Redwall log-Hare Needs Serious Advice
October 28, 2016
Location
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.
Characters
- Oz -- Papa Oz and caretaker of dibbuns at Redwall
- Benar -- Abbot of Redwall
- Caleb -- Novice of Redwall
- Alise -- Hare and visitor to Redwall
- Ena -- Otter visitor to Redwall
- spoofed dibbuns, Sister Ginny and Novice Holly
Hare Needs Serious Advice
It’s right after lunch and the dibbuns are of course restless as Oz and Sister Ginny round them up, then speaks "Alright calm down all, we can do some things outside another day it’s very windy and it smells of rain" The dibbuns all pout, one just smiles and stays close to the badger, she is a fox dibbun named Juliana, another a mouse says "Yeah rain is dumb, cold air"
Alise is sitting in a chair, this weather is messing up her chance to go to Ferravale, she had...well business to take care of. She watches the dibbuns quietly and yawns,"Yeah tell me about it...like good grief"
Caleb enters as he nods "Rain is good for growing things, as well as cleaning, and we all need water to drink, we also save rainwater for baths, cooking and yeah drinking and water feeds the plants and trees and helps the fish in the pond and rivers" He smiles "Hello Papa Oz, need any help with the dibbuns today, I could read them a story"
Benar enters as he speaks with a couple order beasts and upon seeing Caleb he walks over "Greetings Novice Caleb how are you today and greetings to all of you."
Oz nods "Father Abbot....today is fair enough, some rain and wind but it is late autumn after all" He nods to Caleb "A story may be good, or perhaps something else even they do hear a story a lot"
Alise sighs, she thinks of asking of any stories of about 8 seasons ago and decides to just wait, "Maybe rainy day activities or sumthing lads and lasses"
Caleb smiles "My day is good Abbot Benar, been doing well in my studies also" He hmms and grins "Be right back!" He leaves but soon returns with another novice as they are carrying red, yellow, and orange finger paints in jars and some paper" The dibbuns can paint and me and Novice Holly will even clean up afterwards" The vole maid with him nods as she smiles.
Benar nods "That’s a wonderful indoor idea, and I know your lessons are going well...you have worked hard and have helped my daughter Thorn very well in her reading and writing, and finding actives for the dibbuns is very good, as is helping. All good novice traits and well on your way to a Brother in the order one day"
Oz nods as he gives the ok, the dibbuns cheer and sit quietly waiting to paint, the badger smiles "I have noticed young Thorn is happier than she has been in the past, which is good cause no beast should ever be unhappy at the abbey"
Alise just listens, she finally grows curious "I umm....think anyone can help me find out more about someone around like 8 seasons ago?" She then waits on a reply.
Caleb sits out paints and some bowls of water, he and Holly will make sure the dibbuns don't get too messy, he looks over at the hare maid "A lot of beasts come and go from the Abbey miss hare, some live here, some stay only a while and then leave and a lot has happen in the past 8 seasons. I am unsure whom looks after the logs since Sister Zinnia left but they are still keep in very good order. Even an ABC order, sort of like my father does in the infirm with the healing herbs."
Benar sits down in a chair nearby "Yes Novice Caleb you have done very well in the last few weeks, helping out where you can and helping Thorn learn her reading and writing with the tutoring lessons you gave her. You have demonstrated a good work ethic in always paying attention, working hard and being on time. You take things serious when it was needed and get along well with others in the abbey, you also are helping Papa Oz with the dibbuns today without being asked, another very good trait to have. You have grown a lot this past seasons also in your ways and I believe gained some wisdom"
Oz sits nearby and listens as the dibbuns giggle and paint, they ty to be careful to not make a mess as they draw and pain leaves, some clouds and one makes a stick figure of a mouse jumping in leaves. He tilts his head towards the hare" Any certain name you wish to find ?"
Alise nods as she speak "His name is or was Marek and he has answers I wish to find" That or she just wants him dead, but she keeps that part to herself.
Caleb smiles as he feels proud of himself. He then stops a dibbun from eating a paintbrush and shows them how to paint a nice line and chuckles a little, this is fun and relaxing. He briefly looks over at Alise when Marek is mentioned.
Benar turns to look at the hare maid "Marek does have some...history in this place, but your need to read more of that in our logs. He has changed and lives in Ferravale at this time, why do you seek him for?"
Oz listens for now, a dibbun climbs into his lap looking tried, luckily one of them that stayed less messy when painting.
Caleb stays helping the dibbuns with painting so he listens only a little bit.
Alise looks at the floor, her eyes narrow some" Does it matter. I have my reasons and it’s not like ya abbey needs to know them"
Benar adjusts his glasses and frowns, "It is polite to ask and going to Ferravale on one's own is not always wise depending on what it is you seek. Our records do have a good deal of info or perhaps other beasts can be asked." He then clears his throat looking to Caleb" I did want to mention something to you Novice Caleb, when you have some time"
Caleb stands and goes over to the abbot "Yes Abbot Benar, I have time now sir" Holly stays to help the dibbuns, so far they seem to be behaving well. And there is still Sister Ginny and Papa Oz just in case and both novices know that.
Loud, somewhat bawdy, and not something worth repeating in polite company are all ways that the song from the breezeway might be described. This becomes a jaunty whistle before the sea otter finally makes her entrance. A grin splits her muzzle at the sight of the beasts gathered and, before she's taken a chance to properly read the situation, a jovial "Hallo mates!" Has left her lips. Perhaps she's been swimming in the pond, for her usual salty odor is mingled with that of pondweed and her outer fur still appears to be somewhat damp; it dampens her clothes and drips just a little on the floor as she crosses toward the fire place.
Alise just folds her arms over her chest and leans back in her chair, she isn't talking right now as her ears slowly droop and a frown appears as she stares at the floor.
Benar smiles as he pulls something out of his pocket, a white leaf and dark red leaf charm as he smiles "I believe you have earned these Novice Caleb and at my feast perhaps the acorn pin, to show your rank of 2nd level novice" He then glances at the otter and frowns a little "Dear me, you need a towel." He also goes glace over at Alise but leaves her to her quietness for now, she will talk when she wants to.
Caleb gets the charms and smiles, he goes to hug Benar "Thanks....oh!" He looks at the otter and then Benar "I can get a towel for her" He rushes off and finds one to offer her "Here miss" He also offers a smile.
Oz tilts his head to listen to the others, the dibbun in his lap has fallen asleep as the others are finishing up with painting, some are led away to wash paws by Sister Ginny and a couple stay to finish their paintings. The paintings will be placed somewhere out of the way to dry.
The otter holds her paws out to the fire place, glancing at the sulking hare with a quizzical expression, before grinning at Benar and then the rather chipper seeming Caleb. "Oh, don't y' worry 'bout th- Oh!" Caleb's eagerness delivers a towel into her paws before she can protest and she smirks but uses it anyway. "Thank y' lad, much 'preciated!" It seems at this point she finally notices the dibbuns and Ena apologizes. "Ah-huh. Sorry. I was hav'n' a bit 'f a singsong b'fore I came in. 'Ope it weren't too loud."
Alise just shrugs, and mutters " Gonna just have to get my own bally answers." She looks to the doorway as if about to leave.
Benar says, "It is alright miss....what is your name? I am Abbot Benar and these are my friends "Oz" He points to the badger and nods towards Caleb "And this is Novice Caleb, I am afraid I do not know whom our hare guest is. I do welcome you to my abbey"
Oz nods his name is mentioned "Greetings to you, it is nice to meet you and it’s alright this abbey does have its times things get loud, as well as quiet times"
Caleb waves "Hello miss otter will you be staying long?" He helps to clean up any mess. "I need to do some more chores, it was nice to meet you" He waves as he excuses himself and heads off, Holly follows and heads out as well to do whatever chore is needed.
The sea otter seems mollified fairly easily, quickly grinning again once she's assured that she hasn't been too loud by Benar and Oz, and seems genuinely pleased to be learning names and meeting the others. "Y' all keep on bein' the friendliest folks! Pleasure t' meet y'all. M' name's Ena. So, th' Abbot, eh? Means y're the defacto Skipper o' Skippers f'r the place? Got nothin' but compliments f'r the ship y' run!" She smiles at Caleb, trying to answer his question even as he heads off. "I'll be 'ere awhile if 'm welcome! By m' whiskers, 'e's a busy seemin' lad!"
Benar chuckles "All our novices are fairly busy helping around when they can, all beasts here do their part to help keep the abbey running. We recently just finished with the harvest and it went very well this year. My feast should go well as well, it had to wait a few more days when we had a couple unexpected guests show up, but it was very good news"
Oz smiles "Yes Xander being found and retuned to us was very good news indeed, though I have yet to hear any details on that"
Alise finally speaks " Rescued by a wildcat and a couple ferrets...ferrets are dead, wildcat isn’t. Corporal Flint be best to ask anything else of or some...Private Felicity maybe, sure they are around somewhere"
"Oh, congratulations f'r all that then! Can't say I know much 'bout 'arvests an' all that farmin' stuff. Ain't much call f'r it in m' life, b'yond 'otroot. Sure do like eatin' th' stuff though!" A look of recognition crosses her face. "Xander! Met th' lad. 'E's a quiet chap, 'e is. Touchin' stuff yesterday; met Zee then saw 'em together. Glad y' got 'im back; 'e was clearly missed by a lot o' folk." Ena then looks at the hare and seems to realize something else. "Ah, I b'lieve I've 'ad the pleasure of meetin' the Corporal too! Y' really are all a friendly bunch, i's quite somethin'!"
Benar nods "I have yet to check on Xander. Him being quiet is unlike him but hopefully being back home will help. I do hope so as he was missing, even though dead for two seasons. I will need to talk to the two long Patrol hares soon as well, perhaps invite them to the feast if they are still around the abbey"
Oz frowns "I hope Xander gets better soon as well, he has most likely been through a lot during that time"
Alise sighs a little "Yeah....but least he has family, my parents were killed when I was only like a season old, and...and my aunt and uncle died recently, not from...not killed, Uncle was ill and died and my aunt died of depression of losing him" Some tears go down her face now.
"Well, 'e's back wi' people 'oo love 'im, an' in the right place e'en disregardin' that from th' liddle I've gott'n t' glimpse, if a stranger's 'pinion means more 'an nowt t' y' all!" Ena smiles softly "Reckon 'e'll be a'right. Y' might be riskin' a shorter feast invitin' hares- no offense, lass- but 'ey'll 'ave some grand tales t' make up f'r eatin' everythin' if they're any owt like the long ears I've met b'fore!" Alise's words, of course, create a bit of a shift in her demeanor, and the sea otter looks toward the hare maid again. "Aye, lass. Tha's hard. Y' had 'em enough t' love 'em though. They'd want y' puttin' that full 'eart o' love t'ward lovin' an' 'elpin' others cope with loss like y've 'ad to, I'd reckon?"
Oz listens as the hare maid speaks " Losing loved ones can be hard, a lot has lost loved ones and cooped in different ways, some not so good ways but friends do help and any other you may still call family could help as well"
Benar says, "The abbey is here to help you if needed miss...ummmmm" He still has no name for the hare maid.
Alise sighs "Alise, my name is Alise I grew up in Halyard but my parents were here once...."Her ears droop "They....d..died here 8 seasons ago helping the abbey during a take over"
"'Alyard. Small world. Spent a liddle time there m'self." Ena muses to herself, before commenting further. "Sounds like 'ey came t' be 'eroes o' the place, then, eh? Ain't taken o'er now. Y're here t' see what they felt was worth comin' t' save. Mayhap bring y' some closure, wi' a bit o' time... I ain't no spiritual beast though." She looks toward Oz, and then the Abbot, obviously considering them to be more suited to advise the doe.
Oz says, "getting over lost can take time, yes and sometimes certain things help with getting over it, but one never fully gets over loss...before I came here I lost my mate and child, still think of them sometimes, pain of loss isn’t there as strong now, but it was very strong for...well few seasons and meetings beasts here, making friends...becoming caretaker of the dibbuns, it all helped me"
Benar says, "Perhaps talking of it will help as well"
Alise frowns " I..I don’t know. But" And she seems to refocus "Their killer is still alive I learned, maybe finding and taking him out will help also" She just a little...peeved.
"Aye, 's always there. Just dulls in th' ache 'f it, 'specially when y've got beasts t' natter 't 'way wi' y'..." Ena agrees with the pair of abbey beasts, but frowns with a little concern at Alise. "Vengeance. 'S a dark path, mind, lass. Ain't m' business t' talk n' beast from their own path, but that un's a shady place..."
Benar frowns "Hate is never the answer, revenge is wrong on something that happen seasons ago. Seeking answers can be wise if done the correct way, but not wishing to end a life"
Oz has an idea whom she speaks of "And beasts can change after time, perhaps this beast has if its whom I think you speak of"
Alise glares "Vermin don’t change, THEY DON'T. They ruin lives and go about their merry way. Why is he still alive? Why no one killed the stoat yet~!" She shakes her head" And from records he is in Ferravale and supposedly helped ya all once, well bet that was a LIE a TRICK. I will get answers and then end his Stupid life!!"
Ena winces at the hare maid’s outburst and proclamation. "Lass. We can understand y'r anger. I c'n e'en appreciate y'r desire. 'Tain't right though, an' the badger, Oz, speaks the truth. A beast c'n change wi' time... Y' might regret y'r actions if y' carry out y'r plans. Even if y' don't 's much as I think, y' might not get the satisfaction that y're wantin' from it. Then y'd be left wi' no more outlet 't all..."
Benar manages to stay calm as he speaks "Alise...do take time to think. I do know of whom you speak, you speak of Marek and he has changed his ways since that time. And revenge is never a good thing and revenge will not bring back loved ones and may even make things worse. It can led to hate and hate can build up, please rethink your actions and take that time while you stay here. I cannot make you stay this is true, or make a decision for you, you need to do that on your own. "He glances at an order brother and nods "I must do some last moment planning for my feast, please excuse me and if you need to talk my door is always open, open to any beast." He then heads off with the order beast.
Oz frowns, he listens as Benar heads out and turns to the hare maid " He is correct, rethink your actions"
Alise shakes her head "Why? Rethink what he murdered them and others I don’t care if it was sooooooooo long ago"
The sea otter sits and puts her legs out toward the fireplace, sitting down comfortably. She's quiet for a few moments, listening to the Abbots advice and Oz's back up of it, then Alise's rebuttal. "So what's y'r plan? Once y' got 'im? What are y' goin' t' do aft'ward?" Ena asks, finally, while she watches the fire.
Alise just glares, she is thinking "Well....feel better maybe, wouldn't you go after someone who took your loved ones away?"
Oz frowns "Maybe at first I would feel that way, but it wouldn’t make anything better. And I was never a fighter, my brother was but he also knew going out on revenge always clouded the mind, made it hard to think clearly and one could get hurt a lot easier with their mind clouded in anger"
"How d'y' know I haven't? Y've shared a lot o' history wi' me in the short time I've known y' but I'm keepin' m' own t' m' own. Oz, there? Has it right. Ain't nothin' come 'f it come th' end o' things. 'Feel better'? 'S how y' think y'll /feel/. Ain't what y' plan on doin'. So, let me ask 'gain. What will y' do aft'r y've got y'r revenge?" Ena tries to ask again, still looking at the fire place.
Alise is still clearly angry and sighs after a while "I..I don't rightly know. I DON'T.....don't know" She lets out a sob and hugs her knees to her chest.
Oz frowns as he listens, he would go over to the hare but for now stays in his chair, sides he still has a sleeping in his lap that he does let a passing novice take, the other dibbuns had slipped off with the one abbey Sister.
Ena nods at the reaction. "'S what I 'spected." She says with a sigh, then slowly gets up, placing the towel from earlier on the arm of her chair. She goes to pause by the hare and put a hand on her shoulder if Alise allows her to, or to hover there if not. "How 'bout I get y' some tea? Settle y' thoughts down, eh lass?" It's said a lot more softly than the sea otter had spoken before.
Alise does allow the paw there and slowly nods, tea is good. She still has tears going down her face and coughs some as she holds back more, she isn’t able to speak, least right now.
Oz lets the otter help her, he is glad things have calmed down now, he nods towards them "They usually have Mint tea or some other tea brewing in the kitchens"
"I'll fetch 'nuff for us all, eh?" Ena smiles and calls back after Oz speaks up, before disappearing into the kitchen for a short while. Being unfamiliar with the kitchens, and the staff, it takes her a little longer than it might take others, but it's not too much time before she does reappear with a pot of mint tea and three cups. The first, of course, is offered to Alise, and next to Oz.
Alise sighs. she will drink some tea then most likely go to bed
Oz takes some tea and nods his thanks" Hopefully time is what she needs, maybe talking some but I am unsure whether to advise she should talk to...well maybe not talk to him just yet, if at all"
Ena pours her own tea after pouring the others, retaking her seat by the fire. She breathes the minty aroma in deeply and sighs, relaxed, then nods. "Mmhm." She turns her head to make sure the doe is really gone from the room. "'S a tricky subject. Her pain. 'S easy t' understand but goin' on such 'motion. Ain't goin' t' work out well..."
Oz sips his tea as he nods, "Guess time will tell" He drinks the rest of his tea and then goes to check dibbuns.
