A Visit From Martin And Later A New Abbey Sister Jions The Ranks
RW Abbey: Pond
The abbey pond is practically the place to go for relaxation. The orchards that settle onto one side of the water hole provide decent shade for the more heated months to come. Various types of wild flowers grow about the edge of the ground that lightly overhangs into the pond. The pond seemingly invites one into its cool depths, which holds its fish life and multiple species of shrimp and other water dwellers.
Spring has come. Due to the rains, the abbey pond is just gently lapping at the edges of the ground. Soon to overflow lightly if the spring rains don't let up soon. Plant life seems to explode here in a variety of colors, sizes and aromas.
Exits: [F]ire [P]it, [R]edwall [E]ntry, [P]ath by the [G]reat [H]all, [Dive] in the pond, [O]rchards
Contents:
South Wallgate
Leon sits by the pond to relax, it is warm and it, well so far, seems like a nice day.
Anomen sits by the pond himself watching the ripples of the pond. He has yet to head out but seems he had an urge to stay just a little longer.
Leon glances over at Anomen, "You feeling ok? You seemed a little confused in the infirm. If you’re not fully recovered I can let Lee know, sure he rather you be ok than not ok."
Anomen nods "I am..fine." A pause, it seems, as he closes his eyes sitting there quiet again.
There isn't too much for Bandit to do in the Abbey now that Elena has left. Eat, sleep, and mope. Find an honest job. Not much at all. The fox is seen walking down the pathway, stomach filled with fishy lunch. He has accomplished his first goal for the day, now to take a nap by the pond.
Leon blinks, he looks at Anomen and frowns, "Anomen?" He has yet to notice Bandit; he is more focused on the squirrel that is oddly quiet.
Anomen is a bit more quiet than one usually is, but he does speak finally and clearly too, yet it doesn't seem to be him that’s speaking. "News of my sword comes soon; found it must be as dark hour nears. Trouble and danger come. The one who is keeper of the books and recorders and does not know it must seek one who is to go, along a path to the Mt. that breaths fire shall be show. Stay on the path outlined they must, or lost will become. "
Bandit approaches at the end of this poetic verse. "Howdy Leon, Anomen and..." He raises an eyebrow to the squirrel he just spouted out what is to him complete nonsense as is all poetry to the fox. It might have made more sense to a beast like Wilks the story teller, to a pirate, not so much, "You should probably lay off the poetry books mate, they are starting to influence your speech.
Leon eyed go wide and he stands up looking at Anomen in shock at what he just heard, he glances at Bandit, "It wasn't him that was speaking Bandit, it was someone else." He walks slowly over to Anomen, "Anomen?"
Anomen opens his eyes slowly to see them both staring at him, "Martin..." Only one word comes out, yeah he is in shock too.
Leon nods, "Yes I believe it was, do you remember what all you..errr he just said?"
Bandit raises an eyebrow at this, "Martin? What about Martin?" The fox thinks that the squirrel means an actual beast in the abbey, "You ok there mate? You look pale."
Anomen nods, "Yes I do. Pretty clearly in fact." He clears his throat and repeats it, not so trace like and more slowly, "News of my sword comes soon; found it must be as dark hour nears. Trouble and danger come. The one who is keeper of the books and recorders and does not know it must seek one who is to go, along a path to the Mt. that breaths fire shall be show. Stay on the path outlined they must, or lost will become.
Leon looks to Bandit, "Martin, as in Martin the warrior as in on the Tapestry..he was just here."
Emyuil walks in. "More talk of that dead mouse," He grumbles. "He's dead. Get over it. You ate too much cheese before bed, mate. I don't believe in dead bones speaking."
The fox raises another eyebrow and nods for a long moment, "Marten...the dead guy. You guys don't put anything in the wine do you? Cause...I drink a lot of it..." He turns to see another mouse head this way, "Oh good, another sensible beasty, wait...you mean other people have had talk of dead mice coming to smack people upside the head with poetry?"
Anomen stands up and frowns at Emyuil, "Who are you?" He sighs and looks at Leon, "But who is a keeper of books and....and why wouldn’t they even know it?"
"I'm Emyuil Half-Rat. A beast with a rational mind," The Half-Rat answers. "I have no proof of this dead mouse." But he has the vaguest hint of uncertainty in his eyes.
DoraRose also arrives, coming from the Garden of the Late Rose to stand by her husband. Her face is a little puffy from her encounter with dandelion pollen yesterday, and she has a slate and slate pencil in her paws. She taps the Master Healer's shoulder and writes on the slate 'What's going on?' It looks like she has lost her voice from her allergy-induced coughing fit yesterday.
Leon looks over his shoulder and first answers Anomen, "I don’t know, we don’t have a keeper of, hmmms..sounds like recorder, but we have none right now so not sure who it is sorry." He looks to Dora now, "Martin." Is all he says.
Anomen sighs, "Ok then is there someone who is in the library here a lot?"
Emyuil has heard about his sister's problem and walks over to her and gives her a hug in greeting. "Hiya, 'Rose," He says quietly.
DoraRose's mouth drops open, and she quickly wipes the slate clean with her sleeve and quickly writes, 'Martin! What did he say? Was it bad?' She pauses as her brother hugs her, just long enough to hug him back, then continues writing. 'He usually only appears when we're about to have trouble, right?'
Bandit gives them each a worried look, "Wait, don't tell me yall believe that some dead beast came back from the grave and made Anomen start spouting nonsense ?" The fox pauses and explains, "Well, at least I think that is what the mountain of fire was, back in my pirate days we steered clear of that place, it’s dangerous for vermin and WHAT AM I SAYING! Now you lot have me caught up in this too!"
Anomen crosses his arms, "Who said you were going, seems he wants me too and whoever is recorder and doesn't know it, all I know it’s a she." He sighs and frowns "Sorry just, past few days has been up and down with everything, I got drugged and then find out father is dead, then this"
Leon nods "Its ok Anomen, and I am unsure who." He stops, "Wait, wait a minute." He starts thinking and putting clues together, "Zinnia!..Zinnia is ALWAYS in the library and she been fixing the books and reading a lot and mentioned looking at history, and she writes sometimes up there too, I have seen her."
"So you're really going to risk your lives based on a skraggin' DREAM?" Emyuil demands, arms folded. He snorts. "Better you lot than me."
Bandit rubs at his eyes, "I'll agree with the rat. I'm stepping off this crazy boat while I still can. I have enough to on my plate as it is. But, have fun with that." The fox turns tail while he can, heading out for the abbey muttering, "Crazy Redwallers...crazy dreams, crazy dead mouse knights..."
DoraRose blinks, then cleans her slate and writes in big letters, 'Martin has spoken to ME in dreams before....we need to take his warnings seriously. I have heard...stories of ghosts influencing the course of history, but before I came to Mossflower, I thought they were just legends.' and shows it to everyone.
"Rat?...only half," Emyuil mutters at Bandit's words.
Anomen listens, "Zinnia? Zork's Daughter is supposed to go with me, oh yeah like he will let that happen"
Leon frowns, "Well. Don’t tell him yet maybe?" He then looks at the others "Yes Martin was here and gave a message, threw Anomen it seems"
Emyuil lets out another irritated snort, too annoyed to even speak, his face incredulous.
DoraRose cleans her slate again and asks Leon, 'Do we have any idea what the danger might be? And what's this I hear about the Sword of Martin being missing?'
Anomen sighs, "The sword was stolen few days ago"
Leon nods, "Yes by Oak of all beasts but no one knows where he is, maybe that’s the news Martin means, an idea where Oak is. He did say news of my sword would come soon, right?"
A black and white squirrel stumbles drunkenly into the area by the pond. It's Oak....and yep, he's pretty drunk
Scioto walks into the abbey, yes he is rarely here and right now he is not in the best of moods as he scans the area for someone.
Emyuil shakes his head. "I give up." He sits down moodily.
DoraRose's eyes widen as first Lee, then Oak, followed by Scioto enter the Abbey in rapid succession. Tapping her husband's shoulder, she points to the squirrel, then quickly writes on her slate, 'There he is now! And he looks drunk....'
Anomen nods "Martin was here, something on news of his..." He stops as he sees Oak stumble in and gasps, "That’s the one that drugged me and Flicktail!" He points to Oak.
Leon glances at Oak and crosses his arms, looks like the squirrel Oak is outnumbered.
Scioto stays close by, he made Oak come here after finding the drunken squirrel on the road, he waits to see what happens and what’s going on as he has yet to be told all that’s going on lately.
Lee frowns at Anomen. "Are ye sure?" He approaches the inebriated squirrel, and calls for some guards to assist. "Come now, help me arrest the fiend!"
Oak blinks. "easy, easy, I gots something imporant 'te say" He stumbles over into the pond and climbs back out. "Tharbek, hasth 'teh Mord"
Leon blinks, "What?" He doesn’t understand drunken talk.
Anomen glares at Oak "Tell us where the sword is..NOW!"
Oak falls over. "I told youse......Marek has the Mord..........thing, the thing I stole. I was gonna gib it back I swears, but Marek 'ee attacked me" he points to several cuts on his back and arms. "Now 'ee hath 'de Mord" He pukes into the pond.
“Not Marek again," Emyuil mutters. "Thought we got rid of that guy." He wishes he had his sword. "Sure you were gonna give it back," He mutters, glaring at Oak.
Oak sighs. "Ib was, but that 'don matter right nows" he lies down. "I think I drank too much" He pauses. "You has to go after Tharbek, cause he has, has the thingy......the thing"
DoraRose taps the slate and writes, 'Should we tie him up or give him tea? I don't recall ever seeing anybeast this drunk.' She then frowns and adds, 'I really hate Merek.' Pity she's doesn't know how to spell Marek
Oak walks over to Dorarose. "What are you wriing? Yeah I could use some tea....and if gaz scones but I hink I maya puked on 'em so that's probably not a goob idea" He falls over again
Leon glares at the squirrel "Hey stay away from her!" Yes he can get mad at times, guards show up to arrest Oak, Lee did say grab him after all.
Lee gets right in front of Oak, and goes to slap him hard across the face. "STOP YER BLUBBERIN', FOOL! Where did Marek attack you?"
Emyuil rises and strides out. Not his business. He'll go find some vermin to annihilate.
Anomen stays close to Oak, he is one of the guards after all.
DoraRose slides the slate and slate pencil into her apron pocket and puts up her paws, ready to slam the heel of her forepaw into the squirrel's face...and hopefully break his nose. Her blue eyes are wide, but she's not worried or frightened...just concerned that her husband's going to get socked in the face again, is all. She does feel all warm and fuzzy inside that he's standing up for her, though.
Oak blinks. "ubb.....outside 'teh Black Gull. I was uhh....I....was sellin' 'de sword to 'dis rat Half-Ear" He briefly pauses to complain. "You hit hard!...anyways, so I poison Half-Ear 'n take bath de sword, and I'm on my way to sell it back 'te Redwalls, when Tharbek attacks me from behind" he stumbles again. "I couldn't believe I loss 'de Mord, so I gots upset about it, and I'b been drinkin' a bunch of taverns labely" As Dorarose's paw comes into contact with his nose it does not cause any bad damage but does cause the already stumbling Oak to fall over and he is now passed out
Anomen looks down, "Should we tie him up sir?" He asks Lee.
Leon frowns, "Martin said news of his sword would come...seems it was Marek has the sword, this is not good, not good at all"
Lee nods. "Yes, an' nobeast is ta untie 'im except under me direct instruction. Oak will be kept where I kept Flamefur an' Safana, under 24 hour guard, am I clear? I will *not* 'ave 'im escapin' me."
DoraRose blinks in astonishment and looks at her paws, smiling slightly. Maybe she should take boxing lessons! She hugs her husband and watches the guards around the squirrel closely. Maybe she can help....maybe.
Anomen nods as guards tie up the squirrel, he looks at Lee, "Sir..Martin also mentioned a..dark hour coming and seems me and Zinnia need to go to umm...some fire Mt. and, probably soon since its 3 weeks there and back...and..." He looks at Dora "Whoa.."
Leon listens to Anomen as he hugs Dorarose back, he has calmed some but still looks angry at the passed out Oak, he was unsure if Oak ment her harm or not.
Lee asks, "A quest? Ta Salamandastron? We best speak ta the Elders."
Leon nods "I was there, it happen at the pond. Martin spoke"
DoraRose pulls out her slate and pencil again and writes, 'Do you need help keeping track of Oak?'
Anomen nods "I just hope, Zinnia's father don’t get upset, I would protect her of course"
Lee frowns. "Now, 'old on. If there be any travelin' ta be done, ye two are not goin' alone. I plan ta come as well, leavin' Flick in charge o' the guards." The otter's tone won't accept any argument. I 'ave separate business ta attend to at Camp Willow, anyway, so I be 'eadin' up there soon enough."
Leon stays close to Dora, listing as the others talk.
Anomen nods "Umm..ok sir, I am unsure how to get there, maybe Zinnia has a map or finds a map we can use and we should go as soon as possible, "
DoraRose sighs as no one notices the words she wrote on the slate and silently laments the loss of her voice. Erasing what she had written, she jots down a note and shows it to Leon. 'I think I saw a riddle written beside a drawn map on how to get to Salamandastron in the library. But I'm not sure where it is.' “
Leon nods "Well, may be worth looking at Dorarose"
Anomen asks, "But what of the MT?"
Lee nods. "First thing, 'owever, Abbot Lorimis an' the Elders need ta be informed, immediately. Also, I will need any able bodied beast ta keep an eye on Oak."
Leon nods, he looks at Anomen, "yes Benar and Lorimis need to know"
DoraRose shows what she wrote to Anomen (about the map and riddle thing), then she erases that and tells her husband, 'I need to go. I'm feeling kind of tired, I think I'll eat in the gatehouse.' After showing it to him, she kisses him and walks off, rubbing a slightly poufy eye.
Benar can be vaguely seen as a shape in robes over on the other side of the Pond wandering about in the corn fields with the novices assigned to field duty. He kind of stands out being the only one in a brown habit with a huge grey tail
Anomen sighs, "Yeah your right but has to be soon, Martin said dark hour and..needing to go soon"
Leon nods, he spots Benar "Benar!"
Benar doesn't really hear, he is on the far side of the pond, a small, grey and brown spec wandering around the fields working.
A novice does hear and goes over to get Benar tapping him on the shoulder and pointing towards the pond.
Lee remains standing. "Yes. It is good he here now."
Anomen glances over at Benar, hopefully he is coming soon. “Do we tell umm..Zork? Since Zinnia is involved in this and all or just let another tell him?"
Benar turns as he is interrupted and waves at Lee and the others but turns back to give his team instructions before taking his time to walk around the edge of the pond. "Good afternoon everyone, you wanted me for something?"
Leon looks at Anomen, "You tell Zork..somehow" He looks at Benar "Oak was here, is still here and tied up, but that’s not the main thing..Martin appeared and also, Oak doesn’t have the sword, someone...else does" He frowns deeply.
Anomen nods to Leon and looks to Benar and Lee, he waits.
Lee sighs. "I'll tell ye who. Marek. 'E double crossed us after helpin' capture Nightfur... Based on wot I were tol' about Marek, I'm not entirely surprised... This *is* assumin' Oak ain't a complete fool idiot that 'as hallucinations... 'E were totally drunk when 'e arrived 'ere, after all."
Benar flicks his tail in alarm at the news from Leon then frowns, "I see,” he sighs and shakes his head, "I knew Marek would come back to haunt us. We must track him and the sword down as soon as possible." He glances to Anomen next, "What did Martin have to say? I know he was speaking to you."
Anomen says, "well news of my sword would come...that happen , and also how me and the one who is keeper of the records and books but does know it, it’s been assumed that means Zinnia and me and her are to go to the fire Mt to seek help cause a dark hour was coming"
Leon nods "Me and Bandit were at the pond as well when Martin spoke, he spoke to Anomen"
Benar nods his head and tucks his arms inside his sleeves and stares out across the pond, "It has been... a long time since he last spoke..." he frowns into the distance, "If Zinnia is go with you then I must speak to her at once... I cannot send a Novice out to seek Salamandastron...." He turns back to Anomen, "If you must go , we here at Redwall must prepare for danger... and when you reach the mountain seek out the Badger lord and his recorder Quinten Tof'Marole."
Anomen nods, he tilts his head" But if Martin said to go..then. I am guessing she finds maps or something, I don’t know..a safe path to be show was mentioned too “
Lee frowns. "If it be that serious, sir, I am sendin' some guards, or even meself... Beside the point, I 'ave an urgent matter in Camp Willow to address, soon, as I gave them me word." The otter sighs. "I'm not askin' for permission, Elder Benar, I be leavin' with, or without, the Elders approval, but I must keep me word."
Leon asks, "Is Camp Willow on the way?"
Benar says, "Oh no I mean if Zinnia is going then I need to see her raised to Sister before she leaves. The protection of having a fully-fledged member of the order with you when travelling the world is not to be missed." He then turns to look at Lee, "You can always go to Camp Willow Lee, but you are our guard captain. If Dark Times are indeed in store for the abbey then you must be here to lead our guards. You and Flicktail cannot abandon the abbey now when you are needed the most."
Leon says, "He does have a point Lee, your be needed here"
Anomen nods "Of course sir" He speaks to Benar.
Lee nods once. "Of course." He sighs. "I need ta find Rorgan." The otter frowns. "No idea of 'is whereabouts...but 'e be one o' the best fighters I know... This be a sticky situation..."
Benar says, "Surely you can ask the Skipper to release you from your vow Lee. By all means go to the Camp and ask them to send us some warriors. I fear the Abbey may well be in danger or perhaps Ferravale if Marek is involved."
Anomen goes to head inside, "I need to get ready I will be out soon or we can wait till tomorrow, either way going inside for now" He heads inside.
Leon watches Anomen go and glances at Benar, "May be one beast who will have a problem with Zinnia being away"
Lee sighs. "I can try, but I 'ave no idea if Skipper will agree. They be 'avin' a snake problem, ye see. I promised ta 'elp kill the beast." He glances around. "I'm sendin' an extra guard for protection."
Benar says, "Very well Lee... please go and talk to the Skipper but impress on him the trouble we are having." He glances at Leon and his ears wilt, "Zork...."
Leon nods "Then again could always tell him good news, she is a Sister now, then...let him know other news, hopefully he won’t try to follow, he is one of the good fighters we may need here"
Benar says, "Yes and it is not wise for too many adult badgers to go to Salamandastron at once."
Lee shakes his head. "No. It won't do any good, we all know that. Zork will be fit ta be tied." The otter sighs. "Fact is, I think another adult beast should accompany them. Some beast older, but not too old..."
Benar says, "I guess you are true.... but it really shouldn't be Zork. I mean I could go.... I have been there before in my youth."
Leon nods, "Zork could help the fighters here"
Lee says, "No. We need ye, Benar. An' we need Leon, an' DoraRose...Oz can't, because of 'is blindness...who else is left? Friar Lacota? All I know is we need ye for morale, Benar."
Leon says, "I am unsure who else either"
Benar says, "Maybe But I am not sure Lee, I mean the Abbot is here and Flicktail, they are plenty enough for morale.... and I have been there before."
Leon listens as they talk, not sure what to say
Zinnia walks towards the pond, a little slow today but she is thinking on some things, looking up every one in a while so she doesn’t bump into anything.
Lee shrugs. "I guess... You may be right... Maybe two adults should go... I dunno. Ye sure ye'd be safe?"
Benar says, "I think I would be fine Lee..." He frowns, "And Anomen and Zinnia will need someone with them who ah Zinnia please come here."
Zinnia stops as she walks over to Benar, "Elder Benar, what did you did? I was taking a walk I had an odd dream and, well it’s not important"
Benar walks over to Zinnia and places a hand on her shoulder, "Nothing but you and I and Anomen must talk. Martin has spoken and there is a long journey ahead." He gestures, "Walk with me along the pond my dear."
Zinnia follows Benar, "Umm..I think Martin was in my dream last night."
Benar says, "I know my dear," He turns and starts to walk down the pond edge, "He has been flittering around the edges of my awareness too and has spoken to Anomen. He has told Anomen, yourself and I to seek the Fire Mountain of the Badger Lords where we shall find help to aid Redwall in the Dark Hour that approaches."
Zinnia frowns, she nods "I am willing to go, umm Martin pointed out these old maps in the library, we should bring them maybe?" She thinks of one more thing "What of..Papa?"
Benar says, "Yes we should take them... as for Zork... he must remain behind. He is needed to help defend the Abbey and I will be there and so will Anomen..." He shakes his head then turns to face Zinnia, "But I cannot take a Novice out into the world like this. Not to seek Salamandastron... so my dear Novice," He holds out a paw to the badger, "Will you walk with me on this journey as my Sister?"
Zinnia gasps at this news "Your making me a..a Sister?" She smiles at this and shakes his paw. "I..yes and thank you Benar"
Lee sighs and sits by the pond. "I never trusted Marek, even when 'e 'elped me defeat Nightfur..." He stares at the water, feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, barely noticing the others.
Benar says, "Yes Zinnia, for this journey I do indeed think it is appropriate and I am sure the Abbot will support me in this. We must prepare, pack only what we need and then leave soon. Within the next day or so"
Zinnia nods "Of course and with you and Anomen, I ...I won’t tell papa, he would most likely prevent me from going"
Lee looks up suddenly. "Ye need not worry yerself with that. I'll...think o' somethin'." He frowns, not liking the prospect.
Benar says, "It would be best to leave him a letter however. You can give it to Lee or Brother Leon but..." He looks at the others, "We must keep our departure quiet. Or we really will end up with half the abbey trailing after us. I'll let Lormis know the plan and we'll aim to leave sometime in the next two or three days."
Zinnia nods "Alright, I can write a quick one and put on my sister robes later also, right before we leave, just in case"
Lee nods. "I won't tell a soul, but a second guard will be goin' with ye for yer own safety, I insist."
Benar says, "Very well Lee this is acceptable and let me see... oh no Zinnia. I think we should have the ceremony in the Great Hall today. Let everyone including Zork see that you have become a sister."
Zinnia nods "If you think it best, but what if they ask...why?"
Benar says, "Abbot Lorimis and I decided you had proven yourself and it was time. Which we have done."
Leon was by the pond, away from the others and now heads to the infirm
Zinnia nods and smiles at this.
Lee nods. "That sounds acceptable. I shall select a guard this evenin'."
Benar says, "Well then let us retire to the Main Hall and see about this ceremony Zinnia."
RW Abbey: Great Hall
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance. The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist. The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.
Shadows are long in the dying evening light.
Exits/Entrances:
[K]itchen [St]airs [C]avern [H]ole
[Li]brary [En]try [B]reezeway
Contents:
table
a message (board) with notes tacked to it
With:
The doors to the Great Hall open and Benar walks inside leading a small party, including Zinnia and Lee. A Novice darts off and a few minutes later the bells begin to peel out a bright musical chime as the Elder squirrel makes his way down the hall to meet Abbot Lorimis as he appears out of a side room. The two tuck their heads together for a hurried conversation and the Abbot nods his head.
Zinnia walks into the great hall following close by Benar.
Leon walks in from the infirm and sits down
Over at one of the tables in the Great Hall, a lone mole is contenting himself with drawing on a piece of parchment until he hears the bells chime, at which point he looks up, grinning to himself for several moments before looking back down at his parchment and continuing his drawing.
Lacota pokes his head out of the Kitchen. "What the heck is going on? I'm trying to prepare dinner?" He stops, surprised. "Elder Benar...Abbot Lorimis? Did I miss something?" He smoothes his robes, tail flitting in curiosity.
The Abbot smiles at the Friar and motions him forwards to join the growing crowd as others start to come into the room from all over. "Not much but in these dark days whilst Martin's sword has been stolen from us we have a moment of light to bring into all of this."
Lee follows behind in silence, then stands to the side respectfully.
Zinnia stays close by Benar as Lorimis speaks.
Leon watches from where he is as he listens to what is going on.
Diggun simply hasn't paid attention to any of this. His mind was mostly focused on drawing, or imagining buildings. Speaking of stolen swords in the company of so many beasts is not his area of expertise.
Lacota turns around and calls out, "Alright, you can handle a single stew, yes? I'm afraid I must step out." The squirrel turns and walks into the Great Hall, bowing to the Abbot.
The Abbot smile sand waits a few more moments for others to gather then raises his hands for silent after everyone started murmuring. "On this day it is my pleasure to perform one of my favorite duties. Novice Zinnia please step forward." he moves to stand before the image of Martin as Benar slips behind the elderly mouse to light the tall candles.
Zinnia smiles and steps forwards towards Lorimis and bows, she smiles and waits for him to speak again.
Leon watches still quiet
Diggun's head perks up, and he turns, watching the proceedings from a comfortable distance so that he doesn't end up fainting from the amount of beasts present, which for him is far too many.
Lacota stands near, observing everything. He smoothes his robe down again, remaining silent.
"Let it be known," The Abbot starts, "That due to her skill, ability and diligence that I Abbot Lorimis, on the advice of my council of Elders do this day decree that Zinnia, Daughter of Zork is a Novice no longer." He reaches out a hand to her. "Will you Zinnia, take the oath of the Order of Redwall and stand beside me this day as my sister?"
Zinnia nods and smiles" Yes, yes I will Abbot Lorimis." She goes to take his paw as she accepts the rank of abbey Sister.
Diggun grins, and decides to be the first to begin clapping as he stands on the table bench. "Bravo! Bravo missum Zinna!!" He shouts, perfectly okay with this since he isn't forced to do any of this while close to the group of beasts.
Lacota hmms, and looks between Lorimis and Benar. The Friar begins to clap slowly, but something is clearly troubling him. He forces a smile, and says, "Congratulations, Miss Zinnia. Seems I was correct after all. I am proud of your progress."
Lorimis smiles and takes Zinnia's hand, then pulls the badger into a warm embrace, "Welcome Sister."
Benar moves forward as well and places a hand on her head, "Welcome Sister indeed..."
Zinnia smiles, she is happy and does accept the hug, even giving one of her own right back.
Leon nods and smiles from where he is, just watching from where he sits quietly.
Diggun is now clapping along with what he hopes is the rest of the beasts watching, and he calls out again, "Congradulashuns Zinna!!" Of course, his heavy accent mean that he couldn't quite pronounce Zinnia's name right, but it's the thought that counts, right?
Lacota continues clapping, walking closer. "I must say, though... I was not expecting it...quite so soon..." The squirrel pauses briefly. "Abbot Lorimis," Lacota bows, "Elder Benar," he bows again, "I am happy to see you both agreed with the assessment I made myself. Zinnia was just helping with dish washing duty last night, in fact, for which I was extremely grateful. In fact, I said it just last night that she'd make a fine member of the Oder..."
Leon nods "Yes congrats Zinnia"
Benar says, "Indeed congratulations Zinnia, I am proud of you and in time you will find a role in the Abbey and the Order which suits you. But for now we should ask the Friar here to slap together a celebratory supper whilst we get you some Brown robes."
Zinnia nods and smiles, she is happy right now at the fact she is a Sister now.
Lacota frowns. "Now, Benar? But... It is almost supper time." He throws his paws up. "Wouldn't tomorrow's lunch make more sense? I'd have ample time to prepare..." Lacota peers at the other squirrel. "What aren't you telling me? There is something, isn't there?" He looks at Lorimis, too. "I'm in the dark about something, aren't I?"
With the excitement over, Diggun simply sits back down and continues drawing, happy to be left alone with his imagination and his parchment.
Lorimis laughs and shakes his head, wrapping an arm about Lacota's shoulders, "Nothing is out of place, we're just excited. With everything going on it is just nice to have something fun to be going on with. Tomorrow's lunch will be fine."
Zinnia smiles, she stays by Benar and Lorimis for now.
Diggun stops drawing for a moment, then he turns and hops off his seat, trundling over to where Zinnia stands alongside Benar and Lorimis. The shy mole takes a few hesitant steps a closer before hesitantly saying, "Eh..m-missum Zinna?"
Lacota nods. "Alright, good. I'll have a full menu drawn up this evening. I mean...I *would* do it now, but I already have tonight's menu planned..." He looks at Benar again. "Still...I find it odd," but he does not say what he finds odd, instead changing the subject. "I will be out of the Abbey tomorrow Evening looking for a very specific herb I like to use as a secret ingredient, I may not be able to supervise supper tomorrow. Do not worry, though, I've been teaching a few of the novices the fine art that is cooking, so supper should not be a disaster." He looks at the Abbot. "I'm afraid it is a vital ingredient I use..."
Lorimis looks back at Lacota and nods his head, "Very well, I am sure Supper tomorrow will be fine and we will all enjoy it. Thank you for all your hard work Lacota."
Zinnia smiles and chuckles at the rare herb he mentions, she smiles at the mole "Hello there."
Diggun fiddles with his digging claws, looking up at the badger that is very noticeably taller than him. "Er..on..eh...beharf of all th' molers an' as Foremoler, oi..uh..wunt t' say congradulashuns fer becomin' a novice!"
Zinnia smiles "Achally its Sister now"
Lacota smiles, blushing. "I thank you, Abbot Lorimis. I should be back before Midnight. At the least, I'll use one of the wicker gates to exit and reenter." He flits his tail.
Diggun does a small hop in the air, and his digging claws come up to face Zinnia as though he is apologizing. "Oh! Oi'm zorry missum, aye. Oi meant t' say sizter!"
Benar says, "Very well Friar," Benar says with a smile, "Now if you will excuse me I need to go talk to Oz before supper." he waved a paw and headed for the stairs”
Lacota nods. "Indeed. See you then." He turned and sat down.
Zinnia smiles "Its ok, a simple mistake"
Leon slips off after a novice whispers to him and he nods heading to his cottage to check on Dorarose and his two dibbuns.
