Sister Zinnia-Redwall Abbey Recorder Logs

THE FIRST THREE LINKS ARE TO MY OLDER RECORDER ENTRIES

http://rwmuck.limitless.org/rwmuck/content/sister-zinnias-recorder-records

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Greetings,

It is with a sad and heavy heart I mention the death Of Abbot Lorimis. He died around the lunch hour and all the abbey is saddened over the loss of Abbot Lorimis. This just a week after the Spring Feast. Abbot Lorimis led a good full and very long life, he was old and this may have helped led to his death, also a cough he had that never cleared up. Brother Leon and Angela did all they could to help prevent his death and I know they are depressed over this as well.

I am saddened as well, a couple days before I showed Abbot Lorimis the newly redone library. This made him so happy and joyful, he loved it and even more so the glass case to better protect the charter of the abbey order. I was worried about him then as he did pass out for a few minutes but he seems ok a little later and we even had a small chat, which was nice. The abbot also got to have tea with my Uncle Oz or better known to the dibbuns as Papa Oz. Maybe the abbot knew his time was close and wanted us to remember the good times with him and these are the memories we should hold close to us dear friends. Abbot Lorimis would not want us to be sad and depressed and feel weak. He would want us to be strong and to love life and love one another and help one another through hard times. Be there for others through the good and even the bad times. Alone we are weak and can easily fall, but together we are strong and we don’t fall. Abbot Lorimis would want us to not dwell on his death, but dwell on how he lived his life.

Soon the next abbot will step up, but first there is the funeral for Abbot Lorimis. I will be taking a walk, walk help me relax and I can personally deliver the notice of Abbot Lorimis death to Ferravale. Ferravale has always been a friend to us and we have a peace treaty with them, it is important that they too know of Lorimis passing.

I close with these words love one another, be there for one another, keep loved ones close and never forget those who have passed on.

Sister Zinnia, Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Well, a week has passed since Abbot Lorimis death and now we have a new abbot. Elder Benar is now Abbot Benar, a wise choice indeed. The funeral of Abbot Lorimis went well.

That is all for today.

Sister Zinnia, Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Dear friends,

A lot has gone on in the past couple months’ time. Abbot Benar is has started whats called a processional to visit important historical locations that are important in the history of Redwall Abbey. It is a traditional journey made by the new Abbot of Redwall Abbey to mark the importance of Redwall's History. So far it has been interesting. Those left in charge of the abbey are Angela, for infirm duties mainly, also Brother Elmef, My Uncle Oz and my Papa Elder Zork..yeah he is an Elder now. But all will help one another I am sure and the trip is only a couple weeks and will end with a great Summer Feast at the edge of the quarry. I have never visited the quarry but I will make an effort to record about each place we stop as help get some history down.

First stop is St. Ninians: An old , old and now run down church. Once it was a place of goodness, a sanctuary against the wild woodlands. Its bell rang out over the land. It was a home of a peaceful family and they tended the sick, they prayed to those above and beyond and they offered a place to rest for those who had departed. They were friends of Redwall, Friends of the Badgers of Brock Hall and it was a peaceful place that stood for goodness, kindness and integrity. But in the end it fell, Cluny the Scourge befouled the sanctity of this Hall. In his season long siege of Redwall Abbey he despoiled what was good about this place. Seasons later Slagar the Cruel used it as a base for slavery and later an evil brood of ravens took shelter here and caused the death of an innocent of Redwall. And though this place is now no more, a ruin forgotten, tumbled, burnt it is not forgotten by Redwall. It is a lesson and a memory we cannot and should not forget what happened here, that good was turned to evil. It could happen even to our beloved Redwall if we are not true to ourselves, support one another and work together to keep the ideals of our Abbey alive.

Wise words I think as Abbot Benar explained the history of the church and we all sat down to tell stories to, as Abbot Benar said, “Tonight we stay here, to honor the memory of those who came before us and to remember. We all have tales to share, tonight there is no Abbot, no Brothers or Sisters we are all just friends. Gathered here to recall, to tell stories and to know one another so that we may all remember together our pasts."

We learned more of one another and I think grew closer to one another at the same time. The 2nd night we told stories of others in our life, and I spoke of my Papa, Elder Zork and a couple others shares stories as well. I bet Papa would of liked seeing the church maybe, I do not know, but I am sure I will have much to tell him and Uncle Oz when I get back…..Next stop is Brock Hall, I think it was home to a badger family once, I hope to also learn much there. Till then my friends.

Sister Zinnia,Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Dear friends,

I have once more sat down to write down of what me and others on this historical processional with Abbot Benar. The weather has been very good so far and there was only one day of some rain and it didn’t last very long at all. Many have told their stories while we were at the church and more stores were told once we arrived at Brock Hall. But more on Brock Hall later my friends first I need to recount some of the stories told at St. Ninians. I have gotten permission to include this tales.

Our own Abbot Benar Said:

“A very emotional day for me. I'd been many things in my life. I'd been a Slave, I'd seen Sampetra, an Orphan then an adopted child living with my mother in the woods. Then I had been a soldier in Southsward, the realm of the Squirrel King and then... here I was, in Redwall Abbey about to embrace a life of peace. I had never been so scared, I was going to turn my back on all I knew and embrace something new. I broke my bow, I stowed my sword where it could never be used again and I became a Novice of Redwall Abbey. If it hadn't been Sister Sunflower I would never have been able to take such a step. It was not easy to do, but I did my best to move forward and embrace my new life. In doing so I have never been happier or in a place to be able to help so many people at once."

-And Now he is Abbot and I find that very wonderful, he has indeed been through a lot in his life but he never let in keep him down, he never gave up and he let friends, the most important thing in the world, help him become the beast he is today.

Next is Head Guard Lee, as he said:

“I ain't been at Redwall but a few seasons now. Before that I were 'omeless in the South. Not very pleasant life, ta be honest. I 'eard about Redwall from a passin' merchant, though, an' he had all kinds of good things ta say about it, so I decided ta come see for myself. Took me awhile ta get 'ere... Over 'alf a season. At times, I thought I'd never make it. But then I did. An' it were amazin', just like the merchant 'ad said. I came 'ere, seekin' a home, an' I was welcomed in willin'ly, an' I got that 'ome. Not long after, I got a job, too, defendin' the Abbey, an' I found a brother, an' a father." He pauses, nuzzling Konrad who's asleep in his arms. "But the most important was me family. Streamheart, Konrad, and Rosepaw... I wouldn't trade 'em for the world..."

-I find this also good and he is a great head guard and good protector of friends. And Abbot Benar even echoed my thoughts that night as he said Family is one of the most important things we can ever find. And I agree as if it wasn’t for my Papa, Uncle Oz and even Uncle Zee I would be so lost in the world.

Many other stories were told, all ending with the truth of family and friends being like pure gold to us all.

Now I shall speak of the Great Brock Hall,

A very grand old oak tree, it has stood here longer then Redwall has . Over the years badgers have come and gone and it has been inhabited by many beasts over the turning seasons. But even when it has stood empty as it does now Redwall has taken care of it, kept it preserved and cared for.

Here, at this 2nd location, we spoke of leaders of the past and now. Dorarose spoke of her grandfather who lived elsewhere from Mossflower and she let me include her tale in our records and this is her story from her own words, “My grandfather, David Mightyone, had the Bloodwrath, great and terrible. He wielded this battleaxe, Nightsong, which was forged by his great-grandfather before him. My grandfather was wild and unpredictable when he was young, full of uncontrollable rage. He met my grandmother, Nancy. She was also a Warrior, but she was calmer than him. To try and win her love, he started working on self-control. Then the War came. Our enemies, the Perusians, were attacking us. Attacking Tuscani, and our great city of Roma. They outnumbered us, a thousand to our 300. We fought bravely, but they pushed us back, until we were right against the city's walls. My grandfather was leading our troops, struggling to not give in to his Berserker's rage. Our troops thought for sure they were going to lose, and die upon their city's doorstep. But help arrived, just in time! Our allies from the North came in, after 3 days of desperate, non-stop battle, and they came in and attacked from the back. Cheering, my grandfather led the troops of Roma in a last charge, letting the Bloodwrath take him over. Not a single Perusian was left alive that day. my grandfather was wounded terribly, and after the heat of battle left him, he slipped into a Deep faint." she shakes her head. "So many beasts were injured...or died. It was horrible. It took scores of seasons for the various wounds to heal....including the ones you cannot see. My grandfather, along with all the other wounded, were taking into Roma's large Infirmaries and treated. My grandmothers, Nancy and Angela, nursed him back to health together, for they were the best of friends. I am sorry to say that the few Perusians who were left were sold as slaves, for Tuscani has slavery as it's most heinous crime. Slowly my grandfather healed, and one day he asked Nancy to marry him. She agreed, and when he was fully healed, they had a quiet wedding at his father's house....which was passed down to my father, Farrer Strongpaw, which by rights belongs to my oldest brother, who lives somewhere in Tuscani still. My grandfather, because of his many wounds, was no longer a military leader, but he did lead troops in the skirmishes that always happen along roads. He and his wife died before I was born, but they left a legacy that I hope I am able to honor.”

-And honored it shall be in the abbey records.

Abbot Benar told the story of one of the first Abbess of Redwall, During the days before Redwall, when Mossflower was under the cruel enslavement of the Greeneyes Dynasty of Wild Cats. In this Hall lived Bella, the Badger Lady of Brockhall and it was here that Abbess Germaine first dreamt up the idea that would eventually become Redwall. Bella had lived here for a long time, in peace, but when the Greeneyes swept in from the north and conquered Mossflower her husband who was a farmer died resisting his forces. Many good and brave beasts died resisting the wild cats and though the population of Mossflower were not enslaved they were forced to labor hard and give up their crops as taxes. Though many tried to formulate plans for resistance Bella sat here in Brockhall, hidden, safe, and it is here that she made her plans. Drawing those to here who could resist the wildcats. It was here that Bella gathered the brave leaders of the resistance. It is here that Martin the Warrior came when he was rescued from the prison of the Wildcats by Gnoff the Mousethief. It is here that Abbess Germaine of lost Loamhedge came. It is here, during the long summer of resistance that the Abbess first had her thoughts of Redwall. There was a farm close to a riverbank where the Order Mice and Lady Bella took the young ones to be safe during the final rebellion against the cats. Abbess Germaine's original plans for Redwall are stored in the abbot's study back home. Along with Germaine's notebooks, she was the first Abbess and she wrote our charter and decreed our way of life. The Abbess spent the rest of her life building Redwall, the outer walls where first, a safe haven from the dangers of the world. They enclosed all those acres of land in beautiful red stone walls. After that they built the main building, the cloisters and yards. Martin made the Rose Garden be built himself.

Brother Leon join us a little later and shared a small story about Abbot Lorimis.

Brother Leon: ” What about him? He was a very wise leader and always listened to others. I remember I had not been at the abbey very long, and this was when I was just a novice. I remember that day well, when that Stormfeather was around. I don't know why I was on the wall tops that day I...well let’s just say I am rarely up there but that day I was, think cause was talking to Lorimis. Stormfeather already had Oz, and he had sent ravens to try and get Lorimis, I shoved Lorimis out of the way and the raven grabbed me instead .Lorimis wasn’t afraid or least he didn’t show it if he ever was or at any time really when there was danger "

-Abbot Benar confirmed saying the ravens they dropped burning barrels upon the abbey, they shattered and set fire to so very much. We lost the Kiln that day and all of our crops. It was a bad time but Lorimis rallied us all, he never wavered, he kept the order working side by side whilst providing support and courage to the Champion and Captain Lee to lead the guards.

I am glad the Kiln was rebuilt and will have to find out who rebuilt it from Abbot Benar later or maybe another beast can tell me. Some other news is we have a couple new friends, two sea otters named Mint and Aibne, they are brother and sister and may join us as we travel on the rest of this processional. The next stop from here is The village of Ferravale, its run by a cat named Scioto and the abbey and Ferravale has a peace treaty together. I am not sure what we will speak of or learn there but I am eager to find out as my Uncle Zee lives there! Why dos Uncle Zee live there? I am unsure, so maybe I will ask him and maybe he as some great stories and tales to tell us as well. In fact this is making me very excited, so I may see if I can go on ahead of the others to Ferravale. Besides I am a messenger as well and can let Chieftain Scioto know the abbey beasts will be in the village soon. I do hope he was told, I am sure he was and if not I will let him know so he is ready. Also my paw hurts from all this writing, it needs a rest. Well I must go talk to Abbot Benar now and see about heading to Ferravale ahead of the others, I think Rayen will be going with me, she is our Abbey Champion’s Mate and she can be some good company as I was never one to go too far on my own.

