An Orph(an) No Longer

Redwall Abbey

Characters: Orph, Gwennythe, Flicktail, Aikuen, and many others.

Orph rolls over away from the fire suddenly, waking himself up in the process. "Huh? Wha- is it still morning?"

Aikuen turns to let his back begin to dry, he looks at Orph, "Nah, matey, its about afternoon...

Orph rubs his eyes, waking up more, "Um, hi."

Benar enters the hall, slowly unwrapping his paws, the white linen around them dusty with red brick dust. "Good day everyone."

Aikuen smiles, "Hello, Orph! How are you today!" He looks up at Benar, "Haldo Benar! What have you been up too!" Yes he is having two conversations at the same time.

Benar grins at the otter and raises a paw, "I have been up there." his paw is pointing idly towards the distant ceiling of the great hall. "It is quite impressive."

Orph smiles, "Hi, Benar. *yawn* I slept a /long/ time. I'm fine. I saw Flicky and Dunplume earlier," looks around, "I guess they already left. I didn't really get to talk to Flicky much though, I was too sleepy. I went up there once, but I didn't like it very much."

Benar grins softly and leans down to scritch Orph's ears, "I'm a squirrel, it was high up.. I had to explore it. Is the rules." he nods his head as if that explains everything.

Orph says, "That's why I went up there before, except for the squirrel part. Hehehe."

Aikuen tilts his head, "Rules wot rules... Did I forget something?" He looks up again. He really doesn't want to be up there if he can help it...

Benar laughs and sits down, "I am teasing Aikuen, you do not have to go up there. But I wanted to climb it just so I could say I have."

Orph says, "The rules of adventuring. If you don't know what something is or where some path goes to, find out."

Aikuen says relived, "ohhhh, okay..." He looks at Orph, "Rules of adventuring Eh?, Well im adventurous as the next beast, But no way you can get me up there..." He back at the ceiling, gulping...

Benar chuckles and shakes his head, "As I said no need to climb up there unless you really feel the urge. I've been staring up there for ages just itching for a change to climb.

You say, "Another rule of adventuring is that you only explore where you want to."

Aikuen pats Orph on the back, "Well thanks matey, I DO NOT want to go up there...so" He looks at Benar, "Well you be traveling to Ruinedgate (that's what he calls it) this afternoon?"

Benar shakes his head, "No not me, I am to remain here at the Abbey, I don't think I could cope with a city full of Vermin. Not... " he shakes his head, "No I am staying."

Aikuen nods "Aye me too, i would be more of a liability then an asset to the group. Plus im not as young as I used to be..." He looks sad for moment, then smiles, "Well, at least some beast will still be here. Thought i was gonna be all alone with the abbot, seems like everyone is going..."

Orph smiles, "Not when you're still needed here, right?"

Benar shakes his head, "Oh? Last I heard it was not that big a group leaving... Brother Sharpclaw, Brother Antioc, Novice Eithne and Elder Sunrose. And some others to help with setting up the healing priory."

You say, "Me and Zen'll be here too."

Benar smiles at Orph and nods, "I am glad you are staying, i can't teach you how to become a potter if you skip off to a vermin city."

Orph nods, "That's right. How did that stuff we made last time turn out?"

Benar smiles, "Really well actually. I left your little vase in the kiln."

Orph nods, starting to chew on his bottom lip, "Is there some paper and ink somewhere. I need to keep some stuff from getting mixed up."

Benar says, "The Library will have paper and Ink, I'm afraid I do not really carry it around with me."

The main doors groan open, admitting Magramba, a light sweat on the squirrel's brow. With him comes a slight gust of wind, blowing in the scent of bluebells and clover. The squirrel closes the door behind him, cutting off the breeze, while the smell lingers. "Beautiful day." His features are alight with a happy grin.

"That's ok." Orph walks over to the library to get the proper writing utensils. He returns after a few minutes with them and sits down at the table, chewing his lip as he writes.

Benar smiles at the squirrel and stands, bowing to him, "Welcome back Magramba, and it is lovely out there I agree. Spring is really in full swing now."

Aikuen Looks over at the parchment, squinting his brow. He doesn't know how too read, and he is quite interested at the 'Squiggles'

Magramba bows shortly in return. "Indeed it is." His pace is quick, with an echo of its usual spring as he strides towards the kitchen door. "Nearly time for tea?" He calls back, poking his head through the doorway.

Benar laughs at Magramba and shakes his head, "Mmm close enough my friend, close enough. Though I have to admit I found the most fascinating place to climb today."

Orph covers what he's writing defensively. "Don't peek. It's not nice to read stuff that's not yours."

Magramba pats a fist distractedly on the kitchen doorway, glancing about inside and around the hall, all the while sucking on his lower lip. Finally, the squirrel turns back to Benar. "Really? Where?"

Sunrose steps in, managing carefully with a small ink vial and feather-- a parchment rolled up under her arm.

Benar grins and tilts his head back and points, "Up there." He's pointing at the wall and the ceiling of the great hall. "I found the entrance into the attic and you can climb all the way up. But I’d definatly not recommend it for anyone not a squirrel."

Aikuen scratches his head, "I cant read it anyway, looks like pictures to me..." He leans back in his chair...

Magramba slips his paws to his hips, gazing up at the ceiling as well. "Yeah, I've been up there. Through the trapdoor, right?"

Benar nods his head, "Yes through the trapdoor and up the side of the great hall. And then into the Sparra loft.. the roof is an amazing place to explore." He smiles then stands as he spots the Sister, "Sister Sunrose, can I aid with any of your preparations?"

Sunrose inquires, a bit sheepishly. "Do you know anyone else that's offered to go? I'm trying to at least get a list of interested names.."

Sunrose says, "You know, get an idea of the amount of materials we'd need."

Benar shakes his head, "Mmm I think Brother Sharpclaw has said yes he would go with you."

Antioc comes walking down the stairs, still looking flustered from the previous night. When he spots Sunrose, he heads over to her, staying off to the side, waiting for her to have a moment before he talks.

Magramba has disconnected.

Orph blinks, "Oh. Still not nice to peek."

Aikuen hold up his good paw, "Im not peeking" He places it on top of his eyes.

Orph added two more items to his lists of pros and cons.

Antioc shakes his head, "Not 'as easily as ye'd like. But, th' abbey stores 'ave enough fer us t' take some an' we should all be fine. Also, I know 'o two more 'at wan' t' go, sist'r."

Sunrose puts the list up on the wall, quill at ready. "Go on!"

Benar's perks his ears and leans forwards to listen to who else is going.

"A squirr'l warrior by th' name 'o Odilo 'n a mouse what knows 'im..." the ferret starts, "I didn' get th' mouse's name though."

Sunrose's tonguetip curls out as she writes, her letters small and neat. "Well, hopefully he'll offer his name before we go."

Benar frowns at the name Odilo and backs his ears worriedly, "I would if I may Sister suggest some caution with Mister Odilo... he has proven to be quite harshly spoken in the past with what he said to little Zen. How long until you leave?"

Aikuen looks up at Antioc, He knew the name, "His name be Mayeul, But i would ask him before you put 'em on your list, i don't think he decided yet...

---

Orph’s list of pros and cons of each potential parent:

Corbyn

Pros: He’s my friend. I like him. He came to visit me at my tunnel.

He knows about my temper. He’s fun to be with.

Cons: He’s not around very much.

Other: He lives at Camp Willow.

Aikuen

Pros: He’s my friend. I like him. I can talk to him about stuff.

He knows me really well. He gave me a dagger so I can live at my tunnel and be safe there.

He’s funny and he’s fun to be with. I want him to want me and want to be my Dad.

Cons: Sometimes he’s not around. He has a temper sometimes.

He drinks sometimes.

Other: I don’t know where he lives. He can’t read.

Benar

Pros: He’s my friend. I like him. He knows about my temper.

He like to make things too. He’s teaching me how to use the Abbey’s kiln.

He’s fun to be with.

Cons: He lives at the Abbey.

Other: He is a novice now. He can’t read.

Flicktail

Pros: He is nice. I wouldn’t mind if he was my friend.

He help me and Zen when we were fighting.

He /says/ he /wants/ to be my Dad.

Cons: He’s strange. He may not be a good Dad for me.

I don’t want him to be my Dad.

Other: He lives at Camp Willow. He likes making things with wood and a knife.

---

Antioc nods, "Aye sist'r. Both said 'at they'd be 'ere t'night fer th' promotion 'n all t' talk t' the abbot." He looks at Aikuen, "'E tol' me 'e wanted t' go."

Orph sets his quill back down, finished for the moment. He holds up the paper reading it over to himself silently.

Sunrose nods slowly before saying softly to Benar. "Not everyone is gifted for patience with dibbuns."

Benar says, "Aye... this is true Sister. Well if I cna help in anyway before you all leave please let me know.""

Orph's ears perk up, "Who're ya talkin' about Sister?"

Sunrose says, "Thank you for your offer Novice Benar, I'll *very likely* be taking you up on that."

Benar winces, "Oooh dear, a few hours of labour is good for me however. So I will gladly help."

Antioc nods to Benar as well, though he'd likely just do it himself rather than ask the other novice to.

Sunrose clucks softly, "It does seem ironic, now that Connor has just come back."

Benar chuckles, "Does he know yet? he's going to be a bit upset I think. He was looking forwards to spending time with you." He draws something out of his sleeve. "I should give this to you now." he holds out a Clay box with a hinged lid, the clay is a soft muted green in colour. "I made this for you, as a thank you for all your help. We were going to fill it with hand carved hair pins to give you together."

Sunrose smiles faintly, "Well, that is how sons are-- upset with their mothers. I'm just worried he'll try to *come*.." she waves it off, setting her face straight .. which doesn't last too long, she looks at the box-- startled, as if she's never been offered a gift before. "I .."

Antioc watches with a slight smile, staying out of the moment.

Benar smiles hesitantly, "I made it in the abbey kiln. So.. please accept it Sister Sunrose, it is the first thing I made in it."

"I'd be a fool not too. It's clearly a lovely box." she tries to not look so misty as she accepts the box, setting the list down a moment to take it between her paws. "Thank you so much." Sunny marvels at it.

Benar smiles softly and ducks his head, "It was.. the least i could do. I am sure Connor will have some of your new hairpins done before you leave." The box is simple, plain on the sides but impressed on the bottom with the mark of Redwall and the lid has been carved with two bells in the centre.

Sunrose is still smiling as she looks over it, "I've never been given something like this before. It will be the first thing on my list to go with me." she states, stepping forward to give the old squirrel a hug, being careful to juggle the present as well!

Antioc steps off to the side, letting Sunrose and Benar talk. Then he quietly excuses himself to go and stand by the fire, starting to get a little nervous, fidgeting with his paws.

Zen snores peacefully, sucking on his paw as he slowly rolls over a little more into the chair.

Orph looks over his list once more before walking over to Sister Sunrose. "Um, Sister Sunrose, could you maybe help me with this?" he asks.

Gwennythe flutters down from somewhere above, seeming a little sleepy. With a smile and a nod for those in the hall, she chimes "Ben vespre" before pattering towards, and climbing onto, one of the chairs.

Antioc glances up at the familiar voice and somewhat familiar words. He gives Gwennythe a smile, "Ben vesper." One of these days, he might figure out that he's been saying it wrong this whole time.

Benar says, "Ah Gwenn hello." he smiles at her and waves. "How are you doing?"

In another dialect, not far in origin from Gwenn's, Antioc's way of saying it might be completely right. And certainly it sounds very similar. However it's said, Gwenn's smile gets a little more distinct at having it repeated to her. And then her ears turn to Benar's voice. "Oh. I am... doing well, thank you... And... You are all well?"

Orph's ears droop as he walks over to Gwennythe and Antioc. "Can either of you read?" he asks hopefully.

Benar nods his head, "Quite well thank you Gwenn," He glances at Orph and flicks his ears, "Mmm oh yes can one of you help Orph? I still can't read... so I would be no use."

Hey, he tries. Antioc gives her a nod, "Aye lass, thank ye." He turns his attention back to the fire, thankful for the distraction from his thoughts, no matter how brief. One day though, he needed to try and learn another language. Another thing to add to the torrent that was inside his head. But, another distraction presents itself and he turns to Orph, "Aye matey, what ye be needin?"

Zen mrrrs softly and grumbles a bit, waking up. Ugh, waking up is always such a hard task!!! He sits up, still sucking on his paw a bit as he looks around. "Urrn... di' I fa 'shweep?"

Orph sighs and looks around some, "If you're not busy could you walk outside a minute and help me with this," he nods toward the crumpled paper in his paw.

Gwennythe nods her head. She can read. She continues to smile as she settles into her chair, though, watching Antioc and Orph with some interest, her ears then perking to another voice as Zen wakes up. "I think, Pichon, that if you have just awoken, then you must have..."

Antioc looks at the crumpled piece of paper and kneels down with a smile, "I c'n 'elp ye. But I need t' be stayin in 'ere fer a moment. Th' abbot'll be lookin fer me 'ere in a bit..."

Sunrose finally pulls herself away from a particularly flustered cook at some of her requests .. huffing playfully, "Well I suppose that's that. Nothing intoxicating on the trip."

Orph sighs, "That'll take a long time. And ... I need help with it /outside/."

Zen blinks a bit, his eyes still trying to focus in as his minds just waking up. Still sucking on his paw, he mumbles a little. "Ughn... pthn'? Wah tha?

