Close Encounters of the Feline Kind. (Marek's Revenge TP)

A chance encounter between Bandit and Scioto brings troubling news for the peaceful beasts of Redwall Abbey.

Depending on who you ask the Black Gull Tavern is either a halfway point stop between Redwall and Ferreval, or it is a blight upon the woods of Mossflower, where scum and villainy come to kick back and relax after a long hard day of beating up innocent woodlanders. Today though the road outside the taver has seen a lot of foot traffic. Traveling merchants, beasts heading to market, and some just looking for adventure. The wind blows gently through the trees but is picking up speed as a looming rain storm is brought down from the mountains to the north. Dark and forboding clouds fill the sky, becoming darker to the north. Will they bring gentle rains or ferrocious weather, only time can tell.

Scioto walks at a slightly quicken pace, he lays a paw on his forehead and most likely should of stayed layed down. He has his sword with him and the area around his neck is very bruised looking as he tries to quicken his pace along the road heading south. He looks back and forth as if making sure it's clear.

Coming from the north a brown furred fox is traveling with a small snatchle across his back, a walking stick in paw, and rapier at his side. After the whole episode with Drew and the bounty hunters Bandit has learned his lesson about traveling unarmed. He pauses before the Black Gull. It's high time he found out where Elena has headed off too. Maybe its a long shot but maybe some beasts here has seen some sign of the vixen.

Scioto spots Bandit before he heads in and quickly goes over to him "Ban.." He coughs roughly, "Bandit..does it still..still stand?" He coughs again as his neck is very sore still.

Snapping his head around to the sound of his name he waves to Scioto, "Oh hey Scioto, Nice to see you again." He begins to head back towards the Gull then pauses. His ears shoot up and he turns abruptly for a double take, "Holy Sparrows! Scioto are you all right! You look like you just got tossed down a hill."

Scioto frowns, he rubs his neck, "I..long story.." He looks around manageing to speak again, painfully but speak, "M..Marek..heading to abbey"

The fox goes to take the cat by the shoulders and maneuver him to sit down by the tavern just next to the front door. Beasts, woodlander and vermin alike pass by with out so much as a second glance towards the two. "Here, sit down mate. Tell me what happened." Bandit remembers the last time he saw the cat he was getting ready to executed for being accused of being a slaver.

Scioto sits, looks like he needs the rest as he pants and manages to catch his breath, "Marek, he is..on his way to the abbey." He frowns,"Has a very large horde, only small amount was on the path by the bridge." All this takes some time to say, but its said. " He..killed some squirrels.."

Bandit sits down next to Scioto and rolls his eyes, "Oh...don't get me started on squirrels..." He looks back to the tavern and sighs deeply. It looks like his search for Elena is going to get cut short once again. "I know it sounds horrible but, I really should have just stabbed that ferret in the back when we were both locked up by Nightfur. Define large horde? How far away was it? Are you certain they are heading to redwall?"

Scioto nods "Stoat and..yes, he said so as he grabed me by the throat..and" He couughs" Couldn't breathe." He goes on "These one squirrels...feathers and all painted up, enemies to Marek and he was on the path to Ferravale, asked me to surrender the village." He rubs his neck, "I said no and he squeezed harder then suddenly stoped, saying it was fine he had bigger plans, the...the abbey and then I must of passed out, woke with squirrels surrounding me and got helped back home but left to warn the abbey"

Bandit sighs and scratches behind an ear, "Oh blast..." Why does everyone have to be the big bleedin hero? "Might have been better if you had just sent a hero mate." The fox stends up, he offers the walking stick to scioto, "The good news is you ran into me. I'll take the message back to Redwall if you think you can make it back to Ferreval."

Scioto takes the walking stick and nods"Bandit, this is not the same horde he..had before, its much large I fear from what heard and seen some of.....he is much more prepared this time" He leans on the walking stick,"The abey is..in danger"

Bandit chuckles at this, rolling his eyes playfully, "When is it not?" The fox adjusts the strap connecting his rapier to his belt. "Just do me one favor...if you should ever see a white furred artic vixen named Elena in Ferreval, tell her Bandit is looking for her."

Scioto nods "Not seen any lately, no white foxes even Flicktail for a long time then I rarely go to the abbey"

Bandit nods his head, he figures the cat doesn't need to know the details about his relationship with Elena. "I would ask if you can take care of yourself Scioto, but I already know the answer to that. Stay safe." The fox turns on his heel and heads out for the Abbey. It's going to be a LONG walk.