Aw, c'mon, Darcy, you weren't gone /that/ long..."

Ahti doesn't seem to hear the compliment, he's too focused on the song.

A yawn escapes Crow's muzzle and then he settles in more against his surrogate mother's chest, huffing gently through his nostrils. His tail curls around his footpaws.

Harper sizes Bradge up, then. "Ya know, I think she might be right, actually."

Orph slips down off Aikuen's lap and walks off.

Darcy smirks. "I'm not joking. Stand up," she says with a gesture at Bradge.

Bradge stands up, awkwardly. "I couldn'ta gotten /that/ much taller..."

Aikuen gets up from his chair and bows to the other beasts. "Excuse me, i must follow William, in case he does something that he is not... supposed too..." He heads off toward the entry.

Darcy lifts the kitten, gently, to pass over to Harper. Then she gets up, also, and goes to stand close in front of Bradge. "See? I /was/ at the top of your shoulder, now I'm at your collarbone.. That's like an /inch/."

"Guess I didn't really notice all that much," Bradge admits, looking down at Darcy with a chuckle. "Are you sure you didn't get shorter?"

Ahti happens to hear that and lets out a laugh, throwing off the song he was playing. He picks it back up again, getting back into the groove.

Darcy's ears angle back, and she takes a half-step backward. "Do you think I could even /get/ any shorter..?" She smirks, shaking her head a little. One hand scruffs at the hair at the back of her head.

"I was jus' playin'. I guess I shoulda got fit for a new 'abit when I got promoted." Bradge chuckles. "Maybe I'll make it bigger'n I need it this time so I can grow into it instead of... This." He looks down, arms spread out to his sides to show the slight undersizing of his current garment.

Darcy smirks and mutters, "Rate you're going, you'll outgrow Zade by the time you're done."

Ahti continues to play softly. He didn't know anyone, but he'd let them talk while he provided a nice musical undertone.

"Hah! Wouldn't that be somethin'?" Bradge lets out a laugh, sitting back down. "I don'know if I'll go /that/ far, but yer right. Unless I stop early, or somethin'."

Darcy's brows quirk a little. "The guy, ah.. Harp's owner?" she tells Bradge. "/Huge/ huge cat. Probably could lift me in one hand."

Bradge's eyes widen. "/That/ huge?" The otter's... Kind of in awe. "I 'ope 'e doesn't find 'arper..."

"That.. big. Ish?" Darcy offers. Shrugs. "He's big, okay. I hope he doesn't find /either/ of us..." Harper gets a pointed look.

Harper is roused from silent contemplation by Darcy's look. "What?" he blinks.

Darcy murmurs, "I said.. hope he doesn't find us. Not that he wouldn't know where to look... Heh." Her eyes close.

"...He won't know where to look, will he?" Bradge looks between Harper and Darcy like, Will he?!

Harper shrugs, answering the pair quietly. "Well, if he wants me, he c'n come find me. And yes, he does know where, Bradge."

Ahti hesitates slightly in his playing, "Well, if I happen to see any gigantic cats walking about when I'm out in the forest..." the musician says, fading off.

It seems that Crow has dozed off again, nursing at his fish and hugging it in close to him as he lays curled in .. well whoever's lap he happens to be in at the moment.

"...He /does?/" Bradge looks worried now. "...But... But Brother 'arper..."

Harper manages a small smile for Bradge's sake. "Aye?"

Darcy lifts one hand to rub at the side of her muzzle. Oy.

"But what if 'e /does/ come after you?" Bradge looks at the door, as if expecting a big cat to be filling it up any second now.

"Then... I'll deal with that when the time comes," is Harper's surprisingly calm reply!

Harper starts to rise. "I think I'm going t'head upstairs. I'm rather tired."

"'e's a... But 'e'll /kill/ you!" Bradge stands up, coincidentally just as Harper does. As for solutions, of course Bradge doesn't have solutions.

Darcy sits down as they both stand up. She sinks into her chair again, after gathering Crow again into her hold. She leans back, shuts her eyes, and looks like she could pass out right here.

Harper gives Bradge a look that is halfway between amused and exasperated. "Have a little faith in me, Bradge. The ole Brother knows a thing or two about survivin'." He reaches out to pat Bradge on the shoulder, then turns to head for the stairs.

"Brother..." Bradge isn't convinced! But he doesn't push the issue! He sits down, frowning as he watches Harper go for the stairs. "Glad you're 'ome," he wishes him, but quietly. With a look to Darcy. Can you believe this?

Darcy cracks one eye open. Hrk. Leaving? She gives Bradge an exhausted smile. "He'll be okay... he's survived more than you can imagine already.."

And up Harper goes!

Bradge runs a paw through his headfur. "What about /you?/"

Ahti stops playing, focusing more of his attention to the conversation.

Darcy's brows lift a little. "What /about/ me..?"

"Well you were /with/ 'im, so wouldn't you be in danger, too?" Bradge sighs exasperatedly, leaning back against his chair in worry.

Darcy glances at Ahti, and shakes her head. Her attention goes to the otter again. "Yeah.. yeah, we're in all of this together. But he protects me and I protect him.. it's the best we know how to do, you know?"

Ahti packs his lute away, "Sorry, but if you two will excuse me. I'm going to go out and work on writing a song." He gives Darcy a smile, "I know I don't know you, but it's good to see that you made it though safe."

Bradge dips his head, slightly, when Ahti butts in. "...Yer right. 'e might not know who took 'im or nothin'." He /tries/ to relax.

Bradge gives a half-cheery wave to Ahti. "Welcome to Redwall. 'ope you stay a while!"

Darcy gives Ahti a grateful nod as he goes. ".. believe me. He knows," she says quietly to Bradge. "It's... yeah. He knows. I think it's just a matter of time, but. Maybe we'll get lucky?"

Ahti gives a final wave as he heads out.

"...Darcy, I don't know if rescuin' Crow was such a good idea," Bradge says, just as quietly.

"Yeah," the doe mumbles, "yeah, me neither.." She looks down at the sleeping kitten in her lap, worrying her lower lip.

"...We can protect you. You just gotta stay in the Abbey an' stuff if 'e comes after you two. An' we can jus'... Give 'im back." Bradge is already reasoning.

Darcy gives Bradge a troubled look. "Bradge? .. just. Stop, please. We'll deal with it when it happens but I don't want to /think/ about it 'til then.."

Bradge winces, then nods. "Sorry, Darcy." The otter goes quiet, folding his paws in his lap. "I jus' don't wanna see you go again. Specially if I know it's back into slavery."

Darcy's expression softens. She eases Crow off her lap, leaving the kitten asleep on the cushioned chair and comes over to sit on the arm of Bradge's. "Hey.. I'm sorry." Her arms slide around his shoulders in a hug. "We've both had a real rough time of it.. and I don't know how things will turn out. But we /will/ be okay. And we're not going anywhere, no matter how pissed off Crow's brother may be... Promise."

Bradge gives Darcy a hug in return, still slightly tense in worry. "I'll 'elp make sure you two'll be fine. I jus'... I wanna 'elp make sure." And that's that. Final!

Darcy squeezes Bradge briefly, and then just keeps her arms around his shoulders. "I know... I know Bradge." Mumble. "I /missed/ you."

"Missed you too." Bradge returns the squeeze with one of his own, just hugging at Darcy. "Nothin's gonna 'appen," the otter seems to buy in this time. "You an' 'arper'll get out of this fine some'ow."

Darcy affirms this with a firm nod. "You're right. Nothing's going to happen. Anyway there's lots of /good/ that happened on this trip..."

"Yeah. Made a new friend an' stuff. The, uh. Dancing competition. What else?" Bradge looks over at the doe.

Darcy makes a slight gesture toward the stairs, the direction Harper went. "I got him. /That's/ something I didn't have when I left." She grins.

"Darcy, 'e was 'ere before you were." Bradge just kind of looks at her like she's insane.

Darcy lifts her brows, then lets out a short, quiet laugh. "... oh. Oh Bradge. You're .. hah, that's not what I /mean/... I mean he's my mate now."

"Oh!" Bradge's brows lift as well! "Oh, wow, that's nice, Darcy. Don't... No, I don't reckon I saw that comin' at all." The otter kind of laughs happily. "Congratulations. Gotta tell 'arper the same next time I see 'im."

Darcy gets a kind of smug smirk on her face, now. She is very pleased. "I guess you missed the part where he kissed me in all the commotion.. Yeah, I don't know, it all kind of happened in the midst of everything else, you know?"

"Ma always says the simplest of things 'appen for the strangest reasons." Bradge's smile hasn't faded yet. "You two deserve it, though. After all you went through, I reckon I /shouldn't/ be surprised."

Darcy ruffles her fingers across Bradge's hair with a chuckle. "He says it would've happened anyway. I guess I'm not sure, but.. thanks. Thanks."

Bradge looks up, one of his eyes screwed shut as his headfur is ruffled. "Oh, I'm sure if it 'appened it would have. Ma's sayin's are mostly crazy anyways. But if Pa says it, you can write it down as fact." His shoulders bounce in a chuckle.

Darcy chuckles as well, leaning into him, just relaxed. Tired, but relaxed. "Well however it happened.. it /did/ happen. And I couldn't be happier, really."

"Then /I/ couldn't be happier /for/ ya." Bradge's turn to ruffle Darcy's headfur! She may be seasons older, but he's bigger! "Even if I tried, /real/ 'ard."

Darcy's hair is short, it doesn't ruffle so much as prickle. She smirks. "I'm going to go to bed, okay? I'll see you tomorrow.. assuming I don't just sleep right through the day."

Bradge nods. "If you do, I'll try and keep 'em away from you and let you sleep." The otter smiles. "Have a good night, Darcy. Think I might be followin' ya soon after."

Darcy squeezes her arms around Bradge again, briefly, and smooches his cheek. "You're such a doll sometimes, you know. Sleep well, when you get around to it." She gets up and goes to collect Crow in her arms, heading toward the stairs.

"/Hey/, I only let 'em dress me up /one time.../" Bradge grins. "Sweet dreams, Darcy."

Darcy shoots a grin back over her shoulder. "You too!"