Sandegar
Off-Call Lieutenant
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Posts: 234
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Post by Sandegar on Feb 11, 2008 4:20:29 GMT -5
OOC: Kinda rambly and terribly quality, just skip to the last few paragraphs. Ooh, and BTW, I don't mean anything with what Sandy thinks about any of the other characters.BIC: "Sandy! Sandegar! Look!" The younger of the two hares cried out, pointing down into the forest below. She beckoned to her companion, an older hare in his late twenties, standing some way behind on the grass. "What is it, Alex?" Sandegar asked, slowly picked his way across the rocky stretch of ground between the grass and the crest of the hill. He placed a paw on his young charge's shoulder and cautiously looked over the sharp edge, afraid of what he might see. A strangled gasp left his throat and his eyes widened in surprise. His whiskers and ears twitched with an almost comical, synchronized jerkiness. Obliviously triumphant, the hare named Alex leant back, her paws resting on her hips. "We found your jolly old fort, after all." She carelessly brushed her ginger hair back with a gloved paw. Glancing down at the fort again, she frowned a little. "But I say, it does seem kinda tattered, Sandy." Sandegar said nothing. He was too busy trying to sort the sea of emotions within him. One wave was of delight, at seeing Mossflower again, and another was of despair. For the fort of the Guardians of Mossflower lay in tatters, ruined almost beyond recognition. How could have something like this happened? Guilt joined his despair and joy, a flooding tidal wave sweeping over everything. If only he hadn’t left! If only he’d stayed and help the fort rebuild. Why had he left? He couldn’t even remember. “Alex?” Sandegar asked, a sudden blade of decisiveness cutting through his sea of woe. The younger hare cocked her head questioningly. “We’re going down there.” Sandegar barked, and stabbed his sword back into its sheath at his belt. He started striding forward determinedly, hoping to find out what exactly had happened to the fort in his, and the other officers’, absence. Alex scurried after him, her small size and shorter legs reducing her to scampering after her companion hurriedly. There was a frown of irritation on her forehead, under her crimson headband, but she said nothing as she followed the commanding older hare. He was nice, and much less oppressive than her parents, but sometimes he was just so unexpectedly, decisively, unyieldingly commanding. It was times like this that made her feel that there hadn’t been any point in leaving Salamandastron. Ahead of her Sandegar was already at the foot of the hill and entering into the woods. Mossflower, she thought, the greatest forest in the land. Her mentor and companion had led her across vast areas of the world he knew, but Mossflower was a first. She suspected that he had been trying to avoid the place, and had only consented to her pleas to visit the wood after he had felt prepared enough to face his own homeland. Well, at least he had finally brought her here. “This place is so… green.” She remarked, running after Sandegar, her eyes wandering over the grass and the trees. Green wasn’t a color she was particularly accustomed to. Growing up on a beach in a red-stone mountain had reduced her sensitivity to blue and yellow and red, but not to green. The green almost hurt her eyes in its intensity – everything was bright spring green, the color of life, in opposition to the dead brown of driftwood that she hated. The soil was brown too, but it was an alive brown, unlike the dead brown she knew. “Hurry up!” Sandegar yelled back at her as he jogged past the tall, familiar trees. Ahead he could already see light streaming down into the clearing where his past and his memories lay dormant, where the fort was waiting for him in the state of disrepair he had seen from the hill. He had to find out what had happened. Suddenly, he stopped, his boots digging in to the mud. It had rained recently, he thought absent-mindedly with an unfocused area of his brain, the rest concentrating on what his senses were telling him. His sharp ears could hear voices, distant and indistinguishable, but voices nonetheless. He could smell mice, otters, foxes and all manner of beasts in a sharp, distinct tang in the air. Thudding boots broke his focus and he turned on his heel, only to be knocked back as Alex crashed into him. With a startled cry he sprawled back into the mud, landing on his back with the younger hare on top of him. Groaning at the reverberating pain from the impact, he tried to nudge his companion to get off him, but she was too busy laughing, her red Long Patrol jacket splattered with spots of mud. “Alex…” Sandegar groaned. “This isn’t exactly the most comfortable of positions.” Innocently she looked down at him and twitched an ear. “Oh, I’m sorry!” Quickly she jumped back, pulling at her white uniform breeches with disgust. “For badger’s sake, I just washed these!” Still lying in the mud with water seeping through his black summer cloak, he raised a paw to his lips in a signal for the younger hare to be quiet. Instantly she tensed her small body, her ears quivering on top of her head. Acutely aware of the exact amount of stealth he could achieve with a drenched cloak and his ribs still hurting from the crash, he quickly went over his options. Alex was waiting in silence for him to speak, her gaze flitting around like always, but with a slight accent of nervousness. With a sigh, Sandegar picked himself up and gestured carelessly at Alex. She gave a great gasp, apparently having held her breath, and the older hare chuckled. His boots splashing in the puddle he had fallen into, he started walking again, slower than before but just as purposeful. As he walked he slowly unfastened his cloak, wet, heavy and dirty, and slung it roughly over his shoulders, revealing his attire. They were new garments, at least by his standard, and not ones that his old friends would think of him wearing. It had been his custom, before, to wear bright tunics, boots and dark pants, but no more. His travels had exposed him to more than ponderous thoughts and insecurities, and among his many discoveries was his new, darkened style. Out on the sea he had obtained the centerpiece of his garments, nothing more than a corsair jerkin, a black, sleeveless vest of dyed leather, tied mid-chest down with a silken ribbon of blood-red crimson twining and twisting down its entire length, to his mid-thigh. At his waist was buckled a broad belt with a simple, round buckle of polished brass, like the ones worn by the Long Patrol of Salamandastron. As always, his sword hung at his right hip, knotted securely with plaited black rope. Over his elbows he wore black archer’s gloves, with brown padding on the palm and fingers, and a bracer on his left forearm. Under the hem of his jerkin, black breeches were tucked into knee-high boots, equally black and with steel toecaps and heels. Half-uniform, half original, a little old – but it suited him just fine. “Sandy?” The apprehension in Alex’s voice was unmistakable. Her paw found Sandegar’s arm, and she clung to him like a child to their mother. This was, in fact, almost correct, considering Sandegar was over ten seasons older than Alex, who was officially his apprentice in the art of archery, but was more of a sidekick to him. “Sandegar!” Alex tugged at this vest again, her ears drooping over her headband. Sandegar tentatively placed an arm around her shoulders as he kept walking, leading her forwards under the canopy of the trees toward the not-so-distant clearing. The voices were louder now. He could feel Alex tensing, her gloved paw resting on her knife, her only melee weapon. His own right paw strayed cautiously to the hilt of his sword, as his boots splashed in the mud. Slowly and steadily they approached the decrepit fort, his apprehension rising with every step. What would they find inside? As they approached the fort, it became apparent to Sandegar that it was not vermin that occupied his old home. The voices he heard were familiar, expelling immediately the dread so imminent within him. Rather, they were voices he knew, voices he had long feared and yet sought to hear. But if they were there, what was the fort doing in such a state? Well, he could find out. “Come on, Alex.” Sandegar slipped Alex’s paw from off his arm and started running, holding on to the cloak over his shoulders, pressing his longbow and quiver to his back. They had a habit of getting loose when he ran, especially with his long, loping gait. With Alex scampering after him, trying to keep up, they got nearer and nearer to the clearing. It was a lot lighter there, and he could see figures in various parts of the fort. A crowd, almost. Had he unwittingly walked in on a reunion of the Guardians? He tried to keep the hope down, tried to stay calm, but the joy within was insuppressible. With an agile jump he passed through the ruined gates, and slowed to a halt across the lawn. Behind him he could hear Alex grumbling, but he no longer cared. He felt incredibly free, once more in the company of those he had spent many a season with. Many figures he recognized, but he sensed eventually as he stood a distance off that there was something wrong. The air was odd, and… “Sandy? Who are these beasts? What’s going on with the fox and the mouse? And a hare! A jolly old hare!” Alex, chatty as usual, inquired cheerfully, little slips of her original Salamandastron accent creeping into her speech. “Be quite, Alexandra.” Sandegar took another step toward the arguing mouse, fox and hare, and looked over his shoulder at his companion. “This started before you even ever touched an arrow.” With tentative steps and a growing feeling of apprehension that he would not be accepted back among the Guardians, he headed towards the group. He picked out each of the assembled, one by one, trying to identify them. Under his breath he began to mutter their names, thinking of what they had had to do with him, six long seasons ago. “Raiden.” He winced. “Crystal.” A whisker twitched. “Rinafera.” A small grin and a roll of the eyes. “Hmm. Random fox.” He couldn’t remember her. “Oh. The Captain.” Head of his Profession and his superior officer during his time as a lieutenant; he could certainly remember Finnerator Rudderbow. He had held her in awe for a time, and he wasn’t sure if he still did. He looked at the rest, but his thoughts were on the Captain. He assumed that she was in charge of the crowd, as she had been the officer in charge following the departure of the other commanders. He guessed accordingly that it was she who he should approach – however, she seemed to be interrogating some other otter and a squirrel. In all honesty, Sandegar was simply confused. With a passivity that qualified him as a terrible officer, he just stood back and waited, Alex at his side, as bewildered as he himself. “I hope someone notices us soon.” Alex whispered, and Sandegar only nodded.
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Post by Tasna and Willowtail Riverend on Feb 11, 2008 9:37:21 GMT -5
Willowtail stood in utter confusion, staring blankly at the arguments going around. A fox had arrived, and it seemed that there was some steam between the vixen and Raiden. The tall brown otter folded his forepaws and started digging the heel of his boot into the musty dirt. These are guardians? All they do is complain. *He looked behind him at Tasna. Her face bore a dark glare which made him feel like shivering. She had changed so much in these several seasons. No more did she gleam like the morning sun, or laugh. And how rarely she seemed to smile! The ottermaid that he had married- that sweet, smart girl- she was changed...and it wasn't for the better.
Tasna was seething. A joyous day it had seemed to be, but then this had happened. She hadn't heard from her fellow guardians in five seasons, and on this day they meet, they throw everything into a ruckus. She looked at the pitiful state that, their once honorable position, had fallen into. We are in a sad state. A sad, pitiful state. What happened to all the order around here? Tasna looked over at Finnerator, who appeared to have no interest in these arguments. War Commander? You going to do something about all this fuss? Literally disgusted with these shamed beasts, Tasna turned her focus to the gates, where two figures stood watching. She knew who one was, and didn't really know what to say. Who would accept 'ol Sandy now? Were guardians supposed to be ruthless vermin-like beasts with no feelings? Or were they tame, sensible, forgiving good beasts that would snap their own sword in half to save a comrade? Tasna had had enough. With a huff, she yelled above the crowd of arguing pests. "Hoy all! Stop your babbling and look over yonder at those gates! Who knows what you want to do about it all?" Ignorant bugs. With that (and still keeping her glare) she leaned back against the wall and pointed a lazy paw in Sandegar's direction. Her voice quieted down. "Go accept him, or turn him away like the dibbuns you're all acting like." Tasna walked away from the group toward Sandegar. He was the one that she always respected the most out of the guardians. He was smart, and he had sense. Her face softened a bit as she approached the pair, and a sad and disappointed look was there instead. "Sandegar, do you think we have a chance at restoring order to this place?" Tasna waited politely and patiently for an answer. Even a grunt from him would be acknowledgment enough for her.
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Sandegar
Off-Call Lieutenant
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Posts: 234
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Post by Sandegar on Feb 11, 2008 11:19:06 GMT -5
"Hoy all! Stop your babbling and look over yonder at those gates! Who knows what you want to want to do about it all?" The yell was barely heard by Sandegar over the noise of the crowd, but he heard it nonetheless. Involuntarily his ear twitched.
“Assertive,” he muttered, “just what we need.”
Alex looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “You know how odd it is when you do that?”
Sandegar waved her comment off carelessly, used to her snarky comments after two seasons of traveling with her. He scanned the crowd again, looking for whoever had had the courage and resolve to be so, in his opinion, plainly impertinent, but in a good way. He noticed an otter pointing at him, leaning against the wall. This time, his whiskers twitched.
“Go accept him, or turn him away like the dibbuns you're all acting like.” Her voice wasn’t as loud this time, but it had definitely been her before. Sandegar watched her begin walking his way, apparently angry at the state of events. Sandegar took a step forward, tipping his ears inquisitively. Alex glanced at him questioningly and shuffled some way into his shadow as she always did when meeting someone new.
As she approached, Sandegar noticed the subtle change in the otter's face, from anger to disappointment. At how the reunion was proceeding, he assumed. With a sigh, he dropped his damp cloak, longbow and quiver on the grass, flexing his shoulders.
"Sandegar, do you think we have a chance at restoring order to this place?" The otter came up to him and asked the question he had been himself wondering. He felt Alex shuffle uncomfortably behind him.
Looking over the ottermaid, he leant back on his heels, crossing his arms. “Well, I wouldn’t know, but I think this place is almost as occupied as it was back in the good ol’ days, hmm? A good start, I'd say.” Thoughtfully, he looked directly at the otter (whose name he simply couldn’t remember), then at the still-squabbling crowd. With a grin, he turned back to the otter. “We can start reordering with you! It’s Off-Call Lieutenant to you, ah…” His voice drifted off as he realized that no insignia in her attire signified her rank, or her name.
“Wait, you were a lieutenant here?” Alex suddenly grabbed his arm and pushed in front of him.
Annoyed, Sandegar brushed her off. “Mmm,” he nodded affirmatively, “I was, but I wandered off a while later.”
Facing the otter again, he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry for that disruption. And I have to admit, I really can’t remember your name.” His left ear drooped slightly with embarrassment. “Care to tell me?”
Hanging over his head, however, was a cloud with a different question. Had this grim ottermaid been there for the siege? He couldn’t remember her having such a harsh feeling about her before; though he couldn’t really even remember her too well, much to his shame. What kind of officer was he? A mental rebuke reminded him that he wasn’t an officer, and that he had abandoned his post, apparently right before he was needed. Glancing at the otter again, the question rose higher in his throat. Did she resent his, an officer’s, absence when the fort needed him most?
OOC: Darn stupid of me to post so fast afterwards my last one, but I just couldn't resist. XP
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Post by Nadia Darkon on Feb 11, 2008 21:32:36 GMT -5
Nadia descended from the parapet, letting Finnerator deal with the squirrel and otter in her own way. It seemed things were just about to cool down when, of all the creatures that could show up, Crystal did. It's a day for returns and reunions. Well well. The vixen and Raiden were still going at that same thing that the feline had witness that night in the tavern at the tournament. It seemed a little odd. Wasn't five seasons long enough? Didn't the two know just when to let things go?
"Look, the point is, before anybeast goes and kills each other, just take a jolly time to think. Raiden, keep your bally sword; there won't be any slaying or slashing with swords."
Nadia almost grinned at that comment from Rina. Exactly what she was thinking. Her attention was drawn back to the gate as Tasna bust out, apparently fed up with the way everybeast was acting. There, in the broken gateway, was Sandegar! He had another, younger hare with him. Must've gotten more sociable since the last time I saw him. He, too, had been one of the ones that had left before the invasion. The femme couldn't help but feel that things might have been different had not so many members of the fort left as they had.
As it was right now, things were majorly messed up. Guardians were almost literally at each others throats. No beast really knew who was in charge and they were all looking at Finnerator, who seemed to be as fed up with the situation as Nadia was. However, unlike, Tasna, Nadia would not burst out into ridicule. It was time to add a voice of calm to all this. That was one thing that had improved with her. Previously she would have just waited for an officer or some other beast to take charge. As it was, her seasons away had instilled more of an assuredness to her about her actions.
She stepped forward, saluting to Finnerator. It felt odd. She hadn't saluted in ages. Maybe this would actually turn out good.
"Commander. Permission to start finding rooms for all of us and to assess the supplies and armory?"
Although they had all returned, the fort was still in a rather precarious position. Its gates were wide-open. Could it even still sustain an army? Despite the fact that the horde had left, there still had to be vermin nests all over this area of Mossflower since the Guardians had not been there to keep them out. Maybe a vermin raid or attack was just what they all needed to stop their bickering.
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Rinafera Woxwitty III
Ret. War Commander
Head Boundary Guardian
Head Boundary Guardian && Retired War Commander
Posts: 696
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Post by Rinafera Woxwitty III on Feb 12, 2008 19:38:52 GMT -5
OOC: Same goes to you, Sandegar; no offense regarding character emotions.
Rinafera's voice was drowned out as he escaped to the Fort, no longer able to continue with all of the new arriving beasts. Finally, he could hear his own thoughts, refreshing his mind of the task at hand. His son and mate were probably up in the room, unpacking and setting up the beds, his friends were all outside, probably bickering, and he was inside the Fort, his eyes searching desperately for some food.
"And a hare! A jolly old hare!” The hare's whole body whipped around and looked for the source of the yell, eyes scanning the area. Ah! It was Sandegar and a younger, female hare. Rinafera didn't truly know what he thought of Sandegar; yes, he was a Lieutenant, but he was much younger and seemed a little too snappish for his liking - too cocky and arrogant. Or perhaps Rinafera himself was getting too old?
"Oh! It's nice to see another hare around these parts, wot! And nice to see you again, Sandegar. Have you finally returned from or are you just visiting so you can become an officer and then skip out on us again? Ah, where are my manners. Hello, young hare." He realized that he was being rude, but Sandegar had never been there when the Fort truly needed him, and it hurt to have an officer returning and leaving so much. The hare turned to look at Alex, dipping his head in an awkward greeting.
"Hello there, I'm Rinafera Woxwitty III. My son, the Fourth, is upstairs with the bally bags. It would be nice for you two to get acquainted, both being new and all, wot! Anyway, I'm parched and flippin' starved, now where's all the scoff..."
His voice drowned away and he turned once more, nodding to Nadia. "Sorry about not responding earlier, ma'am, it's just that I've... uh... been trying to be a diplomat for Raiden and Crystal and all this jolly ol' mess. My apologies."
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Post by Crystal M. V. Rosepaw on Feb 12, 2008 21:23:52 GMT -5
ooc; Whew, finally done. Ignore the length, please. Crystal tend to daydream and ramble. xD I noticed the grey was hard to see, so it's black now. xx. Crystal I was KILLING before killing was C O O L, You're so cool! You're so cool! So cool! Thankfully for Raiden, the vixen that he was addressing had lulled herself into a deep sleep-like trance- her green eyes wide as she observed the sea of green that swept out and waved cheerily to her from her position. Seemed as if the whole forest was alive and celebrating the return of its caretakers. And the rhythmic sway of the leaves and the placid choir of harmonies of the bugs around her wanted to make her call and wave back to the very earth and et her voice join in the maverick hymns. However, the sadness of knowing exactly what the realistic, truthful world had in store for her also made her masochist side aware of the tension around her. Even with her off-beat mind and trust-me-not ways, the fact that the major of the current pain in the Guardians was her fault made her whimper silently. The only thing betraying the presence of this inner turmoil to the gathered creatures was the simple way his agitatedly chewed at the lip piercing in her mouth- called a ‘snake bite’. Looking around at the group, she noticed for the first time that Raiden was making some sort of reply.
”For five seasons, I have wondered what I'd say to you if I had the chance... No amount of preparation could really have prepared me for the day... What I'm trying to say is this; I'm sorry Crystal. I'd never lie to you, and that's a fact... I swore an oath to tell the truth, and keep it totally honest with my friends... Former and Current... “ The mouse, with fluid ease- it seems he had practiced his movement to himself- drew his sword and offered the carefully taken care of hilt to the vixen. Any other creature might have been confused, she noted, by his gesture, however, since she had traveled the known world a few times over, (well, not fully, but a vast majority of the known world) she knew the customs of many. And thus the mouse spoke again. ”Here is my blade. Do with it as you will... Strike me down and I won't defend myself from the blows... I made my peace with my demons long ago.”
That bruised her pride like a slap to the face. However, she tactfully avoided showing this rage in the least, realizing that where Raiden came from, it was more than likely an act of sincere apology. Her eyes, which had remained hardened through the encounter, slightly softened, the dark green fires of pain and rage smoldering out near her pupils, which were tiny slits in the great light. The moment was interrupted by an old hare that Crystal also knew. His grating voice sent chills up her spine- and leg.
"Look, the point is, before any beast goes and kills each other, just take a jolly time to think. Raiden, keep your bally sword; there won't be any slaying or slashing with swords." Crystal snorted, white muzzle crinkling in disgust at his words, appalled that he could say that with a straight face. As he trooped back into the fortress, the vixen poked her tongue from between her teeth and rolled her eyes obnoxiously- and silently- at his back. Tasna also yelled hoarsely at the pair, which the vixen ignored soundly. She resumed her dead-eyed gaze at Raiden, placidly glancing at him. With a movement before he could react, the vixen stole the blade from his paws. With a huff, she replaced it back in its proper place- in his belt.
Twisting a paw up to tap her forehead, she countered the sign of gratitude she was making with a large and ludicrous roll of her eyes. “Raiden, if I’m ever going to get any kind of revenge on you,” the fox swore letting her paw fall to her side, “it’s gonna be my revenge. And one day… One day, I will have that revenge. "Promise.” "Go accept him, or turn him away like the dibbuns you're all acting like." Tasna’s gruff snap made her turn with a sigh, locking eyes with the otter for a few mere seconds before she turned her in direct attention too look at the direction the otter was gesturing towards. The fox’s low-cast ears suddenly sprang up like bolts of lightning, and she leaned against a broken beam for support, bright green eyes wide and full of not diminishable sparkles. Had this been a comic book, an exclamation point would have instantly appeared over her head- the vixen suddenly noted she had a place to sit as she watched the procedure of the events currently taking their time to unfold. It reminded her of a play, she noticed, each ‘character’ flawlessly playing their role, quote their lines. She turned her head to the side questioningly, she’d already forgotten Tasna’s order to greet Sandegar, wondering the category this ‘play’ would be placed in. Would it be an action? Maybe and adventure, but, then again, it could be a drama- this was currently most likely… Or maybe this was just a trick and this cast of ‘actors and actresses’ hand completely no idea what in the hell they were doing. In that case, soon would be her day to die- for it would be an epic failure in this current way. However, the fox simply blinked her compassionate eyes, and got down from her perch only a few seconds after seating herself, flicking her ears forward to listen.
And if it was her day to die… Let her last day be the day to give ‘em hell and have them toast their glasses spiked with cyanide. And, by that, she meant that if they were going to die today or sometime soon… They would do it together. As a fortress again.
Reunited.
Nadia was asking permission to do… something. Sandegar was being greeted and called upon for advice. The vixen instantly detected trouble by the look on a returning Rinafera’s face. Her fight with the mouse forgotten, Crystal inched forward, bright eyes shimmering with youth that far surpassed her rough-and-tumble appearance. Indeed, the jade pools seemed to radiate the same curious glow that they’d held when Crystal was naught but a kit. Rinafera was heatedly casting his officer glare at the younger hare, Alex forgotten at Sandy’s side. "Oh! It's nice to see another hare around these parts, wot! And nice to see you again, Sandegar. Have you finally returned from or are you just visiting so you can become an officer and then skip out on us again? Ah, where are my manners. Hello, young hare." Crystal fluidly moved so that Rinafera had access to speak to the young hare. Turning to the hare Rinafera had left off talking too, the vixen smiled.“I haven’t seen you in ages, mate,” she said, the glowing white pure happiness from her intoxicating smile melting her words to nothingness, “and I’m very glad to see you again on a better ground. And with a lighter head- I was deeply troubled last time we encountered one another.” A flash of remorse crossed her face, and the vixen’s posture apart from that changed to match as well. She had remained flat-footed the majority of this time, and with the change of mood, she slide onto her toes and turned so that her body was faced towards nothingness with her head looking over the shoulder exposed to the hare, hiding the majority of her face behind the pure white and blood red veil of hair. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and her tail curled tightly around her legs- embarrassed by her sudden apology to the older hare. She somehow caught the words from Rinafera to Nadia, and scoffed.“Hypocrite,” she mused under her breathe, loud enough only for Sandegar to hear. “I apologize for the blasted old hare. I suppose,” her voice suddenly increased in volume so Rina’ could hear her as well, “that Raiden and my own fighting pushed him to the edge. However, he was unrightfully to snap at you, seeing how he left as well as the majority of the guardians.” Slowly, she untwisted herself from her tangled position.
The vixen then cast a glare at Rinafera, which softened. “Lighten up, mate, nobody likes an old grouchy-whiskers,” the vixen said, waggling a ‘finger’ at the elder hare. She was in a grand mood today... For now. She let her bemusing, sunshine smile return to show the hare she was joking. And that she no longer had a grudge with him.You'll never take me ALIVE Do what it takes to SURVIVE And I'm still HERE .xx
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Post by Raiden and Zahi on Feb 13, 2008 6:08:48 GMT -5
**Raiden wasn't the least suprised when Crystal took his sword, but in the same instant he became slightly suprised when she returned it to his belt.**
As you wish... There isn't much for me to live for, so I welcome the challenge.
**Standing back and keeping one eye on Fishrudder, the mouse sighed deeply.**
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Finnerator Rudderbow
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Ranger
Also known as Fishtail Dirkslash
Posts: 298
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Feb 13, 2008 9:54:21 GMT -5
*Finnerator never got an answer from the two miscreants on the fort grounds. That was fine with her, as long as they wouldn't cause any more trouble. If they did, she would promptly throw them out of the fort where they could fend for themselves. The Guardians certainly didn't have time for that kind of bickering... then again, they seemed to be doing a lot themselves*
*When Crystal came on the scene, she and Raiden brought an old quarrel to the surface almost immediately. Finnerator never attended the tournament and had no idea what they were arguing about, but Rinafera stepped in to get both of them to calm down. Soon after that Tasna blew up about something. Tasna had certainly changed over the seasons. She was no longer the quiet and innocent ottermaid that Finnerator had met. Now she was quite able to take control of a situation as she just proved. The sea otter looked to where Tasna was pointing, towards the gates and towards Sandegar*
*The War Commander grinned at the sight of another familiar face. She held no hard feelings towards the Lieutenant and was more than ready to welcome him back. Finnerator wasn't one for holding grudges but, judging from the other beasts' responses to Sandegar's prescence, that wasn't the case for everyone. The otter was appalled at the amount of infighting and arguing that the Guardians were doing. These were not the strong united force that she had left five seasons ago. "Dibbuns," as Tasna said, was exactly the word for it and Finnerator wasn't helping. Everyone but her seemed to be giving the orders*
*The otter was about to go greet Sandegar when she was stopped by Nadia*
"Commander. Permission to start finding rooms for all of us and to assess the supplies and armory?"
*Finally, a voice of sense amongst the chaos of this odd reunion* Thank you Nadia, *the otter said truthfully and gratefully* Please do. We have to get this place back into shape before some other vermin troop comes along. *Finnerator tried not to wince at the thought. She didn't want to lose the fort again. It was time for her to take control again before somebeast else started yelling over her*
Guardians, before we continue the reunion, we have to get the fort back into working order. This place is not defensible as is so let's do something about it. *Years of service as Captain on a ship taught her how to project her voice over the roaring waves so she could certainly be heard over the other voices* I want half of you to help Nadia look around the fort for anything that could be of use to us and take stock of supplies. The rest of us need to start rebuilding our defenses. I suggest we start with the gatehouse. *She looked pointedly at the albino squirrel, the otter, and the other strangers who had wandered in from the woodlands* And if you aren't here to help, then you can leave right now. *Finnerator was serious about this and let them know it. Now would anyone take her seriously?*
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Sandegar
Off-Call Lieutenant
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Posts: 234
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Post by Sandegar on Feb 13, 2008 17:37:33 GMT -5
Before he could heed any kind of response from the ottermaid, Sandegar’s attention was stolen by the hare that Alex had so loudly noted, Rinafera. He was approaching them with a less than friendly expression, if only by a little, and Sandegar’s nagging worries intensified. Surely Rinafera, being a loyal Guardian and senior to Sandegar by age, would resent his absences in times of need despite his lieutenancy? "Oh! It's nice to see another hare around these parts, wot! And nice to see you again, Sandegar. Have you finally returned from or are you just visiting so you can become an officer and then skip out on us again? Ah, where are my manners. Hello, young hare."They were the very words that Sandegar had been waiting for, words he deserved to have thrown at him. Still, they stung, like a slap to the face. An insult to add to the injury of pride, he could only think. Outwardly he was silent, the only betrayal of his emotions the slight quiver of a whisker, barely keeping back his fury and resentment, crashing like waves over him. And he knew, that these tides were crashing over him, that these emotions were the companions of the gloomy shame spiraling out of control within him. Rinafera was right, he knew. He was an officer, or at least had been, and had betrayed the fort by deserting it in a time of need – he was unworthy. However, no matter how great his shame, he could not let it go. With a slightly hostile but otherwise impassive expression, aloofly he nodded in greeting. Meanwhile, the other hare had turned to Alex, and was introducing himself. "Hello there, I'm Rinafera Woxwitty III. My son, the Fourth, is upstairs with the bally bags. It would be nice for you two to get acquainted, both being new and all, wot! Anyway, I'm parched and flippin' starved, now where's all the scoff..."Alex had no idea how to feel about any of this. Sandegar’s history as a lieutenant was news to her, as was his cited habit of frequently abandoning his post of office. She greatly admired the older hare as a fighter and an archer, but as a hare brought up in the Fire Mountain, where military drill was law, it bothered Alex greatly that he had actually deserted his posting. It was just something one didn’t do! How was she supposed to think of now? He was no longer the wise, experienced fighter who could do no wrong – he had wronged in the past, and committed a great offence in her eyes. To confound her further, this other hare, Rinafera Woxwitty as he said, had spoken to her mentor with a sharp tone so contrasting with the familiar, light-hearted speech that she herself had used while living amongst other hares, the very tone that he was addressing her with now. The only silent comfort she could draw from this odd, one-sided conversation was the news of another beast, a hare she assumed, who was possibly as new as she herself to the fort and the Guardians of Mossflower. “That’d be nice, sah. I mean, meeting your son, sah.” Her response was rather weak and her voice was quavering somewhat, but it was the most she could manage other than smile nervously, which she was doing anyway. She nearly breathed a sigh of relief when the hare removed his attention from her to another beast – a cat. Maybe a wildcat, she couldn’t really tell. Alarm bells rang in her head. Her obliviousness hit her like a bolt of lightening, waking her up. There were vermin in the fort! Cats. Foxes. Why wasn’t anyone doing anything? Why were they left alone to their own devices among the noble Guardians? She turned to the frozen Sandegar and grabbed his arm. “Sandy! There are vermin here!” She whispered, just so that he could hear, but he did not respond, seemingly unhearing. He was staring into space, completely unmoving as though he was witnessing some sort of divine vision. Suddenly, one of the foxes she had been talking about, the oddly-colored one, was in front of them. Alex sidled behind Sandegar, and the move did not go unmissed by the older hare. However, he was much too focused on the figure in front of him to really care why, for the fox was not quite the same as he remembered her. She seemed even more dramatically dark now, if that was even possible, but there was something else. Perhaps it was maturity, perhaps it was insanity. He really couldn’t tell. But what mattered was the happiness he could see and sense radiating from her, the fact that she was welcoming him back whole-heartedly. “I haven’t seen you in ages, mate, and I’m very glad to see you again on a better ground. And with a lighter head- I was deeply troubled last time we encountered one another.” The apology was not one that Sandegar was expecting, but he smiled. She had matured, after all. However, to his alarm, she repositioned herself. Her posture was reclusive and closed, as if to keep everyone out. Some things haven’t changed, he thought. Long seasons have passed, but many things are still the same. The same old feuds. The same old friendships. The same old scars, bleeding. He was silent, though he knew he should respond. He knew he should voice his acceptance of the apology, but his insides were churning and his mouth refused to open. It had been such a long time…She continued, however, without giving him time to reply. “Hypocrite. I apologize for the blasted old hare. I suppose that Raiden and my own fighting pushed him to the edge. However, he was unrightfully to snap at you, seeing how he left as well as the majority of the guardians.” She opened up slightly as she spoke, displaying a joy that delighted Sandegar to see. However, her words returned to him the guilt that constantly plagued him, in a dosage stronger than before. He remained silent as the fox turned to reprimand Rinafera, left to his own thoughts with Alex cowering silently behind him. A smile crossed Crystal’s face, and words returned to Sandegar’s tongue. “Crystal, I won’t pretend I understand entirely,” he paused deliberately, “but you’re completely forgiven. I’m in no place to accuse you of any such charges.” He turned to Rinafera, and both humbled and steeled himself. “I know I’ve not been a loyal officer, and you might not approve of me; but for the sake of the fort, can you, at least, forgive me?” Just then, Finnerator’s voice rose above the crowd, drawing both Sandegar and Alex’s eyes. “Guardians, before we continue the reunion, we have to get the fort back into working order. This place is not defensible as is so let's do something about it. I want half of you to help Nadia look around the fort for anything that could be of use to us and take stock of supplies. The rest of us need to start rebuilding our defenses. I suggest we start with the gatehouse. And if you aren't here to help, then you can leave right now.Alex was still nervous and still confused. This fox had just come up to Sandegar and started talking to him like an old friend! She jumped in front of the older hare and placed her paws on his shoulders, glaring at him squarely. “Why are you talking to vermin? Why’s there a fox and a cat here?” She demanded, scowling. Sandegar’s whisker twitched and he glanced at Crystal. He knew how sensitive she could be about discrimination and generalization, and how worked up she could get. He looked back to face Alex, wearing an annoyed expression, and tipped his ears accusingly at her. “First off, they are Guardians. They are goodbeasts. They are with us, and we are not against them. And Crystal here is an old friend. Now, be quiet and follow orders. Now.” He knew Alex would not just let things be. She was far too stubborn and too much of a Salamandastron hare to accept the concept of good vermin. She would not even listen to orders, despite preaching the code of honor of the perilous hares of the Fire Mountain, a code of honor which Sandegar had begun to think slightly outdated. Alex opened her mouth to talk. Sandegar shook his head and turned his back on her, walking over the fallen gate. “Go with Nadia, the cat, and help her reorganize, as the commander said.” He called over his shoulder. He knew his apprentice well enough to know that she would sulk, but still do as commanded, albeit reluctantly. He could already hear her footsteps as she walked off, muttering under her breath. Sandegar looked over the structure of the gatehouse. The fallen wood would have to be removed first, he thought. He would obviously need help for that. Climbing onto a pile of the rubble, he looked over the crowd and took a deep breath. “Come on! Help me move this here wood, Guardians!” Sandegar bellowed, letting out all the air in his lungs in the form of words. Hopefully someone would listen. Alex was trudging slowly over to the commander and the cat. She was fuming. How could he tell me to work with a… a vermin? A foul, despicable vermin! Her ginger hair flopping over her face, she saluted the sea otter, slightly sloppier than usual. Something inside her was screaming for her to give a good impression, but it was submerged by the typical dramatic spirit of young adults everywhere, screaming to the world that they didn’t care. She looked up with a flick of her hair and leant back. “Sandy told me I should go with the cat.” She murmured rebelliously, stealing a hostile glance at the vermin she had just mentioned. There was no way she was trusting anything that looked like her. OOC: Listen to MCR while writing, Crys? ;D Once again, no offense for what either Sandy or Alex thinks, especially to you, Nadia . I really need to finish up, so I’ll edit tomorrow morning never, because I really can't be bothered .
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Fishrudder
Private
Fishy=Rascaram Terrapa=Spirit of the Remnent!c!Default
Posts: 39
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Post by Fishrudder on Feb 13, 2008 18:25:58 GMT -5
OOC: Sorry, My laptop went on the fritz, so we had to send it back, but I am back now. Sorry Sandegar, I didn't see you posted until I was halfway done, and since we have nothing to do with each other yet, I decided to keep on going.
IC: **FIshrudder had been mulling over what to say to the older and more mature otter. He finally decided what to say. He lifted his head from it's downward position, his neck was starting to hurt, he said in a voice loud enough for the leader to hear.** I'll gladly help, and stay, I didn't mean to cause so much chaos, I'm just a bit new to being in the open. What do you want me to do? **It was a first, Fishrudder actually looked the other otter in the eye as he said it. His sling was back in it's position on his belt and his old sword was in it's sheath, he turned to Raiden, who was talking to the fox. He waited for a pause in the conversation and said to him.** The wolf friend of yours, is he a smith, I've seen one once, and he looks like one. Do you think he would make me a new sword if I helped him? **He then quietly added** Or something like that.
Terrapa glanced around as the commanders started giving orders. This is ridiculous. I am leaving. He glanced up at who seemed to be the commander and said. "Forget it." The squirrel brushed by Finnerator and jumped up the stairs. He walked on the parapet to the tree that was reachable. The albino jumped across the small gap and landed on a bough, making it spring up in down. In a flash the treejumper was gone through trees, to the border of Mossflower.
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Post by Raiden and Zahi on Feb 13, 2008 18:38:32 GMT -5
Who Horus? Yeah. He's the one who fixed a busted claymore for me... I mean how can an iron hammer break a blue steel blade that has seen more than a dozen centuries of comabt? It's a puzzel if you ask me... Thankfully, Horus fixed that claymore blade into this one.
**At that, Raiden drew the other sword from his belt to show the otter.**
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Post by Crystal M. V. Rosepaw on Feb 16, 2008 0:15:27 GMT -5
ooc; Crystal will tactfully as she can have Alex help her. x3 xx.Crystal I was KILLING before KILLING was COOL, You're so cool! You're so cool!! SO COOL! The surrounding fortress seemed more enchanting than ever to Crystal. She wasn't sure if it was the fact that it was a place she had called home, the depressing air of dark mystery(which in her own twisted way drew her too it), or the beauty of nature after her long bid at sea. She was hard pressed to focus on those around her and not that around them. It was agony to try and stay focused. She knew if she let herself become to interest in the surroundings then the whole meaning f the meeting would fade and cease. If she went on one of her normal rants and began to rave on and on about the fortress and surrounding Wood, the guardians would consider her mad. However, she was as completely sane as both of them, but maybe just more aware of the things round her. Yes, let us go with that... Her heart squirmed in her like some kind of pathetic butterfly with a single crippled wing- flopping around uselessly like a fish out of water. Alex's behavior stung her like as if she'd been lanced with a needle. The vixen blinked, her translucent pale green orbs shimmering with the shadows of the same dark rage that she'd hurled without remorse at Rinafera so long ago. However, she did not wish to stoop as low as the hare- or hurt her young feelings, which Crystal herself knew to be delicate in any creature- or repeat the fight with Rinafera so close. A tingle ran down her spine, feeling both pairs of eyes upon her as she spoke. “Crystal, I won’t pretend I understand entirely,” he stoped his speech and Crystal waited patiently, but with baited breath and muted curses, “but you’re completely forgiven. I’m in no place to accuse you of any such charges.” Happiness purred in her chest as it wrapped it's warm arms to ensnare her heart in it's shimmering grasp. She bowwed her head respectfully, her curved ears flopping down comically with her nod, bangs swinging to brush her features. She let her mind wander, letting Sandegar have his say at Rinafera as she studied Alex. The hare seemed frightened to be in her presence. Whereas to some that meant that they could have the lass do their bidding, Crystal a pang of pity. As well as resent. She could not at all help what she was. Just as Alex could not help being a hare and being classified as 'perilous and eating great amounts', Crystal could not shake the dark talons of the names 'vermin', 'evil', and 'murderer'. She had killed- no doubt about it!- but only when she had to do so. The fox felt insecure and small at that moment, seeming to wilt under Alex's quizzical look. Shivering, the fox turned away, her light auds pricked forward, her maw slightly parted as the vixen tried to look as if she was trying to decide the best for her old home. However, she was merely wanting to curl up and hide. And then Alex stung her again, smashing the great weight of dread into her skull and appearing happy to watch her spew the crimson fluid of her misery onto the floor. The vixen straightened herself at the thought of that. “Why are you talking to vermin? Why’s there a fox and a cat here?” Alex's voice wasn't very quiet- Crystal thought she didn't care about offending her. Be the better, dear, be the better! It's brainwashing, all it is, she doesn't know truth from lies. It's not her fault, her conscious mental preached. Shivering again, the vixen found interest in her belt, rubbing her claws at the fabric. She hoped Sandegar would defend her! “First off, they are Guardians. They are goodbeasts. They are with us, and we are not against them. And Crystal here is an old friend. Now, be quiet and follow orders. Now.” Thank goodness. But Crystal felt empty and broken like a toy discarded on the floor. She could not even stand up to a child because of her fear of resentment. Where had her bravery gone? But sorrow balled in her stomach, lurching up like bile in her throat and threatening to choke her. It had left, along with her arrogance. She hoped. She turned to Sandegar, the shadow of sadness in her eyes disappearing with her turn. "T-thank you, Sandegar. F-for your forgiveness." Crystal knew that he understood why she was thanking him. She also knew that he'd understand that she was trying to save face. That made her feel so horrible. Turning away from Sandegar and Alex, the vixen’s sorrow flickered back into her optics for a second then faded once more. She had looked up and her gaze fell on Rinafera. She stepped closer to him, putting a ‘finger’ to her lips to tell him not to broadcast her words. “Rinafera,” she began, “you tried to kill me before- I know that for a fact. You’ve insulted me, and insulted my race and being. In the act of trying to murder me, you helped to cripple me.” The vixen said, knowing that he surely recalled it well. It was hard to forget, her scream of agony as Rinafera had sliced tendons and veins in twos and fours, and how she had fall back into the deep waters of the lake, staining the waters red. And how she’d collapsed and he’d left her alone and to hurt to seek help. Well, that’s how she recalled it- the pain had made her sight flicker in brief seconds and slip away like sands of the hour glass. “However… “I forgive you, Rinafera. I understand why you did it. You have suffered at the paws of my kind- I understand! I understand that if I was you, I’d have been tempted to do the same. I understand all your spite and hate. I understand, Rinafera Woxwitty.” The vixen blinked, the sadness in her eyes showing but was highlighted by the burn of determination. “And I vow to prove you wrong- not all of us are bad. I’ll make you see. No matter the cost, you will see.” Rubbing at her eyes, she lingered a moment and then left him, not giving him a chance to speak. She would keep her promise. He would see! He HAD to see! Crystal padded her way to Finnerator after Nadia was finished. “Commander,” she said fluidly, “permission to work- most likely alone or with only one other- on setting traps? I have bad feelings, Commander.” As she spoke, the vixen touched her brow with a forepaw, showing her respect. They’d all see. She’d make them. You’ll never take me alive, Do what it takes to survive, And I’m still here!.xx
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Rinafera Woxwitty III
Ret. War Commander
Head Boundary Guardian
Head Boundary Guardian && Retired War Commander
Posts: 696
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Post by Rinafera Woxwitty III on Feb 16, 2008 15:36:06 GMT -5
Rinafera shrugged at Sandegar, taking in what the younger hare said. He seemed sincere, and while he was considering it, he realized that there must've been good reason. The hare nodded respectfully. "Yes, sah, I can forgive you. It takes courage to come back, sah, and I can jolly well respect you returning. My aplogies for my rather... gross manner." He put out a paw for Sandegar to shake, but before the other hare could respond, Crystal stepped forward.
“Rinafera, you tried to kill me before- I know that for a fact. You’ve insulted me, and insulted my race and being. In the act of trying to murder me, you helped to cripple me.” Rinafera was about to protest, for he remembered their spar rather vividly, but she continued. “I forgive you, Rinafera. I understand why you did it. You have suffered at the paws of my kind- I understand! I understand that if I was you, I’d have been tempted to do the same. I understand all your spite and hate. I understand, Rinafera Woxwitty.”
He stood still, looking into her eyes as if wanting her to say more. However, he knew that it was his turn to speak. Rinafera felt sorry for the vixen, having to prove everyone that she wasn't a killer. "Crystal, you've certainly grown up. I have to admit that I was wrong about you, and I'm so very sorry for everything I said about your race. Wot I did was bad show, ma'am, bad show! My lust for vermin blood is gone, doncha know, and I met a certain somebeast a while back." The hare paused, almost embarressed by the thing he would say next.
"I met with Erksta Riverrider. You know him, right? Well, he's an otter and he's downright, flippin' evil. I don't care what race you are; instead, I will harm anybeast who intends to harm Guardians of Mossflower. Fourth, my son, taught me it's about the inside. Even when I thought I was bally teaching him, he flippin' taught me a lesson I'd better not forget."
As if on cue, Fourth strolled down the rampart steps. He was dressed in his green tunic to accompany his light brown fur and chocolate brown eyes, his ears twitching at the sound of his father speaking so tenderly. The young hare spotted Alex, a young haremaid, and was immediately drawn to speak with her rather than the rest. However, as he passed Rinafera, he muttered a barely audible, "Good for you, father." Continuing farther, he nodded to Alex, who seemed to be a little shy in the presence of vermin.
"Hello there, chapess. I'm Rinafera Woxwitty IV, doncha know, but I'm better known as Fourth. Nice to see another hare, wot! So, Miz, what is your name?"
Rinafera chuckled, leaning toward Crystal again, trying not to let Fourth hear him. "Fourth's best friend at Redwall Abbey was a vixen, so I'm sure he'll take a liking to you. Hm, he's probably enticed by that haremaid, but I'm sure you'll get acquainted later."
"Guardians, before we continue the reunion, we have to get the fort back into working order. This place is not defensible as is so let's do something about it." Finnerator's voiced boomed above the conversation and Rinafera's ears twitched. He nodded to Crystal as if to say, "excuse me," and darted toward the War Commander. "Being a Boundary Guardian, ma'am, I'd like to accompany Crystal with setting traps. Is this possible?"
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Finnerator Rudderbow
Ret. War Commander
Ret. Head Ranger
Also known as Fishtail Dirkslash
Posts: 298
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Post by Finnerator Rudderbow on Feb 19, 2008 13:05:28 GMT -5
(OOC: Not a great post, but I figured I had to get something down)
*Finnerator was pleased to see that the Guardians were giving up any and all grudges against eachother. The sea otter wasn't aware of even half of the things that went on and didn't know where any of them came from. A lot can happen in five seasons. From where she was standing, it looked like the Guardians of Mossflower were ready to start this thing all over again. That was good because so was Finnerator*
*As soon as Finnerator gave her orders, people started moving. She was glad that they were at least willing to follow her for now. Soon she would know where they all stood with her being War Commander, but first they had to rebuild this mess. Nadia was already sorting through the supplies that the vermin left behind and the young haremaid joined her. Unwillingly perhaps, but she didn't make a fuss about it*
“Commander, permission to work- most likely alone or with only one other- on setting traps? I have bad feelings, Commander.”
*That was Crystal. Finnerator could see that she had changed over the seasons. She couldn't quite pinpoint what it was, but the fox certainly seemed less reckless than she used to be. Finnerator nodded in reply. The sea otter hadn't considered setting up traps and it was a good idea* Please do. It's a good idea considering our walls won't hold up as well anymore. *Sandegar approached right after Crystal*
"Being a Boundary Guardian, ma'am, I'd like to accompany Crystal with setting traps. Is this possible?"
*Again Finnerator nodded* Yes, you two handle the traps and the rest of us will see what you can do here. *The sea otter waited a moment then went off to fetch some supplies they could use for fixing the door*
*She headed for the armoury first. Most of the place was looted of weaponry. It looked like the vermin had taken what they wanted and discarded their own less than satisfactory weapons. Everything was strewn about the floor; armour and old blades were left lying about and abandoned. However, it appeared that the vermin had not used the place for anything other than looting. She searched among the piles of weapons for anything that might be useful for fixing the door*
*Finnerator soon returned to the main gate lugging an armful of old battleaxes war hammers. There weren't many, but it was enough to get started. The otter dumped them on the ground in front of the gate and walked off to find Nadia and see if she found any proper supplies that might be more useful than the improvised mess that Finnerator gathered*
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Post by stonewall on Feb 19, 2008 23:40:34 GMT -5
Still lying flat upon the ridge, Sergeant Halls watched in silence, hand placed above his eyes so as to blot out the sun's glare. The Captain may have decided to continue his original mission, but the unexpected discovery of the ruined fort and it's inhabitants had worried him enough that he ordered two of his troop to stay behind and keep an eye out, watching for anything peculiar or threatening. Out of the original ten sent out from the camp, only six were actually continuing on the search for General Gargott. Not that Halls was overly dissapointed; he had no desire to continue to tramp through the woods, and he certainly wasn't going to argue about being put on watch. If anything was to happen that might prove dangerous, at least he would know about it first, rather than recieving an unpleasent surprise.
Waddling up the ridge side came his accomplice, Corporal Yamin, carrying in his hand a few apples. Keeping his head down, the pig slunk over to his comrade, handing him a fruit. "I tell ya, with all these trees, you'd think it'd be a sight easier to find an apple or two." Chewing into the apple, trying not to make too much noise, he gestured towards the ruined building below. "So, what did I miss?"
Eagerly accepting the apple (they hadn't eaten since that morning), Halls explained the situation, as much as he could make of it. "Well now, a little bit after you scarpered off, that there fluffy tailed, pointed ear thing... what're they called again?"
Yamin scratched his head, trying to recall. "Uh, let's see now... Faxes, or something like that. I remember seeing one back in Moznan. Worked for one of those bloody tigers, she did."
"Well, anyway, the fax seemed to have herself a falling out with the guy in the tin-tuxedo, and I thought for a second there that they were going to have it out, especially when he handed her his sword..."
Yamin was perplexed. "He what? Now, why would anyone give someone with a hankering for a killing a sharp object?"
"Search me. Any ways, they seemed to have sorted it all out now. Then, another one of those long eared things showed up with a young'n, and I don't reckon he got the recepetion he wanted, 'cause the other long eared thing doesn't seem to pleased to see him..."
"Now, how do you know that? We can't hear nothing up here."
"Well, it's body language, isn't it? If you had seen it, there wouldn't be any doubts in your mind, no sir."
"Alright, fine. Then what?"
"Well, the sleek backed river thing seems to have taken control of the situation (I reckon she's some kind of authority figure), a white furred tree jumping thing bolted, and now they all seem to be doing their best to get along." Confident that that was all that required saying, the pig relieved his dried out mouth with another bite of apple.
Yamin blinked, a little perplexed. "And that's it?"
Halls nodded. "That's it."
The Corporal was suprised. "Huh, the Captain seemed certain they were up to something."
"Well, I can't say I've seen anything too suspicious from here. They seem content to do what ever it is there doing in that house. Can't say I understand why. It's not exactly prime real estate, now is it?"
The pleasentness of the conversation was interupted by an unexpected intrusion. "Well, it's not your job to decide what's important, now is it?"
Only a years worth of experience in the woods kept the duo from making any sounds of fright, knowing that a yell was the most efficient way of letting the woodlanders know where you were. Fumbling about for their sabres, they rolled on their backs to confront the new comer, only to find that, rather than a bloodthirsty insurgent, it was Major Vomst, an ill tempered, self important officer. And upon further expection, Halls could see the glimmer of spiked helmets in the undergrowth, making it clear that the officer was not alone. Relieved that they had not been snuck up on by the fortress residants, Sergeant Halls managed a quick salute. "Major Vomst, sir! What brings you here?"
Vomst sneered, as if even talking to the subordinate pair made him ill. "You assume, of course, that it's your business to know?"
None too pleased at the Major's acid temper, the trooper shrugged. "Well, sir, seeing as we've been keeping the look out here, and since there's a good chance that we know what's over this hill than you do, it might be a good idea to entrust us with what it is you're planning on doing."
Vomst sighed contemptiously. "The Commanding General recieved the news from Captain Samson that he had located a gathering of insurgents in this area, and saw fit to send a more experienced and authoritive officer to sort out the situation. Which means, Sergeant, that I already know what it is I have to do, and I require no assistance from the likes of you."
The silence that followed the Major's minature lecture insinuated that the scouts were not going to be informed of any further plans. Nodding sullenly, Halls affirmed the subordinate status. "Well, if that's the case, sir, then I suppose my comrade and I should find our way back to Captain Samson."
Vomst nodded exageratedly. "Very good, Sergeant. You go on your way, and let the real soldiers take over." Content that he had made it clear that he was in charge, the Major ignored the parting salutes as they strolled off the hill, continuing their bobbing and weaving as they made their way north.
Finally rid of unwanted filth, Major Vomst peered at the scene at the fortress, not bothering to observe the caution that the Sergeant and Corporal had so shamelessly exhibited. Typical rank rats; afraid that some boogey monster would pop out of the ground infront of them and give them a fright. There was nothing to be afraid of, Vomst was sure. They had all allowed their imaginations to get the better of them, that was all. The only thing of any threat in this backwards country was the Pigs themselves, and staring at the ramshackle building only confirmed the Major's thoughts. Was this really the best architecture that these flea ridden fools could develop? The red stoned building was obviously a fluke. He doubted that the now decaying fortress had ever been moderately intimidating. Just another failed attempt to match the grandeur of Pig culture.
Ignoring the unimpressive structure for a moment, Vomst surveyed the reported insurgents, and had to force himself not to laugh. He had come all this way for this lot? The way that the report had sounded, he was supposed to have discovered at least formidable opposition. All they were were barbarians, ruffians, and highway-beasts, who would doubtlessly turn tail and run at the slightest show of force. He had been given thirty soldiers to command, but now he doubted that he would need that many.
Allowing himself one last bemused glance at his soon to be victims, Vomst turned and walked back down the slope to the trees, where his troops were waiting. The Major nodded in satisfaction at their quality, reviewing his orders in his head. The General had reason to believe that, if they were not already anti-Pig, the new found woodlander group would doubtlessly prove hostile as long as the Pigs were in Mossflower, and were a danger to the potential suprise that Sprog hoped the appearance of Gargott would appear. The boar wanted all his enemies in one location where he could keep an eye on them, and having them spread around wouldn't be condusive to that notion. Thus, it had been emphasised to Major Vomst that this was not a routing operation, but rater an attempt to ensure that these fortress dwellers knew of the Second Corps' existance, thus hopefully drawing them towards Redwall Abbey and away from the supposed route of General Gargott. Yet, in his personal opinion, Vomst was unsure whether total annihalation was unavoidable. There were no warriors here, just tired out furr balls who hadn't realized their position on a worldly scale. But, orders were orders, and the Major knew that killing all of these primitives would be blatant insubordination. Still, there was no reason not to make a big enough dent in their numbers so as to save any future trouble...
Upon counting all thirty helmeted heads present, the Major drew the sword he kept at his side. "Alright, boys, we have ourselves a meeting with a few locals. Now, who here enjoyed being harrased all last year? Not being able to sleep soundly?" There were loud sounds of angry consent from the soldiers, none feeling too forgiving at their often unseen opressors. The Major sensed their boiling hatred, and almost felt sorry for what was about to happen to the natives. "Well, it seems we've gone and found ourselves a right old party of those backstabbers, right over that hill. Now, what say we see their faces without any place for them to run and hide to?" An approving shout rang out, announcing their presence to whoever was within earshot. Vomst nodded approvingly, smiling broadly. "Alright, fall into line formation, and park yourselves just underneath the summit of the hill. I'm going to go down first and bandy some words with that lot, set them off guard. That way, they'll reckon it's only me and not a group of true warriors waiting only a few yards away to pound the daylights out of them. Besides, I really want to see their faces when you lot appear over that hill after I give the word. Reckon they'll be as stand uppish then?" he questioned mockingly, which was rewarded by an appreciative laugh as the formed into a long line, spears at the ready, as they marched up the hill side, stopping before they reached the top, making sure that they could not bee seen by any one staring up from the other side. Confident that his suprise attack was ready, the Major gave his boys a broad wink as he strolled down up and over the summit of the hill, placing his sword back in his scabbard, placing his hand behind him as if he was out for a morning constitutional. Whistling brightly, he sauntered over towards the main doors of the fortress, getting within full sight of all who were gathered around it. "Howdy there, boys! Now what do you all think you're up to on this day?"
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