4-18-04

Characters involved:
Almira
Argoff
Kail
Rahier
Atma
Kevarr
Rodney

RW Abbey: Great Hall
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The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, though most of them are obviously not from the same set. Many of the stained glass windows are broken, and have been patched with canvas and boards to fend against the elements. The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.

The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.

Red, blue, orange, green...vibrant patterns of color are painted on the floorstones of Great Hall by the high afternoon sun that is streaming through the stained glass windows.
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Exits/Entrances:
[K]itchen [St]airs [C]avern [H]ole
[Li]brary [En]try [B]reezeway
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Almira looks annoyed, "So Rahier could be anyvhere, too?"

Argoff just shrugs.

Kail, now dried and in a clean smock, trundles in from the stairwell...and heads straight for the kitchen. :D

Rahier follows conveniently behind Kail, straight-postured hare to toddling squirreldibbun. XD He pays rather zero attention to the group, making his way to the kitchen with Kail. Until he's hailed by Argoff, of course. He pauses, quirking a brow. "...Yes?"

Argoff waves a gesture to Rahier to come over, "Major, could you please come here, sir?"
(OOC note: This pose should technically be in the middle of my entry. Hence, the response.)

Argoff gestures to Almira, "She wishes to speak with you on an important matter."

Almira's attention turns toward Rahier, "Are you dat dibbun's caretaker?" she inquires as she gestures toward Kail.

Kail stops, and turns...and almost giggles again. "It'sa stinkybeast agenn, wot!" he announces, pointing to the jill.

Rahier had already glanced back Kail's way, to watch over the dibbun's progress. Almira's question gives him pause, and he turns towards her on a heel, skipping past his question. "And.. you are?" She looks rather.. shifty. :x

Almira says simply, "Somevone who knows the dibbun's parents. He should be returned to dem immediately."

Kail follows Rah, and makes to climb up onto his shoulders. By now he know not to catch Rah's skin in doing so. XD

Rahier is also used enough to Kail doing this that he doesn't bat an eyelash. Almira's got his full attention now, anyhow. "..What did you say?" He takes a step forward, squinting. "Answer my question."

Rodney enters from the stairs, walking rather laboriously, supporting himself on the wall as he goes, pausing every five steps or so to rest his right leg, which is obviously causing him quite a bit of pain. Once down on floor level he takes a longer break, leaning on the wall.

Almira straightens up slightly, "I am Almira, Princess of Riftgard and heir to derr throne."

Argoff's eyes widen, What?!"

Kail just kinda sits on Rah's shoulders. He's careful to not hold onto his ears this time. :D

Atma raises a brow.

Argoff's eyes lower to the floor and whispers, "Damn it, Argoff, you rude, insignificant parasite..."

Both of Rahier's brows raise, and he openly gapes, for just a second, before his eyes narrow again, and run over the ferret. It's not but a step to bring him close to her, and he takes it. The buck seems to consider speaking. Hm. One of his paws drifts around from behind his back, and rises quickly in a backhanded slap to the ferret's jaw. Hee. ;p

Almira's face snaps to the side as she's slapped. She turns her face again to stare at Rahier in shocked silence, then she sputters indignantly, "How dare you!"

Kail kinda almost-falls. Seeing that it's probably not safe on Rah's shoulders anymore, he scrabbles down when he gets a chance, and points at Almira while talking to Rah. "Wha'she naughty?"

Argoff puts on a stern face, "Sir, stay your hand...now, she didn't show any hostility. I would give her permission to slap you back. You were the one to show hostility, so it's perfectly legal."

Atma raises a brow. "Well, that was certainly uncalled for."

Rahier's chin raises, haughtily, and he sniffs. "How dare I? How dare -you- f'comin' an' makin' that demand?" His muzzle lowers, an index finger curling in her direction. "I'd sooner run y'through with m'own sword than hand Kail over t'you. Witch."

Her timing is awful. Shorelight appears in the doorway with a small barrel beneath her arm just in time to hear Rahier's little spiel. She blinks. "Vhat goes on, Machorr?" The doe's head tilts to the side.

Argoff growls at Rahier, "All you Abbey-beasts test my patience. She is no 'witch'. You judge before you know, all of you. She didn't do a thing, Major."

Rodney tilts his head to the side, watching the exhcange. Has it come to fighting now?

Almira looks at Rahier with evident anger, "His parents need him."

Atma crosses his arms, stepping forward. "..Miss." He looks to Almira, holding up a paw. "I might specify that Rahier is acting on his own behalf. Neither Redwall or the Long Patrol condone violence and threats as a response to outrage. I might personally see to it that he's properly dealt with later. However... I might note that he has grown quite attatched to the beast he's taken in, and.. perhaps it is best if the child remains in his care?"

Kail sticks his tongue out at the jill. "Sillybeast!" he says, and points to Rah, still talking to Almira. "Daddy, see?" nyeh.

Rahier turns an eye toward Argoff, quirking a brow. "..Do quietly close your mouth. This doesn't concern you." He glances to Shorelight. Yeep. He can't really explain, so he gives an annoyed look to Atma, before looking back to Almira. "They're dead," he states. "You bring lies and deceit."

Almira looks toward Atma, "Vot vould be best is if he vos returned to his parents." Then she looks back toward Rahier, "If one of his parents vos brought here asking for his return, vould you release him?"

Almira says, "I assure you, dey are not dead."

Shorelight turns an ear outwards in confusion, but stays put. The barrel under her arm is set down, however. Almira's given a strange look. "Vhere haff /you/ come frum vit dat tongue?" The doe's brow raises.

Argoff cocks an eyebrow back at Rahier, "Oh, it concerns me very much. And I don't feel like closing my mouth any longer than it already has." turns to Almira, "Forgive him, another Abbey fool, predjudice to boot."

Rodney hobbles along the wall, around to the fireplace, and takes a seat next to it, placing his cane on the table in his usual fashion. He keeps his mouth shut, however.

Atma lifts a paw. "Though, I must say that it is quite possible that the child himself would rather the hare's company over his parents'. I think it would be prudent if you brought them here to see him." His ear twitches, and he glances to Argoff. "...Abbey fool? Prej--Oh, shut up. Don't start. Anything. Or I'll have you -and- Rahier for lunch. And that's a figure of speech, mind you, in case you want to continue to be stupid."

Rahier tilts an ear, narrowing an eye. "No, I would not." He drops a paw down to Kail's head as he speaks. "I wouldn't send him back.. t'be with you."

Almira asks, "Even at his parents' reqvuest?"

Kail is confused. Why would he go with the smelly beast? He says nothing yet, though, as it doesn't seem the time. :P

Rahier hisses. Again with the claw-pointing. "No, not at their request! Doubtless, this is your doing, and you'd go'n... coerce 'em into it." The paw returns to his back, and curls. "...Begone."

Argoff walks over to where Rodney is sitting and sits on the floor next to him, "Hey, Rodney, could I tell you something? Confidentially?"

Almira asks, "Vot if you vent to visit dem and ask, so I vould haff no time to 'coerce' dem into it?"

Kevarr steps into Great Hall. Her headfur is tousled, but she looks quite awake. One brow arches. Rahier? Hissing? Eh? She narrows her eyes on the scene, and the beast she doesn't recognize.

Rodney looks down at Argoff, quirks an eyebrow. "Yes... Of course." He sounds a little surprised.

Rahier chuckles, shaking his head. "Yeh. That's what I'd wanna do. So y'could lock me up an' do t'me what y'did t'them." He glances to her chest. "I'd jus' as soon wring th'life from your villainous body. If we weren't here, that's precisely what I'd do." Apparently, his demand of 'begone' still stands. ;p

Argoff motions Rodney to come close and covers the side of his mouth with a paw as to have no other beast know what he is saying, "II don't trust her any more than the Major. Not even close. I know the Riftgard, vicious beasts, they are. Almost like the ones that Killed my parents, my wife and my...my child."

Kevarr speaks up from the doorway. "What is going on?"

Almira asks, "Vot in derr vorld haff you been told about me?"

Atma hmms, looking to Kevarr. "I don't know. I'm about to find out, though. Come here."

Kevarr steps in, joining Atma. She looks at Almira, drawn by her accent. She points. "You. Who are you?"

Atma says, "Almira, princess of Riftguard."

Kail doesn't like how his Daddy and the Stinkybeast are fighting. The latter is obviously a bad wermin! :P He folds his paws and glares at the jill. :D

Rodney looks up at Kevarr's entrance, raises his hand in a greeting, on his lips a smile of... relief?

"Th'truth," mutters Rahier, again, annoyed by the appearance of Kevarr.

Rodney glances down at the stoat, a bewildered look on his face. "Why are you telling me this?" he mutters. "I am in no position to do anything about this..."

Almira glances toward Kevarr, then around at the other creatures that are starting to crowd the room, "I'm somevone trying to return a dibbun to its parents," is all she states after a pause.

Argoff frowns at Rodney, "Because, I fear, you are the one I can trust with this kind of information."

Kevarr's tone is dry. "And I'm sure that is why Rahier looks like he's about to break every bone in your body. Elaborate, please."

Atma raises a brow. "...Though, obviously you have a reputation. Well, you came to me with this matter, m'lady. So now I will help resolve it. You tell me exactly what he's upset about."

Almira says, "I vould rader not elaborate in front of so many."

Kevarr asks, "And why is that?"

Rodney looks from Kevarr to Almira, then glances back down at Argoff. "I am honoured, but... What do you expect me to do, really?" he says quietly.

Rahier snorts, tossing his head again. "Because she's a slaver. A torturer! She shouldn't even be here."

Argoff whispers, "Nothing, just keep your mouth shut and don't upset anybeast right now, I believe me and little 'Miss Princess' have done enough damage on that department."

Almira glances irritatedly toward Rahier, "I can not explain widout further elaboration."

Kevarr glances at Atma. "If you're...shy, we," and here she clearly indicates Rahier as well, "can go somewhere..." She pauses as Rahier speaks. Twitch. "Oh, I see." Her gaze turns back to Almira. "Yes, yes, I think we should definitely 'elaborate'."

Kevarr asks, "Where would you like her to elaborate, Rahier?"

Rodney shrugs helplessly at the stoat.

Rahier grumbles. "Six feet under'd be jus' fine.."

Atma says, "You'll be elaborating. In here." He points to the library. "Go.""

Kail aims to climb on Rah's shoulders again. ^_^ 'Cause he looks like he needs some cheering up.

Kevarr nods. She seems to agree completely with Rahier's desire. "We'll start with the library anyway." Mumble. "Let's go."

Almira glances toward Kevarr, then walks calmly toward the library.

Andelain saunters in from outside, dirt smudged on her previously clean smock. A few stray berry stains about her mouth suggest that she's been raiding the berry patch for the early berries.

RW Abbey: Library
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The library is disturbingly empty of books and scrolls, and only a small fraction of the knowledge it should be able to hold is actually present and available for perusing. The beautifully crafted windows are cracked and mostly broken, and have been boarded over or covered with oiled cloth to keep the elements at bay. This, combined with the room's high vaulted ceiling, causes a rather foreboding play of shadows in the corners and between shelves. The flagstones of the floor are cool and smooth, and echoes of clicks and thumps can be heard quite clearly when beasts walk among the mostly bare shelves. Brass lamps containing short, fat little white candles provide enough light for reading.

Long beams of sunlight stream in through those windows that are not covered over, giving the entire room a light and cheerful feel.
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Exits/Entrances:
[G]reat [H]all [M]ap [B]ookshelf [B]ookshelf of [W]oodland [L]ore
[B]ookbinding [R]oom [H]istory [B]ookshelf [B]ookshelf of [B]iographies
[P]oetry [B]ookshelf [B]ookshelf of [S]tories
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Kevarr stops as soon as she's in the doorway. "Okay, now, do start elaborating in a hurry."

Almira says, "I am Almira, Princess of Ruingate and heir to derr throne. Derr dibbun is the child of mine slaves, Ayanna and Furnier. I suppose I vould be considered a slaver, but derr slaves dat behave vell are treated as vell as anyone. How else vould a place survive, widout slaves? I see it has vorked vell here."

Kevarr's tone is icy. "We don't have slaves."

Almira says, "Exactly."

Rahier grunts. His arms are folded, now. "She's lying."

Atma follows after them, taking his time inside. He sips his cup of cider idly. "About what?"

Almira raises a brow at Rahier, "Vot haff I lied about?"

Kevarr nods to Rahier. "Well. You know, Almira. We aren't very fond of beasts that /keep/ slaves either. If your goal is to reunite a family, why haven't you brought the parents here?"

Atma asks, "So the slaver bit is truth, then?"

Kevarr says, "Aye."

Kevarr says, "She has slaves, but she 'keeps them well if they behave.'"

Kevarr snorts loudly.

Almira says, "Because I did not expect to find derr dibbun here, and I brought no vone wid me."

Kevarr says, "Well, that's unfortunate."

Kevarr asks, "You should bring the parents here then, shouldn't you?"

Atma hmms. "We don't condone slavery here. If you're thinking to do a good deed, you'll bring them here, and leave them."

Almira says, "I offered to."

Atma lets his cider rest comfortably in his paws. "But we will not release a dibbun into slavery."

Kevarr snorts again.

Rahier glowers. Quite dangerously. His threats weren't empty. "Do not insult me so! I've seen th'scars they bore, an' they told me all about what y'did t'em."

Kevarr looks at Rahier. "I'm in the dark here. You know the parents?"

Almira asks, "Did Furnier also mention how he behaved? No matter vot happened, he vas bent on misbehaving and trying to kill me."

Kevarr says, "Good for him."

Kevarr says, "Too bad he didn't succeed."

Almira gives Kevarr an icy look.

Kevarr returns it, with as much if not more intensity.

Atma narrows his eyes directly upon Almira. "There's nothing more we need to discuss here. Bring the childs parents here. And then leave them with us as free beasts. Then you will leave, and never return."

Rahier grunts, looking to Kevarr. "I knew 'em well. They escaped from 'er, an' sought refuge in th'mountain for many a season. Kail was birthed there, an' they told me 'bout her." He nods towards the ferret. "One day, they was out walkin'.. an' got recaptured, I'm guessin'. By her, I wouldn't doubt."

Kevarr's eyes narrow further. They're mere slits now. "Oh, I /see/."

Almira says, "He vould haff been fine if he behaved. He had an easy job, and so did Ayanna. Ayanna even had a job some of derr residents vould haff liked. He vos an idiot to behave as he did."

Kevarr points at Almira, and says quietly. "It's shut up time now, until you're asked another question."

Atma asks, "And your coming into Redwall, announcing that you wish to haul a dibbun into slavery isn't idiocy? Yes. You will now speak when spoken to."

Rahier snorts. "We should hang her in th'orchards. It would be her due."

Kevarr says, "Now, the way I see it, if these slaves of yours escaped, and were guests of Salamandastron, and you recaptured them /from/ Salamandastron, then really..."

Kevarr says, "You've gone and infuriated the Long Patrol."

Kevarr tsks.

Kevarr asks, "If you didn't expect to find the kid here, then why did you come here?"

Almira says, "Because I vos hungry, and needed a place to shelter at for a short time."

Kevarr asks, "So you capture woodlanders and make them work for you, but when you're in need you turn to woodlanders to /help/ you?"

Kevarr asks, "Where are your guards and retainers?"

Atma says, "Perhaps she's set on the thought that woodlanders are set in this country to serve her."

Almira asks, "Since vhen vos a marten a voodlander?"

Kevarr says, "I'm not talking about me. This is the mice's Abbey."

Almira says, "I vos unavare of dat."

Atma mms, resting his cup on a nearby chair, and crossing his arms. "You strike me as a beast of little thought, 'princess'."

Kevarr says, "Well, I think you're going to get your food and shelter in a way you won't like, Almira. Unless the Long Patrol decides to kill you. Really, it's not our decision."

Kevarr looks at Rahier. "Though we can offer advice, of course."

Almira speaks confidently, "My fader vill kill dem all if dey harm me."

Kevarr asks, "Harm you?"

Kevarr says, "Goodness no. Harm you? Pfft. "

Kevarr says, "But you see, we've just happened to start up a little building project."

Kevarr says, "We need lots of helping paws to mine stone and haul it."

Kevarr says, "And if there is one thing Redwall has never been opposed to, it is good, /hard/ work."

Almira suddenly pales, "NO! I von't! I refuse!"

Kevarr lifts her brows. "Oh?"

Rahier remains standing by the side of the door. "Then you'll hang."

Atma grins. "Ah, but you are quick to enforce another beast to work under your paw. I think it'd do you well to work under ours."

Atma says, "Think about it."

Kevarr says, "Rahier, I think I've got a very nice plan. Her father, she says, will kill the slaves if she is harmed."

Kevarr says, "Tell me if this is to your liking."

Almira says, "I vosn't meant for work such as dat. I've tried it before. It's voodlander vork. I /can't/."

Kevarr holds up her paw to Almira. "It's shut up time again."

Rahier unfolds his arms, tilting his head. "Why're y'so dirty, an' without retainers, like Kevarr said, if'n you're such royalty?"

Kevarr looks at Rahier. "Colonel Zoe Lang wants to send a message to Salamandastron anyway, right? She wants to find a bird to do it, if possible."

Kevarr asks, "Where is Riftgard in relation to Salamandastron?"

Atma says, "You get a little sun, a little meat on your bones... Exercise. Granted, there's that 'adder' thing, but a beast like you won't be afraid of common worries like giant, venomous beasts born of the shadows...." He wears a wide grin, and a look of mischief in his misty eyes. Taking a few small steps forward, he leans forward and folds his paws behind his back. "Of course you can. You're the superior beast to keep slaves. Why not prove your superiority, mm?"

Almira looks toward Rahier, "Punishment for my fader." Then toward Atma, "Ve veren't made for vorking. It vasn't vot ve vhere meant for."

Kevarr steps closer to Almira. "That's too bad, isn't it?"

Kevarr says, "That's really. Just. Too. Damn. Bad."

Atma leans in close to Almira. "Nonsense!" The hob snatches for Almira's wrist.

Rahier glances to Kevarr. "T'th'north. Far, far north, an out t'sea." He looks back. "I'll get some shackles from th'67th. Unless y'happen t'have some on hand."

Almira tries to yank her paw back as her wrist is grabbed, "Let go of me!"

Kevarr nods at Rahier. "Hold on the shackles for now though." She turns back to Almira. "You. Listen to me right now and answer. How many slaves does that slimepit of yours have?"

Atma yanks Almira's paw up, his own retractable claws poking at the flesh a little. "Look at these paws. They're ferret paws. You know, ferrets and martens aren't much different from each other. We're both natural hunters. I happen to know you're -made- for hard work." He releases her paw, and steps back. "Then it's settled."

Almira glares at Atma, then at Kevarr, "I do not know. Enough to do most of derr necessary vork."

Kevarr says, "Okay. So. Take a guess."

Kevarr asks, "Or were you not taught how to count?"

Almira says, "I haff nothing to do wid most slaves. It's derr slave trainers job to know, not mine."

Kevarr says, "I don't care."

Kevarr says, "Give me a rough estimate."

Almira says, "Vell, I don't haff any idea."

Almira says, "I only had two."

You say, "She doesn't have y'know anythin'. She can carry rocks all day."

Almira asks, "I thought you vere against slavery?"

Kevarr nods. "Oh well." She puts a finger to her lips, then turns to Rahier. "Okay, Major, this is my suggestion. You've got a captive princess here. She's easily worth however many slaves they've got holed away."

Kevarr says, "This isn't slavery."

Kevarr says, "You said you wanted food and board."

Kevarr says, "This is what you're going to be doing to /earn/ that."

Kevarr says, "And, of course, if the Long Patrol says differently, well. It's their call. After all, you stole those two beasts from them."

Almira says, "I vill get food and board someplace else, den."

Kevarr says, "No, no. I don't think you will."

Kevarr asks, "Because if you step foot outside of this Abbey as a free beast? And those two squirrels you took are not here, also as free beasts?"

Kevarr says, "I will kill you."

Almira says, "If you tink you can trade me for all of derr slaves, it von't vork."

Kevarr asks, "Then you'll be here a long time, won't you?"

You say, "That's going t'be very bad f'you, then."

Almira says, "I haven't done anytink..."

Kevarr says, "In any case, Rahier. That is what I suggest."

Atma says, "Oh, I don't know."

Kevarr turns to Almira, and this time she gets very close. "Haven't done anything?" she repeats.

Atma says, "Considering the things you're involved with, existing can be a very horrid crime."

Kevarr says, "You kidnapped two beasts."

Kevarr says, "Twice."

Kevarr says, "The second time you left their child an orphan."

Kevarr says, "Above that, you kidnapped them from the territory of the Long Patrol."

Kevarr says, "And above /that/, you've got /many/ beasts that you've done this to."

Almira says, "I did not intend to leave derr child an orphan, and dese are derr only two I haff even remote control over."

You say, "Then you'll get them sent down here."

Kevarr nods slightly.

Kevarr says, "Else you'll be living their lives for quite some time."

Rahier turns a paw. "If they're alrigh', like y'say, maybe we'll reconsider. If'n they're worse off than when they left, well. I'll be happy f'an excuse.

Almira says, "I told you I vould -tvice- now, and you haffn't listened at all."

Kevarr says, "Good. Atma. Get a pen and paper."

Almira says, "...Er....But I'm afraid dey von't be qvuite derr same, which is vhy dey need derr dibbun."

Kevarr says, "They'll get their dibbun and their freedom. Have a seat at that table there."

Almira moves to sit in the indicated place.

Kevarr says, "Now, while we're waiting for the materials, you can elaborate on what you've done since you recaptured them, and why they won't be 'qvuite derr same'."

Almira says, "Dey vhere punished."

Kevarr says, "I like details, Almira. How?"

Almira shifts a little, "..Aya no longer can see, and Furnier no longer can hear.."

Atma hmms, moving to a chair within the library, across the room. He grabs a journal, quill and ink from under it. One of his own, that he'd left in here since the last visit. He sits down, opening the journal and the ink..

Kevarr draws in a deep breath. She doesn't say anything, and that is probably good, because the look she has is murderous. And she doesn't even know the beasts involved.

Rahier is... silent. Very silent. Considering he did know them, and quite well, it can't be good. ;P

Atma on the other paw, looks amused. "Whoops. You lose, Almire."

Kevarr lifts her paw with a rather jerky motion and taps the blank paper. "Write." Her voice is abnormally soft. "Now. Your father."

Atma says, "Be careful with my pen. And don't waste my ink. I will be very, very angry if you waste my ink."

Almira asks, "Write vot?"

Almira asks, "Ask him to send Aya and Furnier?"

Kevarr says, "The truth, of course. That you've had a very significant change of heart, and that you want the slaves released into freedom. All of them. But especially your two loyal slaves Aya and Furnier, who should be escorted here like royalty to see their son.""

Kevarr says, "And who will be free the moment they arrive at Redwall Abbey. Write that. Now."

Almira starts writing, but speaks as she does, "He von't free all derr slaves."

Kevarr says, "I don't care."

Kevarr says, "Write it anyway."

Kevarr says, "You are very insistent on this."

Almira asks, "Vot happens if he does not listen?"

Kevarr says, "Hope that he does. You're already in a very great deal of trouble."

Atma says, "Indeed."

Almira continues to write, "...But how is it my fault if mine fader does not listen to me? He never listens to me."

Kevarr says, "It isn't your fault."

Kevarr asks, "What you've done to those two squirrels? /That/ is your fault."

Kevarr says, "And if this were /anywhere/ else, make no mistake, I'd tell Rahier here to go right ahead and rip your head off. Not that he'd need any encouragement. Not that the Long Patrol might not decide to anyway."

Rahier doesn't offer any challenge to that. In fact, from his uncharacteristic silence, it seems quite likely.

Almira stops writing, glancing up, "I t'ink it's finished, unless you vould like me to add anytink else."

Kevarr leans over to look at what she's written.

The letter reads: Dear Father, Hello and greetings, dear Father. Experiences I have received since my departure have given me a change of heart. Listen, please, father, as I express how important it is to me now that all the slaves of Riftgard be freed, particularly Ayanna and Furnier. Please, Father, release them to Redwall where they may live out the rest of their days in peace and freedom.

Kevarr is quiet as she reads. She's still not all that quick at it. "...Put that you wish him to have them escorted by four competent beasts, in as comfortable a manner as though they themselves were royalty."

Kevarr says, "They are to be treated very, very well."

Kevarr says, "In fact, if they are not treated well from the moment he receives this note, you will be quite angry."

Almira writes it all down, then glances up again, "Alright."

Kevarr looks over this as well, just to make sure.

The new part, directly after the first part, reads: Please have four competent beasts escort them. Let them have as many luxuries as if they were a member of the royal family. Expenses are not to be spared. At the least, make sure they are not harmed, as it means very much to me. Since my change of heart, I have been unable to rest with all the guilt that I am faced with. Everything I have stated is extremely important to me, and I will never again return home if you do not accomplish my requests, father.

Kevarr nods, obviously satisfied. She turns her head. "Rahier, do you want to read over it?"

Rahier steps on over, glancing down to the table surface, skimming over the letter. He grunts. "That's fine." Step back. "It can go with the rest of the correspondence by bird."

Kevarr gestures. "She's yours then. If you don't have a place for her at the 67th, she can stay here, but I'm afraid if she stays here it won't be in a cell, or shackled." Her eyes flick to the ferret. "But if she values her hide, she won't be trying to run away. I meant what I said. And the Long Patrol can run faster than a marten with a limp."

Almira adds on a 'With Love, Almira'. Then grows silent.

Rahier nods. "I'll take 'er t'th'67th an' chain 'er up. She shouldn't be 'round th'abbey."

"Right." Kevarr crosses her arms. "Up you get then, princess. Oh, give her something to eat before you haul her off." She grunts. "Redwall can't have her starving..."

Rahier makes a face of obvious displeasure.

Almira stands up, "I am no longer hungry."

Kevarr asks, "Oh? Okay then. Goodbye."

Rahier steps aside, turning towards the door. "Let's go. To the gate."

Kevarr moves out of the way, ears flattened.

Kevarr says, "Atma..."

Almira heads off toward the indicated location.

Atma looks up at Kevarr. "Yes, love?"

Kevarr says, "...I think /I/ am hungry."

Rahier follows, out into the hall, paw on the hilt of his weapon.

Atma grins. "Well, I don't know about food, but there's still cider left. I made a small bit."

RW Abbey: Great Hall
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The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, though most of them are obviously not from the same set. Many of the stained glass windows are broken, and have been patched with canvas and boards to fend against the elements. The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.

The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.

Red, blue, orange, green...vibrant patterns of color are painted on the floorstones of Great Hall by the high afternoon sun that is streaming through the stained glass windows.
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Exits/Entrances:
[K]itchen [St]airs [C]avern [H]ole
[Li]brary [En]try [B]reezeway
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Rurun exclaims, "I ask not for them back just to kill my evil brother!"

Rodney sighs of exhasperation, throws his arms out. "Fine, fine... And then what will you do? Live happily ever after?"

Rahier grunts. "Keep it movin', Princess." He pushes his paw into her back, towards the door. You know, because she's obviously not moving fast enough. :P

Kevarr's ears perk as she exits the library, looking none too happy. "What now?"

Rurun says, "No hopefully i will soon die since my purpose is complete."

Argoff says, "And...Felldoh the Wrestler was the squirrel that died fighting the Tyrant all by himself against his horde, too, and he had no lover.""

Almira stumbles forward slightly as she's pushed upon exiting the library. Her brow furrows, but she picks up the pace toward the entry.

Kevarr clears her throat loudly, looking at the three beasts.

Rodney looks over at Kevarr, a sad, helpless look on his face. "It's... Oh..." He lets his arms fall to his sides.

Rurun says, "I am not fighting a horde just my brother."

Argoff silences himself and sits back, just straight-faced.

Almira heads outside and into the Abbey Entry..

Kevarr asks, "Hare, stoat? What's going on here?"

RW Abbey: Entry
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This is a sandy area between Great Hall and the main gates of the Abbey. It obviously gets a great deal of traffic, if one is to judge by the number of pawprints going every which direction here. There is an obvious path leading to the double doors of Great Hall. In places that are not so trampled, new shoots of green grass and budding wildflowers are making their presence known.

There is a bustle of activity here, and you can hear the occasional murmur of a passing conversation. The sun is high overhead, and shadows are small. All is bright.
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Exits/Entrances:
[G]reat [H]all [C]limb to the [R]amparts [A]bbey [P]ond
[Ga]te [H]ouse [Leave] through the gates [Open] Ground
[C]hampion's [C]ottage
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Kail steps outside from the Great Hall..

Almira's brow is slightly furrowed as she walks at a quick pace from the Great Hall toward the gate.

Rahier follows right behind Almira, paw on the hilt of his weapon. He's clearly seeing after her.

Nagia mms, nodding. "Well... that's all in th'past, love. Y'should be considering more pleasant things. Like... hmm. Did my mum make ye any of her famous oatmeal cookies?"

RW Abbey: Main Gate
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You are at the main entrance into Redwall Abbey. The gates themselves are noticeably missing, having been lost seasons ago. 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.

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

Kail is seen running towards Rah. Muahaha! "Daddyyyyyy!" XD

As they reach the gate itself and the guard, Rahier reaches to place a paw on Almira's shoulder. "Stop." Hm? The buck quirks a brow at Kail's approach.
Almira stops.

Kail takes a running leap to latch himself onto Rah's tunic. :P Obviously remembering being left behind the day before.

Rahier oofs. :x "..Kail, I'm jus', ah, goin' on a walk, here." He turns his head toward the gate, waving a paw at two of the sentries. "Y'two. You're comin' with us. Watch her." He points the fighters to Almira.

Kail smiles up at Rah. "Ah'wanna go!" XD

Almira just stands there now, looking quietly toward the grasslands.

Lassik is clearly annoyed. A little bit of steam has burned off since she lost her temper earlier, but she's still looking like one that nobeast would want to engage in conversation with. She's walking, quickly and continuously, in one direction; away from the Abbey. Where she's headed and what she's planning on doing doesn't seem to register. She just needs to let off some steam.

Rahier sighs. "Yeh, fine. It's jus' t'th'67th." Holding Kail, he turns back outward. "Let's go." The fighters take rough hold of Almira's upper arms, pulling her toward the road. Rahier follows.

Kail exclaims, "Yaaaaaaaaay!"