Sunrose tries to re-orient herself to the conversations about, sitting down near the fire. Benar's gift is sat near her footpaw as she unrolls her own list again.

Antioc tilts his head to the side, "Why does it need t' be outside?"

Sunrose asks, "Novice Antioc-- have we yet found someone who knows the most practical route for so many beasts to our destination?"

Benar asks, "What is it Orph? I really should not go outside just yet... the Abbot will be along soon to hold Antioc's promotion ceremony." He glances at Sunrose, and listens."

Orph glances at Benar then looks back, "Because of what it says. I need help choosing. Kinda."

Gwennythe beams, a little more awake herself, at Zen. "It, um, means 'little'... I thought it was an apt name for a young one... Unless you do not like such a name?" Her ears perk to follow, to some degree, some of the other topics in the air.

Antioc looks over to Sunrose and shakes his head, "I 'aven't found one sist'r. But I still 'ave th' map 'at I used t' show th' abbot th' meetin places. I thin' we could use it t' get 'ere."

Zen smiles a little, then blushes red! He quickly tugs his paw away from his muzzle and blushes even more. "Uh.. I... I don' minds.... uh.... hehe..." He mentally curses... Yes, he still sucks on his paw.

You say, "Um I was talkin' to him," points to Antioc since he doesn't know his name, "and it's important, but /you/ don't need to go outside.""

Sunrose considers this a moment, "Well. It's an adventure." another query. "It's too bad this is of some urgency, I haven't been out of the abbey since I was practically a dibbun myself. I'd like to go on a search for Noonvale." she teases.

Antioc looks back to Orph and tilts his head to the side, "An' /I/ 'ave t' go outside? But not 'im?" Interesting. But to Sunrose again. He gives her a smile, "It'd be a nice trip, th' search f' Noonvale. Most I be knowin is 'ow t' get t' th' 'ares mountain."

Nicodemus enters the hall, dressed formally but ... with socks on even though his sandals are on his feet.

Orph asks, "Is there anybeast here that can read and doesn't have to be in here that can help me?"

Nicodemus pauses to look at the tapestry.

Sunrose stands up suddenly as Nicodemus enters as if she were caught lounging rather than working, "Good eve, Father."

Zen glances around, then panics!! "EEEK! I's... I's suposed to sees me mom todays! She... she's waitings for me in the libraries!! OH no... I's... I's gotta runs!!" He darts around in a full circle, then heads off to the library! "I shouldn' has slepts!!!"

Nicodemus turns from the Tapestry. "Merry meet, Sunny, everybeast."

Antioc turns his head quickly and also gets to his feet, likely for the same reason Sunrose did.

Benar is off daydreaming, the Novice has his head tilted back and is peering up at the high ceiling of the Great Hall, paws itching to climb it again. "Mmm good day Father Abbot." he says distractedly.

Gwennythe dips her head, pleased. "Ben. Um, good. I'm glad... I think this would be a difficult habit to break, using such titles..." She then perks her ears, offering a nod to the Abbot. "Ben vespre, Father..." She looks to Orph, considering. "I... suppose I do not have to be inside?"

Nicodemus mangles, "Bun vesspur. Merry meet. Or did I just say it twice?"

Gwennythe smirks. "It is good after, Father. I think that this still makes sense together like that."

Gwennythe room-pages, "Good Afternoon* even...".

Sunrose clears her throat, sheepishly. "It's a good thing we don't have too many gardeners offering -- otherwise we'd be in trouble for the spring."

Nicodemus grins at to the bat, "Novice, anything I can get sense out of works for me."

Orph cocks his head at Gwenn, "Um, are you sure you don't need to be in here? Maybe they won't talk too long." he sits down to see if this will be a long boring talk or a regular boring talk.

Gwennythe beams once more, at Nicodemus this time, then nods understandingly to Orph. He's sitting, so she settles back down too, ears perked to company.

Sunrose, a bit dibbunishly, goes to hold up the box she was given. "Abbot, Novice Benar gifted me this for the trip." she shows the Redwall decorations of stamps and symbols. "Nothing like something to remind me for home, or any other beast coming, I'd imagine."

Nicodemus laughs! "Don't worry, Orph. I've no idea what I'm interrupting, but I want out of this ... " he lifts his paws, causing the formal habit to jiggle "as much as I bet you imagine."

Nicodemus asks, "Antioc, are you ready?"

Antioc fidgets some more, but gets control of his paws and puts them at his sides. He nods to the abbot, "Aye fath'r."

Benar's inner ears tinge red as he blushes as Sunrose shows off the box, He takes a seat quickly, watching the Abbot and Antioc, this is the bit, the secret initiation rite of a Redwall Novice to Redwall Brother or Sister... the custard pies will start flying any minute he is sure.

Nicodemus smiles. "Everbeast, please attend. With our friends and comrades captive, we're moving quicker than is perhaps seemly. So, at least we can celebrate the joyful parts of this with such short notice."

Antioc starts to head over to the abbot, keeping quiet while he talks.

Sunrose snaps to attention, tucking the box away as she stands at attention.

Nicodemus takes a breath. "Novice Antioc, we'd all have preferred a more leisurely and long period that you remain a novice. However, I must still ask if you are ready to be a Brother in the Order. Novices can change their minds, but Brothers and Ssters take the vow of service, which is a lifetime vow. Are you certain this is the path you wish to tread now and in the future?

Orph sits looking over his list while the boring talk continues.

Gwennythe sits foward a little more, ears still perked. So much for settling back, this is interesting. Her smile is down-keyed, becoming more a polite and interested expression.

Antioc thinks for a long moment. This was a big decision. He takes in a deep breath and nods, "Aye fath'r. I am."

Nicodemus nods. "I'm glad to hear it. Very well; please recite the vow."

Benar smiles warmly at Antioc, clasping his paws together and resisting the urge to cheer.

Sunrose rocks to her toes in anticipation, tail curling.

Antioc takes in a deep breath and recites the vow, only sounding nervous at first.

Orph reads over his list again silently to himself, to imersed in his own affairs to really listen to what else is going on.

Nicodemus nods. "Very well. On my authority as Abbot of Redwall, I accept your vows, Brother Antioc. Let it be so recorded. Congratulations."

Sunrose says heartily, "Welcome, Brother Antioc!"

Nicodemus whispers, obviously loudly, "Now, you can rescue poor Orph from the hall..."

Orph's head pops up at hearing his nickname, "What's that?"

Benar chuckles and stands up clapping his paws together, "Well done Brother Antioc, congratulations."

Antioc smiles at the abbot, his eyes definitely a little moist. Yes, this is what he had been wanting, he just didn't picture it so soon. "Th..thank ye fath'r abbot," he says before turning to the rest of the hall with a smile.

"Congratulations, Fraire Antioc." Gwenn' offers, smile growing again. She finds clapping difficult, so settles for clasping her wing claws.

Orph leans over to Gwenn, "Did they say it's over yet?"

The little bat leans back towards Orph "Well... Antioc has been promoted, so I think it is over... It was not too long, no?"

Orph shakes his head 'no', "Do you want to help me still ... or are you busy?"

Benar smiles and walks over to Antioc, the squirrel holds out a paw, "Congratulations Antioc... sorry brother Antioc."

"I am not busy, non. I came down to seek company to be honest, it has not been long since I awoke... We need to go outside, you said?" Gwenn' asks, curiously.

Antioc shakes the squirrel's paw with a wide smile, "Thank ye..." Seems that's all he could manage to get out at the moment. It would take a few moments before things sank in in his head.

Orph chew his lower lip some, "That'd work best I think - it’s not something that everybeast is to know about right away so ... somewhere quite where we can talk would be best."

Nicodemus bites his lip and holds in an obvious laugh at Orph's comment.

Odilo comes down the stairs, looking for Antioc and Nicodemus, eager to see both. He hurries a bit too much and almost trips down a stair, still not accustomed to the Redwall garments he is wearing... his own are still in a pile, muddy and stained. He sees Antioc, "My friend the ferret! Antioc! There you are!" He slows down when he sees the abbot, out of the corner of his eye.

Benar turns and nods to Odilo, "Hello again Odilo." he steps to one side to let the other squirrel approach Antioc without him in the way.

Mayeul heard the commotion Odilo was causing and comes out of the library shortly after, rolling his eyes and also eager to join the conversation, knowing Odilo's lying will have to be tempered by the truth a bit... He nods to those whom he knows along the way.

Antioc hears his voice and looks over to Odilo, waving him over and turning to the abbot, lowering his voice, "Thank ye agin fath'r...I'll try not t' let ye down." Then when Odilo gets closer he smiles, "Good eve'."

Odilo waves distractedly at Benar, "Yeah, yeah, hello..." He looks between the abbot and Antioc, asking, "I hope I may have a moment of your time, Nico..., er, abbot. Father abbot. "If it isn't too valuable to waste on me, that is. Antioc said you'd be here about now..."

Orph smiles at the bat, "I guess anywhere that's out of the way would work," he chew somemore on his lip, "I don't think anybeast's usually around up stairs much and there's a empty room up there."

Sunrose approaches the Abbot and queries, "Do we have the benefit of inquiring for housing?"

"A moment, then." Nicodemus says to the squirrel Odilo and turns to the Elder.

Gwennythe asks, "The upper floor? We can go there, if you think it apt...""

Nicodemus says, "Sunny, we've no arrangements there at all."

Orph nods, "Alright."

Benar backs away from Antioc and Odilo and moves back to his chair, sitting down and listening to the elders talk.

Orph sits down on the floor in the empty room the small window above his head lets light into an otherwise dark room. "I need you to read this list and help me with picking. I could do it myself, but you might know something about it that I don't." he drops the paper he'd been writing on earlier on the floor.

Gwennythe reads the list through narrowed eyes, ears flicking a little as she thinks she understands what it is. "You are... trying to choose a parent, Orph..?"

Orph nods, "Flicky offered to be my Dad the other day and I talked it over with Aikuen later that night and I've decided that I like Flicky, but I don't want him for a Dad and I want Aikuen if I get a choice at it for once, but I don't know if he wants me or not. And then I was thinking that I shouldn't be mean to Corbyn or Benar and try an' see which would be better, but I need some help with it. I still don't want Flicky for my Dad and I still want Aikuen for then the others, but I don't know ... This'll be family number nine for me so I'm tryin' hard to pick the right one. I didn't get to pick before. If you don't want to help, that's ok." he tucks his knees to his chest and waits for a response.

Gwennythe smiles gently, extending a wing for the little rat's shoulder, though, calling him little might be somewhat false with Gwenn' being small of stature herself. "Orph..." She offers, pausing with careful thought. "It is rare that a beast might be able to choose a family... And very lucky if they are able... But... Choices have to be made carefully. If it is Aikuen who you truly wish as a Father, than talk with him some more... Be sure that you both feel the same way... Even if you do not make a choice right away, where you are now, this Abbey, will be happy to become a family in itself. And, whether you choose them or not, the others will no doubt wish to remain as friends... Or Uncles... Or whatever you might wish them to be..."

Orph nods some, "I didn't want them to get mad at me for picking him instead of one of them, but it's not my fault. He's the one I talk to and tell stuff to. That's how it is. I still need to talk to Flicky when I see him again." he stands up and walk to the door, "I talk to Aikuen then ... and we should probably both try not to loose our tempers this time. Thank you, miz Gwenn."

Gwennythe just keeps that gentle smile, dipping her head. "I am sure they will not be angry with you, Orph. And you are very welcome. I am hopeful that your talk does go well."

Orph pauses chewing his lip, "I think Flicky's down stairs somewhere. I need to get that part done with first. Hope Aikuen was right and that he won't mind."

Orph walks down the stairs looking grim as he heads toward the library.

Zen nods his head a little, "Hehe, I knows.. that's whys I's gonna tells you the main sounds the letters make. Hehe, ready?"

Jennefer smiles softly as she listens to the two talk. She was relived to hear that Zen didn't dislike her, but was just unsure and confused... It meant he was still trying and that there was some hope to him coming around.

Orph walks into the library looking stressed. "Flicky? Can I talk to you /alone/ for a few minutes?" he asks the snowy fox.

Flicktail says, "would at be o.k. Ye two?"

Zen glances at Orph, then back to Flicky. He glances back at the letters on the ground and gives a slight shrug. "Uh, yea. It's okie.... I.. don' thinks mom will minds." He brushes his paws over the chalk, slowly erasing the letters.

Flicktail says, "o.k.s Orph were toos?"

Orph chew on his lower lip, "Is the pond ok?"

Orph and Flicky leave the library pass through to Great Hall out to the Entry and around to the Abbey’s Pond.

Flicktail says, "well now ere we be"

Flicktail cocks his head

Orph sits down on the grass chewing his lip, "Well I've been think ... about what you said before ... about you askin' if maybe you could be my family ... and I though about it a lot real hard for a long time now and I'd rather we were just friends and not family. I don't want you mad at me, but that /is/ my answer."

Flicktail says, "it be's up te ye lad... Oi not be mad at no beast.... Oi just see's ya as special.. but a da, can only REALLY be a da, for a time...so it be up ta ye"

Orph nods, "Then it's done. I like ya and you're a nice fox and I like t' think of us as friends, but my answer's no and I got my reasons for it." he closes his eyes for a while. I hope the /winner/ takes the news as well as the /loser/ is. He’s not sure how to prepare for /that/ talk.

Flicktail says, "All oi wants is fer ye ta be appy Orph, but if yer willin talistens oi may ave some advice...."

Orph opens his eyes, "Wot kinda advice? For doin' what?"

Flicktail says, "well ye said some things lad..ave a seat. Ye said ye loikes doin wot ye loikes doing..explorins and stuff..and ye didn't wontsta be too restricted..and that other beasts ad left ye Aye?"

Orph chews his lip some, "I mighta ... Sometimes I'm wantin' one thing and the oppsite thing at the same time so ... I might not of ... Sometime I want that. Not all the time. I already know who I want for a family, I just need t' figure out how to get it to be that way."

He nods at the question about being abandoned, "Ma and the rest of them were attacked and they never came back, likely killed. It was cause of me, but I couldn't do nothing’ about it."

Flicktail says, "thats not wot I means.... if you want a real....Da, yeneeds to accept im as is..wouldn't be fair ta say "be me pa..but Oi gonnatells ya wot ya as ta do" would it?"

Orph shrugs, "Guess not, but that doesn't change things too much. I know who I want to be with and I know he's not the best beast or nothing like that. He's knows me better'n any beast here and I've seen him real bad off and I still want him anyhow. And if I gotta leave my tunnel for him I will an’ the Abbey's got /my/ permission to use my tunnel if they ever need it for anything. But they need to be careful, cause the little room I sometimes sleep in is too small for otters because when Corbyn visited he got stuck for a long time in there."

Flicktail says, "Orph..Oi nottryingta get ya to change...just know Oi will alwabe be ere if ya needs"

Orph nods, "Alroight. ....Any advice on what t' say to Aikuen? I know we're friends and he likes me, but ... You think he'd have me?"

Flicktail says, "Oi doesn't knows..... jus be honest and Oi be ere"

Orph nods, "Thank you Flicky. I'll let ya know how it goes." he gets up and walks off back toward the Great Hall.

Flicktail says, "be good nows" he smiles"

Orph walks into the Great Hall from outside chewing on his bottom lip as he's prone to do when thinking, he's been thinking a lot in the last few days. He smiles at Aikuen, "I talked t' Flicky and he's not mad with me, so I guess it went ok. ..... Could I ask you something?" he sits down facing the otter.

Aikuen is sitting at the table. He has a late supper in front of him. He smiles at Orph, "You can ask me anything, little mate!"

Orph looks worried, "I've been thinkin' on gettin' a new family. I've been thinkin' on it /very hard/ and long and going over it again and again. I have a choice this time and I don't want to mess it up. And I've decided who I want for a family. I don't know if they'll want me for sure or not, but I do know I want them. You understand?"

Aikuen nods, "I understand little mate... Well if you want them to be your family, your just gonna go out and ask them... and hopefully they'll take you in open arms... If not... well..."

Orph nods, "Then I'm askin'. You want me? I know I'm not always good and you aren't either, but I don't /want/ anyone else."

Aikuen is taken back at this question, but he has thought about it himself over the past few days. There is only one answer he came come up with, He lifts his good paw up in what you would call 'open arms'. He smiles, and says "Of course i will!"

Once the words have had a chance to sink it, the ratling dives at the otter and hugs him tight. "If it be ok, could I be William again and not be orphan anymore?"

Aikuen He hugs Orph as tightly as he can, Tears are beginning to form in his eyes. This is the happiest he has every felt in a long time. He smiles as tears begin to roll down his face, "Of course little mate, wait... i mean... William..."

Orph presses his face against Aikuen's chest not wanting this moment to ever end, "Do I still call you Aikuen or do you want me to call you something else instead?"

Aikuen Closes his eyes, sniffing a bit as he answers, "You can call me whatever you wish...you can even call me pa, if you want too...Whatever is most comfortable to you..." More tears roll down his eyes.

Orph wipes his own tear streaked face off on Aikuen's chest fur, "I forgot to ask you, Pa. Do y- Do we live in th' Abbey or some place else?" It's good to have a family again and not be alone.

Aikuen takes a deep breath, its stuttering but full, "Well William, we live at the abbey, but with me as your pa, If anybody ever does something that you don't like, I will handle it. Including moving if it comes to that..."

Orph nods, "So if I see somebeast that I think is bad or being a sneak or some such I tell you or one of the Order beasts instead of doing something about it myself? You think maybe when summer comes I- we could take a ride on a boat? I've never been on one before."

Aikuen tilts his head, "If you see someone being suspicious, then yes. But if you see someone hurting another beast, by all means do what you have to do... to help them." He nods, and thumps his rudder in agreement on the ground "Aye! A boat trip would be a wonderful idea! Were gonna have to plan one for all summer!"

Orph nestles down letting the sound of his pa's heartbeat lull him to sleep.

Aikuen is holding the sleeping William close to him. He slowly gets up, trying not disturb the little'un close to him, And heads over toward the entry, so he can resume his duties on the wall.

Aikuen comes from the great hall, The little Orph is sleeping in his good arm. He is surprised at all the beasts here, he asks quietly so is not to disturb Orph, "Evening mates, what's going on here... is this the troop for the Ruinedgate mission?" He Smiles and a few stray tears fall from his eyes, "I have great news..."

"Well I reckon 'cause ya really wanted somethin' to /do/ for... Penitence an' stuff. An' it'd be right up your alley to go, but /I/ would rather ya stay, too." Bradge stops when Aikuen approaches, and his brows raise. Great news?

Mayeul turns Zen to face him, "Hey now, then you're all set... maybe I'll send ya a message on one of those stars - if I do, you'll see it start to twinkle. If that big star on its nose twinkles, you'll know everything's just fine... if the one on the tail does, it means I might need your help." Secretly, though, he knows the one on the tail /never/ twinkles...

Eithne shakes her head a little. The others get a brief glance. ".. I maybe should tell you.. what I just told Antioc and Sunrose."

Zen nods his head slowly at Mayeul. "Ooh, wow.... you can realy does that?!? Hehe, that's... that's amazings..." He smiles and goes to hugs Mayeul close, buring his face a bit. "Mayeuls..... I... I's....." He blushes a little, managing to unburry his face and smile. "I loves ya likes I does me own da'!"

Mayeul doesn't know what to say back... he just looks stunned, and pats Zen's back. "Aww now, don't go saying something you'll regret... but the feeling's mutual. Your mother needs you! Take good care of her. There's a good lad." He ruffles Zen's headfur a bit, "You should head back in, it's still very cold outside, and I don't want your mother to be mad at me."

Aikuen Smiles a tearful smile, and continues sniffing a bit, "I would like everybeast to meet William Redfang, also my new...son!" He places his head on top of Orph’s.

Orph opens his eyes and looks around, "Why are we outside?"

Zen smiles softly and wipes his eyes and nose dry. "Hehe, okie.. I.. I goes insides..." He glances at Aikuen and smiles softly, his smile wide. He then pads back to head inside. It was chilly out, rather chilly for Zen at least.

Bradge smiles brightly at Aikuen, nodding. "'at's great, congratulations!"

Mayeul looks up from Zen a brief moment... a rat, the son of an otter? An odd pair, to be sure, but who's to say there isn't love there? "Congratulations, Aikuen. You'll make a fine father to the lad, I'm sure!"

Aikuen says through closed eyes, he speaks softly to Orph, "Oh were just telling everyone the great news about me and you..." He sniffs a bit more.

Orph grins griping Aikuen's good shoulder with one paw while rubbing his face with the other. Once that's done he loops his arms around his Pa's neck, "Did ya hear? Did ya hear what my pa said, I'm not an orphan anymore!"

Zen runs by in a blitz, moving rather quickly out the gates!

Eithne shakes her head a little at Bradge. "Ah.. later, I think. It's not something I feel like advertising."

Bradge's head lifts in a slow nod. "Alright." The otter smiles around at present company. "At least it's gettin' nicer out, aye? It's good weather for good news."

Eithne murmurs, "I'm not sure if the weather is doing that intentionally, though."

"Well... I reckon the weather doesn't do /much/ intentionally..." Bradge says this almost sheepishly.

Eithne gives the other novice a wry smile. "I don't know about that.. weather in general is too inconvenient most times, like it has a mind of its own. It /likes/ to be bothersome."

Bradge chuckles. "You're right, it does seem to 'ave its coincidences." The otter looks towards the Abbey, his voice lowering again. "Did ya /wanna/ talk? Or rather not? Cause we can 'ead inside. Cavern 'ole's usually pretty empty 'round this time."

Orph still awake nestles back down against his pa's chest looking up at the stars.

Aikuen laughs a bit as Orph grabs and puts his arms around his neck, "Aye matey, your not an Orphan anymore!" He holds him closer asking him, "How would like to spend the first night as me son, on the wall tonight?"

Eithne gives a slight nod. "Let's go inside, then," she agrees, and heads that way.

Bradge follows Eithne, offering another smiling "Congratulations" to Aikuen and Orph on the way in.

Orph snuggles closer, "I'd like that Pa. I like sitting up on the wall with you."

Aikuen smiles. He breathes deeply, and with Orph still clinging to him, he heads up the ramparts. Aikuen cant be happier than he is right now...

Groups:

• Order of Redwall