The Hunt Continues
Rayuwil, Hactor, Angus, Amos, Frigg, Stubb, Zen
Location: Woods south of the Broadstream
Nidlorf arrives with Poppy just overhead and the others trailing closely behind.
As the group aproched, they here a hoarse voice singing. It's not very obvious were the voic could be coming from, but it's close. The words being sung are just as unpleasant as the voice, "Three old bones sitting on stones. Being munched by a couple, o' crows. But woe is woe, the crows don't know, they're about to be pumbled by abunch o' stones!"
Something slogs in the nearby forest, lumbered and low, as it winds around tree trunks and slithers over the brush and the snow-capped rocks. Its pace is determined, disrupted only by brief breaks to taste at the air or the shriveled flora, and reorient itself accordingly. There is little mind paid to stealth, as the traveler is confident in its final approach.
"Ya sure that little one knows where she's going?" Amos eyes Poppy overhead as he follows behind the squirrels, grumbling, "Ya better hold up your end of bargin, ain't don't wanna be wasting any time in getting that hare back. Blasted horse, " He curses.
Frigg follows closely behind Nidlorf and Clarion, keeping a paw on the sleeve of the squirrelking. Somehow, in all that time back in Ruingate, she still hasn't gotten comfortable with any of these other beasts. Can anyone blame her?! "S-sorell, if this f-fox should be waiting for us here... this doesn't look right at all, not to my eyes and ears, old as they are... shouldn't the rest of your party be h-here?" She gulps and takes a deep breath, squeezing the sleeve.
Stubb is hanging around the back of the pack for once, his eyes sullen and downcast, his paws gripped slackly around the straps of his backpack as he trudges through the mud. His ears are keen, however, to the off-key singing emanating from beyond the circle of trees. His glance twitches in its direction, but his eyes stray only briefly up from the path before him: first to an unspecified spot beyond the horizon, then up to catch a glimpse of the little bat. He sighs and mutters darkly.
The disguised king grunts, sniffing and wiping the condensation from his nose, "My dear -- they would not want to be on so obvious a path, in such an open place as this - I hardly do myself!" The rest is said to both Frigg and Amos, "Poppy will guide us straight to her master, who has orders to stay with the fox - but we should be very careful, and I will send her in to have a few of the others come out to meet us. Hmm..." He hears the singing and pauses, "Shh! A fox's voice! Quick, everybeast into the trees!"
The singing continues to get closer and closer. But then, it sudennly stops. Nothing comes out of the forest, and once again the air is very still. Nothing can be seen on the other side of the clearing, but if one looks close enough they may be able to make out a crouched, hooded figure.
Angus has weathered the forest on all fours, as lizard anatomy does not lend itself well to extended bipedal journeys. This, evidently, was a rather arduous one: His clothing is tattered and stained. A gash bridges his nose, marked by newly coagulated blood. The flesh beneath one eye is blackened, but at least it is no longer swollen, as it rolls to scrutinize the immediate territory. "This goose chasin' sure ain't my idea of a heroic getaway," the dragon mutters to himself, tongue investigating the nearest tree stump. "S'what I get fer befriendin' lousy warm-blooded junk-rustlers. Why'm I even followin' these goons?"
The wildcat doesn't have to be told twice, his paw reaches for the hilt of his weapon and he moves within the shadow of a tree, motioning for Stubb to do similarly while he makes his way under the nearest tree, grumbling a bit but keeping a lookout as a patch of snow lands on his head.
Frigg eeps as she's pulled along with the king - /up into a tree/! "My goodness, too quick! I'm too old for this!!" She quickly covers her mouth, but the sound stops and even her breathing is too loud! She hugs the trunk of the tree and looks down, the king on the same branch and Clarino on the one above... she looks up at him.
Stubb casts a languid look of apathy at the others as they scatter into the trees. "Wha' for? We ain' afraid a foxes now?" He looks sharply at the cat, but follows suit, brow darkened with a frown. "Since when's ca' loike you go slinkin off inna de trees when 'e 'ears a drunken fox scamperin' abou'?"
Rayuwil shushes the mousemaid, and watches the clearing for the mystery fox. He thinks for a moment and makes a split second decision, "Frigg, I am going to go up to the upper branch with C-Odilo... stay here a moment, would you?" As he climbs, Poppy is already fluttering down to his head, "Needledorfking, issa fox down 'ere singin' issa good song! I's gonna ask 'im what it was, but da scary hawk wiffem'." Nidlorf nods, "Shh, and please don't call me king here, Poppy. Is Zen in there?"
This dialogue, whether it is with himself or directed at some incorporeal diplomat, has likely lasted for days, but a beast does what he must to sally forth. Elbow-deep snow does not bode well for a lizard's wits. Both eyes fall to the sky above, and count the flickering stars, then gradually descend to the tangled tops of leaf-lacking trees. The arboreal giants are stoic, desolate, except for a rustle now and again when a branch buckles beneath the weight of ice or a bird hurriedly takes flight--or a company of squirrels enlists refuge. Dark eyes are fixed on a not so distant spot, as the first rumbles of voices reach earshot; "Be thinkin' we got 'em," the lizard rasps with a half-cocked, satisfied smile, and falls back to his haunches.
Rayuwil frowns as the bat shakes her head, "Dind't see frien'Zenfetch yet." Nidlorf sighs. "Can you please fly in and let them know we're here? Tell friend Zen and the funny-looking squirrel in charge to come out... do you understand?" The bat puts her wings on her hips and looks down matter-of-factly at the king, "I unna-stand! 'm a big bat!" She flies off.
Quite sudennly a raspy, half drunk voice calls out, "Who gows there! Speak up, cause I got at least fifty beasts with me, and a hostage!" This was obvioiusly a half-lie.
His back against the tree that squirrel and company are up, paw on his hilt he glares at Stubb as he waves him over, "Ain't want anymore surprises, " He mutters at the weasel in a hiss, grumbling until his ears hear that its a fox with a hawk from the bat. Then there is the familar voice calling out in the night, "Bet'cha a warlord too, " He removes his paw from his hilt and moves away from the tree.
Frigg, up in the tree, sees the bat go off and looks down at Amos. He seems to be relaxed, but the mouse still stands with her paws against the trunk of the tree, the ground below having a way of seeming farther beneath her than it is... "Oh goodness, this is confusing!"
Having done just as she was told, Poppy, Zen, and Rodigero soon arived at Nidlorf's side. Of course, Zen has the honor of the young bat resting on his head. In a soft and triumphant voice, Poppy grined widly! "See, told ya I undahstood! Foun' mastazenfetch and funny squirrel!" Of course, by the look on his face, Zen wasn't too thrilled having Poppy on his head. "Reporting in Nidlorf.."
"If it ain' tha warlord hisse'f!" Stubb, gleaning from Amos as much as the sound of the voice that Hactor is near, cuts past the wildcat and into the clearing. He looks almost pleased, for once; the journey has evidently weighed heavily on him, and it seems almost a week since he permitted himself a smile. "Your ahmble servan's await your command." He mocks a bow, and his voice is laden with playful sarcasm. "Cam on ou', den, ma'e."
Rayuwil blinks as Rodigero and Zen are up the tree in a hurry. "I think perhaps we should get to terra firma, but listen carefully to me..." He lowers his voice, "All of these others besides myself and Poppy think we are regular beasts, so act casual. Rodigero, you are still a soldier, but do not call me 'sire' or 'your Majesty', understand? Zen, I am Sorell, and this is Odilo. This is a very delicate situation, friends. Our story is that we were looking for the mouse down there, to give news of her father." He watches the reunion below. "Let's get down from here before this thing snaps."
Stubb gives the tree an odd glance as two more beasts go scrambling up it, but he pays it no further mind for the moment.
Rayuwil blinks as Rodigero and Zen are up the tree in a hurry. "I think perhaps we should get to terra firma, but listen carefully to me..." He lowers his voice, "All of these others besides myself and Poppy think we are regular beasts, so act casual. Rodigero, you are still a soldier, but do not call me 'sire' or 'your Majesty', understand? Zen, I am Sorell, and this is Odilo. This is a very delicate situation, friends. Our story is that we were looking for the mouse down there, to give news of her father." He watches the reunion below. "Let's get down from here before this thing snaps."
