Redwall Fall Feast, Part 1 10-22-2015 (With some pre-feast stuff XD Also, sorry that it got long......)
Sorry for any and all typoes that I have missed.
RW Abbey: Great Hall
The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance. The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist. The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.
The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.
Soft light is slowly beginning to filter in through the stained glass windows high above your head.
Exits: Abbey's [Li]brary, [K]itchen, [C]avern [H]ole, [B]reezeway, [En]try, [Stairs]
Contents:
a message (board) with notes tacked to it
The day of the feast has come! For those of the abbey its a mirthfull if frenzied time as beasts go about their duties to prepair for this joyus occasion. For Rascal it just means that breakfast will be late and that he will be trying to find a way to keep himself out of dreaded work. Not that anyone so far has tried to press gang him into labor with a bandaged wrapped around his waist. The fox moves slowly, avoiding a collision with several beasts in an effort to find an open table where he can enjoy his stew in peace...relatively speaking.
Benar walks into the hall, early for a change, he usually turns up quite late to these things. But then it can't actually start without him! For now though he starts to mingle with the crowd, chattering and enjoying himself with their company
Muzzle wet with stew the fox looks up at the abbots appearance. "Benar! He-hey benar!" Stew forgotten the fox leaps to his feet. He half walks half limps, clutching at his side where he was stabbed. The memory is still vivid, the feeling of metal running through his side...it was worse than getting shot with an arrow. "Benar! I need to talk with you!"
Thomas has been spending his time here at Redwall leisurely, although today, the sound of commotion draws him down the stairs curiously. Tap-tap-tap. The mouse enters Great Hall slowly, careful not to bump into anybeasts, tapping his staff.
Benar turns from his conversation with one of the sisters and regards Rascal, "You know Rascal it is very bad manners to start eating the food before I open the feast. Now how can I help you?"
The fox chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his neck as he smiles, "Yesh, sorry about that. Just be happy that the food doesn't pour out, am I right?" As a jest the fox pats his wounded side, wincing as he does. "Hey listen...I was wanting to talk to you about something important. B-but only if you have time for it cause it isn't THAT important, well, it kind of is. For me at least. Cause it might determine if I end up as a rug hide for a band of very unsavory beasts but you know how that goes, am I right?" The fox isn't making much since and continues to ramble.
Thomas continues tapping his staff, making his way along past the Abbot and fox.
Benar folds his hands inside the sleeves of his habit and nods at Rascal, "I always have time Rascal, what do you need to ask me?" He looks at the mouse and smiles, "Hi there, Thomas isn't it?"
The fox glances at the mouse, then the abbot. His foot taps nervously. "I was...well...see...thing is, there might possibly maybe be a group of shrews in the surrounding area. They have been camping out, staying away from redwall but just close enough that their camp fires can be seen. They are the ones who shot me a while back and..." The fox rubs his paws together and his eyes widen out, giving both beasts a pitiful puppy dog look. "Can I claim sanctuary?"
Thomas stops short, somewhat startled. "Oh, hello." The fox's pitiful look goes nowhere with Thomas: he is blind. "You seem to have me at a disadvantage, sir. You know my name, but I'm sorry, I don't yet know yours."
Benar tilts his head to one side, regarding Rascal, "So that is why they have been hanging around. I did wonder, what did you do Rascal? Sanctuary is something I can grant but only if you tell me the truth?" He then turns to the mouse, "I am Abbot Benar, I get told the names of every beast who comes into the abbey and there is only one blind mouse on the list right now."
Again the fox looks nervously at the blind mouse. This wasn't something he really wants spread around the abbey. But... "What is truth right?" The fox laughs until he realizes that such a joke would probably not be appropriate for the circumstances, or audience. "I assure you their crimes are biased against foxes. I admit that I kind of stole from them. Nothing important though, just some food and water...maybe a coin or two. But I had nothing to do with that dead shrew. I wasn't even anywhere near him when he died!"
There is a pause and then the fox taps his chin, "Ok...maybe I should have started with that last part /first/..."
Thomas smiles. "Oh, well, it is my pleasure to meet you, sir. This is a fine Abbey you have here, in every way. Your hospitality and good food truly live up to the reputation. I am sure it is beautiful, as well, but I cannot be a judge of that, I'm afraid." He then regards the fox sightlessly, leaning on his staff. "Dead shrew, sir? Sounds fishy to me."
