Quinten Log 154 - 09 08 2006

The Swamplands

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This part of the swamp is slightly different from the normal expanse of brown mud and green algae coated pools. There is a solid lump of rocky ground rising up from the swamp here, tangled shrubs and stunted twisted trees perched precariously on the rocky ground.

There is also a low single story building here, built out of the rock and roofed in slate tiles with a single tall chimney poking up out of the roof to one side. It is quite an inviting looking house with large windows and a heavy front door.

There appear to be only two safe passages off of this lump of rocky ground, one of them snakes away towards the dunes you can see in west and another path snakes off into the depths of the swamp slick with mud and slime.

You can see that it would be treacherous to leave the path, the swamp seems unstable around this rocky lump, bubbling and releasing noxious gases from time to time a truly unpleasant location and not one most beasts would care to linger in.

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Another day, another patrol out and about searching the area for anything. Hot and muggy is the area in the swamps, where most of the hares are being eaten from all the bugs flying about.

Major Jarril flicks an ear as he feels another of them biting again and mutters. "Flipping little things, leave me alone..." Stopping the patrol he looks about, having a word with another hare who nods, moving ahead a bit to scout as he swats at another bug. "Alright, the sooner we search this area the better." Muttering under his breath. "Not that we find anything like the other patrah's.."

Quinten seems to be one of those lucky ones who does not seem to be bothered by the bugs too much. His ears are flicking back and forth before his eyes to keep the flies away from his head and looks around. Listening to the Major he comes to a halt and looks down at his legs, stood knee deep in the thick muck of the swamp he lifts one paw and shakes it for a moment and then looks across the Major. "What is the search plan sah?"

Jarril replies back. "Same as the others, any sign of the vermin and our captives. I'm beginning ta suspect that they've left the area, we've searched pratically everywhere now." The hare gives a frown. "If we don't get any luck soon..." He stops and looks about. "Well, we can't search forever without anything ta go on." He moves a paw and motions the patrol to move forwards again.

Quinten shifts his pack so it sits more balanced on his back and slogs forwards again, keeping his eyes peeled and looking around the swamps. He moves to march just behind Jarril and peers ahead. "I hate these swamps sah....fer me own reasons but there are some rocks that way I think, if i remember correctly." He points ahead and to the right a ways. "I stopped to rest near em before i found the beach."

Jarril gives a chuckle on Quinten's words. "Aye but ya a private now and ya on full patrah duty which means getting the dirty jobs as well as fighting heroically saving the mountain. Can't have all the good things as well." He looks in the direction that Quinten has shown and nods. "Alright, we head that way and stop for a bite ta eat." Those words give off sighs of relieve from the patrol who haven't eaten since well, since they left the mountain.

Tranbuck trots up with Quinten and Jarril. 'Sah, I think we're bein' watches by some verminy-type creatures.' He says quietly to Jarril, left paw on sabre hilt.

Quinten smiles softlyu and nods his head, "Like being a Recruit sah, just i get to go outside nad do the dirty jobs. Reason i dislike these swamps is cause i lost me..." he pauses and eyes

Tranbuck and looks around warily at the dull expanse of the swamp. "Aye don't see nought." he murmurs.

'Ovah to yer lef', be'ind the bush there. Doncha see?' Tranbuck whispers to Quinten.

Jarril coming to a stop, Jarril looks in the direction that the others have pointed out and slowly moves his paw to get hold of his bow. Speaking quietly he frowns. "Well, don't look in that direction, keep moving forwards. And keep quiet..."

Quinten carries on walking along steadily eyes ahead and fixed on the rocks far ahead. A figure moves out from between the rocks. Wearing a long robe with the hood back revealing a very ancient looking mouse. It pauses in surprise when it sees the hares and starts towards them.

Jarril removes his paw from his bow and replaces the grip onto his blade weapon as he calls out to the old mouse in front of him. "'ello! I thought no one lived in this area?" Coming up to where the mouse is he stops and bows his head. "Pardon me but ya haven't seen any vermin in this region. We're searching for them at the moment."

Tranbuck sees the mouse emerge from the rocks but Tran's greeting is cut short as he trips over a root sticking out of the ground, propelling him into a large puddle of... something.

Quinten smiles and comes to a halt near the Major removing his paw from his sabre hilt and nodding the mouse. The mouse is still picking his way across the mud towards the hares and waves back, "Ahhh tis gud tae see some beasts, as been awhile indeed, Aye'm Dofran ye knoo an i live in a house just a short way back."

Jarril turns his head to where Quinten is and speaks. "Hmmm, not as quiet as I first thought." Turning his head around as two other hares help Tranbuck up back onto his feet the major nods his head at the mouse. "Aye, we haven't been in this part for a while. I take it ya not been having problems with toads then?"

Tranbuck looks over himself after getting helped out of the swamp. 'Blimey...' He says, covered as he is in mud. He draws a paw asross his eyes to clear them and looks at the mouse as if he had just seen him for the first time. Ello, chap. 'Ow c'n ya stand livin' in this confounded place?'

The mouse smiles as he comes to a halt before Jarril and bows, "No, the toads are much farther in, they rarely come this far out ye knoo?" he looks over the privates and smiles softly. "Such a strong bunch of hares ye are ta look at..tis good tae see ye are still oot thar looking after us."

Jarril coughs slightly. "Erm, quite. So have ya seen anyone else pass through here? Vermin per chance?"

The mouse looks back at the Major and chuckles, "Oh...vermin? Well there was that stoat ooooh last Autumn ye knoo? he used me huouse for awhile then vamooshed deeper inta tha swamps...oooh that was the last one i saw yes?"

Tranbuck frowns slightly as he is being ignored. Of course, he didn't hear Jarril's first question to the mouse, occupied as he was.

Quinten sidles up next to Tranbuck and offers him his waterflask, "Ere...wash yer face down Tran."

The answer sort of gives back a frown from Jarril as he shakes his head. "Ah, excuse me, we're sort of looking for some." Turning his head back to where Tranbuck is. "Er, could we possibly head back ta ya home so he can get cleaned up?"

The mouse smiles and nods his head, "Oh yis....of course me dearies...come along chucks is this way?" He starts to head off across the swamp, holding his robe up high to keep it out of the muck, which leaves him almost up to his waist in the thicj mud. "Kin get you all out of tha flies an this heat..."

Tranbuck takes the flask from Quinten thankfully. 'Thanks, Quint.'

Quinten nods to Tranbuck and smiles, "Yer welcome, aye had tae live in this swamp for over a season, i know how horrible this muck is."

Jarril sighs with relief as he motions the patrol to head forwards at the old mouse's pace. THe major coming up alongside the mouse as he nods his head. "Thank ya, so ya lived here all of ya life then? Just wondering where ya learnt ta be a brother?"

The mouse smiles at Jarril and shakes his head, "Och no, twas a Brother of tha order of Dumas oop north, washed oop ashore oooh seasons back. Me an Brother Torata, may ee rest in peace...lived ere fer seasons noow ye knoo? Got a lovely liddle place just over yonder rocks ye knoo:"

Tranbuck waggles a paw in one of his ears to clean it out, then pours water over his head and tries to wipe some of the rapidly drying mud off.

Jarril hmms slightly. "Ah, not heard of any passing mice from up north. Came from there myself, nevah really had the accent of course. My parents kept the accent from the mountain. How long ago was it that ya first arrived?" The hare looking to where the rocks are in front of him.

The mouse walks up onto the rocks outside the house and looks back at the Major, "Och...twas long back ye knoo? Aye dinnae know tha exact seasons...don't keep tha records aboot ere ya knoo? Coom on in now all of ye?" he points towards the house, "Tis not much but tis ome an safe? We patched it oop when we found it." He looks over the privates an chuckles, "There is a pool of clear water over yon rocks ye kin use em tae wash up if ye like?"

Jarril nods his head and looks at where Quinten is. "Help him clean up, we can share what vittles we have with our host." Turning his head around to where the mouse is. "If ya hungry that is?"

Tranbuck smiles fondly at the mouse. 'Thanks.' He then walks off to where the said pool is.

The mouse has already wandered into his house, humming to himself and chattering quietly to Torata by the sound sof it. Quinten salutes the Major and movs off to help Tran chuckling sofly. "Boy i am glad i couldn't see meself when i lived in these swamps."

Doesn't enter for a moment and then does, some of the others follows leaving Tranbuck to get cleaned with help from Quinten.

Tranbuck removes his rucksack and tunic and lowers himself into the cool water. He tries to rub the mud off but it's /very/ hard to clean. 'Rrrrgh!'

Quinten laughs softly at Tran and waves a paw, "Come on Tran i want to get inside out of this heat ye know."

Tranbuck has scraped all of the mud off by now and quickly rinses off his tunic and wrings it out. He jumps out, shakes himself off and runs toward the house, beckoning to Quinten and calling, 'C'mon! 'S hot out.'

Quinten nods and heads into the house lookign back at Tran and winking, "Key to not falling over in this swamp? Feel everything first before setting ye footpaw down."

- Change Scene

The Swamp House

This is the main room of the swamp house, it is a well maintained residence, a wide clear wooden floor with not a single chink in it, Opposite you a large fire place is set into the wall. It is made of curved granite with more then enough space inside to cook and heat food and water.

The wall on the left is bare undressed stone holding up the ceiling, there are no windows and just a row of metal hooks and eyes protruding from the wall, the right wall has a large window set in it, looking south across the swamp/dune border the area is set aside for cooking, preparation for journeys and a row of cupboards and trunks line the wall full of all the supplies and stocks a beast could need for a long journey.

The area in the centre of the room is filled with a huge pile of thick comfortable cushions for beasts to sleep and relax on. they surround the fire place in a semi-cricle so beasts can enjoy the warmth and not get in the way of anyone working or using the fire itself.

---

Quinten nods and heads into the house lookign back at Tran and winking, "Key to not falling over in this swamp? Feel everything first before setting ye footpaw down." He then opens the door and peers inside. The mouse has sat down in the pile of cushions and fur, all of it ragged and well used looking. He's humming to himself and stirring a large pot over the fire

Jarril has already settled down someplace in the room and looks to where the others have settled down. Looking at Quinten and Tranbuck enter he turns his head back to the mouse. "Well, since ya do live on ya own, we be sure ta send a few more patrah's this way and keep an eye on ya for ya own safety, wot."

A damp Tranbuck Walks in and seats himself down near the rest of the hares, hoping that the fire will dry him off. )

The mouse smiles at Jarril and nods his head, "Oh of course...guests... twould sure be noice ta see soom other beast from time tae time yis? Tis noice ta be oot ere on me own ye knnoo?"

Jarril nods his head. "Oh we wouldn't be a bother, we just be keeping an eye out for anyone that shouldn't be in the area that's all." The hare knowing all about some beasts wanting to live on their own. "We very much appreciate letting us stay for a short while anyways."

The mouse waves a paw and peers into the pot, "arrr tis good indeed ta ave visitors an ye hares are a nice bunch ah always eard. Now wot ye got ta go in me pot? We got crab an we got some mellowgrass from tha swamp..."

Jarril hmms and looks at where Quinten is. "Well, ya the one carrying the supplies. What have we got ta go in there." Turning to the mouse. "We usually carry bread or pasties but we may have some carrots or potatoes though."

Quinten chuckling Quinten delves into his bag and nods, "We got a brocoli an some carrots Major.." he glances at the older buck and chuckles. "Is there some un-written rule that means the youngest private gets all tha supplies?" He holds out the vegetables and the mouse takes them, producing a rusty old knife to start to slice them into his pot.

Jarril looks at Quinten. "Ya new, so aye there is. Ya end up looking at someone else when they get ta be where ya are." Looking at the old mouse now, the major speaks. "So what can ya tell me about the goings on around here, if anything?"

Quinten chuckles softly and offers the mouse his dagger, he takes it and smiles, "Thank ye lad...tis kind of ye." He starts slicing the food quicker and blinks at Jarril. "Happens? aboot ere? Noothing..got me an tha mud...some crabs every now an then. Whoe bunch of otter chaps came up from tha south few days back, going north."

Jarril nods and looks at Quinten. "There's something ya ordered ta do, think ya up ta the important task I am going ta hand ya, lad?"

Quinten eyes Jarril and flicks his ears back, "Aye think i kin handle it Major...unless ye want me to go do something impossible." The mouse has gone back to stirring his pot murmurring to himself as the mixture bubbles away.

Jarril nods his head. "Our cook, forgot all about the otters heading up here again. He's been through a lot, think ya can take him there. See if he likes being with his own kind for a while. Help with the recovery." The major frowns on that. "Ya know, after what happened?"

Quinten nods his head and salutes, "Orf course Major...aye'll see ta it as soon as we git back ta the mountain. am sure they'll all be pleased ta see him. I hear every clan an crew is up there doin there thing." The mouse looks up and smiles, "Ok stew is ready hares.....everone erm...grab a spoon i guess...i don't really have any bowls."

Pulling his bowl out, Jarril smiles. "We always come prepared." The major gets up and pads over to where the pot is and looks into it. "Right-o lads, lets be civil about this and leave some for our host, er, wot." The major gets his fill and moves back to where he was sitting again, nodding his head of thanks to the mouse.

The patrol move up to fill their bowls, leaving Quint to fill his last and then the mouse sticks his grey furred head in the pot and seems to be lapping up his fill. Until Quinten nudges him and offers him a spoon. The elderly mouse stares at it for a moment and smiles. "Oh a spoon...well jist look at tha." He smiles at Jarril and chuckles. "So...wot ye all doin in tha swamps anyhow?"

Jarril pausing in his eating, Jarril swallows his fill and simply gives a answer. "Oh we're searching for something, like vermin and other things. Besides these lands are ours, best ta patrah them from time ta time."

The mouse frowns and scratches his ears, "Aye wasna aware tha ye hares owned tha land? Aye thought twas fer anyone ye know? Ta live on...don't owe ye any dues or tithes do aye?"

Jarril shakes his head. "No, we're not like that. As long as anyone lives peacefully it's all fine ta us." The major looks at the food in his bowl. "It's those that don't that should be worried. Best not ta wake us up really..."

The mouse smiles and puts his spoon down, having eaten his fill, leaving the rest to bubble away until he gets hungry again. "Och thar is good tae knoo? anyway as aye said only vermin aye've seen tis tha stoat last autumn an a frog or toad ere or thar...though those otter pirates might count...ne'er did unnerstan all tha arrring an mateying."

Jarril chuckles. "Its they're way of speaking..." Another hare mutters something in between mouthfuls. "It's those moles ya should be worried about, sure they talk code, can't tell what they're saying half the time."

Quinten laughs softly at the talk about moles and whaps his companion with his empty bowl. "It is the sparrows you got to watch out for, at least moles still speak out language wot?" The mouse chuckles and dithers around near the Major. "So....how much longer you all gonna be in the swamps?"

Jarril replies. "Until we find something we're looking for, I think we have more patrah's happening. Someone woke the sleeping giant so ta speak. All I can say is that we be back ta check up at any given time. I'm not allowed ta say anymore on the matter." The hare changes the subject. "This is quite good food though, thank ya for sharing it with us."

The mouse smiles and nods, "Well thar is nice...aye kin usually be foond jist ootside ye know? Or in ere cooking or talking ta Torata...may he rest in peace."

Jarril nods quietly without saying anything at all. Looking at the others he finishes what he has eaten and nods. "Well, we best get on with it, can't sit here all day and all." Getting up he nods his head again. "Thank ya for ya hospitality." Turning to the others. "I think we head back, no need ta rile up the toads right about now." The major knowing they haven't the numbers for that.

Quinten nods and stands up, packing away all the supplies and equipment and slinging his pack back onto his back. "Ok Major...i'll wash up and take Skip up ta tha Hullaballoo when we get back." The monk waves a paw and smiles, "All do take care"

Jarril nods his head as he looks at the mouse. "Aye, we always do, ya take care as well. The lands around here aren't exactly that safe at the moment. We check on ya more since ya live on ya own. I would see if ya can get someone younger ta stay with ya, just in case." Nodding for the patrol to head out he stops at the door, heading out last and nods. "Thanks again." Moving outside the hares voice is heard. "Alright, in formation, aye, ya can scout ahead..." The voices as well as paw sounds fade into the distance.

- Several Hours pass

Salamandastron: Recreation Room

• -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Salamandastron *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

The recreation room for the army of the Longpatrol. Here soldiers come to

relax after a hard day's work and the officers come for a game of cards or

a quick drink by the fire. The room is quite large, having to deal with a

lot of hares at one time. Along one wall there is a large worktop with

some cuhsioned stools lining one side of it. On the other side of the

worktop there stand many kegs and bottles, lined so that they can be

easily opened by someone standing on the inside of the bar but well out of

reach of the rowdy hares on the other side. There are a few woollen cloths

on the bar and mats in front of each stool. The next thing nearest to the

bar are the round tables, each with 4 chairs around and a lantern in the

middle of each one. There are a couple of slightly larger oval tables with

8 seats around, obviously for larger crowds. The other end of the room is

littered with armchairs, comfortable armchairs, each pair with a small

table in between. The armchairs are near the fire, used to heat the room

and provide extra comfort for the relaxing soldiers.

• -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The room is quiet, has been for quite a while now since the retaking of the mountain, hares talk, there is some laughter in some parts but must are still thinking on lost ones or those still missing and whereabouts unknown. Dozing in front of the fire, sits the old otter cook,

Skipai, a webbed paw resting on his belly, his other arm lying down at the side of the chair, the walking stick has long since fallen to the floor beside the chair. Occasionally the otter gives a small snort or snore.

Quinten enters the room and looks about, the recruit's fur is damp and he has a fresh uniform on from taking a bath to rid himself of that salty swamp smell. He weaves his way around beasts until he reaches the side of Skipai and places a paw on his shoulder. "Mister Skipai sah?" he murmurs quietly.

Snort... Cough... Skipai blinks slightly and shrugs off Quinten paw from his shoulder. "Mmmm, let me sleep..."

Quinten smiles softly and flicks his ears. "But sah...Major Jarril asked me ta let ye know, tis the Hullabaloo, upshore a ways at the moss...he wanted me to let ye know."

Skipai ears twitch, another cough and the otter opens an eye. "Eh, what y' say, matey? Hullawhat?" Yawning slightly, the otter stretches, still a bit overwhelmed by the heat of the fire in front of him.

Quinten blinks and shakes his head "Tha Hullabaloo sir? ye know the big otter gathering up the shore?"

Skipai slowly places a paw on his head, rubbing it. "Er, right... What about it?" Clearly the otter hasn't woken up properly yet as his paw looks about. "'ey, where's my stick?"

Quinten leans down and picks up the otter cooks stick. "Well Major Jarril thought you might like to go to the gatherng? Every clan and crew is there apparently. The Rakky too and the Otter bard, rumour i heard is their going to pick the Skipper of Otters."

Skipai holds a webbed paw in front of Quinten and speaks. "Water, cold water." Rubbing his eyes, the otter slowly pushes himself up to get to a chair a bit further away from the fire and more chance of waking up. Moving slowly, the otter gives some frown to the pain from his back but he makes it to another chair and sits down.

Quinten salutes and hops over to the bar, he dangles over it to grab a glass and then fills it with cold water. He then moves back to Skipai and holds it out to him. "Here ye are sah."

Skipai doesn't speak but dunks the whole glass over his head which has the effects that the old otter was looking for. "Ah, that's better." Placing the glass down he nods his head. "Ah,

Quinten, nice t' see ya laddy. Could y' get me another glass for me." He pauses. "Er, best make that a few glasses... Then y' can tell me what y' wanted, aye."

Quinten nods and walks over to snag the jug of water, he brings it back and holds it out the to otter, "Ere ye go sah, glad to see you up and about."

Skipai smiles. "Well, I wanted t' go and walk out with this.." The otter lifts the stick up a bit. "But y' know those healers, wouldn't allow it." Pouring himself a glass, the otter goes and drinks the glass in one go, wiping his muzzle with a paw. "So, how's the cooking getting along without me?"

Quinten smiles softly and winks, "Cooking is doing fine sah, but i hear tell that a certain Major, may have sent a certain private to tell you that your kin are all sat up shore making a right din and messing about in the water at the Hullabaloo."

Skipai nods his head as he pours himself a glass of water once again. "Aye, it be that time of the year again I think. I've not made it for a few summers now, so what about it?" The otter goes drinking his second glass.

Quinten smiles, "Well the Major says I'm to escort you to their campsite, if ye want to go...and oh maybe get away from those healers for a bit?"

Skipai pfffffffffffffts, sending water flying out all over the table as the otter chokes slightly, coughing. "Y' mean I can actually go t' the Hullabaloo this year." Looking at Quinten like a dibbun, the otter has somehow grown that bit younger. "No cooking for y' lot this summer but actually go. Y' not kidding me, matey, right?"

Quinten salutes and nods, "Not kidding sah, in fact i'm under orders ta take ye whether you want ta go or not."

Skipai laughs, the first time the otter has laughed since the mountain has been taken over, the large smile on his muzzle. "Y' just try and stop me. So when are we going? First thing t'morrow morning?"

Quinten smiles, "Right now sah, The Hullabaloo started two days ago don't want to miss any more, we can ger there in a couple of hours..."

Skipai blinks. "Aye, but it goes on for a season usually.." He rubs his head slightly. "Or it used t' do." Gripping his stick, the otter slowly pulls himself up. "Well, I can get there as quickly as I can manage. I can't carry anything though."

Quinten smiles, "Leave the carrying to me sah and yer right, summer long party on tha beach."

Skipai nods his head. "Aye, funny though. Don't belong t' any clan or crew now. Not unless I'm the only member of my own." The otter chuckles as he turns around to move forwards, walking slowly. "Glad I survived this though, would've been the last one of my crew that would've died by vermin paws. The others weren't so luck.." The otter pauses and smiles. "Ah, listen t' me. So I suppose the patrol will be stopping by from time to time?"

Quinten nods his head, "Aye, i hear Rumour the Otter Bard chap Alrendo has challenged us to a whole host of things, seems to have riled everyone up to go ave some fun." He holds out a paw, "Shall we get going before any healers show up and try to countermand me order?"

Skipai nods. "I am moving as fast as I can, y' young rip." The otter takes the paw anyways. "But it's not really a bad thing. I can get as much rest there anyways as I can in that infirmary of y's. Better food and drink with no medicine. Aye."

Quinten smirks and winks, "Aye and a cookfire to take over if ye feel like it sah.. And the rumours we ave hhweard is that both the Bard and the Rakky are there. That mean anything to you?"

Skipai scratches his head slightly and shakes his head. "Can't remember, lad. Not been t' one of these since I was a young dibbun. I be surprised if anyone remembers me." The otter nodding to some hares coming into the room as they approach the door. "But remind me so I don't look t' stupid. I can look old'ish but stupid, best not show that."

Quinten leads the way towards the door and thinks, "I think it means they could select a Skipper of Otters imself if all the other skippers are there."

Skipai laughs. "Ah, that." The otter steadies himself a bit more as they move out of the room and into the corridor. "Be good t' see that happen t' a otter that deserves it, aye."

You say, "Well lets get going sah, if your the only one of your clan alive...doesn't that make ye the skipper?" he winks at the elderly otter. "Can get yerself waited on and an foot.""

Skipai blinks slightly on that one. "Me a Skipper." The otter ponders that one for a moment. "Well, never really saw of it that way, but what good is a Skipper that has no one else?" He shakes his head. "Nay, not a Skipper, just an otter, matey. But let's get going anyways."

Quinten nods and smirks, "Aye probably means they'll want ye to do things important, like an officer...can do without that sir, your off..to convalese with yer family an friends." He nods his head nad leads the way out

- Change Scene - Two Hours Later

Western Shore

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shore ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The shore here runs both north and south. At this section of shore, though, a wide river mouth runs into the sea, creating a churning current, which may seem hard to cross to most beasts. Fortunately, though, a narrow bridge has been built to cross these 'rapids' of sorts. The churning sound, too, may seem even a bit ominous to most, keeping beasts on one side or the other of this river mouth. If you look out over the sea, though, you'd notice the rapid churning of the waters colliding calms down not too far out, allowing small sailing vessels or row-powered canoes or longboats free access to the river.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another day of the hullabaloo and Hallow is hanging around by the main fire once more, watching one of the otters try and balance a bucket of water on his nose...well she assumes it was some kind of bet. Otters mill all about the camp with the odd hare and other beast in amongst the crowds.

Alrendo and Rakky have been sat together for the past hour, talking quietly inside the small circle of silence that seems to have sprung up due to the glares directed at anyone who gets too close. The organisers of the Hullabaloo up to more mischief it seems. Just coming into sight down the shore two figures could be seen walking slowly, a hare from the long ears and an otter it might be assumed.

Lurakra is busy dancing round a pot off to one side, throwing in various vegetables and herbs as he moves. He seems to be rehearsing for a later event, but at least for now he's not singing.

Skipai moves along slowly, the track along the sand with a walking stick isn't such a great idea of things but he has the help of a young hare beside him. However, with the problems of getting there, the otter hasn't lost his smile all the way from the mountain...

Hallow looks back away from the otter with his bucket as he continues trying to balance it. A slightly glance goes to Alrendo and Rakky for a moment but she leaves them to their planning, smirk forms when she spots Lurakra dancing about.

Alrendo and Rakky part ways, The elderly otter moving towards the south end of camp, leaning on her stoat skull topped staff whilst Alrendo vanishes into the crowd. The hare can be seen pointing towards the camp of otters, "There they are Skipai sah, nearly there."

Nodding his head, Skipai replies back to Quinten. "Aye, I can see that, I'm old bnt I ain't blind, lad." Slowing down if that is possible, the otter looks about, running a paw along the back of his neck, then moves slowly into the camp.

Lurakra spots Hallow's smirk out of the corner of his eye, and secretly lobs a potato in her direction when she looks away again. He makes sure to throw it deliberately wide of the mark of course, as he's not out to really hit anyone.

Hallow looks away and just spots the approaching hare and otter when a potato comes flying past her, she blinks and quickly looks in the direction it went to the otter it did hit who seems to be rubbing his head, a small grin formed as he chucks it back at the cook.

Rakky appears to have seen the new guests and is making a bee-line towards them, the crystal in the jaws of her staff's skull catching the sunlight, she raises her head and shouts out. "Hullabaloooooooo CREW a new otter comes ta join us." This gets a reaction from the majority of the partying otters and their woodland friends, the cry of "Hullabaloooooooo." Going up from half a thousand throats.

That's all the old otter has to hear, memories of his childhood coming back to him as he seems to be moving that bit quicker and away from Quinten for this moment in time as he shouts back. "Hullabalooooooo! All!" Looking about inside the camp, the otter just smiles, nodding his head at Rakky.

Lurakra tries to look invisible to the struck otter, preparing himself to duck at the return fire, before being caught offguard by the sudden sound of the guests arrival. He follows his gaze to where Rakky heads to, having already missed the call out of Hullabaloo now.

Hallow watches the potato fly back at Lura with a small chuckle before she manages to join in with the crew's shouting, turning her gaze on the new comers.

Rakky moves over to fall into step alongside Skipai and smiles, "Welcome friend otter, Aye'm Rakky Garge tha otterfixer be welcome ta our camp, an yer hare friend too." She nods to Quinten who has just caught up with her. Alrendo meanwhile has re-appeared standing atop a large stone and thwaping his rudder down heavily to call for silence. )

Skipai goes to reply back but he keeps quiet after hearing the sound for silence but nods his head at Rakky nonetheless, the otter leaning on his walking stick as he looks about the place slowly, trying to get everything around him into some level of perspective.

Lurakra sets down what he's doing, to give his full attention to the newcomers, knowing a call for silence is important.

The camp is simply set up, mainly open area with the odd tent for certain things such as the healers. A sizeable firepit is kept burning near the middle for cooking with a few make shift seats around it and plenty of crowds of otters about, pretty much all of whom seem to now have eyes on Rakky.

Rakky nods to Alrendo and brings her staff down with a solid sounding thunk between Quinten's ears, he staggers and rubs his head frowning at the otter as she then ignores him and turns to the others. "Everyone, tha ottest otroot competition starts now, ye all ave alf an hour ta cook yer hotroot, all of youse who want ta take part."

Lurakra stumbles over his own tail in surprise at that, "That's now? Why did nobody tell me that was coming up..." he continues grumbling to himself and clattering about as he quickly and clumsily sets to work

Skipai blinks slightly and looks at Quinten. "Please tell me y' thought of packing right?" The otter moving to where Quinten's backpack is and opens it up rummaging inside of it, his nose sticking into it now as he rummages about with a paw.

Hallow's ears perk a little at the announcement, she has a title to keep up from the last time they had this contest, granted that was just against the camp though and not every otter in the area. She quickly starts rummaging through her bag and heading for the fire to get started.

Alrendo laughs and jumps down from his rock, the bright albino's red eyes catching the fire light and glowing as otters start to rush for pots and ingredients. "We're telling ye know, ye all got ten minutes to get ready before I call a start to tha cooking time mateys." He flits amongst the brown otters and comes to a rest amongst a group of large brawny looking otters. Male and Females both but skippers all of them. Rakky meanwhile just laughs at Skipai and smiles, "A cook are we matey? Ye'll fit right in ye knoo." Quinten nods and looks over his shoulder still rubbinghis head. "In tha front pocket, a big pouch of tha stuff."

Skipai has quickly taken it out. "Quinten, matey. Use those great skills y' learnt in the patrol and get me a fire started before cooking time starts." The otter starts to pull off the hare's backpack as he wants to get at the other stuff inside there.

Lurakra clatters about preparing, starting with a pot and preparing his ingredients... before taking a look at something he has under his cloak and stopping abruptly. With a sigh, he sits back down, setting his things down, "No, I'm going to sit this competition out..." Amazed shocks go up from several of the otters at that.

Quinten lets the elderly otter take his backpack and moves up into the camp to raid the firewood pile, setting up a small driftwood cooking fire in no time. Just one of many that are spring up, each crew and clan seem to have made at least three or four, otters rushing about to help out their best cooks. Alrendo weaves over to Lura and frowns. "Wot ye doing? Ye have to take part you been looking forwards to this all season." Rakky smiles at Skipai running her eyes over his body and shaking her head. "Who fixed yer back otter? Tis a disgraceful job they did." )

Hallow doesn't hang about with the other otters too much of the time, too much youth and muscle, currently she stands by the fire though, sorting all to get herself ready for cooking, an ear twitches as she hears Lura's words and so looks up to him "Huh? Why's that now?"

Lurakra chuckles a litte and nods, "Aye, that I have... but something just doesn't feel there matey. Me cooking wont be right wi'out it." he gives a grin, "May the best cook win."

Skipai looks at Rakky and nods his head towards Quinten's way. "The hares that I live at." He takes out a spare empty cloth bag and begins to mess with the hotroot pepper pouring half into one of them as he walks over to where Lurakra is and holds out the paw with the small bag. "'ere, matey. Why miss out on all the fun. Y' can share half of my stock." The otter smiles.

Lurakra laughs a little, smiling back at the older otter as he reveals his own little bag of stock, "I got me ingredients matey. No, this one is missing from the ol' heart. It's not been right since we left camp. I'll stick wi' me third place cup this time round," he gives a grin and speaks a little more quietly, "Best of luck to ye though. Our Skipper needs a good bit of competition"

Hallow watches Lurakra for a while, mildly surprised before she slowly starts to get back to her work in preparing for her cooking, pots heating and ingredients being gathered besides it.

Somewhere on the muck, Zoe_Lang has connected.

Alrendo pats Lura's shoulder and nods before walking over to join the elderly Otter fixer Rakky, both of the judges jump up onto the large rock and sit down to keep an eye on the cooking and make sure there is no inter-clan sabotage going on. "Ok everyone five minutes left until tha cooking starts"

Skipai nods his head at Lurakra. "Thanks." He makes his way back to where Quinten is and slowly kneels down, wincing a bit as he does so. "Okay, please tell me y' like 'otroot as y' my taster, need t' be sure I'm on the right track here." The otter now rummaging through the bag that Quinten had on him, pulling out various bits and pieces, a small pot which is quickly filled with water and placed on the fire that the hare has made.

Lurakra gives a grin as he looks over the remaining competing otters, before stroking his chin thoughtfully. He disappears off to look in his own bag.

Hallow pauses for a little while to just look at her ingredients, tapping her chin with her spoon in thought as she tries to make sure she hasn't forgotten anything.

Quinten pulls a face annd shakes his head, "I can't stand tha stuff sah...Major Jarril made me drink a whole bowlfull ta sober me up when i got drunk once...but i'll taste it if aye ave ta." Rakky then raises her paws and calls out, "Ok Everyone, prep time is up, begin tha ottest otroot cookoff."

Skipai gives a grin to that one. "Ah, did he now, funny he never mentioned it." Picking up some seaweed, the otter places it into a small bowl and using a smooth stone begins to mash into it, breaking it apart into smaller pieces. "Well, y' may like mine, so we shall see."

Lurakra watches the competition at first, letting out a cheer in encouragement, but all the while keeping an eye on folks. Once he's sure no-one is watching, he slips off with his own bag of tricks and one of the smaller store bags, to make himself a nice seat by the river, watching the event still out of the corner of one eye.

Hallow pauses for one more second or two to take a deep breath, working it all out before she quickly gets to work finely cutting up a few vegetables and adding in other things from her little pile according to her own recipe.

Alrendo has watched Lura leave and smirks softly before turning back to keep an eye on everything, the albino and Rakky watching everyone it seems. Quinten meanwhile juust nods to SKipai,. "Ok well wot do you need me to help with?"

Skipai hmms as he looks at the small bowl and mashes it a bit more. "Get those vegetables cut in that pile. Use that cooking slab stone of mine. Once it's done, make sure its over the fire, be needing that in a moment for something else." The otter grins slightly as he dumps the crushed seaweed into the water. "Be quick mind." The otter takes a pinch of white powder from one small pouch and sprinkles it into the pot.

Lurakra keeps himself busy by the water, lowering something in to it with his tail, whilst he works on preparing something, too far away for anyone to see what.

Hallow doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything but her own pot for now, standing beside it and just stirring it for a while before she pulls out her small pouch of hotroot from home, hottest she knows of and only got about half of it left, a good little portion gets put into the pot and stirred in.

Rakky and Alrendo are talking quietly to each other only interferring from moment to moment to put a stop to any shenanigans going on. Quinten has settled down to obeying orders like a good private, chopping up the veg as ordered.

Skipai begins on the next task that he be doing once Quinten has finished and got the stone into place. Placing a piece of cloth on the ground, the otter begins to sprinkle flour over it as he leaves it where it is and picks up one of the potatoes and pulling a knife from his belt, he begins to peel two of them.

Lurakra mumbles away to himself, in high spirits still, set on his own project now. He ducks down to check his tail, before resuming his secretive work

Dandelion pages, "Hmm. Do I bring in Dana or not? It might be fun, but I'm sleepy..." to you.

Hallow is cooking away happily now keeping half an eye on the others, Alrendo has jumped down to go seperate some wavedogs and Galedeeps who where on the verge of starting a fight over fish. Rakky is watching the new arrival as he works Quinten helping him prepare everything quickly

Skipai is busy, his paws starting to get back to the full speed that he is used to with cooking for scores of hungry hares for several seasons. It doesn't take him long to deal with the potatoes, steal some of the cut veg that Quinten has prepared, dumping them on the cloth as he leaves them where they are. Quickly he pulls out a fish that he had caught with the hare's help along the way and begins to cut the head off, followed by the tail. Looking down with a thoughtful look, the otter carefully runs the knife down, taking away the bones, then discarding them to the side.

Up a bit on the beach, away from the water and fairly close to the forest is a small camp of mostly Long Patrol recruits. It's been quiet for the longest time, but now a straggler crawls out of one of them; A speckled buck crawls out backwards, blinking at the sun for a bit, and then groping around in the tent for a bit to find his tunic.

Lurakra gets more stuff from his bag without leaving his current seat, adding things to what seems like some sort of dish, with a grin on his face. He seems totally oblivious to most of the event now.

Hallow's stew is coming along nicely along with most other cooks it seems. Rakky spots the recruit leaving his tent and decides to go wake up their guests properly. Quinten meanwhile sticks close to Skipai helping him where needed, getting rid of the fish bones and generally just being useful.

Skipai ignores what is going on around him, the otter being busy mashing the potatoes now in the bowl that he had done with the seaweed before it. Pausing from time to time to add the vegetables into the boiling pot, the otter goes back to his other task in hand. Looking at

Quinten, only briefly he goes back to his task. Placing the bowl to the side he grabs the fish, cuts it in half and then cuts it into pieces, tossing them into the bowl as well until he has some fish left. Using a spoon, he gives it a stir before moving to where the stone slab is that Quinten placed over the fire. Spitting onto it he tests to see if it has reached the temp that he requires and goes back to tending to the rest of the fish.

Having fished out his tunic from the tent, Dandelion pulls it on and starts to get to his feet, buckling his belt and brushing sand off of his trousers.

Lurakra raises his head to peer over in the direction of the cooks, before sinking back down to his work, scooping out a pawful of water to add to his creation.

Alrendo claps his paws as he steps back up onto the rocks and calls out. "Ok cooks five minutes left, five minutes till it is all done. Rakky meanwhile has reached Dande and she prods him with her staff. "Rise an shine Private, about time ye got out of bed."

Dandelion turns around at the prod. "Wha'?" he asks, looking around to orient himself while quickly grooming his face and ears with his paws. "Uh. I'm awake, wot."

Skipai blinks and gets to work even faster, cutting the remaining fish into pieces, he begins to use his paws in putting mashed potato all around each one, adding more flour as he goes and placing them onto the hot stone slab. There are five in all, small round things being cooked there. Going back to his pot, the otter adds more hotroot, stirring it in as he moves back to the five small packages, turning them over as they begin to go golden brown, sprinkling hotroot pepper on them. Pausing for a moment he thinks and nods his head, pulling out from Quinten's pack another small pouch with a smile. Inside is the only spice that grows on the fire mountain, sprinkling the blue substance into the pot he stirs it with a grin. Seeing the small round potato and fish balls cooked on the stone, the otter takes a plate from the pack and carefully wraps each one in sea weed. Finally he gives the broth a taste and then nods his head, filling up a bowl, the otter finishing by sprinkling some cut seaweed on top of it.

Lurakra finishes sprinkling some more of his mixture together, before lifting his tail back out of the water with a grin. Seems whatever he was up to is ready

Alrendo stands up and claps, "OK times up, bring yer creations forwards ta tha rock." Rakky grins at Dande. "Good young un, we need three Judges fer this yer number three." She goes to grab Dande's arm and drag him back over towards Alrendo. )

Skipai nods at Quinten and then slowly gets up and looks at him. "I need help getting it over there." Using his cane, he carries the plate and looks to where Quinten is for him to carry the bowl as well.

Dandelion follows along, letting himself be tugged away by the otter. "Judge? For what?" he asks.

Lurakra starts to make his way back to the main group too at this point, carrying something carefully concealed under a cloth along with him. He makes sure to remain fairly unnoticeable though, not hard when such a big event is about to be judged

Quinten helps Skipai to move the plate over towards the rock Where Rakky has finally dragged Dandelion over, "Tha ottest otroot cookoff of course, now ye sit there and get ready tae try some onece everyone is ere."

Skipai places it down as he looks at Quinten with a grin, standing there he looks at the hare with a smile, whispering. "Wait til they get through the hotroot and that blue spice, got an extra kick t' it. Glad I found that growing last season."

"Hotroot?" Dandelion echoes lamely. "That stuff 'ey fed us before?"

Lurakra grins and sits himself down in a prime seat as he chuckles to himself, "I wonder if

ye'll all manage to take the heat."

Alrendo hands out spoons to the other two and Rakky chivvies Dande along to taste the first dish. "Come on ye two lets get down ta tasting." She nods to Lura and smiles at SKipai as Quinten grins softly, "Aye sah, i remmeber ye serving it at tha mess" )

Skipai nods as he looks at Quinten. "I've been thinking on calling it blue 'otroot, what y' think?" The otter looking at the judges before looking at the hare. "Or perhaps Fire Mountain spice? Not sure, what y' think, matey?"

Dandelion sniffs the dish gingerly, looking none too happy about starting his day by sampling hot dishes. "Hang on, I'll have go wake Dana... I mean, go find Dana. Don' want her to miss this..." he murmurs, shuffling off. "Save some for us, eh, Quint?"

Lurakra grins at Skipai, "Well I like the naming. Tis better than what meself could come up with!" After that he turns his attention back to the judging

Quinten chuckles as Dandelion runs for it and turns back to Skipai. "I like Blue Otroot sah..." Alrendo and rakky are moving along the line now, tasting and sampling everything, commenting on each dish to themselves. They finally reach Skipai and both go to try it. )

Dandelion heads back to the camp out by the forest at a none too quick pace. He doesn't want to be seen as running away, after all, and the sooner he gets to the camp and back, the sooner his excuse runs out.

Skipai remains quiet though he has a grin on it, the first time another otter will have a chance to sample the new spice, though it has the old style hotroot within it as well. It's just a thick vegetable broth with fish but the small fish and potato balls wrapped in seaweed have a thin crunchy shell and soft potato inside.

Lurakra doesn't manage to stay seated for long, standing and dancing from foot to foot in anticipation as the judging continues

Alrendo and rakky chatter quietly to one another before complimenting Skipai on the interesting and new flavour then then turnn to the last perosn Lurakra. )

Lurakra looks a little surprised at that, "What? I didn't do nothing mateys, honest!"

Skipai just nods his head back at them both before stretching slightly to get rid of an annoying pain starting again in his back, his paw gripping the cane a bit tighter.

The two judges look at each other and shrug, "If yer sure Lura....we'll announce tha winner."

Lurakra grins and nods, "Come on, we're all 'ere to 'ear who's the 'ottest 'otroot is!"

Alrendo srugs and turns to Rakky who nods having finished speaking to Quinten for something, "Very well then, tha ottest otroot ere tonight was our matey Skipai from Salamandastron" )

Skipai blinks... Stares.... And then blinks again.... "P..Pardon, matey?" The old otter flicks his ears up and then finally gets it as it clicks into his head. "Wow, my rudder didn't expect that one." He finishes with a smile.

Lurakra smacks his rudder down as he joins in a cheer with a large number of the other otters at that.

The cheer is indeed quite large once it spreads to everyone, the cry of Hullaballooo going up loudly, Alrendo smiles and winks at the elderly otter, "Yer tha champion mister Skipai yer award is tha Otroot Cup but we'll av e tae git it back off DSkipper Allow afore we hand it out."

Skipai is still pretty much in shock but he nods his head. "Of course, there's no rush."

Lurakra gives a grin as he steps forwards a little towards Skipai, "Well done to ye really though matey. We needed someone to give the ol' skipper a run for 'er money," he glances round at that, making sure he wasn't heard by Hallow.

Hallow is clapping along with everyone else and a group of burly otters move up behind SKipai, going to grab him gently and hoisrt him up. Carting him about like a sack of spuds whilst the otters cheer and shout out to him. )

Lurakra laughs to himself as he calls after the other cook, "Well if the crew ever let ye down, I did make something for ye and the judges whilst ye were working!"

Skipai finally laughs, lifting his cane up into the air as he shouts back to them all. Eventually though he looks down at the two otters and gives a signal for them to lower him back down again, his back finally not coping with it at all.

The pair of brawny chaps return Skipai to the rock depositing him on it alongside Rakky and Alrendo. The albino nudges the oldsters and grins, "Come on then Lura lets see this mystery"

Skipai nods his head as he looks at Lurakra questionably.

Lurakra laughs heartily as he removes the cloth from the dish he's been doing a very good job keeping other otters from nosing at, "Well me heart wasn't in making the 'ottest 'otroot, so thought I'd set to work on making the coldest coldfruit," under the cover is a fruit cocktail, made up from that brought along, and topped with a creamy sweet sauce of his own making, "Well ye need something to cool ye all down after all that hotness, so I had all this sat in yonder river. Ye'll not find colder round here," he pauses to give a rather sheepish look to the majority of the crew, "Sorry there's not going to be enough for all of ye, but we're not in the camp kitchens out here. I'll make it up though, ye have me word mateys!"

Rakky and Alrendo ooh and lean forwards their spoons at the ready, dipping into the cocktail. "Now this Lura...looks tempting.."

Skipai chuckles as he watches, looking at Lurakra. "Now that's what I call good thinking there."

Lurakra grins and nods, "I'm glad ye approve..." he then asides to Skipai quietly, "I've never heard ol' Al say anything I've done hasn't looked tempting mind. A good otter always follows his stomach!"

Rakky nudges Skipai and then goes to pop the spoon into the other oldsters mouth, "Less gabbin an more eatin." )

Skipai was about to reply back but he's got his muzzle full of cold food now, chewing and swallowing, he pulls the spoon out and chuckles. "Try cooking for the 'ares, they're bottomless, matey."

Lurakra grins and nods to Skipai, "I just hope there's no eatin' contest in this festival. I've not been warned of one at least..."

Alrendo chuckles as he loads up with another spoonful, "Oh we got eatin contests allright an tha otters vs tha hares tug o war as well." )

Skipai hmms on that one as he licks his spoon. "If my memory serves me right, I'm sure the patrol won a tug of war against their last badger lord once. Hmm, that be interesting to watch anyways." He finishes with a toothy grin.

Lurakra rubs his head and looks at the other otter cook with a grin, "Enjoy that cocktail whilst ye can then. After they've had me helping out the other cooks making food for that contest, I'll not want to set me eyes on a pot for a season!" he smacks his rudder down with a laugh, "Part of me thinks I should take meself off to start resting already!"

Quinten places a paw on Skipai's shoulder and nods, "Well done sah...an ave no fear we'll tug these otters orf thar paws ye knoo." Rakky laughs and takes a swipe at Quinten's head with her staff. "Och ye young rip just wait and see/"

Skipai chuckles. "Well, I be keeping out of that event anyways." Nodding his head, the otter moves slowly and sits down on the rock.

Lurakra grins and nods to Skipai, "I suspect they'll rope me into that tug 'o war..." he pauses, then laughs a little at his own unintentional joke, "Ooh, I'd best slip off before I make any other bad jokes," he gives a look round at the small group of hotroot competitors and judges, "Ye lot all enjoy the coolest coolfruit now y'hear, and no fighting!" he smacks down his rudder with a grin, before beginning to take himself back off to his own sleeping space.

Rakky waves a paw, "take care Lurakra an thank ye, now aye best go check oop on tha son oh mine so if ye will excuse." She hops off the rock and weaves off into the crowd. Alrendo stannds up and presses the cocktail in Skipai's paws. "I need to go grab Skipper Tonrer and settle a date for picking the Skipper oh Otters, am sure the Abbey'd be happy if we get our rudders in gear and pick one. So later Skipai." he nods and heads off )

- End Log