Some GoodAnd Bad News, And Other Discussions

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This Happen in Cavern Hole, its a little long...so sorry but all is important

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A busy lunch time in Cavern Hole, order beasts come in and out of the kitchens and Benar is standing by the fire reading through a long list of supplies. With so many extra heads to feed and the spring harvest not quite in yet he is reviewing their supplies. He looks up as Brother Jeremiah comes over and the two duck close to pour over the lists.

Oz is making sure some dibbuns behave. A couple otter dibbuns have come to him, one rather stays by its mother and whimpers when a mouse dibbun asks to play, Oz gently leads the mouse away "Maybe they will play later, please give them time." The mouse dibbun nods and hugs the badger.

Jake finally ventures out of the infirmary. His right arm heavily bandaged, and its gone elbow down as he frowns and looks for anyone he knows. He moves slowly looking around the room. A lot of the friends he knew we killed and his only other friend is still asleep in the infirm.

Benar looks up as he spots Oz and waves a paw, "Papa... a word... have you by any chance had time to look out extra bedding for our guests? I have a whole bunch of tired and exhausted otter dibbuns in need of new beds and fresh linen. Sister Margaret can't find anything in the main closet I was wondering if you knew where we keep the spares?" He then spots Jake and raises a paw, "Jake it is nice to see you up and about, come sit down and have something to eat."

Oz frowns and shakes his head "Maybe Sister May would know, I know a couple sleep on my bed and some are still afraid to leave their caretaker's side, which is understandable. There may be some in the dibbun dorm room though." He seems to have something else to say, but is unsure how to bring it up yet as he clears his throat "There...is some other news, someone being in the abbey but I do not know where she is at this time."

Jake looks around "No..foxes or rats then?" He asks quietly, "I saw them..I did...they were in the abbey." He does quietly get some soup and juice nodding his thanks to the novice and after a brief back and forth he sits down near the badger and abbot.

Benar smiles at Jake and holds the list he was going through out to the Brother who nods and hurries into the kitchens, "Ok thank you Oz, I will ask May, and thank you for all the help with the little ones as usual..." He frowns at Jake and takes Oz's paw to lead him over to the otter, "Who is here? It's not my mother is it? She always seems to turn up when there is trouble brewing but we have so many extra guests right now I haven't seen them all." He smiles at Jake, reaching out to place a paw on his shoulder, "We have always been open to vermin Jake, we have fox's and rats and all sorts living here, friendly, calm peaceful types who mean no harm to anyone."

Oz nods "Of course abbot." He frowns as he heard from Zee about the whole mug thing, he shrugs "I do not know if she is here or not....I was speaking of...Thorn" The name is said quietly. He nods to the otter Jake, "Greetings welcome to Redwall Abbey"

Jake frowns "But..w..what if they attack you in the night? It can't be safe" He sounds jumpy and afraid, then he has had a life around other otters and other woodlanders sometimes and then that was taken away in a flash. "Vermin just...destroy things"

Benar smiles at Jake as he settles down, "It really is ok, I've lived with Flicktail my whole life practically and he has..." He stands up chair thumping down, "Thorn, where? She's alive... she's back!" He looks around cavern hole wildly, "Are you sure it was her?"

Oz answers, "I remember voices even if it’s been a while, and foot paw steps. It was her, you could confirm it with Zee or maybe Dorarose as they were in the entry at the time. I am unsure who else may have seen her."

Jake sighs, he still looks unsure of what to believe and rubs his arm as the two talk. He takes a couple bits of the soup and a sip of his drink.

Benar nods to Oz and hugs him, "Oh that is good news, amongst all the darkness it is good news..." He then reaches out to Jake, "It is ok I promise Jake, everyone here is peaceful"

Oz smiles and allows the hug, carefully hugging Benar as well, "Yes, we all need some good news with all this troubling news we have had. I am sure in a couple days our otter guest will relax a little more. I just hope our Master Healer is not over working himself in the infirm and knows to get some rest as well."

Jake nods "I..I will try sir Abbot..I will try, tis hard when most of your friends be...gone. My only spark of hope was seeing Raisa..alive and here...she, well I am not sure a life with her not in it, would of been a good one"

Benar says, "Well it is not all doom and gloom Jake, thirty or so otters arrived last night, children, oldsters, a few warriors. I am sure some of your friends are here with them." He smiles warmly at the otter, "Thank you Oz, that is the best news I have had in days,"

Oz nods , "And knowing some otters survived is good news as well"

Jake manages a weak smile, "M..maybe, I didn’t talk to very many while at camp"

Benar says, "It is good news either way Jake, it isn't just you and Raise, you will see there is hope and here at Redwall we can find our way"

Oz says, "And any wounded are under the best care from Leon and Angela, and healers in the infirmary and meals are taken to those who can't make it downstairs"

Jake says, "Yeah, I know your healers are very skilled and I thank you for that"

Benar says, "Well we will do all we can Jake and no need to thank us. The Order has been friends with camp Willow since before Redwall was built. We would never leave you alone"

Thorn was not planning on going into the main room, she will be happy to eat outside till all this chaos or what not calms down. She picked a horrible time to show up and had plans to just help the novice mouse back and go, but then she met Sister Barb who decided her dirt covered outfit and appearance was horrible, after an argument and being forced to change into a light green dress, her tangles combed out she managed to escape the Sister and get down the stairs" Get back here young lady, you will listen!" The rat teen hmmphs as she wraps her grey cloak around her," To wot...ya complain on my clothing..nooo" Hey its all she had right now.

Oz listens and tilts his head when Sister Barb is heard and sighs, "What now?" He then hears Thorn and ohhhs.

Jake nods and frowns backing up a little "Rat...see vermin are trouble"

Benar exclaims, "Aaah Thorn," He bolts out of his chair and throws himself at the rat teenager, wrapping her up in his arms and squeezing her, for a moment he just holds her then leans back and frowns, "And just where have you been young lady! I thought you were dead!"

Thorn doesn't have time to leave when she is hugged by Benar and lets her arms fall to her sides "I..long story." She frowns and doesn't return the hug right away." I...I did help someone who was sort of lost back to the abbey, umm Novice Caleb..." But she didn't answer the question.

Benar wipes his eyes with the sleeve of his robe, "I should ground you for running off like that... but I am glad you are home... you can tell me everything later but for now I need you to convince Jake here you aren't a threat."

Oz stays where he is letting the two talk. A dibbun taps him on the arm and starts to try and climb onto his arm, he bends down and picks up the dibbun. HE finds himself needing to back up as more dibbun, those from the abbey and some of the otters ones who get braver all decide its hug and tackle the badger time, luckily into a soft chair he has in here. He chuckles which make the dibbuns chuckle as well.

Jake folds his arms over his chest "T..That is not...been told trust no vermin at all"

Thorn frowns, she then finally hugs him tightly, "I'm...I'm sorry...d....dad" She look over at the otter now and frowns "I..am not evil, but I know words are not always proof. Trust has to be gained. Even if its slowly. I heard from another of this..horde or whatever, I am sorry for all your lost. I Am not part of that...that group, and I will not harm you or anyone. Some..yes its rare..some vermin species are not evil, our just have to use your judgement I guess"

Jake blinks and looks between her and the abbot when dad is mentioned, he stays quiet as she talks and blinks again but stays quiet.

Benar squeezes Thorn and sighs, "Well welcome home... I hope you are staying with us for a while this time? I hate to have you vanish on me again like that without warning." He moves back over to Jake's table, giving the badger and the dibbuns a wide berth to let them play, "And Jake I do wish you would trust me.. this is Thorn, she is my adopted daughter, not all Vermin are evil or bad."

Thorn looks to the otter for a reaction, she stays quiet as she had her say and is not sure what to add to it.

Oz meanwhile is getting tickled by dibbuns and chuckles, he smiles and luckily a couple abbey Sisters some help him, he smiles "Who wants to play by the pond?" A cheer is heard from the dibbuns and they are lead outside, it’s a nice sunny spring day after all.

Jake frowns, "I...just all me life." He seems confused " I can try, I mean what normal vermin utters words like sorry, tis...interesting and ya right trust can take time lass"

Benar says, "Trust always takes time Jake, especially after what happened to you," He settles down in his chair opposite the otter, "But I do hope you can accept that if I trust Thorn enough to call her daughter, you can at least give her a chance. As I would ask you to give a chance to all vermin who live here, they can be great allies and friends."