Benar regards Rascal quietly, just looking into his eyes and waiting, watching, not saying anything, letting the fox speak all under his unwavering gaze.
Leon walks in from the stairs, stopping to see whom is here become coming the rest of the way into the room.
(Lacota is, meanwhile, busy preparing in the kitchen.)
The fox gulps, taking a step back. "So, yeah. I came into this shrew camp and while I was rummaging through one of hte tents I found this shrew just laying there, stabbed in the heart. And then the shrews came in and they have been chasing me ever since!" The fox tries to smile nervously, "Come on, do I look like a murderer to you? I mean, you saw how i got stabbed back there in the caverns. I hardly put up a fight...while singing and dancing even..."
Benar looks at Rascal for a long moment more, "You may have Sanctuary, so long as you abide by the rules of the abbey. It is a haven for all. Break our rules however and I will withdraw our hospitality." He nods to the fox then turns to Thomas, "I am glad you have heard good things about the abbey and I do hope you will enjoy tonight's feast."
Krystal peeks in from the entry and then slips into the great hall and sits down in a chair by the steps.
"I can't even see you, sir," Thomas replies, drily. "I can, however, judge your voice. You do not *sound* like a murderer." He then nods to Benar. "Thank you, sir. I am looking forward to it, greatly."
The fox continues on, "I know I know, i mean who in the their right mind would admit a beast like me? But I'm sure that if you-wait...you said yes?" The fox stands in shock, knees wobbling. He didn't think that would work. "You mean...you mean I...I...I need to sit down-" The fox falls to the ground, nearly fainting and over turning a table. He is quickly back on his feet, scurrying away, "I'm ok. My pride broke my fall..."
Zinnia walks down from the library stairs, with her is Brother Boaz and they...or rather only he, is talking "But that's not helpful, just a quill pen and couple blank journals?" The badger shrugs, it can't be THAT hard to be temporary recorder right? She sits by the fireplace away from most as the vole sighs. Also Silverstorm arrives, unlike the others she seems in a rather cheerful mood and is wearing a dress today...a bit unlike Silverstorm but it is a feast after all so she decided to wear one.
Benar says, "Indeed I said yes, welcome to Redwall Rascal, our time in that underground cavern has convince me of your sincerity. I hope you are not lying to me however... I will be very disappointed if I find out you are. Now then I must take my seat before Lacota's cooking gets cold.""
(Lacota is still busy, but he has a special something planned for Krystal later.)
"Excuse me, though. Which way to the tables?" Thomas taps his staff along the floor again. "I do not need help, though."
(Lee arrives with his wife and three kids, too. Rosepaw has learned to walk very well now.)
Leon is already here, Caleb is helping in the kitchens.
The fox doesn't really hear what the abbot says. He is just too excited that it worked. It actually worked, it actually worked! And he even told the truth! Well...most of it. The details were not important... walking outside to grab a breath of fresh air Rascal sighs in deep contentment. Things were finally starting to look up for him.
At least until a slew of beasts parade through the gate. Liam Grey chuckles and laughs with those around him. The obese pinemarten is surrounded by shrews, about a dozen of them. "I must say, you lot are very kind, helping my cart out of that ditch. I would hate to miss showing off my wine at the abbey feast!"
"oi! We would hate to miss your wine as well!" The head shrew jests, jabbing the marten in the side. "We /always/ come for the abbey feasts..." the shrew passes a glance towards the fox and smiles broadly while pointing his finger at him like one would a cross bow.
Rascal only twitches an eye as they walk past him and into the abbey. "ah well...pellets..."
Benar moves over to his seat, settling down into the comfortable cushions and leans over to murmur to a novice, sending them off to ask Lacota if things are ready and he can open the feast. He raises a paw, "Zinnia my dear, did you pick a name for the season?"
Thomas is still tapping along. He may be going the wrong way.
Zinnia looks at Benar, she had not been expected to pick a name, but she is also not one to displease anyone, but she also seems to rather not talk today, she instead writes down a name on her journal and shows it to him. Silverstrom and Boaz has decided to sit down.
(Lacota rather irritably replies to the novice that it is indeed ready, but that he will inform Benar himself. Which he does, marching out of the kitchen. "Benar, we are ready.")
Benar smiles and reads the words in Zinnia's journal then squeezes her paw and motions to a chair next to him, "Join me at my table, DoraRose please can you join my table as well." He smiles as Lacota comes marching toward him and smiles, "Well Lacota once again from the smells permeating the room you have out done yourself again!" he stands up, "Ok everyone, please can you take your seats I am afraid it is time for my speech."
Leon looks over at Benar and Zinnia from where he sits.
DoraRose comes into the Hall, followed closely by LilyMoore. They are wearing matching deep blue dresses. As the Warrior makes her way over to Leon, the young mousemaid walks over to the blind mouse and says quietly, "Sir, do you need any help?" Angela comes down the main stairs and tries to catch the Abbot's attention before he--nope, too late. Phooey. She is not dressed in anything fancy, showing that she had been working on something. The old healer hobbles over to near the Abbot and takes a seat, hoping to talk to him before too long.
Thomas is still searching for a seat, but he finds one, at last. Lee sits at the head table, if allowed, and Lacota, of course, glares at a young novice that dared to occupy his seat at the same table.
Zinnia nods , she will go sit with the abbot, but only cause its the abbot who asked and if anyone else had asked she would of shaken her head no for an answer. She walks slowly to follow Benar and sits by him quietly.
Benar smiles at Leon, "Sit next to Zinnia and Dora if you would Leon." he then grins at Lee, "Captain Lee, good day, how are the guards manning the tunnel entrance? I hope you've made arrangements to take them some food so they don't miss out on all of this."
DoraRose nods and sits beside the Recorder. Angela is sitting as close to them as she can, hoping to catch the Abbot before he gets any food, mean thing that she is.
Krystal sits with a couple novices as others start coming into the room.
Thomas smiles at the mousemaid. "Ah, thank you, lass. Is this a chair in my paws? I don't normally need help, but this hubbub has me turned around."
Leon nods "Sure Benar" He then goes to sit with Benar, Zinnia and Dorarose. Caleb meanwhile comes out of the kitchens and finds a seat close to his sister and grandma.
(Lacota gestures to Krystal. "Krystal, please, I would be honored if you joined me at my place at the head table, as my guest..." Lee, meanwhile, gets his family settled, then nods to Benar. "Indeed I do. They won't miss out, I 'ave it unner control.")
Krystal smiles as she sees Lacota and nods as she goes over to sit where he is, "I would like that Lacota..thank you."
Lily smiles, and the sound of it carries into her voice. "Yes, it is. Do you need any help getting food? I can help you, if you'd like."
Benar says, "Brilliant that is just what I wanted to hear Lee," he smiles at the otter then stands up and spreads his hands, "Everyone, I'd like to welcome you to Redwall today for the Autumn Feast. Friar Lacota has been working all week to bring this repast to our tables but before we can start with the eating I have just a few things to say. I hope you can bear with me all for this, I won't be long I promise"
DoraRose listens politely, and goes to hold her husband's paw. Angela suppresses a sigh and settles herself down for a wait.
Leon listens quietly to what Benar has to say.
(Silverstorm looks up at the abbey and smiles as she waits. Brother Boaz is sitting by a couple order beasts and listens carefully to what is about to be said.)
Zinnia stays silent, but she has been silent a lot lately as Abbot Benar gets ready to speak to the abbey beasts.
Thomas nods at the mousemaid. "Normally, I wouldn't accept any help, but you sound like a pretty lass, so I'll make an exception." He smiles, settling into his chair. "Thank you."
Sat with some other dibbuns, Sina does not take the delay well. She doesn't want to listen to a speech, she wants food. "Naaaaaoooo! 'Ung'ee!" She whines.
(Lacota gives the recalcitrant dibbun a fixed, wilting glare. "Silence, or you get nothing.")
Krystal waits quietly and looks over at the dibbun and blinks, before focusing on the Abbot again.
Benar smiles softly at the sound of protesting dibbuns and leaves it to Lacota to deal with and carries on, "Today the Autumn is in full swing, our harvest is all in and our stockpiles of food are filled to bursting. We are gathered here today to thank the world for its bountiful harvest but to say farewell to three of our friends who are going to be undertaking a journey on my behalf. Zinnia, Leon and DoraRose shall be leaving tomorrow to travel to Salamandastron. I have named Zinnia my ambassador to the hares and the Badger Lord to let them know of our recent news and troubles. So I want you all to join with me in wishing them good luck during the Autumn of Travelling Companions."
Sina fluffs her tail and pouts while glaring back at Lacota. "'tinkytail..." She mutters and huffs while Benar gives his speech.
