RW Abbey: Main Gate
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You are at the main entrance into Redwall Abbey. The gates are a a massive, double-doored wooden affair, reinforced with iron, and with a heavy latch and crossbar on the inside to prevent would-be invaders. While the gates almost always stand open, you get the impression that the builder of this portal designed it to be nigh impregnable. The entrance arch is amazingly thick, denoting the strength and thickness of the ancient walls themselves, which, despite the upheavals of the past, and numerous cracks present in the rose colored stone, still stand tall and strong. Uncountable pawprints can be seen in the dirt, leading both in and out of the Abbey. Along the bottom of the wall on either side of the arch, weeds and wildflowers can be seen in plenty.

You can hear the bustle of activity within the Abbey, and the occasional murmur of a passing conversation. The sun is high overhead, and shadows are small. All is bright.
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Are you a newcomer to Redwall? Type +skills apply rwchat to keep track of what's happening.
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Exits: [Enter] the abbey, [R]ight Along [W]all, [L]eft Along [W]all, [R]oad
With:
[IC] Fira
[IC] Quickbeak
[IC] Daisy
[IC] Nia
[IC] Picking up litter (Carrick)
[DYN] Random Paw Spasms, (Willim)
[DYN] Aldara
[IC] Lansing

The midafternoon sky is as blue as the abbey ponds, dotted with cottony clouds and the occasional bird wheeling overhead. The sun has just begun its downward plunge, but there are still a good few hours of sunlight. Outside of Redwall's main gates is a flurry of activity. Many beasts, with a large gathering of dibbuns scuttle around. The older creatures are securing up large packs, and others are making sure all the dibbuns stay in line. Amethyst and Augustus seem to be in charge of the whole thing, kindly giving out orders and making sure everyone is doing their job. Augy fiddles with his own pack, the pans tied on the back knocking together and the smell of herbs coming from it. "Almost ready!" he says cheerfully, jamming a large-brimmed hat over his head to keep off the sun. His ears pop out of the holds cut into the hat, and he looks quite silly.

Lansing arrives on the scene, with Josiah close behind him. "This the place, Dad?" The brother responds with a nod. He replies, "Yes it is, Lans. Now you know you're going to be without Toni and I on this trip? You sure you still want to go?" The ferret nods, smiling back. "'S ok. 'M gonna find meself more pretty rocks!"

Nia comes quietly behind Lans.. And heads towards Augustus.

Carrick lets out a deep breath and fans himself with his hat, his gaze settling on the squirming wave of Dibbun.

Quickbeak would be one of those birds wheeling over head and actually wheels on down to land on top of the safety of the wall, not sure he wants his feathers plucked out by a bunch of excited dibbuns.

Malak has arrived.

Daisy follows in quietly with her older brother, but he quickly scampers off to look through his rusksack that he's brought along. The dibbun looks nervously towards Amethyst, frowning to herself before looking back to her mother who is waving at her from the gates, holding Graham.

Malak circles above and glides in for a landing at the top of the abbey as he watches the scene bellow curiously.

Well, Aldara isn't having any of that standing in line business. The batling streaks across the lawns, half hopping, with her wings flailing about to either side of her. "S't'avel! S't'avel!" she shouts on her way towards the gathering beasts. After dropping her 'magic' rock, however, Aldara stops to turn back and peer at the ground. Dipping down, she retrieves the item, pops it in her mouth, then continues on bouncing her way.

Augustus bends down, hooking his arms around the pack handles. He tries his best to heft the pack on his back, though the mouses weight gets thrown back and he falls smartly on his rump. Augy giggles to himself and glances. "Josiah! Dropping of Lansing?" He calls out, smiling. He looks down at Nia and seems excited. "Ready to go camping, little one?"

Nia nods a bit "Yea."

Racheal walks through the gates.
Racheal has arrived.
Seth has arrived.
Racheal arrives with: Seth

Josiah nods a bit. "Have you got everything you need?" Lansing brings his backpack around and in front of him, looking through. "Got some food, water, candy nuts..." says the young one, still perusing through his bag. In the meantime, Josiah smiles and waves to Augustus. "You betcha! You look prepared!" he says with a chuckle. )

Lansing says, "My fav toy..my rocks..."

Daisy watches her mother slip off with Graham, who's already begun to throw a right fit about something or another. Daisy goes to stand up against the wall, her camping sack laying in the dirt behind her.

Fira joins the edge of the group of dibbuns without much trouble considering most seem to excited to notice her slip in and then there she stands watching whoever happens to be jumping around the most in the line of sight.

Racheal walks out of the gates carrying a backpack on her back and one on Seth.

Aldara comes to a skipping halt near a gathering line of dibbuns. Ears pricked, the batling glances about, her cheek swollen with the smooth stone she sucks at. "'Aspar?" she calls, as if seeking a certain creature.

Seth crawls near the dibbuns also with a giggle as Racheal takes his small backpack.

( Josiah turns his attention back to Lansing. "Did you bring any herbs?" The ferret's ears lower a bit. "Yes, Dad," sighs Lansing. "'ve got everything you told me to take." Josiah ruffles his headfur. "Good. Now I want you to be a good little ferret on this trip. See if you can help Amethyst or any of the Camp Willow healers if need be, alright?" Lansing bobs his head softly. "Uh-huh." )

Racheal watches for a while as she walks near Augustus."Ready."

Daisy looks at Josiah and Lansing and pipes up, "If Lansin' breaks something he'll give'em practice."

Cercris has arrived.

Augustus stands up and looks back at the maybe /too/ heavy pack. "Oh... you've got that right." He says with a laugh. "Mostly food equipment. I always thought it was wise to bring a cook along on a camping trip." The Brother winks and tugs on the front of his straw hat. "A little exercise will do me well." He eyes fall to Lansing. "You're going to have a great time. Lansing! I'll even teach you a few cooking tips, eh?" Augy finally notices Daisy by the wall.. "Almost time to go. Daisy! Hey, come and join the group."

Carrick scratches his side and puts his hat back on, his eyes looking over the crowd carefully.

Kestrel walks through the gates.
Kestrel has arrived.

Seth is now infront of the group as he crawls.

Daisy eyes Augustus and stands up, dragging her sack over. Connor's already joined the group.

Fira having not come from the Abbey and have really only just turned up would not have a pack and as such, goes looking for one since all the others do, don't want to be left out.

Lansing smiles a little at Aug. "Okay." Josiah gives Daisy a cross between a smile and a smirk in reply. He then waggles a finger at Lansing, but he keeps a smile on his face. "Now remember, you be good, or I'll hear about it from Amethyst or Augustus." The brother looks up again and calls, "Right, Aug?"