Jake frowns as he looks at Thorn, he also remembers the one fox , he sighs at the abbot "Tis don’t help when..when they just walk up to ya like de fox in de infirm..He..he seemed to act as if we were friends.....I sort of knock him out and the badger thar took him..." He then gets to thinking, did the badger take the fox away or did the otter faint or something, he shrug "I woke up after maybe fainting and the fox were gone"

Thorn nods slowly as she speaks "I...I could be a friend, if not that’s ok and I will help the otters here best can with like meals or something like that. I know a little simple first aid”

Benar says, "We will all do what we can to help." He grimaces, "That sounds like Flicktail... he... thinks everyone is his friend, he doesn't always get the idea that woodlanders might not take to him instantly," He chuckles, "He tried to pick me up once when I was a child. I screamed the abbey down and bit his paw, my mother almost killed him she thought he was attacking me." He shakes his head and chuckles at the memory, "That was long ago though and Thorn, your room is waiting for you if you want to move back in?"

Thorn smiles "You...you keep my room? I was....worried to be back and thought of not staying that I be..hated cause I left"

Jake is not believeing he is saying this, "I..will say this...beasts don’t usually hate anyone that was missing, they be glad one missing is returned, I know...I would be"

Benar smiles at Thorn, "Indeed Thorn, why would I hate you? I was worried sick and might still ground you but we'll discuss that later in private. For now I am just glad you are home and safe, albeit the woodlands are a dangerous place right now."

Thorn nods "Yeah..I heard, some wildcat said they were leaving the area before whoever destroyed the otters got further south." She seems glad to not be hated, but also sad for worrying any beast.

Jake sighs, “I just hope de danger...just goes away and never comes back, de otters need their home back"

Benar says, "It was such a strange event, I have never heard of vermin raiders so savage... so wild and without care."

Small paws patter over from the stairway as a little otter makes his way down them at a rapid pace, hopping from one stair to the next with both feet. When he gets to the bottom, he takes a long look back up at the stairs, as though considering going back up to do it all over again, but then he turns and trundles farther into the Cavern Hole. He doesn't head straight for the fire where the others are gathered, heading for the cushions off in the corner instead. Eagerly, he launches himself into the pile, scattering them in all directions as he bounces down among them. Satisfied, he gets back to his feet and wonders towards the others. "Hi." Squinty black eyes stare curiously at each of them.

Thorn frowns as she listens, "No one should go anywhere right now"

Benar looks down at the little otter that is suddenly there and shakes his head, "Oh hello young one, I trust you are going to tidy those cushions back up and not leave a mess all over my Cavern Hole?" He smiles warmly at them, "Welcome to Redwall though little otter, I am Benar, this is Thorn and I am sure you know Jake already."

Jake waves to the otter dibbun with his good paw "Hi" He says softly, he doesn't know this dibbun. He nods to the rat maid "Yeah no one should be even on the roads, too much possible danger...even from random beasts"

"S'your cav-er hole?" Murdock's stubby finger points questioningly up at Benar, then turns towards Thorn and then Jake. "Thorn, horn, pointy ratty Thorn. Don't know no Jake but 'e's an otter like me so he mus' be alright." He gives the other otter a smile. "I'm from Camp. We gots here last night. I don't know if I likes it here yet though, it's alla red an' boring. Where's your rivers an' reeds at?" By now he's latched onto the armrest of Benar's chair, staring up at the squirrel curiously. "I never seed a skworl afore. Mum tole me your good at trees but you aren't even in a tree." It's clearly a letdown.

Thorn watches the dibbun but stays where she is. She blinks and just stays quiet.

Benar chuckles warmly at the little otter, "Well I am indeed a squirrel, I am also the Abbot here, but it is not boring. It is safe and cosy, if you want to go swimming we have a very big pond surrounded by reeds and I can always climb some trees for you later on." He smiles at Thorn, "And do not be so rude to Thorn, she is a rat but she is also my adopted daughter and I happen to be the Abbot here, I'm the one who can make sure we have Hotroot soup for dinner tonight or not."

Jake heads slowly to the steps and back to the infirm, he needs some rest and has things to think about now.

Thorn watches the one otter leave and nods to the dibbun "Hi...there is a badger here named Oz, who is very nice and he watches the dibbuns ."She makes a face at hotroot but keeps it to herself that she rather dislikes it.

"Thorns're pointy," Murdock explains patiently, pointing at Thorn again with his finger while his other paw clings tightly to the armrest. "An' so're horns an' it rhymes an' rhymes are fun." The mention of hotroot soup seems to have piqued his interest, however, and he sinks both paws into the plush of the chair and starts to climb up it, his feet pushing him up off the floor to hang of the side. "You c'n do tha'? Skowrls're my favorites if you c'n do 'at," he confides, flexing his long body suddenly and tossing himself back down to the floor to trundle towards Thorn and latch onto her chair instead. "I never seen a badger neither. Is it big? Mum said they were /huge./ I hope 'e's big."

Benar watches the little otter's antics, "I can give orders to the Friar and his assistance yes, I am sure the otters staying with us would appreciate some hot root soup." He shakes his head chuckles "We have three... no four badgers here with us at Redwall at the moment so what is your name little one?"

Thorn smiles a little at the dibbun, "Yeah he is big I guess.....yeah and the one badger in the infirm is moody and old." She hmmms she has seen 3, then she remembers the dibbun one she saw....elsewhere.

"Four?!" Murdock's paws have found their way under the cushion of Thorn's chair, sliding around along the upholstery while his feet slide underneath it until his whole body ends up under the chair. "Four's a lot of badgers. I bets they c'n get Camp back no problem!" But then Thorn reveals that one is old. "...three's still good," he decides after a moment of thought. "My name's /Murdock/. I'm from Camp." Curious fingers wrap around the heels of Thorn's boots from under the furniture.

Benar leans forward to see just what the otter is up too and chuckles, "Well one of them is a dibbun, the other one is a warrior true but and one of them is our recorder. Don't worry though, our Champion and your Skipper will be working together to get your Camp back in no time at all." He grins over at Thorn, "So where have you been?"

Thorn frowns "Around....I did find someone to stay with but, let’s just say it was a bad idea to stay with them they were not the best to be with but they are leaving the area cause guess that group in Camp Willow freaks them out"

"Way more than three at the Camp," Murdock murmurs, pulling himself out from under the chair by using its legs. He straightens up, not bothering to dust himself off before waddling back over the Benar's chair to investigate it further.

Thorn says, "I heard there was...lots and lots of otters at Camp Willow" Thorn then frowns "Or..use to be"

Benar watches the young otter and reaches down to pick him up and sits him in his lap, "Well we will take Camp Willow back and a lot of otters escaped here so that is good news. You'll see Murdock, with Martin's spirit guiding our Champion we cannot fail."

Thorn asks, "Isn’t there a new champion now?" Well new since she been away."Right?"

Murdock squirms as he is lifted and sat down in the Abbot's lap, not thrilled about the situation and grasping for the armrest immediately. "Martens is what /ruined/ Camp," he replies, fidgeting and slipping back to the floor. "I seen 'em. They came in an' now Camp is /ruined/ an' we had t' leave."

Benar looks back at Thorn to answer her, letting go of the otter so they can scamper onto the arm rest, "Marten's again? I do worry that they could be related to the martens who were hiding under the abbey... but they went north not along the river."

"Martens an' a bunch-a other ones, I seen 'em," Murdock confirms, nodding his little head as wanders around the chair in a circle looking for the next thing that catches his fancy. "It were dark but I seen 'em."

Benar asks, "Well little one I am glad you where able to get away," He stands up and shakes out his habit, "Now then would you like to see something more interesting then my chair? Say the pond?"

"I'm gonna keep explorin'," Murdock announces, heading for the stairs at a quick pace, taking them one at a time as he hops up them. "I wanna see a skworl in a tree!"

Benar shakes his head and smiles, "Well check the orchard then, squirrels tend to work there at this time of day," he shakes his head and moves away from the fireplace, ambling toward the kitchen. he really should get back to work.

An Hour or so later

Benar has returned to the table he was sat at earlier, papers and stocktaking lists of their supplies spread out before him. He's making notes and occasionally handing a piece of paper to one of the novices in attendance, working away diligently as he hums to himself, grey tail dancing from side to side as he works.

