2nd promotion and award ceremony

[Darter]

OOC: Officers, there is a thread about this on the OCT.

Everybody in! ;D

[Tumbletail Spikedog]

*Tumbletail yawned and stretched across the springy green grass. She had slowly began to drift asleep on a hillside, and had felt the warm sensation of sunshine spilling upon her making her evermore drowsy. Fluffy cumulus clouds skidded across the cerulean blue sky. A gentle breeze carried the scent of sweet-smelling flowers that swayed in the wind, sparkling with crystalline drops of dew that glistened in the light of the sun. It was enough to make anyone want to down and just sleep, or stare at the wonders of nature around them. The cold feeling of wetness trickling down her back from the dewy grass made her fully awaken to the extent where she could sit up. Tumbletail rubbed a furry brown paw across her eyes and blinked once, twice, thrice. Was something going on today...? A vague thought floated in her mind, a certain impulse that made her think that she had to go somewhere today... hm...

She gasped. The Promotion Ceremony! The hedgehog was part of the Guardians of Mossflower, the defenders of the land. Her blue eyes were wide with wonderment at how she could possibly have forgotten the event. She slapped a paw against her forehead and muttered a few dark curses as she heaved herself up. Did she even look fit for such a ceremony? So many things could go wrong! Normally she wasn't vain or very concerned about her looks, but when something important was happening, she had to look her best. Tumbletail ran down the hillside, her small sticky legs taking her as fast as she could. Once she reached the bottom of the hill, she started looking around for anything to check her reflection in. She stumbled around until her black boot hit the surface of a puddle, causing a rupture in the once-peacefulness of its murky waters. The hedgehog smiled slightly and placed her paws on her thighs, bending over to look at her reflection.

She cocked her head to one side as she looked at herself. It wasn't exactly what she wanted; Tumbletail looked more like a dark shadow reflected against the water instead of a fully-grown hedgehog. Frowning, she bad-naturedly kicked the water again, watching as it sloshed onto the ground, creating an acr of water before it fell to the ground. This amused the hedgehog greatly. Forgetting about her previous need to check her current state of appearance, she began to kick the murky brown puddle and watched as droplets were sent every which way. Tumbletail chuckled and continued to do this for a few moments before she finally got bored and trekked off, her paws in her pockets. Well, she had basically gained nothing whatsoever from that little experience besides wet boots and some mild amusement. Suddenly, the place where the ceremony was supposed to take place came into full view, and she set her pace at a brisk trot until she arrived.*

[Finnerator Rudderbow]

*The ottermaid looked at the blue sky above her as the morning sun shone on her back, warming the brisk morning air. It gave the promise of a beautiful day ahead. Finnerator Rudderbow was clothed simply in a linen tunic and breeches. At her left hip was her dirk, which she tended to carry around with her at all times. Her other weapons, namely her longbow and dagger, were back at the barracks of Division 2. Her thoughts drifted from the weather to the new divisions that their leader Darter had created. They still had to come up with some names for them, though she couldn't think of any good ones off the top of her head*

*As she neared the parapet, Finnerator was still contemplating the idea. When she arrived at the clearing, the sea otter noticed that she was the second person there, besides Darter (OOC: who has failed to make an rping post). She saluted to Darter as she walked up and grinned at Tumbletail as she took a seat in one of the chairs set up for the ceremony*

[Mary Narai]

* Elena and Mary walked in, talking animatedly, but stopping almost as soon as they entered the clearing. Mary sat down in the nearest chair, and Elena sat next to her.Sitting next to eachother, they looked almost identical, except that Mary was shorter, even though she was tall for her age. Neither of then had their weapons. Mary poked Elena softly, and reiecieved a glare from her older sibling.

[Commander Marie and Will]

*Willem wandered into the clearing alone, his brow furrowed in a mixture of worry and annoyance. The handsome young harvest mouse was wearing the uniform of a Guardian of Mossflower, in addition to his usual boots, feathered cap, and bow and quiver. He was here alone because his mate, Marie, was still off at a Tournament that was being held between several different organizations of warriors in the land. The worry and annoyance on Willem's face sprang from his love for his wife; she had sent word that she was coming for a visit, and she was supposed to have arrived last night. But she hadn't. Perhaps she was simply held up by the weather; it had been stormy last night, after all. But, somehow, he just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong...

Sighing, Willem glanced bleakly around the clearing before finding a seat at the base of an oak. Leaning against the strong, firm trunk of the old tree, the harvest mouse watched the proceedings distractedly. It wasn't that he wasn't interested, for normally this would be the highlight of his week, but he was too busy worrying about his wife to really notice what was going on around him. Had she been hurt? Held up by vermin? Maybe her fight had gone awry and she'd been seriously injured or even killed... Not knowing was almost more than he could bear.*

OOC: Just so everyone knows, Marie will show up, just a bit...late. So don't count her out or anything; she'll be here.

[Sandegar]

*Voldarain scrutinised the woods from his place on the parapet, raising a paw against the sun. The badger wore a look of mild confusion, though determined to hide it. He lowered his paw and brushed off a patch of dirt from his dark green tunic, and eyed his bark-grey trousers and the muddy black boots into which they were tucked in. Sighing resignedly, the sturdy badger patted his wide black belt, checking for his hunting knife and xiphos short sword, and finding them intact and safe, he trod over to the stairs leading down from the battlements. As he descended the badger thoughtfully felt the scar that crossed his right cheek, from his nose to under his eye, thinking of what the scar had indirectly led him to.

Voldarain stepped down from the last step, and lowered his paw, placing it on the hilt of his short sword. He walked along the wall with slow, ponderous steps, the soil cool and damp beneath his boots. The badger looked up at the sky, and assumed he had yet some time left before the Promotion Ceremony. A smile replaced the slight confusion visible in his features, and his thoughts wandered once more. Who would be promoted? Who would gain awards? The thoughtful badger did not hope to gain anything himself, as he firmly believed he had done nothing yet in his short time since joining the Guardians. But Sandegar, perhaps, had a chance. The hare had just stopped in from an urgent trip up north, on the way back to the tournament.

Voldarain stopped and realized he was at the small side gate he had been heading to. It was held in place by bolts. The strong, stout badger moved the bolts back, and swung the door open. He stepped out, and closed the door again. Glancing about, he noticed a large rock, and walked over to it, wondering how heavy it was. Crouching, the badger dug his claws and paws under it, and slowly stood up, grunting with the weight of the rock. He walked back slowly to the side gate, and lowered the rock at the edge of the door, so it was sufficiently blocked. He dusted off his paws, thinking guiltily of what would happen if a Guardian attempted to open the door from inside, and turned to face the woods.

Voldarain took swift steps through the woods, following the instructions which he had been given. Where was the clearing in which the ceremony would take place? In case the instructions he had been given were false, the badger drew his hunting knife and scratched arrows on the bark of the trees he passed, not trusting his faltering memory. After passing tree after tree in endless succession, he glimpsed the silhouettes of several beasts. Quickening his pace, he walked in the direction of the figures, paw on his short sword, careful in case he had stumbled across hostile forces. He soon found himself in a clearing, and looked about.

Voldarain knew it was the Promotion Ceremony. Darter, Finnerator, Tumbletail, Elena, Mary and Willem were already assembled. The badger walked over gruffly to Darter, and raised a stiff salute, glancing about for a place to sit. Spotting a chair near the edge that caught his fancy, the badger lowered his salute and strode over to it, wondering if it was big enough for his large frame. He sat down slowly, and was relieved to find it fitted him comfortably. Looking about the clearing again, he noted that Sandegar was yet to appear. The badger did not worry, for he knew his young friend could handle himself well. He had been delighted when hearing that the hare had found himself in the top six of the tournament, and his trust had yet to be shaken. The badger looked up at Darter, and waited.*

OOC: I won't write anything about Sandy today, because I've got to get back to the tournament, but like Marie, he'll be late, but here.

[Rinafera Woxwitty III]

*There he was; the Award Ceremony. Rinafera wore his buttoned down navy blue jacket, with soft brown pants, and a little navy blue beret type hat on his head. The hare's two floppy ears were sticking out of the hat, awkwardly fitting. It was a warm summer day, with a nice breeze and a cool atmosphere. It had sprinkled on his way up here, so his hat had little rain drops on it. He looked upon the chairs, smiling and bowing to everyone.

