Ferravale Spring Feast!

FV:Tavern

Outside a sign swings on a rusty creaking frame above the doorway of the tavern depicting a faded painting of what appears to be three rather rich looking skeletons slumped over a table around a black chalice, perhaps such a thing could be taken as a warning but it doesn't appear to work on the locals. The noise within on a normal day is usually heard before the door is even opened and only rises in volume when one actually steps inside.

There are the typical qualities of a tavern within, from the bar to the chairs and booths and the odd drunk who never seems to move it's the little details which encourage a patron to pay his tab if he likes his fingers. One look at some of the staff or customers might give the impression but the room is decorated to the fiercer tastes with bones, mostly skulls cropping up here and there to fill a gap on a shelf or decorating the walls above the doorways, fireplace and bar, a pair of axes joining the one over the fire with some signs that they've been yanked off to join in a fight a couple of times. Some of the comfier chairs are lined with fur and very rarely one might be found with a few pointed bits of bone to decorate the back. Despite the looks there is entertainment and fun to be had, some form of music usually played on a small stage in the corner and at least one bouncer usually tries to keep the peace while beasts gamble, drink and be merry.

A small door behind the bar leads out the back to the kitchen and cellars while one wall has been opened up in a wide arch to increase the space off into the next room where what seems to be a wooden fence with gates on either end has been set up as a fighting pit as further entertainment and something to bet over.

Exits: [Out]

With:

Scioto walks into the tavern nodding at those here, offering a wave to a couple rats and going to sit down, the tavern is a little more busy today for the Spring Fest.

Nightbreath enters, cloaked, and sits quietly at his liege’s side, on a stool to the right of the Chieftain. He observes the comings and goings silently and saves a seat next to him for his apprentice.

Derderin enters the tavern with a bang. A loud one. She slams the door open with a booted footpaw, her paws full. She carries a barrel, not one of her bigger ones, but a good size. It sloshes as she holds it, as she stumps her way to the bar counter.

Traeger enters in a very measured way, as if walking is something to be thought over. She stops for a moment in the doorway, surveying the creatures gathered.

Blubbernugget sneezes.

Scioto looks from where he is to see who all is here; a couple guards are around in case they are needed.

Blubbernugget tries to control herself and looks around in embarrassment.

Ragg walks in, looking around the rather crowded tavern with a sigh. So many beasts. He searches through the crowd, looking for Nightbreath who had said they would meet up here. He spies his mentor and makes his way over, plopping down in the seat next to the ermine with a grin and muttering, "So it begins, eh?"

Blubbernugget takes a seat as far away from the adults as she can, so as not to disturb their adult-ish goings-on and jumps at a noise.

Nightbreath nods. "Aye. The battle of spoon and saucer. Just as contested as sword and shield--Like the battlefield, many beasts, seasoned fighters of this battleground all, now strive for the greatest glory and honor."

Derderin dumps her barrel on the counter, giving a wave to Scioto as she turns. She has neglected to take her forge-fire apron off, so the heavy, metal studded canvas still hangs about her neck. Other than the group at the chief's table, she doesn't know anyone.

Scioto arches an eyebrow at the random talk; he waits before saying anything, quietly waiting to start.

Traeger wades through the crowd, and a few of the more drunk beasts shade their eyes. Light colors do something weird with a drunken beasts' mind. Blubbernugget catches her eye, but her gaze wanders over the crowd as a whole before she takes an empty seat at the bar counter, a stool or so away from Derderin.

Ragg grins, saying to Nightbreath, "Aye. Today's enemies: potatoes." He laughs to himself, wondering if his mentor will remember their past conversation.

Blubbernugget leaves the table to compose herself and run a moist paw through her fur to smooth it. She leaves her collar-like necklace on her chair to save it.

Nightbreath indeed remembers, saying solemnly, and quietly, "Did I not tell thee that they would return one day?"

Scioto waits to see if anyone else is coming before he stands up, he clears his throat to speak, "As most know, and some just now know, today is the Spring Fest in Ferravale. A time to try and forget some of the past, at the same time remember..some of it." He sighs, "Anyone else have any words to say before we start?" Giving anyone else a chance to speak he looks around.