Till next time

Sister Zinnia,Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Well,

Ferravale is surely interested. I am still unsure how my Uncle Zee likes this place. But there is a large market of some many different things, so unlike the abbey and so many things I have not seen before. I have been to Ferravale one other time but didn’t take the time to truly look around the village. It’s amazing here! The sights and smells, the many shops in the market place, there was even a small bit of booths in the main square near where the abbey beasts stayed, they stayed at the Inn mainly, and I stayed with my Uncle Zee at his hut.

The chieftain seemed in a fairly good mood today and even stayed a short while, while stories were told. Tonight we got to hear how Flicktail became a good beast. I wrote it down in his own words.

Flicktail: I started life as a Dibbun slaver. My horde had made an attack on the Fire Mountain, not the brightest thing we ever did. A badger lord with red eyes were after me and me own brother put a shaft thru me foot paw so the Badger would get me and not them. I got very sick from the wound as I tried to get away, and I stumbled into Camp Willow. The Skipper agreed to allow me to live if I helped recover the dibbuns, which I did. I was so sick and cold. When I awoke, an otter pup had seen me and climbed up to keep me warm. I could not BELIEVE it as I was a slaver and here this PUP was helping me. I was going to be a Vermin. I was going to betray the otters, but I discovered something, for the first time in my life, I was warm and me belly was full and I was not afraid. But I was uneducated. And when me mentor, Kroova, came to me and told me foxes cannot live in Camp Willow, so you are going to BECOME an OTTER. Now I know what he meant is I would train as a Shield beast in the otter guard, but I believed I'd be a REAL otter. Even tried swimming under the ice once and that were not very wise of me. But I were terrified of badgers and of RedWall abbey because ALL vermin know martin will drag a vermin beast off to the Black Forest. When a feast came I was required to go to RedWall as an otter and oh I was so terrified of the tapestry and Colonel Zoe Lang, of the long Patrol herself .introduced me to Martin and I told him how sorry I was and that night, a White Mouse came to me. You see I used to be a RED fox. and he told me that to know it was real my fur would be white as my promise to be a good beast and that he would make me is champion to protect the dibbuns and good beasts of Mossflower and sure enough within a fortnight, Abbot Lorimis' mate showed up with this very blade and said she was visited by a white mouse and told to bring the blade to the abbey for a beast with fur like Martin's...."

Yeah Lorimis had been married at one time, but I remembered reading in some old logs she has died, forgot what of so maybe I will look that up some time.

Sister Zinnia,Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Hello friends,

Next we stopped at Camp Willow along the River Moss, a very nice place with a very nice library as I spend some hours in there reading. The otters decided to try and out cook some hot root with Lacota. It was fun to watch, but I am unsure who won as I feel asleep.

Not too many stories were told, one I liked was one my Uncle Zee told. Oh yes Uncle Zee decided to come along with us for the rest of the trip, I think that’s great! His story was this in his own words

Uncle Zee: "I know one of two brothers when they were younger, hee.... Now this be seasons ago in the far snowy north, lots of seasons ago when they were 3 seasons and..Yes 8 seasons, but for an 8 season old he acted like a dibbun and probably still does. Anyways they were late getting back to the clan grounds so the older brother gets an idea to use a hollowed out log to...well slide down the steep snowy hill all the way to the bottom. A good..say it was 2 miles long"" Zee goes on, "Anyways, the older brother talks the younger one into getting on the log...hee heee, now I was at the bottom when they came flying down, oh man never seen someone so grumpy as Silverfangs, tee hee...told them, you boys got here safe but that was a foolish thing to do and he grounded them both....it would of been better if they were late " He chuckles and grins "And you all know the much older brothers now....the older one is Zork and the younger was is Oz”

I rather enjoyed the story. I also learned some history of Camp Willow while in their library. Camp Willow was founded way back before the Abbey was even built. It aided in the fight against Tsarmina, and helped the abbey on countless occasions.

We then left to go to the Quarry and the sight of the Summer Feast!

I need to go, write again soon

Sister Zinnia, Redwall Abbey Recorder

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Dear Friends,

The feast was wonderful and great. We had it at the quarry. This is where redstone was gotten for the abbey and also where an evil snake who had Martins sword many many seasons ago stayed, it was slain by Martin’s great sword.

The feast was named by my papa, Elder Zork as Abbot Benar asked him to name it and I think he chose well..The Summer of Friends and Renewal.

The food was great and so was time with friends and family. Some beasts became novice and Silverstorm was named Sister in the order, also very great news.

Well it is bed time my friends so good night till next time

Sister Zinnia, Recorder of Redwall Abbey

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