Rinafera always had to have the most recognizable entrance. He must be known, no matter what. He walked to the first row, sitting down happily. Turning back to Elena and Mary, who were behind him, he talked in a nice, formidable manner.*

How are you, wot? Its a good bally day, and I love the flippin' weather.

*He turned back to face the pulpit type stage thing. He had cleaned his falchion today, so he grabbed it and emblemished(sp?) it. Resting his paw on it, he smiled and sheathed it once more.*

Lets get the flippin' show started!

[Aster & Sapphire Fleetpaw]

**Sapphire and Aster came racing up. Their ruffled, damp headfur was even spikier than usual, as they had travelled part of the way in a ship from the Tournament, and the other part by means of boating and swimming up the River Moss. The twin river mice had hitched a ride with the Guosim shrews, their friends, and had left their supplies and the souvenirs from the inter-force Tournament on the ship. Aster now pawed at the oilcloth haversack slung about her waist, and retrieved a small comb from the waterproof bag. She brushed her headfur back into order, and a few oak leaves came fluttering down. At the sight of her twin brushing the foliage out of her hair, Sapphire was barely able to suppress her laughter. Instead, she gave a smile and shook her head at Aster.** Oy, As, I'll need that after you're finished with it.

**As her twin handed the comb over, Sapphire removed the stone pouch from the sling that was bound about her waist like a habit cord. She ran the fine comb teeth through her headfur, pushing the damp spikes back down. Aster took back her comb after Sapphire was finished, then unstrapped her dirk sheaths from her yellow sash. With their weapons gone and only Sapphire's sling remaining, the mousemaidens looked like normal inhabitants of the woods. They sat down next to Willem, placing their weapons beside them. Aster was the first to speak, as usual.** Hi, Willem! How's it going?

[Mary Narai]

OOC: Marie.... since Elena is here and in the tournament as well, why's Marie not here? Just a little puzzlement.

[Tarafrather T. Furthermore]

*Duncan McLain was ever a squirrel to dress for the occasion, and today was no exception. Over his soft white tunic his most imposing red plaid kilt ran from left shoulder to right hip, where it was buckled about his waist by a brass-buckled belt and hung to his knees. Also hanging from his belt was his claymore; his sling and dirk having been left behind because they were strictly functional and in no way ornamental. The claymore, on the other hand had been polished so that the brass basket hilt gleamed in the sunlight. The blade was even brighter, but it was hidden in its red leather sheath with the brass tip, which matched the sword belt. His fiery red tail had been carefully brushed and, finally, he wore his black beret with the hawk feather, which Duncan was adjusting at the moment.

Duncan turned his head side to side, gazing at his reflection in the pond. He frowned, unsatisfied.* Hmh *He might be thought vain and it might be true, but dressing well was a hobby that ran in Duncan’s family on his mother’s side, so he can’t really be blamed for it. Casting an eye about to make sure no one was watching, he looked back to his reflection. He pushed it a touch more left and pulled it forward. Too forward. He had been there the last ten minutes and still couldn’t be satisfied. He nudged it ever so slightly backwards again and stopped. There. Duncan looked himself over in the pond and winked at his reflection. Straightening, he swelled his chest and headed for the ceremony.

Brimming with confidence, Duncan marched his way to the front of the assembly. He was very new to the guardians and wanted to be well versed in the customs and ceremonies. He wasn’t acquainted with half the beasts there, but he nodded amiably as he passed, trying to be polite and make a good first impression. Reaching the front row of seats, he takes one a few seats from Rinafera. Turning his head towards the hare, he attempts to strike up a conversation in the only way he could think of.* Good’ay tae ya. bonnie blue morn, eh?

[Taundor Whitefang]

Taundor walked on the bright green grass, mentally thinking over his to do list. There was a nagging thought that he had forgotten something and he snapped his fingers. The Promotion Ceremony! How could have he forgotten! Taundor knelt down and stuck his face in the cold river water, shaking his head to clear his thoughts. He got up, dripping water from his headfur and sprinted towards what he hoped was the right way. He had been with the Guardians of Mossflower for some time now, but he had only been to some parts of the large area. Hearing voices towards his left, Taundor altered his course and leaped down the hill, the wind streaming through his fur and ruffling it into a bigger mess. Panting slightly with the exertion from his run, Taundor walked around until he spotted his commander, Darter. He walked up to Darter and threw a smart, if wet salute, Taundor looked around and spotted a badger. It had been some time since he had met a badger, and decided to try his luck. Making friends had never been easy to him. Sitting down on the ground next to the badger, Taundor eyed the badger cautiously. "I'm Taundor Whitefang. Nice to meet you, I think."

[Shadow-Risk & Rosemary]

**Rosemary Hazelnutt, warrior and chef, strode into the midst of the gathering with a stern look of concentration. Her short, swift steps carried her past most of the thin crowd till she reached the front. Sighing, she glanced at those around her and spotted Marie.** Marie Blue-eyes. What exactly were we dragged out 'ere fer ag'in? I was in th' middle o' making a nice batch o' patries when some young imp ran up an' told me ta rush out 'ere! **Looking rather flustered, the shrew placed her paws on her hips and blinked, expecting an explanation quickly.**

**Of course, Shadow-Risk entered in a more formal, reserved manner. With a happy smile on her quiet face, the young vixen approached the small group from the side and listened as the incessant chatter filled the air. It was apparent that excitement and anxiety would always proceed such promotion ceremonies. Locating her fiery friend, Rosemary, huffing in irritatation to Marie, she decided to join the shrew and try to calm her down.** Rosie? This is a promotion ceremony... Calm down. I doubt your pastries will suffer too terribly. **With a calm, pleasant smile, she tried to soothe her friend.**

Gah! **The small shrew leaped into the air in surprise and whirled to face the vixen.** Risk?! Don't scare me like that, lassie! Ye are silenter than a feather, ye know that! **Unable to hold a scowl against her friend for long, Rosie relented and gave a small smirk, eyes twinkling.** A promotion ceremony, eh? Well.. T‘is a good thing I came along then, eh. **She straightened her ruffled tunic and smooth her headfur subconsciously.**

**With a smile and soft laugh, Risk just shook her head at her shrew friend‘s antics.** Whatever you say, Rosie…

[Rinafera Woxwitty III]

OOC: Er, Marie isn't here. Willem is.

[Commander Marie and Will]

OOC: Yeah... I just told her that. lol! I'll post IC later...

[Darter]

OOC: Sorry for the long wait, and short post.

BIC: Darter drummed his right paw on the side of the oak table behind him, leaning back on it with a rather odd expression displayed on his features which revealed the fact that he found the position rather uncomfortable, if not painful. His keen eyes surveyed the beasts entering the small area designated for the ceremony, and the otter's brow furrowed when he couldn't see either Laylark nor Marie, his two commanders, present. Willem had of course showed up, and looked to be waiting for something, or someone from what the boundary guardian could tell by the distraught expression on the mouse's face.

The otter commander wore his usual 'formal' attire; a white collared tunic, loose dark pants and a belt with silver symbols displayed along it's length. His sheathed broadsword hung by his side, a reminder of his profession despite the peaceful proceedings. His dark brown fur had apparently been 'fixed' for the occasion - it lacked the typical ruffled appearance, and looked to be cleaner than usual. The relentless sun beat down on the back of the otters unprotected head, and he looked upwards, squinting at it, wishing that for just this once it would be merciful and let off the heat. Of course it didn't, and Darter lowered his gaze back down to the beasts entering the clearing.

The table he was leaning on dug into his flesh even through his tunic, causing the otter to wince in pain and straighten. Heaving a resigned sigh at finally having to start the ceremony, as he had rather enjoyed the quiet wait, he turned to the surface boasting the many medals and colourful ribbons and selected two placed slightly away from the others. The first was the badge of a captain, the other a major. Darter smiled to himself, knowing exactly who he would be presenting the two marks of commision to. They deserved it, he thought fondly. Finally turning to address the growing audience, he coughed quietly to clear his throat before raising his voice to an authoritive tone.

"Welcum, all, ter th' second promotion an' award ceremony. Ter start off th' proceedings, would Aster Fleetpaw please cum forward."