It's been a day or so since Magramba returned from his initial scouting attempts, and he's looking like a civilized beast again. The warrior walks briskly down the stairs from the Great Hall, his eyes scanning for Benar and spotting him at the table. Taking a seat across from him, the Champion glances over the lists and rolls and is acutely aware of how happy he is to just be the Champion. "How's it looking, Father Abbot?"

Benar smiles at Magramba and pushes aside a scroll and hands another to a novices, "Good actually, the spring harvest is in, so even with the feast we had last week our supplies are nowhere near strained even with the number of extra mouths we have to feed." He looks around, "I'm still being cautious though and implementing some controls, just because we have plenty is no guarantee it will last." He sighs and leans back in his chair, "How are things looking on your end? I've been trying to focus on the abbey and leave the military matters to you but if there is anything else we need?"

The other squirrel leans his elbows on the table, cupping a fist in his other paw. "Well, there's been some talk among the guards about setting a curfew. I think it might be wise if you recommend that our creatures be inside the walls if they're planning to be before sundown, but I certainly wouldn't keep them out if they're late. This is an Abbey, not a prison, after all. If we start telling beasts they can't come and go as they see fit there'll be a panic." Magramba's mouth bumps up against his fist as he broods over it. "It's not ideal, and it's risky to let them go out, but there's /always/ a risk. As long as they hear the warning from you I think most of them will play it smart and safe."

Benar drums his fingers on the table, "I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone leave, but I'd never approve an action to keep good beasts on the wrong side of the wall after dark. That just leads to people being grabbed and then we have a hostage situation which is never ideal." He shakes his head, "I can make a statement at dinner that I think people shouldn't go out unless they really have to and to try and be back before dark and always tell someone where they are going."

"With these new otters, I think we should have all the sentries we need, as long as you're okay with asking guests to help pull their weight," Magramba decides, straightening up in his seat. "I don't think asking them to help stand watch is too much to ask."

Benar asks, "Yes asking them to stand watch is fine with me, I suspect their warriors will want to do something useful to help them feel like they are fighting back," He drums his fingers on the tabletop, "Is there anything else you need? I've already given orders that the forge is allowed to be used for weapons work at the moment and Foremole is moving a supply of rocks up onto the walltops"

"No, that should be enough for now. We still haven't heard anything about them actually /leaving/ the camp, although we can't assume our good luck will hold. Everyone around here knows the Abbey, after all, and we're always a target for some reason." Magramba bites the inside of his cheek thoughtfully.

Benar says, "I think we are a target because we have great big walls and clearly must be full of treasure. I suspect most vermin can't imagine something like Redwall not being full of gold and jewels," He sighs and unrolls a list, "Oh here is a thing, did you want water and food taking up to the sentries at lunch times? I can have the order do that like we have done other times."

Leon walks slowly to the entry to the room, he doesn't come in yet and leans on the door looking very tried.

"I guess if you consider food treasure, we're stuffed to the gills," Magramba grins, pushing back a little in his chair. "I'm sure the sentries would appreciate refreshments on the walls. It can get tiring standing in the sun for so long."

Leon comes the rest of the way into the room, but he will let the two keep talking if needed as he looks between the two and nods ""Benar..Magramba..." Yes he needs a rest and would of got rest, but then the wounded otters came and so he got no rest yet.

Benar says, "Ok I will make sure they get food taken up to them when they are on duty at meal times," He makes a note, "That way we can keep the walls manned and people can still eat," He looks up and frowns, "Leon my son, you should be in bed, come sit down... let us get you a meal before you go and sleep.""

Leon frowns and slowly reaches for a chair, he looks ready to pass out as he shakes his head, "Got..help...help the injured in the infirm, not use to this many...hurt and injured at one time and all of a sudden, only got so many healers on duty also...and..yeah" He grabs the chair and sways a little.

Lacota steps out the kitchen, straightening his habit. "Well. Well..." He seems to talking to himself, frowning, hmming. "I need more volunteers," He says, to no one in particular. "Is no one reading my notices anymore? Oh, Leon. You look terrible.. “

Benar frowns as Leon plonks himself down into a chair and signals a pair of Novices, "Have brother Leon carried up to his rooms please," He then frowns at Lacota, "Friar Lacota, if you need more volunteers ask me and I'll see what I can do. But currently everyone is running around flat out preparing the Abbey for a siege from vermin who give no care for who they kill or harm. If you need more help ask me directly, don't just stand around grumbling about it."

In times of war, even Aden understands the value of hard work and honest labor. The squirrel pushes her way into Cavern Hole, kerchief tied about her head to keep the fur from her eyes, and an apron is hanging loose about her neck - these all go quite nicely with the bags under her eyes. She's holding an empty tray. Everyone has been working overtime with the Camp Willow crisis, it would seem. "Father, Mag, Leon - Lacota." She adds as the friar appears, as she does. She drops herself, heavily, into a seat next to the Champion and looks between the somber faces. Oops, hope she isn't interrupting anything! Her own information is offered, readily, though. "I spoke with their Skipper, briefly. He'll want to speak strategy once things... Cool off, a bit." She opens her mouth to speak further, but it snaps shut as Lacota is chastised. If Leon was still awake, he could prescribe aloe for that burn.

Leon looks at Lacota as he straightens up, "I am fine....." Yes and that ends up being a lie as he is far from fine, he overworked himself making sure all injured tended too and even doing more himself than needed, one novice messed up so he had them leave, he had stood up and that further helped him...yeah he passed out.

Magramba blinks as Leon just... slips off into never-Neverland. "Okay, let's uh. Yes, novices. Someone. There." The brother is borne away to wherever he goes. "We can talk strategy whenever he's ready. We don't have many warriors compared to these raiders, though. We're going to need help."

Lacota sighs. "Sorry." He looks exhausted, himself. "But I can't keep up with the hungry otters. And I thought hares were a nightmare..." He waves a paw, then stares at Leon, as if to say, 'Yeah, you look so fine, alright...'. "I am well aware our preparations." He sounds vaguely hurt. "I am not a simple bumpkin, Benar... I've experienced the hell of war. And heaven help me, I was quite hoping I'd not have to again." He sighs heavily.

Benar says, "Sadly Friar there is no escaping it," He pulls over a piece of paper, "This should make your life easier Friar, I have finished a stock take of everything we have, these are my orders with regards to Meal times. It is not quite rationing but the otters and everyone will just have to put up with it. No snacks or unscheduled meals, if they are hungry they can wait in line at meal times like everyone must." He looks at Magramba and shakes his head, "The skipper can talk to Magramba whenever he is free but he should be resting before he even thinks of going back," He frowns, "We could ask Ferravale for help but I doubt the Skipper and his warriors will like that idea. We don't have any other allies, we could send a bird to the Mountain but that would take weeks."

Is that not what she said? Aden shrugs. "From what I've heard, there may yet be otters out in the woods - the state that we've brought some of them in... They might be too afraid to leave their hiding spots. Perhaps we could set aid out, during the day? One or two beasts packed with basic medical supplies to search for stragglers." The silver squirrel suggests, sheepishly. She's always loved bossing everyone around, but providing one such idea to the Abbot is a daunting thing, even for her. The 'unsanctioned meal' restriction does, however, break her heart a little - she can feel Sister Agatha rejoicing in her very soul.

Lacota takes the parchment, pursing his lips. "Certainly. Also, if any of you could... Any idle novices... Send them my way. I currently have my volunteers working in three shifts per day... It's the only way we can keep up with cooking... Also, ah... On a more personal level... If any of you happen to see my wife, could you send her my way, too? I haven't spoken to her since yesterday morning... Been so busy..." He does a poor job of stifling a yawn. "And don't worry... When I get too tired to continue... I'll order myself to bed... I think I have enough authority for that." He laughs, but there is no mirth.

Benar pulls a piece of parchment his way and scans it, "I'll see who I can find Lacota, hmm I can't take anyone off the groundwork team or the Infirmary. But I could steal Zinnia's library staff, she'll just have to manage without and ugh I'm reluctant to pull the cleaning roster but I could give you half of them, we still need beasts airing laundry and linen in the bedrooms but I can spare three or four from those duties." He pushes the paper away then turns to Aden and frowns, "It sounds noble, but I can't spare any of the healers from the infirmary, I certainly couldn't order any of them out into the woods full of vermin... if we have any warriors trained in basic healing and Magramba thinks he can spare them to search the woods I am not against the idea. But we aren't exactly an abbey full of warriors here, half our sentries are untrained beasts from Elmef's groundskeepers I fear we need every able bodied warrior inside but I'll let Magramba decide if he can spare a beast or two to scout the woods for more survivors."

"Well, we can certainly spare one or two, and I'm happy to go out for a walk now and then," Magramba offers, nudging Aden in the side with his elbow and giving her a tired smile. "See what we can find."

Lacota sways on his feet. "Hrmm. I'd volunteer to scout from the trees... But I'd have a riot on my paws if I left the kitchen." It's not entirely clear if he's joking or serious. "But I wish you lot good luck..."

Benar asks, "Be safe, both of you ok?" He shakes his head, "No taking unnecessary risks, I need you both here in the abbey and no going out on your own either." He sighs and stares at his papers then hunts through them, "I also need to meet with the skipper see what aid we can offer to the otters."

There is a sly grin passed from the silver squirrel to the Champion and she nods. "We've been doing this for seasons, Father Abbot, don't you worry." She winks at Benar, cheekily, and taps her claws across the tabletop. "I'll be more use out there than I am wiping tables, here. The whole 'domestic' gig is still one that I'm adjusting to.

"I'm pretty sure we ran into plenty of similar scenarios out there with only /Flick/ to help us, and we managed to pull through," Magramba mentions, chuckling softly. "Though, maybe we should bring his arrow-riddled rump along for good luck."

Lacota nods quietly and whispers as a novice speaks to him, then shakes his head. "You better be safe out there... Aden." He fixes her with a *look*. "I have unfinished business with you. Don't think for a minute Sister Agatha hasn't told me about the various disappearing desserts... If you get hurt by a vermin, I'll have to avenge my desserts somehow..." Is he being serious? He certainly isn't smiling. Hmm.

Aden brightens. "/Flick!/ Of course. Maybe he'll get lucky and the arrow will hit the other cheek this time." The acrobat grins at her husband, though that look /withers/ as it turns on Lacota. "I don't know what you're talking about, I'm afraid." Ehem. "Have you met Pesty? He's quite notorious for taking sweets." She has no problem throwing her arch nemesis under the proverbial bus.

Lacota mhmms. Classic diversionary tactic. "Oh, I banned Pesty from all dessert already. Anyway, we can discuss this further when you return safely." He then shifts focus to the Abbot. "Benar, have you seen my daughter Cynthia? I was looking for her earlier... Nobody seems to know where she might be... Could she have left the abbey without telling Krystal or myself?" He sounds vaguely worried.

Benar asks, "Cynthia? No sorry, but then Marigold has been keeping beasts in the Abbey School all day, I'm not aware that Cynthia has left the Abbey or anyone. If they have no one has told me anything." He frowns at Aden and Magramba, "And I mean it about you two being safe, no going together, you are much too emotionally attached to one another and take risks when the other is in danger. You'd be better off going in separate teams to keep your heads clear."

Magramba glances sidelong at Aden, then back to the Abbot. "We'll see what we can do. I'm sure there are still survivors out there and I don't want to abandon them. I'm going to go put a few beasts on it." The Champion gets up from his seat, pushing it in under the table and nods to the others. "I'll see you all later!" With that, he strides off to get things done.

Lacota nods his head. "I'll ask Sister Marigold." He sounds somewhat more relieved. "In the meantime... I... Need..." He looks for a chair. "A seat. I've been up since yesterday morning, not even a nap. And yet..."

Pushing herself upright, Aden does away with the empty tray. "Alright, I'm going to fini - /what/?" An eyebrow shoots way up. "With all due respect, Father Abbot, you just said that we couldn't spare enough beasts to send a party out searching. Now we are to take two separate /teams/?" She tilts her head at the perceived inconsistency. "I would be much more comfortable knowing that I'm out there with the beasts that I know I work well with." Her gaze shifts, anxiously towards Lacota. "But If it will ease your mind, we can keep an eye out for Cynthia, on the off chance that she's left the Abbey." Mag rises and takes his leave, and she shakes her head with a sigh. What a mess.

Benar shakes his head, "That is not what I meant Aden, not two teams at once, but alternative, I can't have my two best warriors out of the abbey at the same time." He sighs and flicks his tail back and forth in annoyance, "I'm overworked and tired, so I apologize if my words came out wrong, you two are a great team. But I need at least one of you here, I can't have the champion gallivanting around the woods rescuing lost souls and leaving the abbey without a solid commander behind."

