The Black Gull - Tavern -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

An ever present combination of smells greets any new arrival upon entering the Gull. Various ales and grogs, rums and wines; of course, the scents and aromas of liquors would be there. It's a tavern. But along with those airs, the underlying odor of unwashed bodies and unclean boots can be detected. It is this joining of scents that gives the Gull a very well-loved and oft' visited personality. That, and the state of the inner commons, as well.

The scuffed floorboards beneath ones footpaws will guide anybeasts' eyes to the simplistic layout that the Gull was designed in. The east wall opens, narrowly, its mouth for a well-lit vestibule to settle uncomfortably. Light, both from the outside, and the two lanterns hung there, casts a revealing glow upon the entrants, giving the patrons within a rather decent visual. Slipping further into the Gull, the light grows dimmer, and far less frequent. With no windows to the outdoors, the tavern is held in the palm of eternal dusk.

Across from the entrance, the bar has been placed upon a, slightly, raised platform. Being open on either end, it's not uncommon to see the tavern's wenches and 'tenders hustling about, passing one another as they go about their duties. Reflecting, poorly, the goings on about the bar is a large, dusty old mirror. A few beasts have traced various crude pictures in the gathered dust around the border, but for the most part the mirror (the middle of it, at least) remains clear. Cracks of time and stains from thrown drinks stripe the looking glass in a few places. Various racks and shelves with bottles, labeled and not, settle on either side of this mirror above casks. Two doors, abused and slightly battered, rest behind the bar; One faces the west and to the barn and paddock, while the other, North-facing, gives way to the kitchens. To the south is a platform consisting of drenched, copper-brown wood (mainly from spilled blood, one might assume).

With the season changing once again, the open hearth nestled against the northern wall, along with a staircase, has roared back into life. A steady fire can almost always be seen and heard crackling lazily over dead wood. A few run-down garlands are strung about the mantle; somebeast's attempt at making the Gull a little more festive, perhaps.

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Eboriel steps in with Anaru in her arms and shuts the door with her boot heel. She makes her way to the bar and sets the foxcub down carefully on a stool. "Do you want me to get you anything to eat?"

Anaru looks behind the bar and around the tavern curiously, then he is set down. Smiles at the cat and nods. "Kay..Thank'oo."

Eboriel eases into the stool next to Anaru, waving over the 'tender. "What would you like?" she asks the foxboy. "A roast bird? A fish, maybe?"

Anigh steps into the bar, sickles hidden behind the enveloping cape. The scythe, unfortunately, cannot be hidden. Mistaking Anaru for Leonidas at first glance, he bowed. "Prin..." he trails off, getting a better look. "Blast it. I think I need my eyesight checked."

Eboriel looks up to Anigh, her muzzle spreading into a smile. "I found him on the dirt road," she explains, with a small gesture to Anaru, "near Redwall. He has no family.. and I wasn't going to leave him with /them/."

Anaru looks over at the wildcat and grins at him, then looks back up at Eboriel. "A bird'll be'good. Slain made me'a fish last'nigh." He begins to mess with the hem of his jacket again and swing his legs tail wagging boredly.

Eboriel's ears tilt up. "You know Slain?"

Anaru noddles. "Says'e's a dragon." Anigh is observed in silence now.

Anigh hmms and moves towards the small fox, trying to be un-intimidating. "And what's your name?"

Anaru slowly has to move his head up as Anigh comes forward. "Anaru..." Mouth open and staring.

Anigh crouches down to eye-level. He doesn't mind kids, he's just not used to them. "Anaru, hm? That's a good name. My name is Anigh." He offers his paw hesitantly, not really sure how to greet a child.

Anaru puts out a paw for him to shake, though it is tiny in comparison. "Nice'ta meet'you." Smiling again and nodding a little, in mimicry of adults.

Anigh can't help but give a low chuckle as he shakes the little fox's hand, his own paw completely engulfing the other. "And what were you doing alone outside the Abbey?"

Eboriel watches the exchange with a pleasant smile as this exchange occurs, then glances up as Anaru's roasted dove is set before him. "Cider for me," she orders quietly.

Anaru shrugs a little. "I'was bored. There was no'un aroun'." Then the smell of the roast dove gets his attention and he looks back at the bar, ears perked. Smiles up at Eboriel. "Thank'oo, Eboreel."

Eboriel smiles, pushing the plate a little closer to Anaru. "You're very welcome."

Anigh stands up, his mask hiding the slight amusement in his eyes. "What is it you intend to do with him now, Miss Eboriel?"

Anaru picks up the silverware and tries to cut off some of the dove, brow furrowed and concentrative..

Anigh glances at Anaru's struggles. "Would you like me to help?"

Anaru looks back up at Anigh, with a flick of one of his large ears. Nods. "Kay...Thank'oo..."

Anigh glances around, picks up the knife, and fingers the edge. "You'd have a bit of difficulty cutting a bird with a long dulled knife, Anaru." He half-smiles, before picking up a knife with a serrated edge, and swiftly cuts the bird into smaller pieces. "Where are your parents, Anaru? Should they not be with you?"

Eboriel sips at her cider and leans back against the bar. "I told you, Anigh, he has no family."

Anaru shakes his head. "My momma died when I'was born." Looks up at Eboriel as she speaks and so doesn't go further than that. Goes to eat one of the pieces.

Anigh flicks his ears at Eboriel. "Oh, I must have not heard you. But you didn't answer my question, Miss Eboriel. What do you intend to do with him?"

Eboriel says, "I'm not sure. I suppose I'll have to look after him."

Anaru just listens quietly, swinging his legs again and eating the pieces of dove.

Anigh hmms, looking down at the small tod. "It's a shame, really, that one so young should lose something as vital as his parents." He moves a paw to pat Anaru's head. "Taking care of a child is something you've always wanted to do, is it not, Miss Eboriel?"

Anaru doesn't seem to mind being petted. In fact he has been petted a /lot/ in the past two days.

Anigh gives a half-hearted chuckle as the fox eats. "Don't worry, little one, Miss Eboriel is a very good caretaker. You are in good hands." He glances around the tavern. "I can't say the same for this environment, though."

Eboriel smiles, glancing down to Anaru. "I love children. I can't wait to have my own."

Anaru had observed the wildcat as he spoke, then begins to eat again. He sighs a little.

Anigh looks up from the child. "Has Alexian...proposed yet?"

Eboriel tilts her ears back. "No...he promised to, a few days ago. He said he wants to marry me, and will ask to when we return to Ruingate, and when he gets a proper ring."

Anaru listens to the conversation quietly.

Anigh half-smiles. "I am happy for you, then, Miss Eboriel. He seems like a good beast. Loving, if anything. How does he plan to support you?"

Eboriel arches an eyebrow. "He won't need to."

Anigh stares at her for a moment, before nodding. "Oh, yes, I understand. I assume you have great wealth stored away." He orders some water. "I never cared for money, personally. It distracts a beast far too easily."

Anaru sets the silverware down and scoots the plate away a little. "'M'done."

Anigh flicks unseen eyes down to Anaru. "So you are. With such an appetite, you will grow strong very quickly."

Anaru smiles up at Anigh again, ears perking all the way and making his muzzle look even more small and pointed.

Anigh rubs his mask. "What would you like to be when you grow up, Anaru?"

Anaru looks thoughtful. "I'wann be like my uncle.."

Eboriel heads off.

Anigh cocks his head a bit. "And what does your uncle do?"

Lead down the stairs comes Ceric, escorted by Bane behind him followed by Merdez. A paw kept at Ceric's back as he remains shackled. "Careful with your footing," he says to Ceric and leads him off to the side of the tavern at a table designated for the Regent.

Anaru looks proud. "He'the leader of'a Gypsy t'oupe." Then pauses as more beasts enter the tavern. He goes silent, eyes widening and one ear tip flickering. Stares at Ceric.

Anigh glances up at the arrival of the small group. "Milord Soulslash, Lord Bane," He bows twice. "What is happening?" The wildcat flicks his gaze to Ceric, but doesn't show any emotion.

Merdez moves to his seat in the corner, draping his cloak over the seat and folding his paws before him. His eyes are on Ceric, though he speaks to Bane, "Find the prisoner a chair, if you would be so kind, Lord Vasilis."

Ceric looks subdued. Quiet and staring at the floor for right now.

"A trial," Bane answers Anigh as he turns to pull a chair out for Ceric. He crosses his arms as he stands behind the chair.

Ceric sits down as the chair is pulled out and looks up at Lord Merdez.

Anigh nods and looks at Ceric. "This isn't going to be especially pleasant, I'm afraid."

Merdez clears his throat, "Prisoner, state your full name..."

Ceric sits up straight. "Ceric Rafael Marsten."

Anaru stares still. Remains silent, as if his air supply has been cut off. Not sure what's going on, but doesn't want to yell out right now…

Anigh instantly notices Anaru's discomfort. Moving towards him, he sits down next to the small tod. "Don't worry, they won't do anything incredibly bad...I don't think." He glances at Cheena. "Would you like some cider, Anaru?"

Merdez's eyes fall on Ceric, "Thus begins the trial of Ceric Rafael Marsten, resident of Mossflower. You are charged with two counts of bellicosity, against one monitor, and against Eboriel Roheryn, Ward of the Regency."

Anaru looks towards Anigh again, breathing out. Nods a little in response.

Anigh orders the cider. It swiftly arrives. "Here, take a few gulps. Keep quiet now."

Ceric doesn't know really what to do, so kind of half-nods understandingly.

Anaru takes the cider and drinks some, holding the mug with both paws…

Merdez steeples his paws, "You know the charges. As a non-citizen of Ruingate, you are not entitled to a jury of peers, nor are you given the right to a scholarly Voice, however you are permitted to speak your case. You may do so now..."

Anigh leans back a little, resting against the bar counter behind him. He throws a swift glance at Anaru, making sure he hadn't toddled off or something. Never could be too sure with kids.

Ceric thinks quietly how to place his words right. "I have no excuse for my actions..Perhaps the monitor, Slain, had just finally irritated me, possibly, so I hit him. When he fought back, the Lady Eboriel stepped in to break us up. It was an accident that I wound up biting her....I would never hurt her on purpose…"

Anaru remains seated there beside the wildcat, holding the mug of cider to him. Has gone back to staring.

Merdez gives a nod, "I'm glad that you are not contorting the truth," he says, "What was it that bothered you about this 'Slain's' actions?"

Ceric narrows his eyes a little. "He kept…acting like he was the only beast who was mournful of our friend's death...Then he stated something about the Lady Eboriel that I didn't appreciate. It was the last straw I suppose..."

Merdez's eyes narrow in return, "This beast you call friend made an attempt on the life of my youngest son, and badly injured my wife in that attempt," he says, "I do not understand your sorrow. I mourn not the wicked." **Editor’s Note: I am still trying to aquire this particular log. Be patient with me**

Ceric nods solemnly. "My lord, he was my friend before he attempted to kill your family. I do not agree with his actions, but I did still feel /some/ sorrow, because he /was/ my friend…"

Anaru drinks more cider.

Merdez's lip curls a little, "Were a friend of mind a child murderer, I would divest myself of them entirely. I would not wish to be in any way associated with a killer of the innocent."

Ceric closes his eyes. "I did not know what he had done at the time. He used to be a sane beast....I am sorry."

Anigh almost says something, but holds his tongue. There is wisdom in silence, after all. He doesn't look at Anaru as he talks. "How's that cider treating you, Anaru?"

Anaru murmurs something in response. Not quite audible or understandable.

Anigh glances at Anaru, the garbled mess missing his understanding completely.

"His crime is not yours," Merdez says, "But take care that he does not do you ill by leading you to wickedness. The evil should be cast out, and our hearts must give room only to the just. But as to your trial, I shall have to consult with the witnesses of the event first before drawing a conclusion."

Ceric dips his head in a half bow. "Yes, My Lord." Understandingly.

Anaru looks over at Anigh as he feels his gaze. The little todd half wags his tail, sighing a little.

Anigh, still keeping an ear trained on the conversation, speaks to Anaru. "Is there something wrong?"

Merdez taps his paws together, "Prisoner Ceric, if we unshackle you, will we need fear that you'd attempt to escape? I can assure you your sentence will be light, and I don't think detainment is necessary."

Anaru nods a little at Anigh's question.

Bane moves to retrieve the key to the shackles. He reaches out to lift Ceric's chains, ready to unlock them based on Ceric's answer.

Anigh glances at Bane as he moves to unlock Ceric. "What is it, Anaru? Is this affair bothering you?"

Ceric shakes his head. "I won't go anywhere, Sir." Holds up his arms so Bane can unlock the chains.

Anaru motions to Ceric quietly. He was told not to speak. He's doing as told.

Bane does so, unlocking Ceric's shackles one paw at a time then lifts the chains, handing them to a nearby guard to hold.

Ceric stays seated, until he is told to move.

Merdez parts his paws and waves slightly, "The trial is dismissed for the moment," he says, "But do not wander far, Prisoner. If you wish for this to be over swiftly, we must be able to find you when the witnesses are assembled."

Anigh seems a bit confused. "What about Ceric?" Hidden eyes glance over at him. "Come now, speak up."

Ceric nods and stands. "Thank you, My Lord."

Anaru looks over at Anigh, then back at the other todd. "Ceric!!" He yells when he is given permission to speak.

Merdez's eyes shift to Anaru, a brow lifting.

Anigh furrows his brow at Anaru as he shouts. "Anaru? What are you yelling about?"

Ceric looks over at the child as his name is called. An ear flicks and he seems to just..halt in motion all together.. "Naru?" Is in front of the dibbun in a second, hefting the child and hugging. "Oh my God! Where's your dad?! Why are you here?!"

Anigh cocks his head at the sight. "Well, I suppose this means that Eboriel won't have to worry about watching him."

Merdez gives a small huff, then rises from his chair, "I am going to take some air," he says, "Be well, Thane." he bows to Bane, then nods to the room, departing.

Bane bows to Merdez as he leaves. "As to you, my Lord." He then smirks as he makes his way towards the bar next to Seringo, ordering a "Brandy," then murmurs something low.

Anaru hugs the older fox, whimpering and curling up in his arms. "Father's dead...Lizzers attacked..." Buries his face in his cousin's shoulder. "I'was so scared..."

Ceric just sits, looking solemn and still holding the dibbun. Tail curls in his lap. "I'm so sorry..."

Anaru nods and sinks into silence too.

Anaru sits quietly in his cousin's lap, looking about at those present. Then to Anigh, curiously.

Anigh grunts a bit, irritated somewhat at something. He feels Anaru's eyes on him. "Yes, Anaru? Is there something you wish to say?"

Ceric looks over as Anigh speaks, one ear pitched forward.

Anaru nods. "You kay?" He worries, leaning forward a little.

Anigh lets the irritation melt away with practiced ease. "Yes, I'm quite all right. I hope you weren't too disturbed with the trial of your...I'll assume Ceric is your friend."

Anaru nods with a smile. "No'too much...Ceric's my'cousin." Tail wagging.

Ceric looks sadly at the child resting on his lap. Sighs, ears back.

Anigh throws a glance at Ceric. "Oh, well, That's odd. I didn't know he had family here."

Ceric looks up. "I don't..He and my Uncle must have made their way in this direction finally....Seems I may be the family he has left..." Half scowls. "Sorry to hear that, Ceric," Anigh says curtly, rather disinterestedly. "Are you going to take care of him?"

Ceric says, "I may have to..."

Anaru looks up at Ceric, worried about his sadness, then towards Anigh too, curious about them both. Then to his cousin. "Y'look diff'rent."

Anigh half-smirks. "Eboriel seems a bit fond of him."

Ceric looks up, giving a half-smile. "Really? I'm sorry I missed her..." Looks at Anaru again. "So you met, Eb?"

Anaru nods in response. "Yeah.." Smiling trying to cheer him up. "And tha's Anigh." Pointing at the wildcat, even if Ceric already knows him. Grins at the feline beside them. "I like him."

Ceric half-laughs.

Anigh seems a bit surprised at Anaru's statement. "Well, I suppose I like you as well, Anaru."

Anaru smiles at the wildcat and goes to crawl from Ceric's lap to Anigh's.

Anigh seems even more surprised at Anaru climbs into his lap. Not sure how to handle this. Hesitantly, he moves to stroke the fox tod's headfur. "He's very...friendly, isn't he Ceric."

Ceric smiles and nods. "He always has been."

Anaru curls against Anigh's arm and smiles up at the wildcat. "Do'you know a bat named'Jez. She'as the firs' person'I met at Redwall.." He goes to play with the skull, curiously. Probably not sure what creature it is. "Why'you wear the mask?"

Anigh shakes his head. "I do not now a Jez, I'm afraid." He taps his mask. "And the mask is...for..." he pauses, trying to come up with a decent lie. "For magical reasons. It protects my head in battle with magic." Good enough.

Anaru stares at the mask for a while. "..Really?" After silence.

Ceric shakes head about it.

Anigh nods slowly. "Yes, it is a magic mask I received from a...magical mask maker." The wildcat has no experience in making up stuff.

Anaru looks towards his cousin for confirmation.

Ceric perks his ears at Anaru. "Yeah..I met her too. Name was Kitsune, she was some sort of seer as well." Rubs his snout. "Though I didn't get a mask. She doesn't make them for gypsies...."

Anigh nods discreetly at Ceric, scratching at the base of Anaru's left ear. "That's right. Gypsies are not fighters, so they don't need magic protection."

Anaru looks disappointed. "Oh..." Then just stays curled there, eyes half closed. "Wish'she did.." Yawns, rubbing his eye. Closes his eyes.

Anigh sighs. "May you never have to wear a mask, little one," murmurs the wildcat, almost inaudibly.

Ceric lowers his ears again, observing deep in thought.

Anaru sighs and falls asleep against the wildcat's middle, tail curled about his legs.

Anigh heaves a small sigh, still petting absently at Anaru, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Ceric...be thankful for your new-found family, however small it is." He half-smirks. "And I wish you luck on your upcoming judgment. I will try to attend."

Ceric nods. "I am. Very much.." He had thought the young one dead for a while. "And thank you..."

Anigh snorts a bit. "Don't thank me. Heed me. What you did was foolish, whether or not it was a fit of insanity." He rubs his mask. "If my father wasn't enough of a warning, then I don't know what is."

Ceric smiles now and half laughs, only amused ‘cause he thought Anigh was actually being nice for a moment. "I know."

Anaru flicks his tail and snuggles closer to Anigh.

Anigh nods, feeling Anaru snuggle. "I am glad to hear it. Please do not decide to go insane on nobility again, or I will probably be forced to deal with you."

Anigh sips at his glass of water, mask hiding any emotions. His tail flicks about a bit, his cape hanging heavily off of his shoulders as he leans against the counter. Merely content, for the time being.