Abbot's Processional: Part 4:Ferravale

• • got permission to spoof Benar towards the end, Where says The Abbot is still Benar..:)**

FV:Town Center(#180524R)

The gravelly path through the village gets wider the further into the village it travels until at the centre of the village it splits off into four around a large firepit just waiting for any excuse for a feast or celebration and still showing the bones and a few broken mugs from the last one around the edges. A large longhouse for meetings has been built on one side of the road, standing important, decorated with carved wood, shields, weapons, furs and a large skull over the door with the large similarly fearsomely decorated house of the chief sitting proudly beside it.

Meek in comparison across the road a smaller wooden building bares a misspelled sign over the door naming it the 'Infermery'. A few trees dot the edges of the clearing but buildings take over in most directions, only the north showing some vegetation within the village walls. To the west houses seem to spring up and take over the land while noise and masses of beasts take over the south around the market and shops. Down the eastern trail the village gates can just be seen with the tavern close by.

Exits: [A]banded [W]arehouse, [T]own [H]all, [In]firm, [C]hieftain's [H]ome, [N]orth, [S]outh, [W]est, [E]ast

The party from Redwall has arrived in Ferravale and all but taken over the inn, renting every spare room in the building. There is also something of a festival air pervading the streets. Vendors are outside with stalls, the Abbey beasts are setting up trestle tables and tablecloths and unpacking food and generally it is quite the festive atmosphere.

Flicktail sticks close to the party, he wears Martin's blade though in its sheath and mostly to defend the Abbot and any though it's not been needed, he walks easily enjoying the fine day and glad he has friend.

Benar is standing near Flicktail conversing quietly with one of the Order members, the sister nods her head and hurries off as the Abbot looks around.

Flicktail stands quietly not interrupting the Abbot. his eyes can the area always watching, he is not all jokes today instead he stands ready to do whatever he may be called on to do, his fur moving in whips as the breeze blows past him

Benar says, "Ok thank you daughter," He nods to the mouse and she scampers off and the Abbot starts to walk across the square, "You know you do not need to hang around protecting me Flicktail, I mean this is Ferravale I am quite safe."

Flicktail says, "Of course you are Father Abbot, we are beasts of peace and healing and enjoy the protection of our oath." However the fox hangs near the Abbot for now "I just like being round my friend.'” He smiles wryly at the Squirrel "And by the way my tails is bushier then yours" He smirks.

Benar says, "Well Flicktail, I shall bow to your fluffier tail and just accept that overall I am more handsome, appealing and above all better dressed then you"

Flicktail chuckles "Aye Father, I think you have me there, I can't argue that one, would you like some warm candied nuts?” He asks getting a few coins from his pouch and approaching a vender.

Benar says, "No thank you Flicktail, you know I can't stand candied nuts. I prefer them without sugar on them."

Scioto walks in as he is speaking to one of the guards "What do you mean he left?" He listens and sighs, "Great, wonder..and what was the other bit of news the badger had, and where is she anyways" The guard hmmms, "With That ummm...Zee sir." Scioto nods as he then looks up to see Benar and Flicktail up ahead.

Flicktail nods and purchases some salted nuts "Have you tried these then Father Abbot? “

Benar says, "Yes Flicktail, plain, unshelled Nuts are what I prefer. I dislike salt as much as sweet." He shakes his head in amusement, "Ah Chieftain Scioto, good day, thank you for having us."

Scioto nods to the abbot "I had been reminded yesterday, I had thought it was a day later for your arrival, sorry for that. A couple of your abbey beasts had come yesterday in fact, not to worry they are fine and safe somewhere in the village."

Leon enters the village square and looks around as he makes his way over to the other abbey beasts quietly.

Flicktail says to the vender "You heard the beast, Pain unsalted nuts, Sunflower if ya have them and maybe a few acorns if you have any Marm.”

Benar says, "Unshelled FLicktail but really you do not have to go and buy me nuts. We have plenty of food," He smiles at Scioto, "I am glad to hear it my friend, I am looking forward to wandering around your market place."

Scioto says, "And I have made sure extra guards are in the market place the next couple days, as well as some random ones around the village, and an extra one at the Inn if needed."

Leon walks over to Benar”; "I am guessing we are staying a couple days here then?"

Benar says, "Thank you Scioto, I appreciate the concern you re showing for our safety. But I wanted to include Ferravale on our tour. To strengthen our connection and show that all beasts can live together as one."

Flicktail chuckles and hands the Abbot a bag of the unshelled sunflower seeds "it's called a Gift father abbot, it buys me a nice feeling doing something for me friend and patron. Hello Chieftain, Leon.”

Benar says, "Well thank you Flicktail, but..." He shakes the bag, "I am not a bird, these are seeds my friend. But thank you, it is the rethought that counts."

Flicktail chuckles "Well I have learned to eat like a bird then”

Zinnia makes her way around the crowds as she comes from the eastern area of the village, she nods to the others and offers a smile “Hello all."

Scioto nods as he listens. "Well then, that is well and good and we do have the peace treaty with the abbey after all"

Benar says, "You have also learnt that the Father Abbot is picky about nuts," He smiles at Scioto, "Of course and this visit is to strengthen that treaty as well as be your friends. Ah Zinnia good day my dear Recorder."

Leon says a simple "Hi Flicktail" And leaves it at that.

Zinnia smiles, "Abbot Benar, I have invited Uncle Zee to join us later if that’s alright, maybe he could share a story with us perhaps. I don’t know if he will be coming or not though, but I did ask him to."

Flicktail asks, "How are you this Day Leon? and your family?" He turns to look to Scioto and Zinnia speaking softly to Leon so as not to interrupt"

Scioto smiles and nods "Yes and I am glad I had the treaty renewed as well, it was a wise move and hopefully put some concerns at ease that there was before."

Leon answers Flicktail “You will have to ask them yourself Flicktail next time you see them"

Leon says, "my day is good so far though"

Flicktail says, "Leon, you see a bit quiet. Be everything ok?"

Benar says, "Oh that would be lovely Zinnia, I do hope they can join us," He smiles then looks at Leon with a worried frown but turns back to Scioto, "It was a very important move."

Leon looks at Flicktail oddly "I am fine Flicktail, why do you ask?"

Flicktail says, "As I said you seem somewhat quiet"

Scioto folds his paws behind his back "Yes a smart move indeed. I hope all goes well during your stay Abbot Benar and if you need anything you can let me know. Your beasts are free to also go to the tavern if you would like while here. I could make sure a couple extra guards are there is you do"

Zinnia smiles "I will let Uncle Zee know, just got to find him later I guess"

Benar says, "I will not use the tavern myself but I will let it be known they are welcome to do so thank you."

Leon shakes his head as he has already answered the fox's question.

Flicktail sits down munching his bag of candied nuts and listening to the conversation

Scioto says, "Of course, and as for your Uncle" He turns to Zinnia" He could be anywhere around the village"

Zinnia says, "He seemed worried I was here at first yesterday, told him it was just to visit and say Hi, and then he seemed to feel better and like I said I hope he can maybe join us for a story or two, maybe even go to the feast in a week"

Benar says, "I didn't even know you had an Uncle who lived here Zinnia, I look forward to meeting more of your family."

Zinnia nods "I have Uncle Zee, Uncle Oz and of course papa, that’s my main family and of course I see all the abbey as a part of family as well."

Leon slips off quietly to where the other Redwallers are staying.

Scioto says, "Family is very important to have, as are friends"

Benar asks, "Well Zinnia I look forward to meeting them," He looks around the square and smiles, "It certainly is busy here today Scioto, trade is well I take it?"

Scioto says, "It is busy every day here, but the weather is good and this is the time of day most are out. Trade does fairly well, and the market place has many items for sale or trade. Some beasts come and stay a short while, others it depends on the season and of course some live here"

Zinnia asks, "Will we share stories again tonight Benar or is that at the next location?"

Flicktail's ears perk "Stories?'” He says with a large smile

Benar says, "The next location is the site of my Summer Feast, tonight we share stories of our lives today. Of found memories of the last few months."

Lee steps into the square, wearing his cloak. "Ahoy, Benar, Zinnia, Flick. And Scioto. 'Ow is yer daughter?"

Scioto nods "I will leave you to tell your stories, I will not interrupt them." He nods to Lee" Last we talked she was fine."

Flicktail says, "Hello Son" He smiles fondly.

Zinnia says, "Oh, I thought we had one more location to go to after here, then to the feast"

Flicktail says, "This is a verra nice place...."

Lee says, "Oy, I thought we were goin' by Camp Willow. I wanted me son Konrad ta see it."

Krystal walks slowly as she looks around, nice place? Right now she doesn’t seem to like it much. She makes her way to the Redwall group finally after walking slowly.

Benar soon moves to take a seat in one of the chairs that have been set up near the fire in the middle of the square. Others are gathering, sitting on the ground or other chairs, passing around food and drink and waiting for the storytelling to begin. The Redwall crowd mingles with the Ferravale crowd happily and the Abbot looks around and smiles, "Shall we begin Scioto?"

Lee finds someplace to sit and listen.

Flicktail stands behind Father abbot

Scioto arches an eyebrow, “I had not planned on telling any stories, you and your abbey beasts can begin by all means. I can stay a little while and listen."

Krystal goes to find a seat and sit down close to one of the Redwall beasts.

Zinnia glances around she had hoped her Uncle would be here; she finally sits down, “Yes from here we go to Camp Willow, then the Quarry for the feast, well beside it anyways"

Flicktail says, "Camp Willow me old HOME"

Benar nods his head, "Indeed Camp Willow is our next stop after here then we go onwards to the Quarry the birthplace of the building blocks of Redwall."

Scioto says, "I am sure your next couple stops will be good as well"

Zinnia says, "It’s been very nice to see some of these places and learn of them"

Lee nods. "Ye'll like Camp Willow, Zinnia."

Benar says, "Indeed Camp Willow is a pleasant place, I always enjoy visiting"

Krystal sits quiet as she has her paws folded in her lap waiting to see what stories will be told today.

Flicktail smiles and watches the crowd, he does not LOOM over Benar, but he does stay ready "I learned to be a Otterfox in Camp Willow.”

Benar says, "Well then Flicktail why not tell us all about it, it sounds like a fine tail fit for the retelling."

Flicktail nod nods "Aye is that is ok with every beast, it is a Story of how I became a good beast and left a vermin life behind”

Scioto says, "Sounds interesting" He stays close by to listen" Do go on"

Zinnia smiles, she listens as he starts to speak.

Lee nods his head. "Tell us."

Benar says, "Well then give us the long version Flicktail, hold nothing back tonight is the night to share stories of the now"

Flicktail nods "well some of you who do not know me, may not know, I started life as a Dibbun slaver. My horde had made an attack on the Fire mountain...not the brightest thing we ever did. A badger lord with red eyes were after me and me own brother put a shaft thru me foot paw so the Badger would get me and not them. I got verra sick from the wound as I tried to get away, and I stumbled into Camp Willow. The Skipper agreed to allow me to live if I helped recover the dibbuns, which I did. I was So sick and cold. When I awoke, an otter pup had seen me and climbed up to keep me warm. I could not BELIEVE it. I was a slaver and here this PUP was helping me”

Benar nods his head, he has heard this story before but tonight is the night to share such stories, to have them recorded. "Carry on Flicktail. Tell us how you changed, how you grew, how Martin selected you to Safe Guard his Abbey."

Zinnia listens, she even writes down the story as its being said.

Lee listens

Scioto stays close by as he listens to the tale; he has never really listened to it before today

Flicktail continues "I was going to be a Vermin. I was going to betray the otters, but I discovered something, for the first time in my life, I was warm and me belly was full and I was not afraid. But I was uneducated..And when me mentor, Kroova, came to me and told me, Foxes cannot live in Camp Willow, so you are going to BECOME an OTTER.Now I know what he meant is I would train as a Shield beast in the otter guard, but I believed I'd be a REAL otter" He chuckles "I even tried swimming under the ice once. That were not verra wise of me. But I were terrified of badgers and of Red Wall abbey because ALL vermin know martin will drag a vermin beast off to the Black Forest.”

Krystal is curious of the tale, so she listens as well as she munches on an apple a novice gives her.

Benar asks, "What happened next then Flicktail?"

Flicktail says, "Anyways, when a feast came I was required to go to RedWall as an otter and oh I was so terrified of the tapestry and Colonel Zoe Lang, of the long Patrol herself introduced me to Martin and I told him how sorry I was. and that night, a White Mouse came to me. You see I used to be a RED fox and he told me that to know it was real my fur would be white as my promise to be a good beast....and that he would make me is champion to protect the dibbuns and good beasts of Mossflower. And sure enough within a fortnight, Abbot Lorimis' mate showed up with this verra blade and said she was visited by a white mouse and told to bring the blade to the abbey for a beast with fur like Martin's."

Benar says, "I remember that day, we were all very surprised when she turned up. Most of us didn't even know Abbot Lorimis was married."

Krystal asks, "White fur cause he was a ghost?"

Flicktail says, "it seems so"

Lee holds up a paw. "Wait, wot? MARRIED?"

Scioto starts to ask what happen to his mate but decides not to, it’s more than likely she died as Lorimis himself was very old.

Zinnia says, "She died some seasons ago"

Benar says, "Indeed, it was a very interesting court ship but they loved one another in their own strange way. It always made Lorimis laugh the way people got all surprised when they found out he was married."

Zee is walking towards the tavern when he sees the crowd elsewhere and decides to walk over to them. But he stays quiet just staying close by and having yet to speak.

Benar says, "Thank you for sharing Flicktail," he looks around, "Does anyone else wish to share a story with us tonight."

Flicktail says, "My Son lee has a good story"

Zinnia says, "I believe I did read on someone related to Lorimis that died, but some seasons ago, forgot how many I just remember reading it so his mate died before he did. I have read some older logs and still do every so often to learn more and more of the abbeys past. And this trip has helped as well"

Scioto doesn’t seem to have a tale right now

Benar says, "Well then if no one else has a story right now may I suggest we eat and drink and mingle with our friends and then perhaps in a few minutes or an hour someone else will have a story for us."

Flicktail says, "Anyone have a story I like stories"

Zinnia says, "I can't think of any I have not told"

Zee chuckles, "Stories and friends, stories helps one learn of the past, and sometimes of that not so far past or sometimes the really really far past"

The abbot nods, "Any beast can share a tale, an abbey beast or a friend and enjoy good food and drink as we do so"

Zinnia knows that chuckle and gets up to hug the older badger and smiles "Please say you’re staying, least for a short while anyways."

Scioto rolls his eyes as he sees Zee and decides now is a god time to do a patrol and go to the tavern.

Zee smiles and returns the hug, "Perhaps I will stay for a little while Zinnia"

The abbot looks around "No one else wishes to tell a story tonight?"

Flicktail looks proud of his story

Zee shrugs "I got lots of tales, none rom this area though, sorry on that"

Zinnia smiles "Well maybe you can tell one of someone from the abbey still. I am sure they wouldn’t care...too much"

Flicktail says, "I just like ANY story"

Zee asks, "Tell a tale of someone from the abbey? I know FEW from the abbey I live here now remember lass. Hmmms maybe a tale of two brothers, when they were dibbuns"

Benar nods for him to go on if he so wishes.

Flicktail says, "Yes do tell I like those stories"

Zee says, "Let’s see, there be a lot of stories to tell and wouldn’t know which one to pick"

Zee grins "Tell ya what, I will think of one and have it ready tomorrow for ya all"

Lee nods. "I'm a bit tired tonight. I'll see wot I've got tomorrow, Benar."

The abbot nods "That is fine, any other beast have a story before we call it a night?"

The abbot waits on replies and then smiles "Then let us enjoy the rest of the evening, talk among yourselves and then get a good night’s sleep. We can share more tomorrow my friends" Good food is eaten and quiet talk among all and then its bedtime till tomorrow.