Ragg laughs at Nightbreath's words, "Oh, come on. It can't be all THAT serious. I mean, /we/ have the forks." He reaches down to the table to grad said utensil, only to find the space empty. He gulps dramatically, "Nightbreath! We have to surrender!" He is obviously playing around for his eyes shine mischievously.

Nightbreath elbows Ragg; his apprentice's timing is less than prudent. However, he flashes a grin and, silently, produces the 'missing' fork from his sleeves, passing it to Ragg under the table after letting the light glint upon it.

Blubbernugget knows if she says anything she'll probably end up mangling the words and embarrassing herself further. So she sits quietly and watches the others with their calming voices and reassuring words.

Ragg grins and takes the fork waving it around threateningly.....until he realizes Scioto is talking. Then he puts his paws under the table and blushes slightly, trying to act like he was NOT just waving a fork around like a lunatic.

Traeger leans nonchalantly on the bar, watching Ragg play with the fork. She raises an eyebrow, and chuckles.

Nightbreath stands up and removes his hood, addressing the tavern as a whole. "Friends! Allies! Fellow citizens and warriors--The winter was long and brutal, as was the autumn. We fought for our lives countless times, never daring to relax." Nightbreath raises his clenched paw. "Come fear, fire, and famine--When the darkness was falling down, when the sound evil laughter fell around the world--When all seemed lost, when fire and steel were the forecast of each passing day, consuming all of us into the endless void--" The ermine lowers his gaze and paw, sighs, and his voice rings out strong as he continues. "We suddenly passed through the thunderheads and emerged on a golden shore, into a clean land, of fresh water, and peace. We have weathered the seas and storms of fate and fear, the trials of chaos, the darkness above, below, and in our hearts...We are free." He sighs and closes his eyes as he softly continues. "But not all of us lived to know such freedom. Lives were lost...along this voyage, many of us were swept aside by the onslaught of the storm. To do anything less than remember them in all their glory and beauty and virtuousness would be insult. But do not mourn--Nay--Weep if ye must, but do not weep because they are gone--Nay, I say to thou, rejoice, for they are at peace. Weep instead because they are not here to share in the reveling afterward. Do not weep in despair, thinking they are lost--Nay. They have not been lost." He gazes to the sky and proclaims, "They have been _found!"

The tavern remains silent as all listen.

"They have gone on, to peace, and comfort. We remember their names and sing their praises. Weep not for their demise--Rather, weep in joy for the new life they now know. They watch us now and guide are paths. WE REMEMBER THEE." Nightbreath goes on.

A tear slips from Blubbernugget's eye at the uplifting words of Nightbreath.

"Thus...do not despair," Nightbreath whispers. "Instead...remember. That will not bring them back, I will not lie and pretend it will...But it will put our hearts, and their souls, at rest. The pain will stop. Let the depression come--welcome it--knowing that there is more beyond it. That it would make their sacrifices in vain for you to be swallowed by despair now. Mourn them...and then move on. That is what they would've wanted." Nightbreath finishes, "A toast--To survival and remembrance. I ask all of thee assembled here to raise their glasses and hearts--to honor the dead and look after the living. That, I vow to do."

Blubbernugget raises her glass joyfully.

Derderin raises a paw and shouts. "Aye, thanks f'r that, Nightbreath. A toast!" Don't ask how she knows him- Brewers know all! "I got something to remember these creatures by." She raises her bung mallet and smashes in the tap of the barrel she carried in, and the dark liquid spurts out, filling a large mug that she holds beneath. "Try some 'o this!"

Scioto listens to the words and stays silent, he slowly raises a glass.

Traeger swipes a glass from the counter and raises it, clinking the edge against her neighbor's. "A toast!"

Ragg watches Nightbreath go up, holding his breath lightly. It's not that he doubts Nightbreath's power to make a speech, quite the contrary. He’s experienced many a lecture. He is just feeling a worry many kids feel when their fathers go up on stage. Since he does not really have a drink, he raises his fork in the air, then stabs it into the table.

Blubbernugget gets her mysterious drink, whatever it is, all over her whiskers.

Nightbreath takes the proffered mug and raises it as he sets the original glass down. "My thanks, Brewmaster." He taps the glass against those of his neighboring table-mates, and sips it, proclaiming, "This is most excellent."

"That's fancy talk for, it's really really good!" Blubbernugget says as she downs the last of her liquid.

Traeger downs most of her drink in one gulp. She raises an eyebrow at the polecat in the corner...she seems to need some serious help...

Scioto looks around, well may as well start, he speaks again, "I thank you all for coming, we should start, before we do we thank the great maker who made all for the food, drink, and friends.." He is silent allowing thanks and then, "So let’s start the Spring Fest then."

Derderin nods at the black ermine. "Thank you!" Around him, she calls, "Weasel! Don't hit the table too hard!" She pours drinks for other creatures before getting her own, hopping up to sit on top of the counter.

Blubbernugget notices the eyebrow rise from the motherly ermine and wonders if the bump on her head is visible from that end of the table. She smooths her fur again.

"Thou'rt welcome," Nightbreath acknowledges before sitting down again, meditating momentarily before waiting for the Chieftain to eat before he himself begins.

Scioto goes back to his table and sits, he gets some fish and soup and an ale and starts to slowly and quietly eat.

Ragg looks innocently over at Derderin, quickly extracting the fork from the table and hiding it under the table, "Oh, right. Sorry!" He suddenly gets a spitefully mischievous look in his eye and he slams the fork into the underside of the table where is can't be seen. Out of sight, out of mind. He grins at Nightbreath as he sits, "Good speech, by the way"

Traeger comes off of her stool and makes her way to Blubbernugget, perching on the edge of the table. "Hello there. You are...?"

"Thanks," Nightbreath says as he rises to retrieve food for himself. Meanwhile, in a back booth, a certain nervous squirrel whose name rhymes with 'hi, man' nibbles persnicketeyly at his food, wiping his mouth with his napkin frequently

Derderin shakes her head at Ragg and crosses her boots at the ankles. She swigs her drink, calling out to the chief and his table. "How are ya'll? I trust the drink is good?"

"The name's Blubbernugget. I apologize for the name - long story short, my parents were poor peasants and they took out their anger by giving their children very ugly names. Not to mention, since I was dropped on my head as a newborn, they particularly hated me" she says in response to Traeger's inquiry

Rowan walking in is a cloaked otter with his hood about his head. He is grateful that the swelling on his face has finally gone away as he looks about the bar. "So this is what a festival looks like..."

"That's also why I'm a little... 'off' as you may have noticed...uh..." Blubbernugget blushes under her fur.

Ragg considers staying behind and seeing if Nightbreath gets him some food as well, but decides not to. One can’t risk it. He quickly stands and walks/ runs after Nightbreath

Scioto eats his fish and takes a sip of his ale as he watches beasts her enjoy themselves.

Derderin punches another polecat on the shoulder playfully, and he laughs, going to get some food for both of them. Being a brewer has it's pluses- nearly any suck up who likes their drink will get things for you.

"My sister always told me not to drink alcohol, because it will exacerbate my condition... whatever that means. Is there any alcohol in this?" inquires the young polecat.

Rowan tries to meld in with the large crowd as he places his spear into its sheath and lowers his hood. Making a bee line for the bar he quickly orders a bowl of hotroot soup. He does his best to keep his wrists covered by his paws as he waits for the soup.

Traeger wrinkles her nose. "Well then. That's...odd. Uh." She stands and pats Blubbernugget on the shoulder. "Let me get you something. Be right back." She wanders off to get food.

Blubbernugget smiles as Traeger pats her head.

Raymond peeks into the tavern, yes he is a little late but he made it and walks on in and waves to those here, "Hey all!"

While waiting for her new non-alcoholic beverage to arrive, Blubbernugget scarfs down her food. She still isn't exactly sure what it is, but hey - at least it's food.

In the background, there's another otter--Chud--sitting on the bar top swinging his foot paws back and forth as he sips (nonalcoholic) birch beer and munches a biscuit he snatched. Simon the Recorder, in the back booth, sits some beast else’s drink by accident--The owner is a hulking marten, covered in in muscle and weaponry. So the poor squirrel sips from the glass, expecting spring water, but instead, some harsh, throat0scorching grog used to melt ice in the thick of winter--He coughs and sputters and spews the liquid all over its original owner, who turns and growls at him. Simon cowers and ducks his head, shaking all over as he gingerly wipes some of the dripping grog off the b beast's face.

Traeger heaps herself a plate of food, then looks for the brewer. Nearing the bar, she waves with her free paw. "Hello, You are the brewer, yes? Do you have an non-alcoholic drinks for younger creatures?"

Scioto waves to Raymond and takes a long sip of ale.

Ragg reaches the bar and orders himself a plate of edibles, telling the beast behind the counter he really doesn't care what he gets. He sits down on one of the few empty bar stools to wait and glances over at Rowan with a curious glint in his eyes.

Chud jumps up and points to his glass of birch beer.  "Try this." He grabs another mug and offers it to Traeger.

Meanwhile Nightbreath silently dines, his mind wandering several planes at once.

Rowan looks over at the other otter as his soup is delivered to him. "I bet I can out eat you mate when it comes to hotroot soup." He gives a playful grin to the otter.

Derderin laughs at something the male polecat said, and she takes her plate from him. Wiping her mouth with the back of a paw, she nods at Treager, putting down her plate. "I do! Anything in particular?" she swings herself behind the counter, landing on the ground with an audible thud. "I'll get you some of what he has."

Traeger nods a thanks to Chud. "I don't need it-tis for a creature I am..caring for."

Derderin returns with a small glass of birch beer. "Won’t taste as good without alcohol, but here 'tis'." She holds it out, swinging herself back over the counter top.

"No problem, mate," Chud says before running over to Rowan, grabbing a bowl of hotroot on the way. "Bring it on!" he declares, grinning as he grabs a spoon.

Blubbernugget stands up quietly. "This has been a lively feast. Thank you all for putting up with me, even though I'm not - what you would call normal." She pats down the fur over the bump on her head where she had been dropped as an infant. "I really enjoy your company. And mind that you don't stab anyone's paw with that fork." She gestures to the mischievous weasel.

The beast whose drink Simon ingested and spewed now growls at the Recorder and bares his teeth slightly, huge fangs showing from the side of his upper lip. The squirrel shivers. "Oh my..." He grabs his things and quickly runs for it.

Raymond goes ahead and gets himself something to eat and sits down in one of the booths.

Rowan grins holding his large bowl with both paws. "Ah you use a spoon? Real otters don't need spoons mate." With that he starts to drink the soup straight from the bowl.

Traeger takes the proffered glass and goes back to Blubbernugget, giving Derderin and Chud another thanks. She gives the polecat a dubious look. "Well. Goodbye then." And she turns on her heel and gives the drink right back to Derderin.

Ragg scowls as he is too late to start a conversation with Rowan. Ah well. His plate of food is brought to him and he nods his thanks, grabbing the plate and escaping into the crowd. He makes his way back to the table and sets his food down, eyeing the meal. It would appear to be a piece of fish and some sort of unrecognizable green stuff. He sighs and sits, taking the fort from the bottom of the table and poking the green stuff before shoving a bite into his mouth and chewing slowly. It's not THAT bad. Maybe a bit too much garlic....or maybe it was just plain garlic....he gags and spits it out, coughing a bit. He looks over at Bluddernugget and grins sheepishly, "I won't, I won't."

Derderin snorts and takes the drink from Treager, holding it out to Chud. "You want it, bud? I already have my fair share of free drinks."

Chud chucks the spoon aside, where it lands loudly in some beast’s mug, much to their dismay. Splink. The young otter picks up his bowl of hotroot and slurps, swallowing it in one gulp. He grabs the proffered drink and slurps it quickly.

Astra slips into the tavern, but choices to sit in a booth away from the others, well after getting some soup and a cherry cordial.

Nightbreath laughs at Ragg's little adventure with the food, murmuring, "It appears potatoes are not your only foe...."

Rowan grins setting his bowl down the same time as the other otter. "You need a drink already fella? What be your name mate?”

Chud grabs more hotroot soup and swigs it before saying, "M'name's Chud Streambattle.  Yers?"

Rowan grabs the closest bowl of soup before quickly emptying it of its contents and chewing on one of the shrimp in it. "Name be Rowan, no Surname.”

Scioto speaks with a guard as one comes up to him, he nods and looks around as the guard walks off.

Ragg laughs at Nightrbeath's comment, "Everything seems to be my foe if I'm not careful." He pokes the past around on his plate for a moment longer before getting an idea. He takes a bite of fish and then takes a small amount of the past and places it in his mouth. He chews slowly, letting the flavors mix. It's quite good! He grins to himself and continues to eat.

Traeger settles down at the bar with a plate of food and her own drink; she becomes absorbed in discussion about healing with her neighbor.

Raymond says, "I think this Feast is fun so far"

Astra drinks her cordial as she stays in the corner, not talking with anyone just being away from the others.

Ragg keeps eating, but frowns half way through the fish and paste. He needs a drink. He sighs and stands, leaving his plate at the table as he makes his way toward the bar.

Derderin is still sitting on the bar countertop, large mug in her paw. She watches Ragg approach and waves. "'Ello!! Need anything?"

Raymond gets some salad as he eats a little more and smiles.

Scioto sips his ale, only talking when it’s needed to talk to others.

Oakenpaw comes hopping, skipping and jumping in, Matilkda held lovingly in his paws.

Ragg looks up at Derderin and smiles, "As a matter of fact, I'm feeling a tad parched. Could I have something to drink?"

Astra sighs, she watches the door and stays in her booth, she finishes her soup and drink and scoots the plate ad mug aside.

Derderin slaps a paw on the counter, putting down her drink. "I’m just the beast. Whadda you want? Something sweet? Strong? Something to complement your meal? Or just water?"

Oakenpaw says, "do ya have anything Sweet and Strong...like me?"

Rowan lays back against the bar as he grabs a mug of ale and drinks it slowly while watching the crowd.

Derderin barks a laugh at Oakenpaw. "Course I have something like that, Oak. You want something, too?”

Oakenpaw says, "AYE I do..Me lips are parched, I am dying of thirst"

Astra stands and pushes through the crowd as she leaves the tavern, she didn’t stay too long it seems, she exits with a frown.

Ragg thinks a moment, then shrugs, "I'm not really sure. I'd rather have something on the light side that has no alcohol." He looks over at Oakenpaw and gives a small wave.

Scioto arches an eyebrow at Oakenpaw "I am sure you will be fine"

Raymond says, "Join the fun Oakenpaw"

Derderin jumps down from the counter once more, and wields havoc on a small barrel with her bung mallet. The light, amber colored liquid pours out, and she slides a full, frothy cup down the bar to Ragg. She slams the cork stopper back into the barrel with the heel of her paw and leans on the bar. "What'd you want, Oaky?"

Oakenpaw calls out "Whoa Astra Waits!" then turns to Raymond "We have any tuck?" Then waits for his sweet stag drink from Derderin

Rowan walks over to the weasel with a moment of suspicion. "Hey aren't you the one who tried to kill Scioto?" His voice soon goes quiet as he realizes that it isn't

Ragg grins at Derderin, "Thanks. Do I need to pay? Or is it on the house since it’s a feast?" He then looks at Rowan in surprise, "Someone tried to kill Scioto? I had no idea. And they were a weasel like myself? /Honestly/ some beasts have no idea how to be proud in there race!" It would seem he takes being a weasel very seriously.

Scioto looks over at Rowan and Ragg as they talk.

Rowan blinks a moment at the weasel. "Sorry mate didn't meen to accuse you like that but yes he threw a dagger at the chief and I tackled him to the ground. Keep an eye out for him for me please, he wishes to kill me it seems."

Derderin grins broadly. "Tis free today. On the house!" the spikes in her forge apron screech on the counter as she slides across again. What a reminder! She looks down, laughs. "Oh- forgot I was still wearing this ol' thing!" She reaches behind her to untie the knot, swinging her legs off the edge of the counter. She drops it on a stool and hops down, going to get Oakenpaw his drink."

Oakenpaw says, "Pahhh Every vermin wishes to kill you Rowan" he chuckles seeking that drink. watching Derderin move his licks his lips"

Raymond frowns and walks over to Rowan, "What happen and when was this?"

Derderin slides a similar drink down the bar to Oakenpaw. Grinning still, she gets back on the bar top so she can be seen. And it is comfortable to sit up there. "Get yer gob around that, Hare!" She calls.

Ragg nods at Derderin and says for the second time, "Thank you." He then frowns at Rowan's words, "That's quite unfortunate. I'll keep my eyes peeled." He grins and then goes back to his table to finish his fish, which is now cold.

Oakenpaw grabs the pint happily and chugs half of it leaving his muzzle coated with a thick foam as he smacks his lips and says "Ahhhhh that hits this spot”

Rowan shrugs with a chuckle aimed at Oak "Not all of them mate but most of them." He quickly turns his head to look at Raymond "It was a few days again at least mate."

Raymond asks, "I am head guard so keep me informed, ok?"

Willowheart is being keep busy, very busy and brings out some more salad and soups, she nods to a ferret and gets them some pie.

Oakenpaw's ears perk "Willowheart Luv.....come over here can you?”

Rowan nods gently to Raymond "I'll keep it in mind, My name is Rowan, I'm a ranger." He gives a light chuckle at Oak as he waves to Willow

Oakenpaw says, "A ranger wot has seen Martin the Warrior from wot I heard"

Raymond nods to the otter, "Raymond"

Derderin gets herself her own drink and remains seated on the counter, watching creatures and smiling to herself.

Scioto listens to idle chatter as he has finished his meal and now just stays where he is.

Willowheart sighs, "I am busy or would" She calls out and goes to get some pies from the oven in the kitchens, she is back out in a little while..2 cherry and an apple pie, she sits them down.

Oakenpaw says, "Now Willowheart. I need you fer a moment..come over ere'....I happen to know the Chief ya knows..and e's yer boss"

Scioto shakes his head at haremaid, "Sit a while, rest and eat...and Oakenpaw, talk to her later, let her eat something first"

Derderin jumps up, wanting to do something useful. She grabs a plate and hands it, full of good food, to Willowheart with a bow. "Eat this! And drink something, too. Take a break! Tis a feast!"

Rowan nods to Raymond before turning as he hears Oakenpaw once again "I'm pretty sure that’s not something you shout in a vermin village mate."

Raymond sits back down, relaxing but also keeping an eye out for anything out of place.

Willowheart smiles and sits down to eat and drink some light cordial, she looks around enjoying a chance to have a break now.

Oakenpaw moves with his tankard over to be beside Willowheart smiling to all the beasts "Do you need anything Willow?" he waves to Raymond "Raymond, come over ere a moment would ya?”

Derderin goes back to her spot on the counter and leans against the wall, helping beasts with drinks and generally keeping an eye out for anything.

Rowan wonders what Oakenpaw is up to at the moment so he walks slowly over to the hare with his mug of ale.

Willowheart smiles "I am fine, just tried...you try and cook a lot of food for a lot of beasts with very little help I may add"

Scioto sips his ale as some beasts slowly leave, others stay and some new ones come into the tavern.

Oakenpaw puffs his chest out "well why didn't ya let me help? I like to make a bit o tuck ere and there< you just rest some" he smiles getting her some pie

Willowheart chuckles a little, she smiles “I will ask next time"

Oakenpaw waits for Willowheart to consume her meal...and then gently picks up his oaken staff, Matilda, and stops it hard and loudly on the floor, he clears his throat "Ahem...If I could have every beasts attention, I have an announcement ta make!”

Rowan already has his attention on the hare by the time he taps Matilda on the ground "Aye mate you have it right now."

Scioto raises an eyebrow at Oakenpaw, curious of what it is he wants to say. “Now what?"

Willowheart finishes her food, or what was on the plate and takes a couple sips of her drink, she looks at Oakenpaw about half listening as she takes another sip of her drink.

Oakenpaw walks over and hands Matilda to Rowan "hold that for me a Moment will ya Mate?" he then straightens his tunic..his Sgt Stripes on his arm..and stands Before Willowheart "Marm" he says Ears raised and waiting to have Willowheart's Full attention

Rowan grabs hold of Matilda firmly as it is pressed into his paws. "I will indeed do that mate." He tilts his head slightly at the hare.

Willowheart blinks putting her mug aside, "Wot is it?"

Oakenpaw takes Willowheart's paw and slips to one knee "Ahem..." in his other paw he holds a ring made of Silver entwined with gold with a Blue Sapphire on top "MArm, If you could put up with an ol footpaw Boxer like m'self..." He gazes up into her eyes "I'd be the most honored beast in all Mossflower, if you could see it to be ma mate and let me care for ya for the rest o me life...." he offers her the Ring should she wish to take it.

Scioto watches and waits to see what happens

Rowan watches with a slight smile. This was the first he saw something like this.

Willowheart listens and blinks, she is at first quiet and doesn't say anything she just watches Oakenpaw and listens to his words, she then gasps and is quiet again as if she lost her voice, she then smiles at Oakenpaw.."I.."

Oakenpaw blinks his big brown eyes, still on one knee..his large ears straight up as he listens, the only thing moving is his nose as he cocks his head "Aye marm?" He holds the ring in 2 fingers ready to slip it on her finger if she wishes, the paw holding her's trembles a little

Scioto watches the hares.

Rowan watches quietly not wanting to interrupt

Willowheart smiles still, “I.." she just nods "Yes..Yes I will."

Oakenpaw leaps up and does a back flip "YIPEEEE!!!!!!!!”

Rowan taps oak on the shoulder before whispering "The ring put it on her finger mate."

Scioto shakes his head as Oakenpaw does a backflip, he then manages a small chuckle, rare for him lately.

Willowheart chuckles and smiles at Oakenpaw

Oakenpaw blink blinks at Rowan "Wot? oh oh Right' he smiles and slips the ring onto her finger puffing proudly "Um..Love....if it's ok... when we decide on a date..I’d like Chief to perform the Ceremony...if that’s ok wi' you”

Willowheart says, "Be ok with me"

Scioto sips his ale and coughs a little, "What?...Me?" Yeah he heard what the hare said.

Rowan says, "well I'm going to let you guys party a bit I need me rest, I travelled hard to get here"

Oakenpaw asks, "Will you be at the paw fasting Rowan? and Aye Scioto I want you to make us one"

Scioto says, "I will think on it"

Oakenpaw plants a kiss on Willowheart's muzzle

Derderin smiles “A toast to de new couple!” She holds up a glass.

Others in the tavern do the same!

Rowan asks, "when is the paw fasting? and what is it mate?"

Willowheart smiles at Oakenpaw

Oakenpaw asks, "now were that worth stopping work for a few?"

Oakenpaw looks to Rowan "We have not set a date yes, and paw fasting is when we take our vows, and become mates

Rowan nods his head "If time will allow me to I will." he smiles at them before walking out the door

Oakenpaw exclaims, "Aye invite the other Rangers!"

Willowheart smiles

Scioto watches the hare as he sips his ale and then goes to get some more ale.

Oakenpaw is busily getting things for Willowheart, smiling broadly as he scurries "Your head cook too Right luv?”

Benar glides toward where the feast is happening, the Redwall Elder escorted by a couple of Novices he is talking to quietly. He makes his way over toward Scioto and bows, "Abbot Lorimis sends his greetings Scioto."

Willowheart nods "I heard one reason so busy now”

Oakenpaw asks, "Love have you ever met Elder Benar? he is one of the Best beasts I know....."

Scioto looks surprised as he sees Benar, "Greetings Benar, I was not expecting you here today, welcome."

Willowheart says, "I do to think I have meet anyone from the abbey before dear"

Oakenpaw offers his arm to escort Willowheart to Elder Benar, awaiting for when he is free.

Benar says, "it is a bit of a long trip I will admit but the Abbot wanted to send someone and we brought a gift." he grins and motions to one of the novices who carries forward a small firkin. "A firkin of our cellar hogs finest Autumnal Whisky, this barrel is thirty seven seasons old."

Scioto nods, "Well..my thanks then Benar and you and the novices are welcome to stay the night, free of charge of course, it is good to see you my friend."

Willowheart walks over with Oakenpaw and waits beside him.

Oakenpaw asks, "I saw Elder Benar?"

Benar smiles, "Thank you Scioto, your hospitality is welcome as always." he turns to Oakenpaw and Wllowheart, "Ah hares, good day Oakenpaw it has been awhile since I last saw you. How have you been and who is your friend?"

Oakenpaw says, "Elder Benar, and my mentor, allow me to present to you Willowheart, The Future Mrs. Oakenpaw, she has honored me this say and said She would be my mate"

Willowheart smiles, "Hallo sir Benar, tis a pleasure to meet you."

Benar says, "Oh my, well then Oakenpaw congratulations to you and to you as well Willowheart this is very good new.""

Scioto says, "Some good news is always welcome here"

Oakenpaw smiles to Benar "Willowheart was a slave we freed...With the Help of Raymond”

Oakenpaw says, "I have asked Scioto to Paw fast us...so many you could help him with the ceremony when we decide a date..."

Willowheart smiles, "Thanks" she says to Benar.

Benar says, "Well then that is also good that you are now free Miss Willowheart, I two know what slavery was like... very long ago." he considers Oakenpaws request then nods and looks at Scioto. "If you want my help Scioto I will gladly give it."

Scioto nods "I may need it, never have done a..wedding ceomony before"

Oakenpaw says, "Willowheart is also Head cook here, and a banging GOOD one too"

.

Shaz slips in with his hood up, a quick look around to see who is here before coming in further.

Benar says, "Well then Scioto drop by to see me at the abbey and we can discuss it, I have done quite a few wedding ceremonies in my time."

Willowheart lets the others talk as she glances over at the doorway.

Oakenpaw asks, "wot is it Willow?"

Scioto nods "I will I am able" He catches sight of Shaz but leaves him be for now.

Oakenpaw looks up "Shaz..come meet m Bride" he takes Willowheart's paw "it's ok Dearheart....trust me

Shaz walks over to the chieftain, "You still dislike me, don’t ya feline..I didn’t do it" He ignores the hares, "May know who did though" He waits.

Scioto does his best to remain calm, simply asking, "Fine..who ?"

Benar watches Shaz approach and turns back to Willowheart, "You sure I can't tempt you to move to the abbey once you are married to Oakenpaw? The friar could do with some help"

Willowheart smiles a little "I am head cook here, but maybe could help sometime during one of the abbeys famous feasts?"

Benar says, "That would be lovely Miss Willowheart, new cooks to the feasts are always welcome. I'll be sure to invite you along next time we are planning one."

Shaz looks at Benar noticing the abbey beast look, he gives his attention to Scioto, "Moric..heard him talking about it, he is who killed your merchant."

Scioto nods, "Be wise to keep me informed, and the guards"

Oakenpaw bristles "The merchant were my friend....Justice be done as should be...”

Benar frowns at all this talk of people being killed and turns to look at Shaz, "Who was killed?"

Shaz looks at Oakenpaw finally now, proving he heard earlier, "Yeah Hi..Oakenpaw, and congrats." He looks at Benar not sure what to do with an abbey beast sent here clearly, he bows.." I will help the chieftain and his guards hunt down the weasel who did this,...it was the spice merchant tat was killed, few days ago."

Oakenpaw says, "It was Anise, Benar..he is...with Martin now"

Benar frowns and nods his head, "I see... thank you for telling me Oakenpaw... I shall miss them..." He sighs and shakes his head and looks at the feast happening around them. "A depressing topic for the feast."

Oakenpaw says, "then let us feast and be Merry//Shaz Have some of our fine food"

Shaz asks, "You want me to stay?"

Scioto nods, he also nods to Shaz, "Yes..stay."

Oakenpaw says, "Shaz...I want you at our Wedding..please"

Benar says, "Indeed let us enjoy the feast, if you will excuse me I want to go and get some food." He nods to Scioto and heads toward the buffet table.

Shaz says, "I will..don't know, not much for stuff of that sort of thing"

Oakenpaw says, "there will be lots of food....and drink"

Scioto sits down.

Shaz shrugs, "When is it?"

Oakenpaw says, "We have not decided yet...come sit with Scioto and I hand have a drink" He sits by Shaz"

Shaz walks over slowly and sits down, he looks at the food and drink, "Well..maybe I could stay a...short while"

Oakenpaw cuts some pie "you like pie Shaz? Pie Chieftain?”

Scioto says, "I ate some food earlier"

Shaz says, "depends on what kind"

Oakenpaw asks, "Well we have many, wot kind is yer favorite, Shaz?' he pours Scioto some tea then"

Scioto nods his thanks for the tea, drinking it as he watches the feast and leans back relaxing some now trying to enjoy the rest of the night.

--Not too much more happen after this and I had to sign off—