DoraRose smiles softly at the grumping Dibbun, then nods along with the Abbot's speech. Angela sighs. She had forgotten that little fact during the little emergency in the Infirm. Lily blushes up to the tips of her ears, but manages to say, "Er, uh, thanks...." she trails off as the Abbot begins to speak, then bows her head, looking sad.
"And you're welcome," Lily adds.
Zinnia keeps her paws folded in her lap as she still stays silent, she has made sure the 3 are ready for the trip and will later pack a few other things she will keep in her own backpack.
( Lee sighs, as well, but for what reasons, he won't reveal. )
Sina kicks her footpaws impatiently and causes her chair to wobble, to produce a clacking sound on the stone floor. "Naaaaaaooooo...." She whines again, but quietly as though that will stop the adults nearby from hearing it.
(Lacota makes a mental note to give Sina dishwashing duty for three days.)
Leon smiles as he nods about the trip. He glances over at Zinnia but doesn't say anything and looks back to the crowd of abbey beasts.
Thomas nods to Lily again, as he turns his attention to the Abbot's speech. "A trip, huh?"
Brother Boaz listens, he knows about the trip and when they will return, he is not sure weather he should be keeping abbey logs now or after today, but just in case he will write down a couple quick things now.
"Wanna go onna twip!" Sina pipes up suddenly as she realizes the grownups are talking about something that sounds fun.
Benar says, "I am afraid you will have to wait a little while longer before you are old enough to travel to Salamandastron young one." He smiles softly, "Now then it is with great pleasure that I declare this the feast of Autumn open! Let's all enjoy ourselves and Lacota's cooking.""
Krystal chuckles as she smiles, she is happy today it seems.
Sina immediately has a tiny frown at the abbot as she's told she's not old enough to go.
"You are not too young, however, for dishwashing duty," Lacota says, as a veiled threat, "Remember that."
Sina turns her frown on Lacota and blows a raspberry.
(Caleb smiles at the notice of the feast now starting, he had made Pumpkin bread and some apple pie as well, he also helped make some current and raspberry scones and all turned out very good. He has become better at cooking than he was a season ago and it shows in the kitchens that he enjoys cooking a lot.)
Angela quickly stands and comes over to the Abbot, going to tap him on the shoulder. "Abbot Benar? Can I tell ye somethin' privately?" Lily nods sadly. "Aye, my Mom and Dad are going with Zinnia. I hope they all come home safely. .....do you need help getting food?" She asks with false happiness. Dora goes to get food and pauses by her son. Going to rest a paw on his shoulder, she asks, "So. Which do you think I should try first? I want some of everything that you've made."
(Lacota has outdone himself, though. Five tables are laden with cheeses, scones, stews, Deeper'n'ever'turnip'n'tater pie, Hotroot and shrimp stew, pies, flans, cookies, tarts, bread, salads, three different fish dishes, 10 cakes, and several puddings.)
(Silverstorm grins and gets some veggie soup, some peach pie and some salad and cordial before sitting down again.)
There are drinks in abundance, too.
Sina swings her footpaws again, making her chair make noise impatiently as she waits to be given a portion of food and a drink of her own.
Thomas smiles. "I'd be glad for the help, lass, thank you."
Brother Boaz, carefully sits down the jornal he has and frowns, what to eat as he is a fairly picky eatter and yes he is a picky eatter as an adult, he decides simple salad and bread is fine with a couple berry scones and a glass of water.
(Lee gets food for his wife, who is feeling poorly again.)
Benar smiles at Angela as helps himself to a large slice of pie, "Of course Angela, but why do I get the feeling this is going to dampen the good mood? Can it not wait until tomorrow?"
Leon gets some food for himself, Caleb gets some food as well and chats with a novice as he has them try the pumpkin bread he made and smiles as they say they like it.
Rosepaw, Lee's daughter, gets away, and finds Sina. "H-hi."
Sina tries a piece of cheese that's been cut for her and placed with some other things on her plate. Finding it's one of the cheeses without the nutty bits she likes she rubs it on the table, smearing it, before turning and fixing Rosepaw with a surprised stare. "'ewwo..."
Krystal looks around at all the beasts and smiles, she sighsa little as she is missing her friend, a bee is usually with her but since its almost winter its gone to sleep for till spring.
(Lacota directs the novices, and also keeps an eye on Krystal. "Shall I get you a plate, my dear?")