Curious, half-sloshed shouts ricochet among the forest, which makes for a lousy map. The dragon is crouched for a time, twisting to adjust his spine to the redistribution of weight; it pops like wet stones in a fire, but Angus heaves a relieved sigh in the wake of his stretch. "Eug--th' bones ain't as fergivin' as they used to be, eh?" he chortles with himself, or perhaps the invisible compatriot, and leans, one palm in the snow to counterbalance his bulk. Scrambling rodents are source of quick amusement, but the monitor did not brave the cold for their sake. As a reunion erupts in the clearing, his attention shifts; "Ah--there we go."
Hactor comes swaggering out of the forest, his sword still drawn. He appears ver haggard, and gaunt. In his other paw his a half drunk bottle of..something. He smaks his lips a bit before calling out, "Oy Stubby? Tha you? Well bless me soul, I'de thought I lost ya on this infernal rabbit chase!" He took a swig from the bottle, and spat a bit on the ground.
Zen listens in close, trying to peice together the situation he saw... He was confused, yes, but he had a general idea of what the King was wanted.. "Got it... Sorell and Odilo." As he started to make his way down from the tree, he paused a moment and spoke softly. "Anything you need me to do, Sorell?" That's when his glance finds it's way towards Hactor..
Frigg is the first to meet the new arrivals on the squirrel side of the family - she climbs down with the help of Clarino, who nods as he sets her down, "Ma'am". She thanks him and goes to the mouse, "Oh, look at you, poor thing, you're barely dressed for this weather, oh you need a mother out here you frostbitten little cutie!!" She goes for the cheeks! "Oh, and hello, sir. You're very well dressed, in contrast..." Her eyes widen. "I-is that poor haremaiden in there?"
The wildcat laughs as Stubb cuts past him, making his way more slowly over to the fox and grinning at the warlord. Not seeming to care much whether the squirrel follow, "Aye, and me as well, " He chuckles, eyeing the fox, "Admit its kinda nice ta see ya ugly maw."
Rodigero nods at Frigg, "Yes ma'am... uh, I'm a soldier. I mean, that's obvious, but I'm... I'm not with this squirrel here - well, I am but I'm not like subject to him or anything like that. Uhhh... yes, she is." He bites his lower lip.
Stubb surveys the clearing dubiously. "An jes' wha' attracted you to this spot, eh, 'Actor?" He throws an awkward arm around the warlord's back, offering it a hesitant pat, then relinquishing him. "An where's that bird go' you headed? You two koinda snuck off on us, cou'n' foind ya for tha loife a us."
Rayuwil watches Frigg engulf Zen and ask about the haremaid and whispers to Clarino, "Make sure the stupid one doesn't reveal us, and the mouse also. I will inform them of the situation." The king strides out into the clearing, "Gentlebeasts, I see you have found your lost comrade - we too, have news."
Infernal rabbit chase, indeed; down the rabbit hole with our heroes! Crouching in the icy drifts is not a good way to maintain his heart-rate, so Angus decides to tramp on; albeit, he also opts for a civilized approach, and rises to his hind legs. A hand brushes away bits of snow and gathered twigs, and, once primped, the lizard navigates the final stretch of forest. He materializes in the clearing, still wearing that lop-sided grin, with one palm on the back of his leathery neck and the other mitt stroking at his wispy beard. The beard is more of an icicle. "Howdy, mates," he nonchalantly grunts. "Fancy findin' the likes o' y'all here."
Hactor grins a toothy grin and replies to the pair, "Good ta see yer ugly mugs as well!" He chuckles a bit before continuing, "Well we /wer/ on tha trail of tha other fox, but then me old nose picked up tha stench of squirrels!...Amungst otha things." He bowed awkwardly to Angus and returned the pat, though in amuch more hardy fashion, to Stubb. It was becoming painfully obvious, the usualy somber warlord had once again taken to drink!
The coldness of the snow and ice surrounding them seems to escape the wildcat, he laughs in reply to the fox even as his breath can be seen clearly. As Rayuwil speaks of news he turns to give a look at the squirrel, but his attention soon turns to focus on the lizard that for all he knows has appeared out of nowhere, "Ol' lizard breath, I knew ya wouldn't give up on us!" Another grin, this time aimmed at Angus.
Stubb's mustelid machismo precludes an exhibition of tears and jubilation at the miraculous reappearance of his saurian friend, to whom he instead extends rote pleasantries after the Hactorian fashion: a bow, a greeting. "Missed you, ma'e," he adds simply, with a smile that hints of many stories to exchange over many drinks yet to be enjoyed. With this, he turns coolly to Nidlorf. "Dis is da bloody woodlander wha' acts loike 'e's king," he grunts over his shoulder to Angus, with a vaguely nonplussed grimace. "Oi wou'dn' a believed me eiver if oi'd a told tha tale a fortnoigh' ago." His surly remarks concluded, he eyes 'Sorell' skeptically.
Frigg fixes Zen's collar, "What's a little mouse like you doing all the way out here, besides? You should be home with your parents, oh dear me, you do have parents, don't you?" She gives him the most heart-broken look, like her child just fell and scraped his knees!
"The fox is in hiding, deep in the forest beyond an arch yonder... my companions tell me that he's disappeared, but hasn't gotten past any of them - so there may be something underground they do not know of, though likely root systems would make it either a respectably-dug tunnel or, more likely the fox is still in the vicinity and in a... fox hole." Nidlorf snickers a bit, and coughs.
Zen squeeks softly as he blushes bright red! It had been quite a long time since he had anyone treat him like their own child to say the least. So of course he smiles a little shyly at Frigg, but shakes his head with a soft frown soon after. "Afraid I don't have any parents... I'm ok though!" Of course, he says this reasuringly... "They rasied me well in the time I had with them.." He then glances in the direction Nidlorf went curiously, trying to figure out what was going on...
Hactor cocks an eyebrow at the Squirrel and replies, "Oh is he now? And jast wha are we ta do, ta nab this fox eh? I saggest meself we light a fire!" He takes yet another swig from the bottle, and swaying continues slowly , "Fox hole....I get it! HAHA!"
Angus detaches his hand from the blond bits of chin-hair, which managed a moderate thaw in his palm. The moistened paw is wiped on his hip, as an awkward chuckle resonates from within the barrel of a lizard chest. "Lots o' stenches out and about t'night," he agrees, dipping his chin to greet the beggar lord. "Luck has it, though, that y'all were the ripest, so I found ye' first." Delight glitters in his inky eyes. He cannot bring himself to wipe away the silly smile, even when fingertips move to his nose, gingerly probing at its wound. "Those rats give y'some trouble on yer' way out? It was all tooth and nail fer' a bit there--oi! Kitteh kitteh!" Beaming at Amos, the dragon balls his fist and throws a light punch to the feline's shoulder. "Give up on yew? Bah! Like I'd let so many luscious pelts slip through m'fingers. Y'all are a fur-tradin' goldmine!" Angus bites his lip as he is conservatively hailed by the weasel, and quirks a scaly brow. While a suffocating embrace is his first inclination, the lizard abstains, following Stubb's attention to the squirrel. "Who's thi--" At this point, his inquiries would be more extensive than time likely permits, so he drowns them with a shake of his boxy head. "Yer--yer drunk, mate," the lizard simply grunts, wide-eyed at Hactor.
Amos errupts into laughter once again, that silly grin still on his maw, "Glad ta have you back, that weasel gets into all sorts of trouble without ya!" He gestures to Stubb.
Frigg smiles and extracts a leaf from Zen's headfur, "Oh it doesn't matter why you're out here, but you are! It's dangerous, especially for an elderly mouse like myself - not a few moments ago I was just kidnapped and taken up into that tree! Haven't felt that much of a rush in many seasons! Oh, you remind me so much of my son when he was little... ah, Mayeul." She looks off into nowhere in particular, clasping her paws together beneath her chin and shooting a worried expression hither.
Stubb's arms cross over his sighing chest and he looks at the squirrel. "An' wha's stoppin us from goin' in an' gettin' tha bastard, li'tle squirrel? Can your companions tell us dat? Do dey only speak frough you?" He points ahead. "If dey'll jes' show you da way, we'll follow close behoin'." He shifts. "Don' fancy all this conf'rencin' abou'."
Rayuwil doesn't care for the situation. The squirrelking turns around to the others in the trees, "Well, don't be shy - if the fox has indeed embedded himself in the ground we're fairly safe out here - come meet our generous benefactors. This mouse here is Kodaly, and the squirrel in the armor is Orff." He looks at each of them sternly, accentuated the names so they both remember.
Zen nods his head, "Oh my, that's terrible! I'm very glad you're safe now though." He chuckles softly as Frigg tells him he reminded him of her son Mayeu-... Zen gasps softly to himself as he feels a quick chill rush through him, his mouth hanging open slightly as he froze in place... "M.. M-Mayeul? I... Good heavens..." That's when he hears Nidlorf and the new name he's been given... It wasn't one he'd have liked to pick, but could go with it... Either way, his head was swirling with thoughts right now... "Oh, of course... Right..."
Hactor nods in agreement with Stubb, but then looks past the king saying, "Yeah! Com on out chaps and chapesses! I don't bite mach!" He then awkwardly sheeaths his sword, and sits on his rump, continuing to drink. He blches a bit then continues, "Ya knw...I reckon I know ya from somewhere." He points a skinny finger at Rayuwil.
Angus thrusts his hands into jacket pockets, puffing a cloud of steamy dragon-breath into the cold air. They are much farther down the rabbit hole than Angus expected; this dawns on the monitor as unfamiliar faces approach, speak of alien topics. Head afire with adrenaline and joy, he has difficulty following any of it, darting his gaze among the pack. Eyes briefly survey the damage, the revelatory brownish stains of old blood on clothes, sunken cheeks and weary faces. The ruddy troupe that, moons ago, scattered from an old Inn is barely recognizable, neither bright eyed nor bushy tailed in the grip of this unforgiving winter. "Bastard?" he repeats. "Who's bein' all illegitimate at this hour?" His head cocks to the left, a nostril flares and his cheek raises in a skeptical half-squint. "In fact, why is i' that we're not pitchin' a camp? Not that I've a hatred for banter, but, seriously." A foot dives deep into the snow, and kicks it at the boots of the others. "What's the fuss--what's wi' the tree-creatures? Stubbster?"
With attention turned towards the squirrels and their group, Amos' like the others turns to face them and listen, "I says we go in too, " Saying in agreement with the weasel, but at the inquire from the lizard he turns to explain to Angus looking somewhat grimly, "Dangeon has been taken captive, this is a rescue of sorts."
Frigg comes out of hiding with Zen Kodaly, Rodigero Orff, and Poppy Poppy, who decides to perch on top of Frigg's head. She freezes, terrified deeply of bats. "Uhh-h-h-h-h... Kodaly... tell h... tell her... eeeeeee!" Just then she notices the lizard and puts a paw to her mouth, "Oh! Oh you're safe, too, thank goodness. I... well, I wasn't /that/ worried, I suppose." She coughs, still unnerved by the weight of the little bat on her head, who now leans over and shouts in her face, "Hi!!! I'ma Poppy!"
Stubb chuckles a grim chuckle. "Too bad the 'orse ain' here ta see dis, eh?" He looks with worry at the dark sky.
Rayuwil takes a deep breath inward, "Very well, we'll go see what the situation is - it is terribly windy in this hollow anyhow. He nods to Rodigero, "Go up ahead and... alert the others to us coming." He pulls him in close, whispering, "Tell them not to say a word to me."
Zen takes a glance around and bites his lower lip a little. By all means, it appeared most -everyone- around him was by far, stronger, bigger, and faster than he was. He really hoped Nidlorf knew what he was doing.... That's when he glances back at Frigg and Poppy! "Uh, h.. hey! You know it's not very polite just to perch yourself on someone's head like that, don't you?"
Hactor looks to Rayuwil and asks, "Other eh?" He then casualy let his paw rest on his sword hilt, his good eye narrowing. "And who mit these othas be hmmmm?" Even when intoxicated (or perhaps more so) the fox was still just as paranoid as ever.
Crunches waft as the lizard continues to grind and dig his frozen feet in the snow. He relinquishes hold on reality again, absorbed by the fact that he cannot recall when he last felt his toes. The numb hind paws scrape at the ground, as if an instinct to burrow had reared its subconscious head. When Amos drops the hostage bomb, it barely registers. Perhaps, due to his height, the blast wave reaches the monitor's sunken ears last. He snaps out of it. "Wha--Dangles? Captured? Wha' th'," is growled, but Frigg captures his focus. "Oh, hello, lil' miss," he tells her sharply. "Glad ye' .. yer' in one piece." With that, Angus shoves abruptly past the gathering. They can stand and chat all night, if they wish; he'll sniff out the hare.
Poppy blinks at Zen, "Sorry mastaZenKodali! Hee, I like yore newname!" She hops from Frigg to Zen, clawing at her fur by accident a bit, as she hops to the ground and climbs one of the surrounding trees. "He' I go!" She takes off from high up and glides over them in circles, following them in towards the fox.
Angus is rapidly fading from the clearing.
Stubb waves an arm at Hactor and the cat, indicating in the departing lizard's direction. "C'mon," the weasel says in a cutting undertone. "We'll cut aroun' back, see wha' dese woodlanders are up to!" More loudly, he nods to Rayuwil. "Fink we'll be se'tin' up camp nearboi, an' lay a few traps for da fox if he inten's ta venture forf in da noigh'."
Amos grabs the hilt of his weapon again, squeezing it tightly and staring grimly at the lizard as he moves on ahead, "Blasted horse, " He mutters, seem to be thinking for a bit as he stares off after Angus. At Stubb's words though he's filled with purpose again and hisses, "Right boss, " He moves off in the direction of the lizard.
Frigg is relieved that the bat is off of her... although she /is/ kind of cute at her age. "Thank you Kodaly. Yes, Mayeul... maybe I'll tell you more about him another time... I've been looking for him for the longest time..." She follows the group in towards the creepy stone archway... "Place is not one I'd camp out in, for certain..."
"Just make sure you give my comrades ample warning about said traps - I'll not have helped you only to have friends missing toes and hanging up in nets." The king follows them all in - sighing deeply and exchanging a grin to Clarino, who has kept a low profile.
Zen nods at Frigg as his ears wilt softly, "Ah... I see... Perhaps so... I agree with you though.." He then turns to make his way inside as well. There wasn't much point of him staying outside...
Hactor nods to Stubb. But before following looks at the king, and points at his missing arm and taps on his eye-patch. Some sort of cryptic warning not to get on the foxes bad side. Then he follows the others, now not as jolly as he was when leaving the forest.
Angus, Amos, Stubb, and Hactor head toward the Lost Archway.
Unmistakable and serpentine, the snow is parted in a broad wake; the telltale tracks of a reptile on all-fours, tail swinging from one extreme to the other. The path does not lead far, as Angus is seated and hunkered, head clenched in his fists. He rambles about something, but lord know what.
Amos approaches cautiously, following Angus' tracks but finding him easily enough, "Any luck?"
Extracting himself from the fleeting tizzy, the lizard peels one hand from his face, and looks up to the cat above. "Any *luck*, mate? What does i' look like? I dunno' what yew all got up to, what y'all got entangled in, but this is madness," he rants, flinging his head back in despair. "I *don'* see *no* reason t'be cavortin' with tree-creatures, and, frankly, mate, th' fox's been nothin' but trouble from the start." Angus exhibits extreme disregard for whether or not there are other ears within range; he seethes and rocks.
Stubb slips through the dense trunks with arms held straight out to guide himself in the darkness. "Weren' much of a choice we 'ad, Angus." His voice is weary and apologetic. "Soides, deir smell 'elped ya foind us, din' i'?"
Hactor narrows his eye, coming up behind the lizard. Still a little drunk he pulls his sword saying, "Trouble eh? From the start eh!? He raises his sword a bit and continues, "I'de watch it mate! Cause without me ya'de still be in a bar gettin drunk in Mossflower!"
Stubb chuckles. "Tha trees 'ave ears..."
"The whole bloody forest reeks of branch-hoppin' nitwits--I hadta' navigate *around* their stink t'find you, mates," the lizard exasperatedly wails at the weasel. He leans forth, head between bent knees, then flings the entirety of his bulk backward. There he rests, spine in the snow, eyes fixed on the heavens above. Hactor's blade eventually comes into view. "Do it, my Lord, I beseech ya'," he grunts, extending his arms to either side, throat prepared for a proper slitting.
Hactor not sure how to react, gives Stubb a look that sayes, 'Can I?' He was rather surprised at the lizard's sudden depresion...Must have been the weather.
"Think of Dangeon, ya could of stayed in that tavern but ain't no choice in the matter now, " Amos hisses at the lizard, "Ain't gonna let'cha give up again, we's in the mess together."
It takes a moment for Stubb to register that Hactor's addressing him. "Do it an' oi'll take your uvver arm." Hastily, he adds, "Tha lizard's still moigh'y useful to us. More dan a washed-up ole man loike yourse'f, an we still keep you 'angin' abou'. Now put dat sword away."
Angus's tongue emerges from wind-chapped lips, taunting the blade overhead. "In a bar? Gettin' mah drank on? Oh--that sounds positively wretched, my Lord. All warmed from th' inside out." His eyes stray from the twinkling metal, but his head does not turn, as he follows the sound of the cat's voice. "I am thinkin' of Dangles--poor dame, all captive and whatnot. An' all I see is an ensemble of fools, loafin' about, yammerin' on about where t'turn next." The gaze travels to the other speaker, but the lizard continues to rant: "Y'know, th'minute y'all went missin', I was off on m'feets--doin' my best t'find yew. And I *did*. And this bag of cold bones is slower 'n sap in winter. How'd yew let her .. toads be damned."
Hactor snorts at the weasel, wanting to point out how this ole man had conqoured a hole region, But he figured he had harped on that enough. He shethed the sword muttering, "Could still kick yer arse I bet." He looked at the lizard and growled, "Get up!" Before marching past him with the others.
"Pull ya self together mate, we're close and we've come this far, " Amos snarls, watching Hactor move onward, "I"m rescuing that bloody hare, and ya coming with me, " He glares and follows after the fox.
Angus is hardly keen to obey Hactor at this point. He does not budge at the fox's bidding; he remains spread-eagle in the snow, and will rise when he is good and ready. "Kay," the lizard chirps.
Stubb can't help himself. "Slow as sap is roigh'. We was 'angin' abou' ou'soide tha city ga'es for free days while you was ge'tin' your drank on, ma'e. Free days. Even 'ad a group a tha slow-witted hordera's come after us. An' don' fink we loike 'angin' about wif dis stuck-up li'tle squirrel. 'E's a pain in me arse, even when me arse is numb from da cold."
Hactor turned his eye blazing. He pointed to Stubb yelling, "Gettin mae drink on? Ya stupid Bugger! I was out tracken with that hawk!!" He advanced over, now at his full height and now much more sober. "Only reason I was drinkin is cause I /found/ tha bottle. So watch yerself Stubby!"
Angus deadpans. Claws flex, gathering fistfuls of snow, which he packs tight in his palms. "Hangin'? *Hangin'*? I stayed a'the tavern like ye' *told* me to, if yew recall, mate. Got caught up with that ole' wretch of a mouse, wrangled her arse for a night, 'coz our valiant leader, Lord Hactor, instructed me to. Went t'find y'all as soon as it got old 'n I got nervous." He manages to sit up, throwing each ball of ice, in turn, into the distance. "Apologies, mate, that it took me a couple of sunrises t'scuffle with all th'damned rats *yew* stirred up. Toads--they just about broke m'nose! S'the first day I could see right since I left th'city!" The lizard snaps his head in the direction of Hactor's screeching. "*Shut* *up*."
"Aye, shaddup. I weren' even talkin ta you, 'Actor. Glad ta see you go' two ears, dough." Stubb cackles. "You've lost 'alf your oiyes, 'alf your arms, an, boi tha look of it, 'alf your sense!"
"Ya all shut up, ain't none of this is getting us nowhere!" Amos glares at the three of them, "Ain't none of this is getting us anywhere and I ain't want to be arguing all bloody night." He hisses.
Angus cradles his head again, sighing.
Hactor glared needles at the lizard, and then looked positvley outraged by the weasel. Finalley he took a deep breath and replied to them all, "Ta hellgates with tha lot o' ya! I'll find that fox meself. And when I have a nice kingdom again don't come winin to me!!" He then turned to go, but not before throwin over his shoulder, "Oh by the way Angus. Why don't ya ask Stubb where yer son be?" And with that he stormed off.
Stubb was approaching Angus to lay a comforting paw on his squamous bulk when Hactor's brutal words drop like lead into the night. The weasel would look stricken, if there were moonlight enough to render his face clearly. He stops where he stands.
A knot immediately forms in his stomach, and slowly ascends to the back of the lizard's throat. He chews on it briefly, lower lip quivering in temporary disbelief, before Angus reels to face Stubb. "My .. my s--Stubb? What th'hellsteeth is he sayin', mate? Did yew see somethin'?" His body shakes, legs too weakened by shock to properly function. Unable to stand, the panicked monitor crawls, arm extended to desperately grab at the weasel. "*Stubb?*" he nearly sobs.
Groups:
