The Naming of the Season, and An Elder Finds his way Home
Characters involved: Lorimis and Compest
Location: Redwall Abbey
Summary: After many seasons, the Elder and former Champion Compest returns home to Redwall to meet his old friend Abbot Lorimis.
"A human life, I think, should be well rooted in some area of native land where it may get the love of tender kinship from the earth, for the labors men go forth to, for the sounds and accents that haunt it, for whatever will give that early home a familiar unmistakable difference amidst the future widening of knowledge. The best introduction to astronomy is to think of the nightly heavens as a little lot of stars belonging to one's own homestead."
-George Eliott
"Sleep now, And dream of the ones who came before
They are calling, From across the distant shore."
-Annie Lennox
Compest walks in from the stairs, his arms tucked into his sleeves as he walks into the Great Hall, sighing slowly as he does so, his eyes flooding with memories of this room. The old weasel's eyes close for a moment, his back to the Abbot, not yet noticing the mouse, but definitely wearing his green habbit.
Lorimis looks up "hmmmm hello old friend, though I doubt you remember me
Compest slowly his head lowers, gazing at the ground, and doesn't turn at first. "Lorimis," he smiles gently before turning to the mouse. Then the weasel walks over to him and hugs the mouse, closing his eyes again.
Lorimis says, "the younger mouse hugs back "I was just a novice when you were champion"
Compest smiles and pulls back slightly, his paws gently patting Lorimis' arms, tears in his eyes as he nods. "I remember," he says gently. "And now here you are, Abbot. I could not think of a better choice from all the beasts I've met in these halls."
Lorimis adjusts his spectacles "oh Heavens I am sure there are MUCh better beasts just none as lazy as me" he smiles "have a seat though the vermin did not leave us much
Compest chuckles and nods, moving to a nearby table as he sits. "They have left us, and that is what matters," he says. "And do not be so modest, my old friend. Have you spoken with Flicktail concerning the events of yesterday?"
Lorimis says, "I would not say so much left as thrown out... I have spoken with flicktail..but he draws his strength from another of our Order, brother Benar, who himself is very..strong willed"
Compest chuckles and nods. "That I'm sure," he says, leaning back in his chair as he sighs. "I'm in no position to tell you how to run your Abbey, my friend, but I would like to make a modest suggestion, if I may."
Lorimis asks, "don't invite vermin beasts in?"
Compest sighs slowly as he smirks, looking up at you. "I'd have a problem with that, Lorimis," he says. "Your Champion may be in disagreement also." Compest smiles with a wink. "No, that is certainly not the suggestion I have."
Lorimis says, "well you have told me what you do not think..." he chuckles"
Compest laughs and nods as he looks around the room, as if trying to take it in before looking to Lorimis. "There was one who fought with much enthusiasm," he says, "who had struck down Hactor, but spared his life, for the Order demanded it of him. I feel this beast has what is required to pass from Novice to Brother."
Lorimis says, "Time is also needed, his deeds havenot gone unnoticed...for now he will have to content himself with being Keeper of Martin's sword as our Champion has ordered..untill the Champion is well enough again"
Compest smiles warmly as he nods his content. "An honor of its' own," he says gently. Then the weasel chuckles lightly. "It is fall now, Abbot Lorimis," he says. "The season should have a name, eh? May I make another modest suggestion to that?"
Lorimis says, "I had notthought of that..please do"
Compest nods his head, smiling warmly as he quickly whipes a tear from his eye. "No doubt that, now that Hactor is gone, many will do the same as me." The old weasel looks to Lorimis. "They will come home. I would suggest to call this fall, the Season of Returning." The weasel nods his head gently, whiping his eyes again with a paw. "Very appropriate," he says gently but loud enough to be heard.
Lorimis says, "I find that quite wise...so it shall be , please let us begin proclaiming it so"
Compest smiles and stands, nodding his head. "Ah, I've also talked to my grandson," he says. "Thank you, for taking care of him. Much as being the Abbot, I could not think of a better beast to care for him in all that I've met in these halls. You're a fine Abbot, Father Lorimis. Do me a favor, and never change eh?"
Lorimis says, "Oh I am affraid i can't do that, as time goes on I suppose I must change my walk a bit..." he winks with a smile"
Compest laughs and shakes his head. "Ah, well, I suppose we all need a cane every once and a while. Unless you've taken care of yourself." The weasel laughs and very gently pats Lorimis' shoulder. "I'm going back to the infirmary to check on our Champion. Would you like to join me, or did you want to stay here?"
Lorimis says, "oh I have much to do.....much to do...you go see to our Champion I will see him later" he smiles"
Compest smiles and nods, but pauses for a moment, looking around the room with gentle eyes. "They can take our chairs, and our little things, but they can't take this room from us." The weasel smiles to Lorimis. "They can't take Redwall. I shall see you soon, my friend."
Lorimis says, "Martin be With you"
Compest smiles still as he nods slowly. "And with you," he says gently, before heading for the stairs.
Groups:
