The Meeting And The Badger Script On The Wall

• • • About a hour or so after this log http://rwmuck.limitless.org/rwmuck/content/talk-library ****

Salamandastron: Library

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Here lies the collective efforts of a few good, intellectual hares of the mountain. Over the seasons, this room, which was once little more than a storage room, has been converted into a quite functional library, filled with books of all sorts. The room is staggered with bookshelves, all crafted within the mountain, which reach very nearly to the ceiling, with only a foot or two of space above them, in most instances. And, surprisingly, the shelves are basically all full. Apparently, over the seasons, hares have donated books, and books that were previously stored elsewhere have been brought here.

Some books are older than any of the hares alive in the mountain, and, even more, some are nearly as old as the mountain, itself. These sort are usually journals and records - histories of the mountain. In fact, there is an entire section of this, in a corner of the room, which one can only get to by making their way through the maze of bookshelves to that corner, which is quite like a room in and of itself, closed in by walls on two sides and bookshelves on the two others. However, in the center of the main room, there are two tables set, and upon these books like, some open and some closed, despite the efforts of the librarian hare to keep them on the shelves.

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                 Visible Exits:

[R]ecords [R]oom [C]orner of Library

[Back] to Second Level Intersection

Zinnia has found the library as she remembers it from before and it’s a lot quieter in here and she can be alone. She has her abbey robes on, the slightly more fancy ones and has cleaned up so she is ready for the meeting. She has the letters and scrolls the abbot gave her with her, unless of course someone has already taken them to the Badger Lord, otherwise she has them, She sits in one of the soft chairs here and has been very quiet this morning, one may not even know she was here unless they came into the room.

The door to the records room clicks as some beast unlocks it from inside and out steps Quinten. The older hare pauses when he spots the badger maiden and inclines his head to her in greeting. "Good day Miss Zinnia," He locks the door behind him and walks over, "What brings you back to my library today?"

Zinnia looks up at the hare and nods a hello. She has gotten taller since last she seen the hare some 3-4 seasons ago, as she has been here before when her and others came for help at the time. She doesn’t offer a smile as it’s been a while since she has smiled to anyone, but she does speak a few words in a simple quiet tone, "Ambassador...duties." She leaves it at that for now; oh the why is she in here, “Its.....quiet in here."

Quinten chuckles, "Well I am afraid it is about to get very un-quiet," He glances at the sun out the window, "I have a class of recruits in about ten minutes then it'll be rather noisy. You may wish to retire upstairs."

Zinnia simply nods; there isn't much to say really as she decides to slowly stand. She normally be reading most likely but today she isn't reading as she picks up a journal she has of her own and glances at something she wrote down shortly after Leon left and then closes the book.

Quinten smiles and moves over to stand next to her and bows to her formally, "If you wish to borrow a book please go ahead Miss Zinnia, you may have the run of the entire library except the record room. If I can help you in anyway do let me know." He stops as the door opens and a private looks in and salutes, "Ambassador Zinnia, his Lordship is waiting for you"

Zinnia nods to Quinten, "It's......ok, this just my journal." She looks at the other hare as he enters and nods slowly, well time to have this meeting, get through it and maybe come back to the library for quietness that is if no one else is in here, there is also the idea of just anywhere alone.

~~~~~~ On to the meeting with Lord Ciocan ~~~~~~~

The chambers of the Badger Lord are expansive and well appointed; the front room is cozy, warm but a bit stiff and formal. Ciocan is sitting in a large chair near the window with two hares in attendance to either side as he awaits the arrival of the Ambassador. Outside another hare salutes Zinnia formerly and opens the door, "Ambassador Zinnia of Redwall Abbey, emissary of Abbot Benar," He bows you through and Ciocan stands. He's dressed in robes dyed a deep copper in color with a single copper band around his left arm as his only decoration as he waits for Zinnia to approach.

Zinnia enters slowly after she is given the ok; she gives a simple nod to him and right now is managing to just do the meeting. She does feel better than she did the other day, not so much emotionally but she can hide that for now as she speaks, and yes she knows she would need to speak to him, even if it’s a simple tone, "Hello, Lord Ciocan." She remains standing for now.

Ciocan smiles and walks over to greet her, holding out a large paw, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ambassador Zinnia, I am only sorry your arrival here at Salamandastron was marred by the actions of that wild cat. Please, join me," He motions to another chair, "You have travelled a long way, I am pleased however, for the words and wisdom of Redwall Abbey is always welcome at the mountain of the Badger Lords."

Zinnia normally would smile but today she doesn't feel like it, she takes a deep breath at the brief time with the wildcat and nods as she shakes his paw and only sitting when she is sure it's ok to sit. She is quiet and then, "I...I thank you for..for helping me sir."

Ciocan says, "It was our honour and duty to help." He settles her in a chair, "And we would never have allowed the vermin to keep you Ambassador. Now would you care for a drink?"

Zinnia nods, "A..drink would be nice." She tries to sound a little brighter, but she fails and stays with simple for now," Thank you sir." This is most likely the most she has talked to anyone in a long while.

Ciocan frowns lightly as he pours them both a drink of fine wine, filling two crystal goblets before holding one out to her, "Something troubles you Ambassador? Is the news from the Abbot grave?"

Zinnia has the letters and papers from Redwall given to her and lays them down on the desk, she knows some of the info that’s in it, some she may not know as she doesn't know what all Benar has written in the letters, she watches him pour the wine and takes the one offered to her as she nods her thanks, "I am..." Should she really say fine to him, she decides to look to the papers and letters "I know, some of whats written and to be told, I am unsure if Abbot Benar wrote of anything else he wished the Long Patrol to know."

Ciocan nods his head and takes the letters, unfurling one of them slowly, he glances over them reading, "Well this one is news that Abbot Lorimis has passed and a wish to continue the alliance of friendship that exists between Redwall and Salamandastron. Which of course I happily agree to," He looks up at the badger maiden.

Zinnia nods as he reads the letter, "That is good news on keeping friendship with the...the abbey, and yes Lorimis died a week after the spring feast." She frowns slightly and clears her throat." He was.....abbot a long while."

Ciocan says, "Yes he was indeed, he shall be missed, I am only sad I never had the chance to meet him," He glances at the next letter and unrolls it, reading the text written in the Abbot's neat handwriting, "Most of this is a report on the state of Mossflower and..." He wrinkles his muzzle in distaste, "The vermin village you have an alliance with..." He looks over the top of the parchment at Zinnia, "I cannot say I approve of such an arrangement but ... if they are not a threat I am sure I shall abide by the Abbot's wisdom and leave them alone if my hares range that far."

Zinnia listens as Ferravale is mentioned, "Ferravale, they have never been a threat to the abbey. Their leader has been polite...the one time I meet him. The abbey rarely has anyone go to the village and their leader rarely ever came to the abbey...once maybe. A...I think small paw full of woodlanders live there." Yeah like her Uncle, but she doesn't mention that as she doesn't even know if that’s true anymore as last time she seen him she closed a door in his face.

Ciocan nods his head, "I see... how... progressive," He sets the parchment down, "I shall read the rest of the Abbot's mail later... right now I am interested in talking to you Ambassador..." He stands up, "I have been expecting you for some time now." He moves toward the back room of his chamber, "I wasn't sure of the exact timing until Flare was kidnapped but then I was sure, would you care to see?"

Zinnia blinks, "Expecting me?" She then remembers some of what Leon mentioned earlier, and she stands to go follow him.

Ciocan he moves a large cabinet out of the way, behind it there is a crack in the wall, he runs his fingers along it then grips it firmly with both paws and strains....the muscles along his arms and shoulders bunch and ripple as he grunts and the wall slowly begins to move

Zinnia watches, she is curious and stays silent and where she is as to not disturb him during this.

The wall finishes sliding open, the badger panting softly as he steps back and brushes sweat soaked fur out of his eyes. He then looks back at Zinnia and motions her to follow. Inside the badger lord lights a small lantern and reveals a chamber filled with writing on every wall. The long crack spreads far away from them, plunging deep into the mountain. The lantern illuminates a figure sat on a huge rock throne at the far end of the room.

Zinnia follows close to him, she glances at the writing but that’s about it, "Badger script..." She says quietly. Other wise she is silent as she glances around then towards where the light shines.

The badger lord looks at Zinnia, watching, he moves a bit deeper then holds up his lantern, showing the pictures that show Zinnia walking with Leon and DoraRose, the images are so clear, "See, it showed you coming to the mountain"

Zinnia tilts her head to look at the pictures, she is quiet for what seems like a long time, a very faint bit of wonder is seen in her eyes but it's only briefly there, many other things are still in her mind and have caused some non-focus in her life, she nods slowly and quietly.

Ciocan watches her for a moment and then points to another picture "And here, you at the grave of your father, the Badger Smith, the writing doesn't tell me his name. Only that you have locked yourself away from the world, see the beasts around you, trying to reach you but unable to break through to you.... you are lost Zinnia, without direction and hiding from the world."

Zinnia is sort of staring at all this and frowns slightly, why is this here and so darn clear to her as she reads a bit of it sort of dazed a bit, she takes a deep breath as she tries to focus on staying...well not crying in front of the Badger Lord, but she is slowly failing as a small sob and cough escape her and she looks at the picture of her at that grave, thoughts and memories of the day he died try to win over her focus, yes she was there and she saw him die, a small whimper escapes....

Ciocan places a paw on Zinnia's shoulder, "Cry Zinnia, say good bye to him, he's here... as all badgers are here... his spirit lingers, say goodbye."

Zinnia closes her eyes, "n....no, not...can't....front of a leader of." She doesn't push his paw away, she doe's try to hold back tears but they seem to win this battle as she mutters, "Papa...." Maybe she did see her father a few seconds the other day, she isn't sure really as maybe it’s possible in her out of it state of mind. Tears start to flood down her face and she decides to not stop them this time.

Ciocan draws the young badger maiden closer, wrapping his arms around her, hugging her gently, letting her cry, "Say goodbye, let him go Zinnia, it matters not who I am... a great badger has left the world, say farewell."

Zinnia blinks through her tears and coughs a little, “Papa...." She frowns," I...I miss you so..so much, why did you have to...go" She is grieving now, something she hasn't truly done and letting tears fall like pouring rain finally, "I..will still miss you but will always remember you, what you taught me and..good times...and will always love you." She leans against the badger lord and then turns to look at him through her tears and goes to hug him tightly, one of the very very few beasts she can truly hug tightly and not worry on harming them as she goes to bury her face in his robes and starts sobbing in an uncontrolled manner, but it is needed for healing emotionally.

Ciocan holds the badger maiden, letting her grief surface and play its course, gently hugging her back and looking at the carvings and paintings on the wall over her head, "I am sure he is watching Zinnia and very proud of you"

Zinnia is listening, she just can't reply due to some more sobs. She coughs a little and takes a couple slow breaths, it’s a surprise she hasn’t had any sort of asthma attack but she didn’t. She wipes tears away as she manages to speak, "His...name was Zork Winters..."She leans into him, another sob or two,the fur under her eyes wet from crying, as well as tear stains on her face and robes now, she doesn't look so formal and ready for a meeting now as she did earlier.

Ciocan nods his head, "Well Ambassador Zinnia Winters," He draws you deeper into the cleft filled with badger script, his eyes scan the wall and he points to a line, "Read of his life and know that in all he did, he loved you most."

Zinnia manages a weak smile, it’s not a full one but still a smile, she smiles him as she looks at any script he points, " This is all....wow" She says, her voice not so emotionally void now, some light has returned to her and it's even seen in her eyes, yes she still has some emotional healing to do but she has taken a big step towards it." I...don't know if papa knew much badger script, he said he knew when he fixed bells in our bell tower that he..needed to rewrite some of the words but he didn't remember doing it, that it was sort of a fuzzy memory." She manages a better smile as she starts to remember happy moments, “He also helped rebuilt the bell tower itself."

Ciocan smiles and traces a claw along the line of script, "It is here..." He points, "Not all the script in this room relates to the mountain. The Abbey is tied up in almost every line... the two are tied together." His eyes turn to Zinnia, "It is a magical place this room."

Zinnia nods, "It feels...like being safe and calm, like one could meditate here..." She stops and then wipes away some tears that still come, "I..do feel better Ciocan...or should I call you sir or Lord? And...thank you again for helping me and for...for bringing me to this room"

Ciocan says, "I think between ourselves we can all each other by name" He smiles and moves to the end and bows to the figure enthroned on the chair, "This is our ultimatre ancestor, the Lord of Salamandastron who set our ways... the oldest lord of all, Lord Brocktree who founded the Long Patrol and set much of the mountains traditions in stone."

Zinnia looks at the figure and also bows out of respect, "I..may have read some on him. The abbey doesn’t have as much on the mountain, only some info....I am sure I could learn a lot from the library here and would love too in fact learn things I do not know or know little of." She offers a small smile "I could even help you find some info."

Ciocan smiles and turns back to his room, leading the way out into his living room and with care pushes the crack in the wall closed, leaning his body into the task with a strong will. "I am sure you will be of great aid to us Zinnia. You mayt even have access to my library, where the scrolls of badger script lay," He nods to another door.

Zinnia follows him out, her walk not so slow now, she nods "I..would like that. And I would be very careful with them." She looks back to where they had went, still a little sad but not as much as before as it’s not so troubling now, she is quiet but only due to her thoughts.

Ciocan says, "Then you must tell me what if anything you learn Zinnia, I will be interested to hear what you have to say." He moves back to his chair, "I have read your abbot's request to allow you to remain for the winter and I agree. You shall be my guests here and Adrian shall see to your needs. Now I must study the Abbot’s other words. Perhaps you shall join me at table in the great mess for dinner?"

Zinnia nods slowly, she smiles and if allowed will give him one more hug, and then after a short moment back up and nods "Yes, of course Ciocan, that would be nice." She thinks on some other things she needs to do, "I..myself need to talk to my friends, Dorarose and Leon...I have not truly spoken to them in...well..since my father died, I am still a little sad but not nearly as much as I did get a chance to ....to tell him goodbye and it helped me a lot."

Ciocan says, "Then I will see you later Zinnia, and have them join us at dinner, you shall sit on my table with the officers and we shall all get to know one another better."

Zinnia nods and then starts to head on out of the Badger Lord's room, she will still spend some time in the library to think, then she needs to talk to her friends, “I will see you at dinner then." She then exits the room.