A Visitor at Moledeep.
Characters: Fira, Aikuen, Flicktail, Chris, Kentar
Location: Molehall
Fira is stretched out on one of the big armchairs with book. Nice and quiet, peaceful even. A nice few minutes break between the up and down emotions, making food and worrying. She's just trying to take her mind off of it all.
Aikuen has been buzzing around outside mostly. He doesn't want to leave her side for a second. But the lack of food in the larder has been nagging him since they got back. So, after many grumbling's he has gone out and started the harvest of whatever is usable in the garden. Need to get it done soon anyway. Plus it will keep his mind off things. He enters from the entrance with a large basket full of assorted misshapen veggies. He places it on the table to wipe the sweat off his self before looking over to Fira. He goes to rest his arms on top and just stares at her, with a small smile. Cant help it.
Fira has helped with the harvest so far since to get down low enough for most of it she has to sit and then can't get up again. It's a problem she's trying to avoid. It takes her a minute to get that being watched feeling and she glances up, looking round and easily spotting Aik staring. There's a faint smile back "Hey...how're the gardens?"
Aikuen smiles warmly at her, when she finally does look up, "Hey!" he holds up a tomato. It looks like it was beat up, "There okay. This happens when they are left on the vine for too long... Not the greatest looking. But they taste alright!" he places it back in the basket, "The rest of garden is alright. After we get the rest of the produce. I'm gonna til the ground and get it ready for next spring..." he nods.
Fira shuts her book and struggle up out of the chair, thankfully before help can be offered. She waddles over to look at the tomatoes "Hmm. Well so long as they're edible. We'll have to do better next year"
Rain begins pouring down as lightning and thunder peel across the sky, shaking even the ground. trees are bent over from wind as the rain drives in a down pour... splattering as nature howls. The trees lash back and foruth in the gale, and then, there is a knock at the entrance.
Aikuen was about to go help her. Thought better of it, so he watches her come toward him, with a small smile and a chuckle. He thinks its cute, "Yep! A bit of the garden had rotted away. But most is okay. But there all... Misshapen..." he holds out on of the tomatoes. And while she was dealing with that, sneak attack Kiss! He chuckles and blinks, "What the?" he gets up and looks toward the entrance tunnel. He tilts his head and looks back to Fira, "Stay here. Somebeast at the door." he walks over and says, "Whos there?" with a paw on his hilt.
A muffled hald growly voice answers "A traveler..a fox wet to the bone an bone weary..moight a beast come in and warms imself" he has to shout over the wind. if there is a place to look out the door you can look at him
Aikuen blinks at the door, "That means nothing to us. Tell us who you are. Then be on your way..." he has his other paw on the handle. They never get visitors.
Fira takes the tomato and blinks before sticking her tongue out at Aik for the surprise kiss. She tilts her head at the news though, giving the door a glance "I didn't think anyone else was out" the yells from the other side of the door, well they fall on deaf ears so she's none the wiser.
the Muffled voice seems ripped away by the wind, and you hear something, but the peal of thunger drowns it out "Lad...please...oi be nearly drownin out ere...if oi wantedto do ye arm I'd batter at e door..let a beast in please afore oi get it by one o e trees, E abby Beasts sents me
Aikuen blinks. Abbey? So he slowly unbolts the door, and its nearly thrown open by the wind, but Aik manages to hold it steady, "From the abbey?" his paw is still on his hilt in case its a trap.
the figure..sodden walks in, his hood up, all that can be seen is the slender vulpine black nose of a fox...the green cloak dripping as the beast movesin, the cloake is pulled around and all that is seen from keeping it smooth is the gleam of the Lizard skin sheath of along sword underneath...the Fox walks in slowly toward teh fire not lowering his hood "Thank ye Good beasts
Fira keeps quiet and far back from the door, still handing about with the tomatoes as she squints out the door but doesn't recognise the fox anyway.
Aikuen blinks, and was about to stop the fox, "Hey! I didn't say!... Your not!..." he grumbles, and runs over to Fira, just in case. He blinks at the figure and looks to her, "What do you think of him?" he mouths. He looks back to the figure, "You mind telling us who you are. Are shall i knock you out now..."
Fira moves round the other side of the table as the fox comes in. Keep a nice big heavy bit of furniture between them "I think he should be lowering his hood now and giving up that sword before this turns into a fight"
2 Black furred paws come out from the green tunic, and you catch the hint of a sly smile... he hoolds an oiled messagebag outto you as he shivers amd warms by the fire "Peace to ye, ere be a gift from e Abbot ta show oi be a Good beast' he chuckles again
Aikuen nods to her, "Righto..." and gives her paw a squeeze before walking over to the figure. Peace? He takes the message bag and blinks at it, "What is this? The abbot? Listen... Whoever you are. Ill see it when i believe it. So, while you are a guest here..." he snorts, "Please put down your hood, and remove your weapon...or weapons you might have. You can have them back when you leave..." he nods firmly.
again there is the sly smile from within the darkness of tehhood. "of course Allow me to Surrender me Blade" he moves slowly as you hear teh blade being drawn..he hold out the pommel first, and on teh blade..the words shine "Am am that is
Fira barely gives the weapon a glance before raising her voice "And the hood"
Flicktail says, "Can't lower me ood wi a paw full o Blade M'lady" he waits for somoneto take thelegendary blade wich is MUCh lighter then a normal blade teh same size"
Aikuen blinks at the sword and tilts his head at it. He chuckles as he takes it, and holds it point first into the ground "Good gracious... Flicky... Don't scare us like that! Next time just tell us from the beginning!" he chuckles and nods, "Aye remove your hood, and properly introduce yourself... or no tea for you!" he laughs as he goes to the table and lays the sword, before going over to Fira and taking her paw.
Flicktail lowrs his hood grinnin hos white head emerging, though he is sodden "Oi be soor, some o e dibbuns were telling Ghosts tsories afore we left...and well Oi thought ye moiht loikes one on a night loiks is'
Fira flicks her eyes onto Aik and raises a brow "You know him?..." a little glare at the fox and she throws the tomato at Flicktail "You think it's funny to come in here us scare as all?!" she yells at him. Ahh, emotion changes "I should go drown you in a puddle!"
Aikuen keeps a tight hold of her other paw. He chuckles slightly at the flying food stuffs, "Aye... Fira. I would like you to meet Flicktail. Champion of Redwall..." he nods, and does nothing to try and stop her, if she wanted too.
Flicktail EEps and scuttles behind Aikuen chucklin "oh Aikuen ye ye be woight about er! Wow' he smile "Pease M'lady Oi ment no arm..look..Oi brought ey some Pickles...an som Honey
Fira is right next to Aik so with the fox scuttled over she aims a clumsy kick at him "You stop hiding behind my husband and do a proper introduction like sensible beasts!" well he scared her. She has reason to be a little angry.
Aikuen chuckles, "Aye. Better do like my wife said. Come on out, and properly introduce yourself!" he cant help but laugh. So much funnier when he is not on the receiving end.
Flicktail EEps and scuttles back...removing the soaked cloak so his white fur can be seen, his brush looks more like a rats tail but he bows "Pardon m'lady, Oi be Flicktail T. Fox, Chapion of Redwall and all good beasts, sworn to peace unless all else fail, and friend to yer usband e otter Aikuen, and your Servant Marm....
Fira pauses and glances at Aik...well she missed him introducing the fox so she's just checking again...She threw a tomato at and kicked the champion of Redwall. It's something to tell the kids anyway "Right...well...hang the clock up somewhere and stop dripping on the floor"
Flicktail Chuckles and winks to Aikuen "Aye M'lady" padding over his empty sheath at his side
Aikuen looks to her, and gets the feeling she missed it. So he nods, "Aye. He is!" he laughs and goes to sit down at the table. He still thinks its hilarious what she did. Thataway girl! But he is keeping quiet about for now. He snorts and says, "Heh, Ahem... well... yeah..." he places his free paw over his mouth.
Fira carefully sits down and pretends to look like a sensible peaceful beast "Um...I'm sorry, why is the champion of Redwall visiting us?" seems to be asking both of them.
Flicktail says, "Um..Ye ave heard o e Champion aven't ye M'lady? and Oi comes because ye be w Dibbun...and Aikuen be me friend and told me e most beatiful Otter maid in all o e land be ere, and oi wanted ta see' he smiles looking for a towel"
Aikuen ergs, as it slipped his mind, "Er.... Oh boy. I'm sorry. But i forgot to tell you that he might be coming over to see you. I hope you don't mind...I asked when i went to the abbey... the day after we got back..." he gulps. Hopefully Flicky's comments will get him off the hook...
Fira does look a little surprised but quickly tries to hide it "Oh, well...um. Welcome to Moledeep. Nice to meet you" she hasn't thought to offer a towel yet and they don't keep any in the hall.
Flicktail says, "Thank Ye Marm" and he sets down a Jar of Pickles, And a jar of Honey, together with a Token from Abbot Lorien to show he is an Abby Beast "Um...am Oi welcome Marm? Oi really didn't mean any arm..."
Fira waves a paw to dismiss the question "Yeah, just wouldn't pretend to be a mysterious invader with anyone else. Pretty much everyone here is armed somehow"
Flicktail says, "well Cept me Marm' he chuckles "Aikuen took me blade :)"
Aikuen hadn't thought of a towel either. He keeps forgetting that not every beast has otter fur. Where the water just slicks off in a few minutes. So he just keeps on grinning, and sighs to himself when he didn't get shoved or nudged for forgetting to tell her, "Its okay Flicky. As long as your here. Stay as long as you like... And you can have your blade back..." he points.
Flicktail smiles and resheathes the blade as the Thunder Resounds loudly andhis eyes turn to Fira "Um...Marm...could a Visitor beg a favor o ye?" then he blinks and looks at Aikuen "Um..we yer permission o course
Fira can sort of feel the storm in the air but she just doesn't get the sound effects, no jumps from her, just a curious look at the fox "What exactly?"
Aikuen tilts his head at him, "Er, depends on what it is..." he nods at her, and gives her paw a squeeze.
Flicktail says, "well..marm, oi..oi loves all Dibbuns, oi..cares for im..and..well Oi been told that...afore a Dibbun is borne...ye kin feel im..move..M...may...May OI...would ye allow me..ta...um...Oh Oi hope this not be..." he wrinsg his paws obviously not wanting to ask something in appropriate..his large blue eyes wide...."
Fira squints at him, he's not the easiest to lip read, thick accents just make her work harder "You want to...feel the babe moving around, right?" little glance going to Aik for silent questioning.
Flicktail nod nods a little timidly...."if..if Oi may Marm...
Aikuen looks back at her, nods, and mouths, "Aye. He wants to feel the little otter kick. If I'm getting that right..." he shrugs, and looks back to Flicky, "I'm okay with it. as long as she is okay with it... and you dont hurt her any..." he places a paw on her belly for second before nodding.
Flicktail looks horrified for a moment "Aikuen...oi would never ever urt any beast...let alone me friends beloved....a maiden as lovely as a flower...
Babes are probably fighting already so there's plenty of movement. Fira just gives her stomach a glance and shrugs "Well, I guess if you want to you can"
Flicktail looks around and finds...well SOMETHING to dry his paws, then placing his one paw on the sword pommel so it is out o fteh way, kneels besides the Ottress andoffers a soft warm gentle paw "show me where?" intending for her to guide his paw, he trembles, but you can nottell if it is excitment, nervousness or both
Aikuen nods, "I know you wont hurt her. Just the way i am..." Over protective, and then chuckles at the next part, "Anywhere mate... Fira, show him where you can feel the most movement..." he laughs and nods.
Fira finds it all very weird and uncomfortable but sort of waves a paw at the belly "It's all the pup um..." she points to a spot where can just about see the movement "Try there"
Flicktail's hands are the gentle hands of a healer, and the fox's fur is velvet soft as he places them pwarlmly where sheindidates, his eyes wide and innocent like those of a dibbun himself
Aikuen smiles and gives her paw a squeeze, trying to ease her a bit, "Heh, the little one is a bit erky today!" he laughs, and rubs the top with his thumb.
Fira settles back in her chair, trying to relax despite the fascination with the bump "It's extra erky most days at some point. Likes getting me up early in the mornings"
Flicktail seems almost entrances, but very gentle..waiting to "feel" something
The belly keeps showing little bumps here and there as things move around within. It's not long before the fox will feel it.
Aikuen smiles and kisses her on the cheek, "Its a wonderful thing... Even if it wont let you sleep." he chuckles, "Want me to get you something it eat? I was gonna get some tea for us all the same. Thought you might like something while I'm in there..." he smiles.
Flicktail keeps waiting
The belly is moving, no waiting needed. Fira shakes her head at Aik "No, that's alright, just hurry back with the tea"
Flicktail's eyes get watery, though it's hard to tell as he is still all wet, the tunderstorm outside raging "oh..oh Oi felt it" he withdraws "at at be BEATIFUL! oi never felt nuttin loike sit..t..thank ye marm
Aikuen nods and gets up from the table, "Alright. Be back with tea..." and some biscuits if he can wangle it. He kisses her on the top of her head, before going to the kitchen, to get them the kettle and a few cups.
Fira looks faintly surprised at the fox's reaction "Ah, well, you're welcome and it's quite alright" she glances to Aik as he leaves, keeping an eye on him until he disappears into the kitchen.
Aikuen shortly returns with a kettle and one cup in one paw. Oddly done as the handle is wrapped around his thumb. Now, why is he doing that. Aikuen is carrying a sleeping kit stoat in his arms. Aik shakes his head, "Look who i found sleeping in a cupboard... Chris must have pooped himself out from exploring..." he chuckles faintly and sighs, setting the warm kettle on the table, near Fira. So she can have first go. Aik will get more cups later.
Fira offers to take the small stoat so Aik can get the cups "He's getting everywhere lately. Growing up faster than we can keep him out of places"
Aikuen tilts his head at her, and shrugs before handing her the itty stoat, "Here yah go... Seems pretty out of it... Ill go get the rest... of the... stuff..." he nods before heading back to the kitchen. Chris hmms in his sleep and buries his head into her fur, when he is moved. Sucking on his thumb of course.
Fira carefully takes the small sleeping Chris and lets him get comfy. He is rather cute, deserves a little smile as she waits for Aik to return again.
Aikuen returns once more! Hoorah! With cups, and a few biscuits for all. There a little hard, since they are from yesterday. But they are still nice, all the same. He sets them on the table and starts to pour the luke warm tea, "Alright. tea..." placing one in front of her, before looking to Flicktail, "Hope you don't mind it strong... er... Flicky?" he tilts his head and chuckles. He grins, "You must have got him all excited.... he is out!" he laughs and plops down.
Fira takes the cup of tea before looking back to the fox again "Yeah, heh, I guess the miracle moving stomach was too much for him...is it just me or is he..." how to put it nicely "Not very championy...or at least not how all those champions in the stories were"
Aikuen places a paw on her belly and makes a silly face, "Behold the miracle of moving stomach! It walks! It talks! It makes foxes sleep!" he laughs, and then nods slowly, "Well. I know what you mean. He is... well it seems... erg..." There is not way to put it correctly, "Eh, well. If Martin chose him... I don't see why not. Even if he does seem... not 'championy'..." he nods, "But i see no better beast. Always puts other beasts before him, and always wants peace. Even if its the illogical choice..." he hmms, and gulps down his tea.
"Chris? Oh Chris? Where are you?" calls Kentar from the sleeping hall. "Great. I lost my son." he slowly shakes his head, before coming into the hall. "Anyone see Chris?" he asks.
Fira can't hear the calls even if she is holding Chris. She does notice the stoat when he comes into the hall though "Hey Kentar" a head tilt goes to Aik "Well...I guess there's some logic to it...so long as it works"
Aikuen does hear the yell and waits for the stoat to appear, "Aye. He is nice, all the same... Heyho Kentar!" he chuckles, "No i haven't seen Chris. We did find this little bugger in the cupboard though. This one yours?" he grins.
The stoat laughs and sighs as he spots Chris in Fira's arms. "Heh. Nope. Don't know him." he laughs with a grin. "He seems really likes you Fira." he chuckles.
Fira smirks faintly "I don't really think he knows where he is. He was asleep in one of the kitchen cupboards when Aik found him"
Aikuen smiles at them, and then ohs, "Kentar. Meet Flicktail. He came by to visit..." he points to the sleeping fox, and turns back to them, "Must have been exploring. Getting into things he shouldn't. Least he didn't hurt himself..." he chuckles and reaches over to rub the little stoats stomach.
The stoat shrugs and looks towards Flicktail and smiles. "Wow! Hey...Flick." he blinks a little. "He's. Asleep." The stoat says a little quietly. "Oh well, I'll say hi when he wakes up." Kentar laughs before sitting down somewhere near Fira and Chris.
Fira shakes her head at the fox before just looking back to Kentar "Did you want Chris?" is she currently holding his son hostage without knowing?
Aikuen nods, "Should have called you before. Just really surprised at him being here!" he chuckles, and tosses a biscuit at Kentar as soon as he sits, "Have a snack!" he laughs.
Kentar laughs and waves his paw at Fira. "Naw, he seems like he's comfortable with you." he smiles, thinking for a moment. "You watch him for the moment."
Fira nods back "Not a problem. He's very well behaved when he's not awake"
Aikuen chuckles, "He is mostly behaved when is also awake. Just likes to get away from the parents!" he chuckles and leans back in his chair.
"Yeah. But I thought he loved us!" KEntar pretends to cry before bursting into tears then laughs again.
Fira chuckles as well "It was just a matter of time before he decided otters were better"
Aikuen smiles, "Once you go otter. You can never go back!" he grins.
Kentar blinks. "Great. My son is going to grow up, thinking he's an otter." he sighs. "What is this world coming to?
Fira smirks "A better, ottery place clearly"
Aikuen laughs, "Ah, its going to be great place" he stifles his mouth with his paw.
Kentar frowns and sighs. "OH well. You two are horrible. I'm taking my sons. And my wife. Then leaving. This place can be ottery without me!" he fakes sobbing.
Fira widens her eyes spookily "You're one of us now Kentar, you can't leave, none of you can leave" it's good to mess about.
Aikuen see what Fira is doing, so he plays along, "The otters have you Kentar... There is no escape..." he hides a grin.
Kentar screams. "No! No, help me!" he cries out, running to the door...okay, limping very fast...before banging on it, pretending its locked and he cant get out. "Nooo!"
Fira snorts in amusement and watches the stoat "He's trying to escape dear"
Aikuen was just gonna stay right here. There is a point in messing, where laziness overcomes it. Its when she said that, "Oh, yes darling... mustn't let him get away..." he then nods and gets up slowly and walks toward Kentar, "Raaaaaaa...... One of us. One of us. One of us..." he holds out his paws trying to capture the stoat in them.
Kentar looks over his shoulder and claws at the door. "Noooo!" he shreaks and ducks away from Aikuen, hiding under a chair, cowering.
Fira chuckles "No one over acts quite like Kentar"
Aikuen runs over and sits on the chair he is hiding under, "Ah ha! Now where did that stoat go... When i find him... I'm gonna give him the biggest darn otter grip, you have ever seen!" he makes hand motions, just to emphasize his meaning. HE frowns and looks to Fira, "Hey! I overact!" he makes a pose, on the chair, "So comfortable!"
Fira snerks, shaking her head at Aik "Ok, you over act too. You're both terrible. Happy now?"
Aikuen grins and pats the stoat on the head, under him, "Hoorah! I'm so happy! Now get out there you stoat thing you! Or else ill make a rudder for you!" he grins evilly. Kentar comes out, and hides under his paws, "Ahhhh! No! Don't put one of those awful things on me!" he erks and runs away toward the sleeping hall, laughing up a storm. Aik shakes his head and laughs, "Silly beast... That's why he is!" he grins and bounces over to Fira, "Oh, Fira me lovely darling!" he places both his paws on her shoulder.
Fira smirks up at Aik "Now don't you start bouncing all over the place. I've got Chris and another babe attached to me. It's not fair if I can't bounce about too"
Aikuen smiles at her and leans down peeking over her shoulder, looking at both babes. Well Chris and her belly, but you know what i mean, "I soggy!" random neck kiss! "I can hold Chris if yah want. And the our little one if i could! So you can bounce yourself to the moon. But you cant. Not right now anyway!" he grins and kisses her neck again, still acting like a parrot on her shoulder.
Fira laughs quietly at the neck kiss "I'll bounce again someday but not for a little while yet" the second neck kiss though earns a little grrr and grin before she snaps at his ears.
Aikuen moves his head away and grrs right back, "Roar Fira... My love!" he waits till she snaps again before attacking himself. Kissing her roughly and biting her bottom lip, "Grrr!" he grins back at her.
Fira kisses him back before smirking, rolling her eyes and then finally just carefully flopping into her chair.
Aikuen grins wildly, before going to plop next to her in a chair of his own. He leans over really closely and says, "So how is our little nut?" He maybe talking about Chris, her, or her belly.
Fira looks down at Chris and the other one "I'm not sure which is heavier...I mean I know it should be Chris but my stomach doesn't look all that much smaller at the moment"
Aikuen has noticed the girth. But as too not upset her too much on it, he has kept quiet about it, "Well Chris is almost a season old. But you have to understand. Otters are naturally bigger then stoats so... Maybe we are just having a big one..." he ergs, as that might have been the wrong thing to say.
Fira tilts her head and nods slowly "Suppose so. Do have a point..." then she thinks of it too and grimaces.
Aikuen grits and wraps his arm around her, "Ah! You will be just fine. Perfect even. I will be there to help you, and talk you through it..." he nods, "It will be fine... I promise!" he kisses her cheek softly and rubs his nose against it. He sighs happily. Fira sighs as well and goes to rest her head on his shoulder.