Willim comes crawling into the entrance, he is quiet he may not have been noticed but he doesn't care he is shy, he crawls over and sits next to the wall watching silent. Why he is here is anyone's guess he is not going maybe he came to see what was going on he is a cat after all, he is curious by nature.

Aldara glances over the gathering beasts, fanning her wings excitedly. "W'goin'? W'goin'?" she pauses, looking back towards the abbey with a dimming demeanor. "Sti' no 'A'par," she mumbles around the rock, which switches to her other cheek.

Carrick leans back against the arch, looking down to Willim. The mouse walks over and leans down.

Racheal stands next to Augustus."Well did you bring a tent."

Daisy looks at Fira, frowning thoughtfully. "Whazat?" she points at her earring.

Kestrel steps swiftly out of the gates, looking harried and somewhat stressed. There's a bag slung over one of her shoulders, and she's retrieved a simple wooden staff from the gatehouse.

Seth crawls near Daisy and Fira and looks at them."Earwing."

Malak stretches his right wing in front of him and straightens some feathers, careful not to take wing again and startle the dibbuns.

Fira sees Daisy pointing at her out of the corner of her eye and turns to look at her, tilting her head slightly at the mouse, fortunately Seth answers for her though.

Daisy looks at Seth and then turns her head around at Kestrel. "I want one."

Nia stands nearby Augustus quietly..

Augustus grins down to Lansing. "Your father is right, Lansing. I run a strict ship around here! Any beast not caught eating /all/ their candied chestnuts shall be reported immediately!" Augy tries again to get the pack on his back. "Kes! Welcome... I was afraid you weren't coming." He greets cheerfully. "Of course... though it's only for if it rains. Sleeping under the stars is much more exciting." The mouse turns to the group, nodding to Amethyst before turning up the volume of his voice. "All right, Redwallers! Front and center!" He says with a chuckle, drawing a roll of parchment from his pack. The mouse starts naming off names, making sure there is a 'here' after every one.

( Josiah smiles again as he notices Kestrel, and lets Lansing join with the other Dibbuns for now. He approaches the marten. "Hiya Kes," he says, reaching to place a paw on her shoulder. "You're going on the trip, I see," he says to her softly. )

Kestrel exhales as she comes to a stop. She squints one eye at Daisy, and supplies without pause, "When you're older." She looks up as Augustus calls her name. "Oh! Err, well, you see, Mai was...anyway. Yeah, I'm coming. 'Lo, Josiah."

Lansing quickly runs up with his bag and moves to 'front and center' as Augustus bids.
Willim lays down and curls into a ball he seams to be shy towards the crowd, he is still new and hasn't meet many, he just plays young and mews at Carrick's question as if he doesn't understand.

Carrick smiles and messes up Willim's head fur before standing back up and leaning against the archway.

The bat pup's attention switches back to the crowd. Spitting out the rock in her mouth, and into her wingpaw, Aldara looks about to venture off towards a smaller group of dibbuns. Instead, she's drawn to Augustus. The dibbun squeaks, ears quivering.

Daisy seems to accept this, "Tomorrow then." she nods sagely before grabbing at Fira's wrist. "You'll be my friend, n' we'll talk about your earwings."

Racheal Well if it rains i'm sleepin under the stars I haven't done that in a while.

( Josiah hehs. "Not me," he tells Kestrel. "Somebody has to stay behind and keep the place from falling down." He winks. )

Racheal says, "Well if it rains i'm sleepin under the stars I haven't done that in a long time."

Carrick chuckles at Josiah's statement and shakes his head.

Kestrel nods slightly to Josiah.

Fira looks slightly worried about it all, the amount of beasts about is almost impossible for her to keep up with at all, she blinks once as her wrist gets grabbed and looks back to Daisy, she'll stick next to the mouse for now, easier for her, only one beast.

Willim uncurl's and goes up to Carrick and rubs against his leg gently and softly, he then sits and begins to purr softly, but his paw spasms when he sits down, he decides to lay instead.

Daisy continues to hold onto Fira, looking around. It takes her a long while before she suddenly comes to herself and looks at Fira. "I am the Daisy."

Augustus finally manages to lug his pack onto his back after the role is called. He stumbles back a few steps, then manages to balance himself out. "Now then, we make our way towards the river, then camp willow. We'll probably reach the river tomorrow... so everyone ration their water incase we don't find any." He motions to his own canteen for example. "Now! Everyone say goodbye to Redwall! I'll be heading the group, and Ame will bring up the rear. The dibbuns in the middle, and the novices should flank the sides, please!" Augy instructs. The Brother leans over to speak to Lansing and Daisy. "You two keep an eye on the younger ones... all right?" Augy asks with a smile.

Seth looks at Daisy and takes her hand."I Seth.'

Carrick smiles down to Willim and looks out at the crowd, his paw waving farewell.

Fira grins slightly 'Fira' she says, not a sound coming out though, going to be an interesting trip.

Nia sort of stands near the center of the group..

Kestrel scoots through the ranks of shorter beasts until she's positioned herself along the outside of the group. She readjusts the grip on her bag and straightens her shoulders.

Daisy studires Fira's mouth as she speaks, nods and then looks away towards Seth. "Iseth." she murmurs, before she finds herself shuffled towards the middle of the dibbun group.

Lansing umms. "Okay," he says to Augustus. "Lans!" Josiah calls behind him. The young one turns, eyebrows raised. He approaches the healer. "Yeah, Dad?" Josiah crouches more to Lansing's level, and stretches his paws out to him. "C'mere, you," he says warmly but softly to him. The brother and the young ferret embrace in a hug. "You take care, and remember we love you, k?" Josiah reminds, his voice actually sounding just a teeny bit shaky. Lansing nods in reply. "I will, Dad." Josiah then lets go, standing slowly. "You have fun then," he says with a smile.

Aldara pouts as she looks back at the abbey, expectantly. "S'no 'Aspar!" she squeals. However, ushered along with the other dibbuns, the batling manages to find some comfort-- by forgetting whatever troubled her, and taking interest in hopping up in down among the other dibbuns.

Racheal smiles and looks at Seth then Daisy."His name is Seth so when are we going."

Cercris could be heard quite clearly as he makes his way nearer, a jolly whistle making light of the air about him. His scythe, strapped to his back, tugs a little at the straps against his chest. Clothes ripple a bit as he walks with his usual swagger, and his dead eyes still had a small gleam of friendliness to them. His tail seemed to be searching the ground before each step he takes."

Seth looks at Daisy then at his mom and crawls near her.

Lansing runs and joins the other Dibbuns, shouting and waving to Josiah behind him, "Bye Dad!" Josiah just waves back, a big smile on his face.

Augustus chuckles and scoots over to Josiah, patting the other Brother on the arm. "I'll keep a careful eye on him, Josiah. Don't worry too much. Because I know you'll worry a little no matter what I say." He adds with a smile. With a smile and a wink, Augy makes his way to the front of the group. "All right! Good bye Redwall! Off we go!" He starts slowly, picking a pace that is easy for the dibbuns to follow.

Nia follows augy in the big group of dibbun.

Juno walks through the gates.
Juno has arrived.

Kestrel starts off an an easy pace, glancing briefly but carefully toward Cercris as he arrives.

Willim tries to wave his paw but its not good as his paw has been spasming lately, he tries but it spasms on him, he tries to hide it by tucking it under.

Lansing moves more toward the middle of the group, as he can keep a better eye on the others from there, following Augustus. He glances behind him, waving one more time to Josiah.

Aldara squeals excitedly, "B'byes, Re'wall!"

Daisy makes her way after the group, looking back at Fira briefly and her earring. She appears fascinated.

( Josiah nods slightly to Augustus and continues to wave back at Lansing as the group departs. )

Fira watches Augy moving about for a moment and then all the dibbuns start moving too, she takes that as her cue and gives a glance to Daisy and quickly follows along after them all.

Juno limps into the area, blinking curiously at the sheer amount of creatures assembled. "Is this the quarry group, by any chance?" She calls above any din.

Seth follows the group as he looks at the large group of people.
Racheal walks ahead of them as she then picks up Seth and still walks as she slows down a bit.

Cercris chuckles softly as he listens to the dibbuns, taking his time in moving towards the front of the group, keeping a small distance between himself and the dibbuns, still whisteling.

Augustus glances at the rat for a moment. The Brother slows his pace and attempts to make eye contact with Kestrel, trying to get her to join him up at the front. In the mean time he calls over her shoulder. "All right, dibbuns! Who knows a good marching song, hmm?"
Aldara's ears twitch at the rat's tune, and at the question of a song, she pipes, "I'do!"

Quickbeak looks down at them all from his wall top perch, mainly just looking rather curious really.

Lansing scratches his head at Augustus' question, apparently not knowing of one as he follows.

Kestrel increases her pace--marginally, but she draws level with Augustus soon enough. The jill rests her staff against her shoulder, and meets the brother's eyes.

Cercris twitches his ear as he hears Augustus, and assumes he was the leader of the band. He makes a gradual beeline towards Ausustus and falls in stride besides him, with a good armslength between himself and the nearest creature to him, Augustus.

Seth shrugs as he is down now.

Nia shrugs and starts to move towards the other marten..

Carrick looks at the Rat cautiously then over to Brother Augustus.

( Josiah just keeps waving until he can't see Lansing in the crowd anymore. That paw then nonchalantly wipes a tear away. "He's getting so big these days..." he says more to himself than any other beast. He looks over at Juno. "No, that's the Dibbuns trekking to Camp Willow." )

Racheal slows her pace and falls next to Augustus.

Juno unsuccessfully tries to stifle a deep chuckle while gazing down at the mouse. "You're fond of the tyke."

Augustus clears his throat and lowers his voice to Kestrel. "I don't want to jump on any conclusions, but lets keep our wits about us. He's coming this way." The mouse says out of the corner of his mouth. AS Cercris approaches, Augy smiles. "Well hello, Sir! Nice day, isn't it?" Augy says cheerfully.

Daisy launches herself up towards Kestrel, grabbing at the back of her tunic. "Okay. I'm scared already."
Juno has disconnected.

Kestrel says nothing in reply to Augustus; but then, this just might be because she has a Daisy grabbing her. "--Rrk! It's okay, Daisy." She attempts to give the younger mouse a brief smile, while still keeping her attention on Cercris. "We're here to keep any bad stuff away."

Cercris hmms a bit, keeping tabs on where the adults were in his head. His whistling stops when the mouse addresses him "G'morrow. I would hope it was a nice day, the blue sky lost to me." he says calmly "I couldn't help but notice you were out and about with a group of youngin's, with plenty of provisions. Making an extended outing, I suppose?"

Daisy frowns pensively, and then addresses Kestrel. "Okay."

Seth looks at Daisy then at Kestrel and waves.

Aldara needs no approval for launching into song. She squeaks a tune out before attempting any words. Satisfied with herself, the batling begins hopping in line as she sings on in a dibbunish tone, "We sing'a son' f'all t' 'ear, as'we f'y t' 'ights inna sky s'clear. We'all fin'a p'ace, wher' t'moon s'ines fa'ever-- T'.. T'..." She stops, thinking hard about the next line. Upon remembering, she goes back to her sing song voice, louder than before, "T'stars neva fa'e, an'a nigh's al'ays betta! Wi' p'enny t'ee, an' no bad weat'a. Seartin' fo' t'p'ace where t'moon s'ines f'eva!" Aldara goes on humming, even after the song-- or what she knows, anyway-- is complete.

Augustus glances back at Daisy for a second, also offering a reassuring smile. He starts forward again, nodding tot he rat. "Yes Sir, we are. Just a harmless little camping trip." Augy usues the same cheerful tone. "If you head just that way, you'll be at Redwall. Feel free to stop in for a meal and board if you need." Augustus gives him a nod as he keeps going.

Lansing arches an eyebrow at Cercris, and looks around at the Dibbuns about him, making sure none appear to be wandering off to the side or lagging behind as he keeps in the middle of the group. When he's not looking around, his eyes are on the ground, searching for any rocks with pretty potential.

Nia travels with the group in the middle..

Cercris smiles a little wider "Thank you for your kindness, good sir. However, I am here to make a small deal. Before that, let me introduce myself. Me name is Cercris," and bows his head a little.

Fira is still following along, starts staring at the rat though in between glances to all the other dibbuns.

Seth gets next to Lancing holding a pretty rock."Wan id."

Kestrel flicks her tail lightly across Daisy's nose, but it's fairly obvious that her attention has turned almost completely onto the rat. A small, thin frown crosses her features.

Jali` walks through the gates.
Jali` has arrived.
Grammar has arrived.
Jali` arrives with: Grammar

Racheal steps up with her staff in her hand."You can join us if you want."

Augustus keeps walking, not at all breaking his pace. He glances at the rat, a frown forming along with Kestrels. "A deal, Sir? I am sorry... but we are simple Redwallers." The mouse points out.

Lansing peers down at Seth at the rock, studying it for a moment.

Cercris shakes his head "Oh, I do believe that it would be well worth your while. I offer you protection. I am a mercenary, and if the time comes you'll see that I am quite skilled. In return for my services I merely ask for enough provision to make a trip to the western shore around a place known as Salamandastrom."

Aldara pauses to glance down at the trampled ground, squinting at a few ants. She glances back up, then hurries forward with the others. Her ears crane towards Augustus and the rat, who she recognizes after a moment of observing. However, she says nothing, and goes on humming her little song.

Kestrel's answer comes rather swiftly. "We don't need mercenary protection."

Seth goes to hand Lancing the rock."Id pwidy."

Racheal looks at the rat with a warm smile even though she hasn't had good luck with them.

Cercris chuckles a bit at Kestrel's words "My, and I thought redwallers were the ones who try and reason before jumping to rash decisions,"

Augustus clears his throat. "I'm sorry, sir. But Kestrel is right. We aren't in need of mercenary assistance. Of course, if you head to Redwall, I know you will be let some supplies for a few days." He says politely.

Kestrel's whiskers twitch. "We don't," she repeats levelly. "That's all I was saying."

Lansing says, "Thanks." He gives a light smile to Seth as he places the rock in the small bag on his waist. "Keep close and keep up, k?"

Lansing then peers forward at the conversation ahead, a hint of worry showing.

Seth nods and suddenly trys to stand and walk witch he does.

Jali` rushes over, followed by Grammar, as Furgo herds them over towards the group, saying, "Try not to get caught in any more bushes, okay?" Grammar calls back, "Kay!"

Carrick sighs and shakes his head, his paw instinctively moving to his right hip.

Racheal turns around and looks at Seth with a big smile as she see's him walking she then starts walking backwards.

Anigh has arrived.

Cercris nods a bit "I understand your concern. However this isn't merely a way for me to get supplies. This is also something I am offering due to a promise I made to an outsider you've adopted. I will follow along to protect her, regardless if you approve or not. However, at the same time I cannot pass up the possibility of getting provisions. Besides, I am against recieving gifts. If I get anything, I work for it,"

Willim just lays watching he has begun to purr softly, his tail flicks every now and then, he is quiet.
Anigh room-pages, "Los' an' los' a peoples....YAYS!".

Seth walks next to Lansing as he giggles as he looks at Rahceal.

Jali` sees Seth,a dn runs over towards him. He calls out, "Hewo Set!"

Seth turns around to see Jali and runs near him."Hi Jalwi."

Augustus glances at Kestrel and tilts his head to the rat, flinching slightly as he reaches for his hip. "Please Sir, but we really don't require your help. With no offense to yourself, but I don't know you personally... and this is the well-being of the Redwall dibbuns, after all. I'm hesitant to put our care into someone I do not know. Though your offer is appreciated."

Kestrel remains silent, but that tight frown remains, and her eyes are just slightly narrowed. Suspicious much? Her? Never.

Jali` is smiling.


Racheal walks still with the her staff dragging the ground.

Nia currently stands in the middle of the group, Sort of staying out of view.

Seth giggles and looks at his best friends."H igwammar."

Jali` asks, "Do yous wememba where da gwownups said we bes goin' again?"

Aldara's hum trails off as she attempts to listen to some of the adult conversation. A momentary glance is given over her shoulder towards the abbey, then back to the leading creatures.

Seth nods as he pulls a toy sword out from his small bag."Cwampwing."

Grammar corrects, "He means aw wegoin campin' in da meadows or da woods?"

Lansing then looks around, again making a round. His eyes happen to fall on Aldara, and he gives her a little wave.

Cercris nods a bit "Understood. I'll stick to the shadows as best I can, keep out of sight. My offer of protection stands at all times, but if you do not ask me directly, there will be only one I keep my eye on. To call me, just call my name," and with that, the rat slows down a bit, letting the dibbuns pass him slowly till he falls in stride next to Aldara.

Augustus looks to Aldara and grins. "That was a good song. You'll have to teach us all." The mouse turns back front and center and breaths out. "What are your thoughts, Kes?" Augy whispers to the marten.

Seth says, "Woods"he looks at Jali and grammar and picks up a rock."

Lansing then looks up in Cercris' direction, an odd look on his features.

Jali` asks excitedly, "Ooh, we goin' in da woods by da big owd wivah?"

Kestrel flattens her ears and gives a very small shake of her head. "We should just keep an eye on him." She lowers her voice, "All the time."

Aldara's attention is turned towards Lansing, beaming at his greeting, "Hullo!" Then,
Cercris falls back to her, and she looks up at him suspiciously. "I a'memba'oo." Her ears tilt towards Augustus, followed by her gaze, and she grins coyly. "Kay!"

Seth says, "Mabwe."walks over near Jali and walks next to him at the back."

Racheal still walks draggin her staff as she listens with her sharp ears and sniffs the air.

Cercris smiles a bit "Aye, little one, and I remember you too. Since yer going into the woods, I thought I'd come along and keep an eye on you. Remember, if you are ever in trouble, just say my name and I'll be there to save you," smirks. His ears twitch when he catches a small wind of what's being said ahead of him between the adults, but shrugs it off. He wasn't expecting a warm welcome anyway.

Carrick sits back down and cracks his paws, looking down to Willim. "Just ye an' me then. Anythin' ye wanna do?"

( Josiah had already gone inside after the group disappeared from sight. )

Augustus nods slowly. "Agreed. Hopefully he is all as he presents himself. Though that hardly is the case." The mouse clears his throat and keeps going until his eyes rake the side of the road. "Company, halt!" He calls out loudly with a smile. The mouse starts for the edge of the road, where a bunch yellow flowers are. "Come here, dibbuns! A little lesson in botany, I think." He crouches as much as the weight on his back will allow and motions to the tall stems of bell-shaped yellow blooms. "This is called 'sticky sage'. It's native to this time and area of Mossflower. Though it has no healing uses, it is very good for making yellow paint, as well as making tea."

Willim mews softly and untucks his paws only for it to Spasm yet again, he pulls it back and waits for it to stop and then sits, looking up.

Kestrel grunts quietly. She settles herself along the side of the road, and leans on her staff with both paws. Her attention is on the road itself, not the plant life.

Jali` runs over to the Sticky Sage, as does Grammar.

Lansing nearly bumps into the Dibbun in front of him on the halt. He watches Augustus curiously as the cook explains.

Racheal moves back a bit to meet this rat though she still hasn't had much luck with them she doesn't care she just wants to know him as she gets next to him she smiles."Hello i'm Racheal.

Grammar asks, "Buvva 'Gustus, can me pick somes? Yellow is my fav'it color!"

Fira watches the ground going by beneath her footpaws as she follows, nearly bumping into the dibbun in front of her when they stop, she looks back up and about again before fixing her attention on Augy, work out what he's saying if he doesn't move too much.

Seth crawls near Augustus and goes next to him as he grabed Gramar and Jalis hand and ran neat Augustus.

Clawfang walks up the road.
Clawfang has arrived.

Cercris smiles a bit "Hello there Racheal. Sorry our meeting will be short, it would have been nice to get to know the rest of you, but unfortunately your mates up front don't fancy me. Can't blame them, most of the vermin in these areas have no honor. Disgraceful they are."

Connor has arrived.

Racheal shacks her head."I haven't had good luck with rats but if you get to know them they could be good beasts."

Augustus grins and leans forward, reaching a paw to the plant. "Ah, of course, Grammar. Now. When you pick flowers, there are some tricks so you don't kill the whole plant. That way more plant will bloom next year! See where the branch to the flower meets the main stem? Pinch right there. Don't damage the main stem, and you're assured more flowers for eyars to come!" He carefully plucks on of the flowers and hands it to Grammar. "Any questions, dibbuns?"

Aldara scratches at the back of one of her ears, "Ya'kay," she says. She didn't understand all of it, but she got the basic point. When Augustus pulls over for a teaching lesson, Aldara scurries forth to listen and watch.

Kestrel folds her ears back, and that thin frown of hers grows a bit larger.

Seth says, "Agwain do wit agwain I wan ona."

Willim sits watching Carrick, his tail flicks from time to time.

Grammar takes the flower from Augy, and puts it in his tunic.

Connor leans against one of the doors with a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. He looks agitated but a smile crosses his muzzle.

Carrick laughs and removes his hat, running a paw through his head fur. "Yeah, I 'ear ye, kid."

Jali` runs around the flower bush, and, hedless of what Augy says, yank at the flower's stem, and it(the stem) rips off halfway.(along the stem)

Lansing shakes his head at Augustus. "Nup." The ferret might well understand that already, but he doesn't voice anything on that regard.

Augustus squeaks and shakes his head, going to take the broken stem away from Jali'. "See? You've hurt the plant. That is something you /don't/ do." The Brother scolds lightly and stands up to herd the dibbuns away. "All right! Back into formation." Augy catches Kestrel's frown. "Everything all right?"

Aldara squeaks with horror, "F'ower killer!"

Lansing dohs softly at Jali's little stunt.

Kestrel shakes her head briefly. "Mm, yeah."

Clawfang sits beside the wall.. his chin on his kneels listening quietly

Cercris smiles after Aldara "I don't trust most rats myself, however I do have to make a deal once in a while." he says to Racheal. He turns to her and gives a small bow "If you excuse me, I made a promise. Unfortunately from here on out, you shouldn't see me." With that, Cercris quickly ducks into the forest, dissappearing from sight. Once out of sight, he climbs a nearby tree to a high up branch, keeping the tree between himself and the group. Slowly he relaxes on the limb, and concentrates on extending his senses, listening to the others and checking nearby smells.


Seth laughs at Jali and giggles as he watches.

Willim Crawls over and lays down next to Clawfang curling up purring softly.

Keith has arrived.

Clawfang gently massages Willim's paws to see if that helps with the jumpy nerve
Seth walks near the flowers bush and sniffs as he then sneezes and walks on.
Grammar starts walking again.

Carrick exclaims, "'ell! Where'd ye come from, Clawfang?"

Jali` whimpers, then suddenly sneezes again and again...and again.

Connor scratches his nose then lifts the blanket off his shoulders, folds it, and tucks it up under and arm.

Keith approaches with the steady pat of thud-thud-thud, hardly disguising his swift run towards the trailing group.

Cercris chuckles quietly to himself, finding the dibbuns antics amusing.

Daisy looks over at Connor, and offers him her bag. "I' too heavy."

Kestrel eyes Cercris until he vanishes into the forest--and then her attention remains mostly on the trees, narrowed, focused, and clearly wary.

Connor slides a thumb up under his shoulder strap then looks at Daisy and scoops up her back, tossing it over his free shoulder.

Augustus moves up to the head of the group once more, waiting patiently until everyone is back into the group. The mouse glances over to Clawfang. "Clawfang? I didn't think you were coming!" He exclaims, looking surprised. "And there you are, Keith. A little late, are we?" He says with a smile. "Well, no matter. Forward march!" And with that, the mouse starts forward again.

"Is that better, Daisy," Connor asks.

Keith stumbles up beside Augustus, putting a paw on his shoulder and panting savagely. "I.. I'm not coming, but .. I was washing d..dishes when you guys left! Where's Kestrel?"

Daisy brushes off her now freed paws and nods to Connor. "Uh huh."

Connor smiles.

Clawfang looks up at Augy "commin were Brother Augustus.. I saw all e beasts and just thought somone might need som elp

Connor says, "Let me know if you get tired. I'll try 'n carry you too."
Seth Sneezes also as at the flowers.

Carrick says, "Ye should go with 'em, ye'd 'ave fun."

Kestrel waves from her position near the edge of the group, clearly distracted. "Here, Keith."

Astro walks down the road.
Astro has arrived.

Clawfang looks at Carrick "I ave chorse, sides I don't leave e abby without permission

Astro slowly ambles out of the abbey building and down the road, using his staff for support.

Augustus laughs and waves to the Clawfang. "We're taking the dibbuns camping. No help needed, though. Best head back to the Abbey before we get too far along. I don't want you on the road alone!"

Cercris follows the group quietly, jumping silently to the ground and moving swiftly from tree to tree, keeping on the lee side and near the rear of the group.

Keith darts away from Augustus after giving him a firm patting on the shoulder, he bounces up beside Kestrel with a feather dangling from behind his ear. "'Ey!" he smiles, looking pretty winded. "I missed you." he pauses. "Uh. Leaving!" he walks along with her, before calling back to Augustus. "I'll walk with Clawfang home!"

Racheal falls behind and wipes Jali and Seths nose with a smile."Stay away from the pollen now."

Malak glares down at the suspicious Rat, stretching his wings and taking off.
Jali` is still sneezing anyway.

Clawfang bobs his head to Brother augy.. heading back into the abby as ordered

Connor slides Daisy's pack over his other shoulder so both bags hang over his shoulder to each side at his hips. He rolls his shoulders then smirks. "ALRIGHT! Let's have some adventures to tell Mom about."

Clawfang has left.

Astro has now caught up with the group. Fast for an old guy, isn't he?
Kestrel finally allows her attention to be taken from the forest. She offers Keith a small smile. "Oh. Sorry. Mai made a mess in the Gatehouse and I lost track of time cleaning it up."

Aldara picks up humming the tune she sung earlier as she totters along with the group, listening to adults and fellow dibbuns alike.

Augustus waves to Keith and offers him a smile. "Sounds good, Keith." He looks away, keeping his eyes on the road ahead of him.

Daisy frowns at Connor, "Mom dun'st like your 'adventuures.'"

Racheal hands Jali a handkercheif and wipes his nose again."Oh does someone have allergies to pollen."

Connor puts a finger to his lips. "SHH! Don't take all of th'fun outta it, Daisy!"

Lansing has fallen silent for now, merely observing the surroundings and keeping an eye on the other Dibbuns.

Keith walks backwards, so he can keep eye contact with Kestrel. Heaven forbid he encounter a sizable stone or rock. "I wanted to give you something .. " he digs around in the satchel over his shoulder before he pulls out a wrapped package. "Just um, some treats. You know. The kind of traveling food that the abbey doesn't make." he grins sheepishly.

Connor sings under his breath with a snicker, "Keith an' Kestrel sittin' in a tree.....K-I-S-S-I-N-G..."

Kestrel's cheeks suddenly turn a faint, pinkish color. "Oh. Oh, thanks, Keith." She reaches for the package with the paw not occupied by a wooden staff, though her ears outdo her cheeks at Connor's singing.

Cercris twitches an ear, and stiffled a chuckle at Connors singing.

Augustus flicks his ears back and pushes his paws to his snout to keep from giggling. "Connor..." He warns verbally, though he is very much amused.

Aldara blinks, glancing back at Connor curiously, "Wha's kay-I-ess-I-ennn.. tee?"

Connor scratches the back of his head and lowers his ears. "Sorry, Augustus.."

Daisy responds to Aldara. "It's gross."

Connor looks at Aldara. "Its something adults have to do when they like each other."
Nia giggles

Keith glares murder at Connor over Kestrel's shoulder before he looks back at Kestrel and hands the jill the package. "And a note." he says. "For reading." Which are what notes are made for, of course. He eases off to her side, "So, um. I'll go on and head back. You be safe, alright?"

Daisy says firmly, "Th' not true!"
Daisy says, "Sometimes th' don't like eachother at all."

Aldara's brows raise with interest, glancing back and forth between the two, "It is?"

Connor exclaims, "Is to!"

Daisy exclaims, "Is not!"

Connor says, "What would you know, Daisy."

Aldara scratches an ear, "Th'soun's confoosin'.." Her nose crinkles as the two begin having at it.

Daisy exclaims, "That you're a big badger rump!"

Connor says, "Mom an' Dad kissed each other. An' they liked each other......""

For some unknown reason, Lansing's ears turn a little pink too. Perhaps he's heard that little chant about somebeast different. XD

Aldara giggles, snorting through her nose. "Batcher rump! Hee hee."
Kestrel's face is quickly turning the color of a ripe tomato. "Err. Yeah. Yeah, Keith. You...um...you too."

Connor exclaims, "You're a brush tail baby!""

Augustus glances over his shoulder. "Okay, okay! Lets play a little game, dibbuns! I'm going to spot something, and describe something about it. You all can call out what you think it is until someone gets it right." He says quickly, trying to take the attention off Keith and Kes. "What I see is large and white." He explains, having spotted a large cloud overhead.

Keith leans in and murmurs something to Kestrel before he jogs past her, dropping his paws on both Connor and Daisy's ears. "You two! Cut it out. Or I'll tell your Mom, and she'll come up here faster then a hare coming for a feast and pinch both of your buttoms!"

Fira looks at the other dibbuns, doesn't really get any of it, well she does get some of the insults back and forth and gives a silent giggle.

Aldara sniffs, gaining a certain composure, "Thinks I'lla jus' 'tay a 'ittle dibbun," she declares.

Grammar is wondering why Jali` is sneezing. He then calls out, "Big Cwoud!"

Daisy answers Augustus, "A GHOST!"

Connor snickers at Keith. "K..I..S...S...I-N-G!" He then darts ahead to where Augustus is right after saying that.

Carrick laughs at Keith's plight. "Noice, mate." He grins down at the kids. "Let the poor bloke be."

The murmur succeeds in causing whatever part of Kestrel's face is not red to catch up. She clears her throat a few times, then continues ahead, looking resolute and oh-so-dedicated to the task of watching out for anything suspicious on the road.

Aldara looks towards Augustus, scratching her head. She glances at Daisy and frowns, turning her gaze around the area, "A ghos'..?"

Daisy nods. "Augustus sees a ghost."

Keith wiggles one eyebrow at Carrick before he jogs down the road after Clawfang.
Keith walks through the gates into the abbey.
Keith has left.

Astro is now at the back of the group, and ambling forward still. He is being fairly quiet, no? He is listening.

Astro hears Auguatus, and seems to remember something, and smiles.

Augustus grins. "Thats right, Grammar! It was a cloud. Now then... I see somethi-" The mouse can't finish his sentance before a small mouse darts towards him. Augy steps to the side which causes him to teeter dangerously, his pack unbalancing him. "Oof! Connor!" He squeaks before tumbling to the group, landing right on his rump. "Mrg. Company halt."

Connor looks around for a ghost. "I don' see any ghost, Daisy. Stop being silly."
Connor tries to look around for something big and white....scratching his chin.
Stat Player Sex Species Age Idle

Daisy replies, "Well, I see somthin' big and dumb!"

Cercris hmms a bit, thinking to himself. 'Despite her rogue exterior, that Kestral does have a soft spot for that Kieth lad'. He didn't even need to focus too much to hear both of their heartbeats thumping quick and loud.

Connor asks, "You lookin' in a mirror?"

Malak circles higher and higher above, his eyes focused on the scythe wielding rat.

Jali` is /still/ sneezing. Apparently, he is alergic to Sticky Sage.

Lansing this time stops before possibly running into another. He makes his way through the group and reaches Augustus. He reaches with both paws to grab one of Augustus' paws and pull him up.

Aldara tucks her wings beneath her chin, "'E does?" she murmurs, then watches Connor zoom on up. Forgetting this talk of ghosts, Aldara squeaks at the sight of Augustus tumbling down, tossing her into a fit of giggles.

Daisy snaps, "ONly if I'm lookin' over your shoulder!"

Connor chuckles. "You're too short. HA ha. I win." He turns to keep looking around.

Augustus takes the help and scrambles up. "Thank you, Lansing. My, I'm a clumsy beast, aren't I?" The mouse laughs weakly and turns to the dibbuns. "Dibbuns! Cease this arguing, do you hear me? Connor. Up front with me. Daisy... in the back with Ame and Kes. Chop chop!"

Aldara glances between Daisy and Connor, then back to Augustus. She hides a grin behind a wingpaw, stifling a giggle with it.

Connor sighs then does as told.

Daisy turns around and bee-lines for Kestrel, launching herself at the jill's leg. "Con'rs mean."

Nia looks around, She heads towards Augustus looking a bit bored..

Connor says, "So, um....is it...a ghost, Augustus?"

Kestrel continues forward, though her left leg is now being clung to by a mouse dibbun. She gives Daisy's head a rather distracted ruffle.

Connor whispers. "Was Daisy right?"

Aldara scoots up closer to Connor and Augustus, listening in. "Ghostes're scary." She peeks around into the surrounding forest, searching.

Augustus looks down at Connor. "Of course not. If you had stopped for a moment arguing with Daisy, you would have heard that it was a cloud." The mouse scolds lightly.

Daisy settles there, being dragged along before she eventually lets go. She starts picking up pebbles as they walk.

Connor laughs a bit nervously. "We're from Redwall Abbey! We're safe..um...right?" As Connor's chided, he sighs and nods. "Should I go an' apologize?"

Aldara peers off into the forest, searching through the trees as she ambles along with the group. Gaining confidence that there really is no ghost, the bat pup takes back to humming gently.

Lansing nods at Augustus, slowly falling back again. In doing so, he ends up walking next to Nia.

Augustus smiles and nods. "We're very safe. And yes, Connor, I think you should apologize. But only if you /mean/ it."

Nia looks at Lans "Hi.."

Connor looks at his feet then stops, as the others walk past him, he turns and walks towards Daisy, looking down at the ground with his paws behind his back.

Astro halts slowly.
Astro is also laughing a wheezy laugh. Very briefly.
Astro is by now somehow in the middle of the group. How? I truly am not sure.

Lansing offers a little smile to Nia. "'i."

Nia smiles "'m Nia."

Lansing says, "'M Lans. Nice ta meetcha."

Nia offers her paw "Nice to meet you too."

Lansing slowly offers his in return, shaking her paw. "You new at the Abbey?" he asks, initiating a conversation.

Nia shrugs "Been there a little while."

Malak circles in wide arcs above.

Clearing
This clearing is reminiscent to the meadows to the south of Redwall Abbey, yet strangely different in its unusual silence. No birds seem to banter in the trees surrounding its tall grasses on three sides. The well-traveled road to the west is barren, at the moment. Mossflower looms silently to the east, north, and south.
Exits: [L]arge [P]ath, [D]irt [R]oad, [I]nto [M]ossflower [W]oods
Contents:
With:
[DYN] Anaru
[IC] The Four Eyed Mouse (Augustus)
[IC] Fira
[ZZZ] (Amethyst)'s hair is dark purple.
[ZZZ] Aldara
[ZZZ] Lansing
[ZZZ] Kestrel
[ZZZ] Connor
[ZZZ] Daisy
[IC] Nia


After a while, with the Abbey long out of view, Augy starts off the road onto a smaller dirt trail. He leads the group down until they are a safe distance from the dirt road. Before them is a large scare clearing, the darkening sky visible in a surrounding halo of tree branches. The mouse stops and turns to the group. "Here is where we are camping. Kes, would you make sure all the dibbuns are helping to clear the ground of any sharp sticks or rocks? I'll set up for dinner. Connor, you scout out for the best place to lay out the bed pads."

Connor smiles as he snaps to attention like soldier then dashes off, looking around.
.
"OVER HERE," Connor hollars back to Augustus and the others. "HERE'S A GOOD PLACE! NICE 'N FLAT 'N BIG!"

Nia sort of umm.. cleans the area, yeah that's it..

Lansing still stands and looks around, awaiting any command from the adults.

Fira is silent as ever in amongst them all and since she's not paying particular attention to anyone she seems quite happy to just be strolling along with them.

Aldara bounces as they arrive in the clearing, squeaking. "We' 'ere! S'fun!" The batling looks around, watching as other dibbuns begin to clear out the area. She kneels down, and begins gathering up twigs and rocks. It hasn't occurred to her that she lost her 'magic rock' somewhere back near the abbey gates. At least not yet.

Augustus lets his pack slide off his back and to the ground. His eyes snap over to the shouting. "Connor! Lower your voice just a smidge, please?" He says, wandering over to the mouse. "Hmm. Very good! This is an excellent spot." He pats the young mouse on the head and turns for the cooking gear. "Get Lansing and Daisy to help you bring the bed pads over here, will you?" Augy opens the top of his pan and pulls out a few things. "All right. So when you're camping, location is key. Make sure you ground is clear of dangerous articles, and make very sure there is a flat area for you to sleep on. Does anyone know anything else we need to do to get ready?" He asks the gaggle of Redwall dibbuns.

Daisy wanders around the campsite, and then answers Augustus. "N' pee in the beds?"

Lansing slowly raises a paw, unsure if his answer is the correct one. "Make a fire?" He makes a disgusted face at Daisy's response.

Daisy looks at Lansing seriously, "All babies do it."

Connor laughs at Daisy's answer. "She's right...but we need a fire, right?'

Lansing sticks his tongue out at Daisy, still grossed out. "Tha's why they have di'pers."

Augustus bites his bottom lip. "Well, yes... technically that is true! But... yes, a fire is what I'm looking for! Building fires is very important. Can anyone name /one/ type of fire you can build?"

Aldara looks up from her little cleared spot. She looks up at the question, and subsequent answer from Daisy, and giggles. "Pee'inna beds?" She then looks back at Augustus, "A hot'un!" she answers, as though it were obvious.

Lansing looks back at Augustus. He's at a loss as to answering that one.

Connor shrugs.
Connor says, "I didn' know there was more than one."

Daisy inquires, "A cookin' fire?"

Augustus clears his throat a waits a minute. "Well, all fires are /hot/... but I'm looking for the names of fire layouts. In other words... how you set the wood. There are three main ways. One is a pyramid, the other a lean to, and the last is a tepee." The mouse pauses, as if they were taking notes. "Tonight you will learn the tepee. But firsy we must gather the wood."

Connor asks, "You mean twigs 'n fallen branches?"

Aldara continues gathering sticks, "Wh'ssa pirrmid?" she questions idly.

Nia zooms up some nearby tree quietly..

Lansing ohs in reply. Before going to gather wood, however, he goes to help with the bed pads as asked earlier.

Nia looks down at the others from her branch she took up residence on and grins

Nia looks down at the others from her branch she took up residence on and grins

Lansing just continues helping set up the bed pads. He looks behind him at Nia up in the tree. "Whatcha doin' up there?"

Nia shrugs "Comfortable up here."

"M'rock!!!" Aldara suddenly wails, dropping the twigs from in between her wingpaws. The batling searches about her immediate area, gasping back another squeal.

Lansing ohs, watching Nia a moment. "Wish I c'd climb trees." He gives a Dibbuny grin. "Then I'd be a skerl!" The grin vanishes at Aldara's wailing. "Huh? Rock?"

Aldara squeals again as she kicks through the mess of twigs she previously gathered, "M'machik rock!" she confirms loudly.

Nia crawls down and reaches to grab Lans with her tail and attempt to climb if he is light enough for her to..

Lansing is not only older than Nia, but pretty big for a ferret his age. He glances at Nia briefly. "'ang on." He approaches Aldara, looking more sheepish as he draws closer to the batling. He reaches in the small bag at his waist and pulls out a particular rock.
"..Foun' this while we were walkin'. This your rock?" he asks. He bets it is, as it is a pretty rock, and those are hard to come across.
"
Nia shrugs and climbs back up the tree

Aldara looks about as panicked as any dibbun could dread being, looking up as she's approached by Lansing. Her eyes go wide at the offered item, and she squeals happily. "M'machik rock!! Y'foun'i'!"

Lansing offers the rock to Aldara. "I guess," he says. He was happy to find the rock too, and he looks momentarily saddened at having to part with it so quickly. Oh well.

Nia sits comfortably on her branch..

Here's the catch about that pretty rock... It's been in her mouth quite a lot! Aldara promptly pops it right into her mouth and continues sucking on it, as she has pretty much all day up until she lost it. Mm, germs. "T'anks!" Aldara beams.

Lansing pulls a face like he's a bit grossed out again. That look goes to the paw he held the rock in, which goes to wipe off on the grass.

Nia giggles from her perch..

Aldara doesn't seem to understand, or pay attention to for that matter, Lansing's disgust. Her right cheek swells with the little smooth rock, which she noisily continues to suck on. She holds it between her teeth for a moment, then grins. "M'name's 'Dara!" she pipes around the object.

Lansing still looks grossed, but nevertheless introduces back. "'M Lansin', or Lans."

Nia smiles "'m Nia or.. Nia.."

Aldara harbors the rock in her right cheek, smiling at the ferret. "'I!" Her gaze trails off past him towards the tree, to the pine marten. The same greeting is given to her, in turn. "'I!"

Lansing points to Nia and says, "So you're a ma'ten, an' you're a..." his pointing shifting to Aldara. He looks like he's thinking hard about remembering what Aldara is. "..a bat?" he finishes cautiously.

Nia nods and smiles

Aldara's head dips several times in a nod, "Ya! M'a 'at!" That rock shifts to her other cheek. She shakes out her wings, then tucks them around herself. "Y'sa.. a.. 'eezul?"

Lansing shakes his head. "'M a ferr't." And then comes the oh-so-anticipated question. "Why do you put tha rock in y'mouth?" He looks a bit grossed out again.

Aldara mouths a soft "Oh." Her eyes wander up the tree to Nia a moment, then back to Lansing as he speaks again. "'Ause is machik!" she states, as though it were obvious. "Itta make me f'y." The bat pup nods.

Lansing blinks in surprise, like he believes Aldara. "R'lly?" But on the other hand, that doesn't sound like a good enough reason for him to try putting it in his mouth. XD

The adults have pretty much been letting the dibbuns converse and play, though keeping a careful eye on them all the while. Augy quickly shows those who wish the proper way to set up a tepee style wood pile, and the fire crackles cheerfully now. The gentle smells of cooking is now coming from the pan that the mouse as stationed on a rack over the fire. He has, for the last few minutes, rolls several rocks and old logs around the fire for seats. He lowers himself on the rock closest to the fire. The mouse throws a handful of crushed rosemary into the pan, and adds a bit of olive oil fro ma flask with the other paw. Augustus sits quietly, one ear cocked over towards the dibbuns.

Lansing's nose picks up the smell of the food, and he in turn looks in the direction of the fire. He sniffs a couple of times, and looks happily at Nia and Aldara. "I'smell food!"

Nia sits in the tree still "Me too.."

"Uh huh," Aldara nods. She spits it out between her wingpaw, looking back up afterwards. "Ya! S'machik machik rock. Itta make m' f'y!" She then looks in the direction of the indicated food, brightening. "Ya!" she bounces, "M'ungry!"

By now, it's too dark for Lansing to look for rocks, so he tells the others, "'M gonna go get some food!" So, he joins Aug by the fire. "'Sit almost done?"

Nia is on the ground quite fast, She follows Lans over to the fire..

Aldara bounds quickly after Lans, wings flapping.

Lansing settles down on one of the rocks, waiting for Augustus to say when the food is ready. In the meantime, he idly finds a stick and pokes at some of the larger blocks of wood in the fire.

Nia sits down nearby..

Aldara plops down on her rump near the ferret, fiddling idly with her magic rock. She watches Lansing poking at the fire, and decides to copy him. She looks around herself for a similar stick, finds a small one, and does some jabbing of her own.

.
Lansing continues poking and prodding the fire idly, until one hard enough poke causes one of the larger chunks of burning wood to break, resulting in a partial collapse and a flurry of sparks. "Yeek!" squeals the ferret as he falls off the rock backward out of surprise.

Aldara squeals in response to the fiery collapse, tossing her stick into it-- which is good, since its end was slowly beginning to char and catch on fire. After a moment, she bursts into a fit of giggles while pointing at the ferret.


Nia shakes her head slightly and watches..

Lansing gets back on the rock, rubbing the back of his head a little. "Tha' spooked me."

The bat pup snickers, "Y'eyes wen' T'IS big!" Aldara attempts to make her eyes go as wide as possible, while defining it further with a stretch of her wings.

Nia giggles
Lansing settles down again, actually slouching a bit. His eyes starting to look heavy, he mutters to Aldara, "Yers were bigger."
Parukk has arrived.
Aldara wiggles in her seat, sticking out her tongue, "Nuh uh!"

Lansing gives no response to Aldara; he's dozed off.

Augustus watches the dibbuns fall asleep after the meal. He smiles and gets up to help the others usher the little ones to bed, allowing some of the older dibbuns to stay up and chat around the campfire. Augy busies himself with cleaning the cookware, and actually goes to fall asleep himself, the other adults taking over in his charge.