Aden opens her mouth to argue, but is shocked into sobered silence by the reply. She dips her head, respectfully. "My apologies, I misunderstood." Her own tail twitches behind her, the former performer never thought it would come to a day that she was considered a warrior of any caliber, let alone one of recognizable skill. Who said the circus never teaches you anything, huh? "Meant no disrespect. Thank you, Abbot." She folds her paws together and gives a little bow as she turns, struggling to tie her apron behind her back. As Lacota sinks into a seat, she frowns and peers at him. "Need a paw to infirm?" She asks, finally winning her battle and managing to knot the thing.

Benar says, "I think we need a paw everywhere right now," He sighs and curls his tail into his lap and picks at it, "I fear I may have upset Magramba... ugh I should have gone to bed earlier last night. But I had to take care of a whole host of things."

Lacota looks up. "Oh, I'd be grateful if you did. I don't think she's out there... But then again, she and Caleb did run away once... I try to let her be as independent as possible..." He glances at Benar, then says, "I'm overworked as it is, but if there's any help you lot need with keeping spirits up for the sentries, or an extra pair of eyes watching the gate every now and then... Eh, well... I'm here." He shrugs. "I'm a firm believer in all beasts helping in all ways." He glances up at Aden. "Thanks for reminding me... The injured need lunch."

"No, he's just like that." Aden assures the Abbot with a laugh, offering a paw down to the help the Friar up. "And I'm sure Cynthia is fine. When /I/ was her age...? Well. Running away is pretty tame, and look how I turned out!" She spreads her arms wide with a lopsided grin: her kerchief is askew, her tunic is dirty, one of her pant legs are rolled higher than the other, and she is a known dessert thief. "She'll be /fine/." Fathers, hug your daughters. "If you need help in the kitchens, I'll have some time to spare after my shift at the infirmary." Cleaning till she DIES.

Benar says, "Oh sentries," He pulls a piece of paper out of a pile and rolls it toward the Friar, "We need to keep the walltop manned at all time. Can you make sure someone takes them their meals so they don't have to leave their posts?" He smiles at Aden, "And apologize to him for me anyway will you Aden? I can't be having the champion be grumpy at me, not right now."

Lacota stands, with Aden's help. "Listen, you're a fine asset to Redwall, lass." He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "All that about stolen desserts?" The squirrel waves a paw dismissively. "I was joking. I realize my humor is not always readily apparent." He accepts the paper, and glances over it, hmming. "I'll tell Brad, Sister Violet, and Sister Agatha. Finally, an excuse to get her out of my kitchen..."

"Sure thing. His grumpiness is all - encompassing, though: too apathetic to be focused on just one beast. It's more of a blanket grump that envelopes all he comes in contact with. This phenomenon Flicktail kindly dubbed: Mr. Grumpy cheeks." Aden grins, wickedly. She knows how he hates that nickname, and she's taking it upon herself to spread it. "I will be taking my leave, though. Good day!" And with that, the pretty squirrel maid flounces back through the door, not even snagging a chunk of bread as she goes! My, my how beasts change. Maybe that is the answer to the age old question: war HUH what is it good for? At Lacota's kindness, she laughs over her shoulder. "I'll help you bake a dozen desserts when I get back, Friar!" And maybe she'll only eat half of them. With that, a silver tail disappears around the corner and she's gone.

Benar smiles, "Good luck getting rid of Agatha," He stands up and gathers his papers, "Well I best go do a tour, beasts seem to like it when I drop in whilst they are standing sentry duty and all that." He shuffles his papers into order and nods, "Later Friar, I'll get those Novices down to the kitchen for you in the next hour."

Lacota nods. "Thank you." He rolls up the paper, and heads back into the chaotic kitchen, to see to it that the Infirmary gets lunch for the day.

Benar says, "Thank you Friar, I will see you later," He raises a paw and heads off up the stairs, he has a lot of climbing of stairs and re-arranging of schedules to do.

• • Some notes real quick and more good news Cynthia came down the stairs later and her an Caleb wnr on to help the Friar in the kitchens, to which the Abbot was also happy about . Another note Oz told Benar to rest and let him know things would be fine as he got a couple Elders to tend to some things, read Abbot’s notes on the matter so Abbot Benar got much needed sleep for the next few hours.**