Krystal smiles "Thank you...Lacota."
Rosepaw beams a smile. "Ya wike cheese?"
DoraRose is getting food. LilyMoore smiles and says, "What would you like? My brother helped make allot of the food, so you /know/ it's all good." Angela smiles slightly. "Well, I don't know if 'tis good news or bad, son--er, Abbot. It's just, there's a huge golden eagle in the Infirmary. She's big, and strong. She came seeking aid for a broken wing, but while we were setting the bone, uh, ah.....she was sitting on a cot, and she flexed her talons in pain and, um....broke the bed."
Sina shakes her head and rubs the cheese she's got on the table again, smearing it across the table further. "N' nutnuts!" She explains and then gets a naughty grin. "Watch 'tinkytail..." She tells Rosepaw and then flings the cheese at Lacota.
Thomas smiles again. "I'm glad to try anything, lass."
Rayen is a little late for the feast, but she had an excuse and that is the sleeping infant fox in her arms, the foxcub is but a couple weeks old, she sits down in an off to the side area and smiles at the others as she is here.
Benar says, "Ah..." he chuckles softly and shakes his head, "Well that isn't the first time a bed has been broken in the infirmary. I am sure we can get it fixed or replaced so tell our guest not to worry about it." he smiles softly then reaches out and pours himself a drink then nudges one toward Angela, "Now sit down and join me for a drink and some of this treacle tart.""
(Lacota grabs a plate, and loads it up with the best of the best, then returns it to Krystal. "By the way, Krystal, I have something important to say, when I can.")
Leon nods "Yes an eagle...hopefully she behaves herself while here"
Nightbreath walks into the Great Hall, and lowers his hood. He cruises over to the table, nodding in greeting to a few beasts, and goes towards Angela. "Greetings. I assume I am welcome here?" Meanwhile, Zarok, in his novice's robes, charges up from Cavern Hole, where he and Terfil had been hanging out and lost track of time. He sprints up to Benar and prepares for a tacklehug.
Krystal looks up at Lacota and smiles "If its to ask if I am ok, I am...just maybe still a little sad about Buzz...he and the other bees are asleep till spring now you know"
Zinnia is quietly eatting some soup and sipping cordial.
Benar is sat in his chair talking to Angela when suddenly his chair goes over under a sudden assault of HUGE monitor child. He yells as with an almighty BANG the chair slams into the floor. "Zarok.... careful!"
Sina gives a scream at the loud noise.
(Lacota is hit square in the back of the head with cheese, and he yells.)
Rayen frowns and looks over at...well this is turning out to be an intresting feast so far. And somehow the infant in her arms sleeps though this.
Rosepaw's eyes go wide. "Wa ya do dat for?"
Sina looks back at Rosepaw with eyes as wide, shocked by the loud bang and screws up her face as she starts to cry.
Krystal frowns, "You ok Lacota?"
Rosepaw winces.
Zarok looks contrite, and his face scrunches up as well, looking all crinkly. "Sssssorry," he whispers. Terfil takes this opportunity to try to lift Benar up. At which he naturally fails.
"I am not ok! That welp just threw cheese at my head!"
Off in the corner of the room a pair of beasts try to avoid the hustle and bustle of a feastly feast. By this point Rascal's stomach is already giving him some trouble. "I have...never eaten so much pie in my life..." next to the red fox sits Liam. The pine marten is dressed in only his best. Fine silk vests and and tunics. Liam looks to the fox and then down to his own gut, which is easily pressed against the table making it hard to reach the food in front of him. "Light weight."
(Lee is keeping out of the chaos.)
Zinnia can easyly help Benar back to his chair, if he still needs help that is.
Said 'welp' continues to cry after the loud bang but it's only shock and will pass quick enough if nothing else upsets Sina.
Something raps loudly at the outer doors - one, twice-thrice, and once more, as if the knocker isn't quite sure of how to gain entry.
DoraRose goes to help some of the Order members calm the wailing Dibbuns who are being frightened by all the commotion. Lily has gotten Thomas a plate and goes over to help her mother. Angela gets distracted by a Novice tugging on her and excaliming, "That eagle! She's threatened to peck Sister Katheryn! Please hurry!!!" And they're off.
This was continued in this log http://rwmuck.limitless.org/rwmuck/content/redwall-feast-10-22-15-part-2 Thanks for reading!
Groups:
