It's a chill, frosty evening on the road running north and south outside the gates of Redwall. The only sound is that of the wind, and a few stubborn birds that have yet to bunk down for the winter. This leaves room for the large number of beasts moving down the path from the north to be heard--a soft rumble of footsteps. Elanora is only slightly in the lead, and that only because she's walking faster than most of the others.
Having originally decided to leave the Abbey in all its ruin, Stryfe looks over his shoulder at the sound of the shuffling of creatures, holding the pack slung over his shoulder steady with a paw. Narrowing his eyes as the sudden activity of woodlanders, he turns, his decision's strength flickering.
Elanora lifts her chin at the sight of the dusty ruin of Redwall. There's quite a bit of apprehensive murmurs behind her that don't go unnoticed. Unabashed, she opens her mouth and begins to sing--it's a rousing, cheerful song, very out of place considering the solemn air. And yet, after a few minutes of singing solo, the tune starts to be picked up here and there among the woodlanders.
A slight smirk accompanied by a soft chuckle escapes Stryfe's lips with a little puff of a cloud into the chilly air. Ears flickering despite a gentle gust of cool air chilling them, he frowns a bit, adjusting his pack and straying not far from the band of woodlanders, cheered by the song.
Mali grins as they approach the gates, and digs her elbow into the large fluff of feathers walking next to her. Namely, Kir. "Ahoy the Abbey!" she calls loudly. "Anyone about?"
Kir grumbles in protest at this. He slows down just enough for Mali to get ahead of him, and then pecks lightly at her trailing rudder.
Mali exclaims, "Ahoy the Ab-oooh!"
Mali jumps, rubbing her tail. "You duck-bottomed sail-eared feather duster!"
Kir says, "Och, shut yar botherin', river-pup. Serves ye right for shovin' me."
Mali says, "I'll shove ye, goose-head. Right into the pond."
Elanora continues leading the song, and their voices just almost drown out the bickering pair as they come to a stop outside the gates. She rubs her chin and steps forward. "Hmm, I think they're all sleeping..."
Mali forgets her quarrel with Kir as the large group grinds to a halt. She bounds forward until she's level with Elanora. "Right, hold there, mates. Let's give 'em a good old wake up call, eh? One...two...three..." She throws back her head and shouts as loudly as she can, "REDWAAAALLL!" Corny? Oh yes.
The shout is echoed in various degrees of loudness from the entire crowd, all in one thunderous cry. "REDWAAAALLL!"
Well, at least someone hears. Flicking his ears back slightly, Cassite makes his way up to the top of the wall, peering blankly over at the assembly, and well... peering. "Yes, this is the place, alright." He murmurs, puzzled - hoping sincereyl these are nothing like the mice that showed up earlier.
Jeren also hears, having been busy sweeping the walk when the sounds of shouting alerts her. She joins Cassite on the wall, still holding her broom. "Whooah...what's all this?"
Elanora looks up. "Hey, there we are. Anyone else awake in there, you two? We're looking for permission to enter!"
Cassite shakes his head, almost mutedly murmuring, "...don't ask me." He blinks slowly, looking downward. He clears his throat slowly, and strides towards the center of the walltop to glance down at the assembly again, arching a brow. "...Permission to enter? Who are you all?" He asks, confused.
Elanora gives an exaggerated bow. "Name's Elanora, although I go by Ela. This otter here is Mali, and that big bird back there is Kire...Kirak...err, he goes by Kir. This is Grub Stickleback and his sons and uncles...over there is Greenleaf and her husband...sorry, forgot your name, and there is Gould..."
You say, "Way in the back there is Dotty Volewife and Tragg's crew...Loamclaw, Drugger, and Faelas..."
Cassite flicks his ears back quietly, and shakes his head. "No, no, no. Not your names. Who are you? I mean, why are there so many of you?"
Elanora stands on tip-paws, as she isn't the tallest of mice. She continues naming off beasts. "Azak, Shride, there's little Uln, Fern and Pricklenose..." She pauses and turns back with a grin. "Oh? Well, see, I came here a few weeks back, and I saw you lot were having some real troubles. So I went and told all your neighbors and asked for help. They all want to help repay Redwall."
Smiles, nods, and quiet murmurs accompany this.
Jeren puts paws to her cheeks. "Oh my..."
Mali throws a sharp salute Cassite's way. "We had a few naysayers, but we told them where to get off. See, far as we see it, Redwall's always been there for us. I know it helped me and my feathered mate here out of a good jam several times."
Mali asks, "So it's only natural to return the favor, eh?"
The squirrel blinks slowly, and uncertainly murmurs. "I'm... not sure if we'll be able to be very good hosts. But we are in great need of aid." He winds his way down the walltop and pushes the gates open. "...and I will not be one to refuse it."
Elanora steps forward and reaches out her paw to Cassite. She's still grinning. "That's okay. We know what you've all been through. Nasty an' harsh, an' sure but there's more to come yet. But this time we're going to be here to help you lot through it."
The squirrel quietly examines her paw for a moment, as well as her expression, and those that are with her. "...aye." He smiles, finally, and firmly grasps and shakes her paw. "Thank you. We need all the help we can get."
A loud whoop rises from the group behind Elanora, and the woodlanders move forward, flooding around them, not a few patting Cassite's back in passing, and then heading through the gates. Ela pumps his paw. "Okay kiddies, onward and inward we go!"

You go into the Great Hall.
Elanora leaves with: Kir, Mali, Cassite, Jeren
RW Abbey: Great Hall
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The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed through these walls, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. For all of the hopeful memories of this fond room, the devastation wrought by the earthquake seasons ago still shows vividly in the minor repairs that the beasts living in the abbey have been able to make. Rubble has been cleared and the floor swept clean, but only a few tables occupy this room with their accompanying chairs. The once great stained glass windows have been patched with canvas and boards to keep the wind and rain out. Beyond these visual sights, the hall still contains an unmistakable feel of emptiness.

The Tapestry hangs proud and tall over the roaring fire, with the figure of Martin the Warrior watching over his own in this time of worry and strife. For its own sake, the massive wall hanging seems to have been taken down and beaten of some of its collected dust, so each of the colors appear more vivid and bright.
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Exits: Abbey's [Li]brary, [K]itchen, [C]avern [H]ole, [B]reezeway, [En]try, [Stairs]
With:
[DYN] Kevarr

Quietly shakes his head, laughing softly at the swarm of beasts. There really aren't /all/ that many... but what they lack in number, they seem to make up for in quality. It's been a very long time since he's seen so many cheerful faces. At the very least, it's inspiring.
T3h<skerl
The majority of woodlanders flood into Great Hall, with some moving upstairs to put young ones to bed, others carrying food into the kitchen, and still others with supplies for the infirmary. Kevarr is resting in her chair when this happens, but she is of course quickly awakened by this. "Uh...ah?" She looks mildly alarmed.
"Oi, Sleepyhead." The squirrel cheerfully chimes Kevarr's way. "You're... not gonna believe this, I expect."
Mali stops abruptly, nearly causing several mice behind her to trip over her. Her good natured expression has vanished the moment Kevarr she spots Kevarr.
Kevarr eyes the entering woodlanders. "...What's going on?"
Kir clears his throat noisily. "Don't start anything," he warns the otter in a low voice devoid of his accent.
The darksquirrel makes his way over to Kevarr's chair to look at the scene before the both of them, explaining, "...help's arrived." He murmurs quietly.
Elanora disappears into the kitchens with two sacks of flour.
Kevarr's brows arch. "Err...ah. So I ah...see..."
Cassite shakes his head quietly. "...I have as little clue as you... but they're bringing food!" And hey, that's what matters, right?
Kevarr starts. "Food?" She's so baffled.
Cassite eyes her lamely. "The kind that you eat?"
Mali steps toward Kevarr, still not looking very happy. "Well...I see you're still alive and slinking around."
Kevarr rolls her eyes. "I know that. But...why are they giving it to us?" And Mali interrupts her bafflement. Kevarr's expression becomes one of unease. "...It would seem so."
Cassite quietly moves over to one of the sacks of food, picking out an object at random and sniffing at it carefully. No sort of poison he knows of, anyhow. He takes a taste. Nummy. c.c;
Stryfe comes from the entry.
Stryfe has arrived.
Mali's jaw tightens, and her eyes narrow. Finally she looks to the side, and then moves away. "Well, don't get any wrong ideas. I didn't do any of this for your sake, Slinker."
Flicking his ears to Mali, the squirrel murmurs cautiously. "Mind your manners. If you're here to help - help, aye?"
Mali's whiskers twitch. "I didn't come here to help her," she says darkly.
Elanora enters just in time to hear this. "Hoi," she warns Mali. "I told you, none of that."
"So you came here to be uncivil?" The squirrel crosses his arms, and looks approvingly to Elanora. Yus.
Kevarr merely turns her attention back to the fire. For once she doesn't rise to the bait of an argument.
Mali flushes and waves her paws. "...Sorry, sorry. Bad blood." She moves off toward the kitchen to help with the supplies.
Kir follows, being the helpful featherduster that he is.
Mali heads off towards the Abbey Kitchen..
Mali has left.
Kir heads off towards the Abbey Kitchen..
Kir has left.
Elanora smiles apologetically at Cassite. "Sorry about that."
Atma arrives from the Staircase..
Atma has arrived.
Atma moves down into the great hall, having actually washed himself. He's groomed now. Whee.
Cassite nods quietly, and shakes his head from side to side. "...mmph. Don't worry about it."
( Atma will find a far larger number of woodlanders are moving in and out of Great Hall than is at all normal. Kevarr's seated in her usual chair, looking somewhat troubled, and more than a little bewildered. )
Elanora shrugs. "She's usually real easygoing, but she and that marten there don't have good history. Just step on her tail if she gets out of paw, that's what Kir says."
Jeren heads off towards the Abbey Kitchen..
Jeren has left.
Atma stops, and blinks a little. He notices Kevarr, and clears his throat. He knows how she is about crowds. He moves to her.
Cassite nods his head, smirking faintly. "So how did you come up with this little idea, anyhow... Elanora, wasn't it?"
Kevarr's uneasiness isn't so much caused by the crowd, but she looks grateful as Atma arrives. "You wouldn't believe this, but a whole crowd of woodlanders just arrived. With food and supplies."
Atma tilts his head. "Oh? My. Are they going away soon?"
Elanora ergs and waves her paws. "Ela, Ela. Elanora makes me feel like I'm two seasons old." She shrugs. "Well, I just saw y'needed some assistance."
Kevarr says, "I don't think so..."
Cassite nods his head quietly. "...we do. What we most need help on are the walls... I don't suppose any of your group know anything about stoneworking?" He asks, doubtfully.
Atma says, "Hmm. Then it's the entire supplies coupled with annoyance thing?"
Elanora nods. "A few of them, but they said there isn't much that can be done about the walls themselves until Spring. In the meantime, spirits here are all pretty low. S'no way to pass the winter."
Kevarr shrugs. She's grown surprisingly quiet in the past few minutes. "I haven't any idea. I've never seen any of them before...well, except two, but..."
Cassite nods once more. "...well, that's better to hear than nothing at all."
Atma says, "Maybe they'll kick the tar out of those other woodlanders for me."
Atma says, "That's what they could do to help me. I don't eat their food."
Elanora grins and claps Cassite heavily on the shoulder. Her ears swivels in on the other conversation. "What other woodlanders?" She looks at Cassite. "I'm curious, did a rather stiff, solemn mouse come back here? Calls himself Gyle, and is about as cheerful and upbeat as a corpse?"
"Gyle?" The squirrel flicks an ear, nodding his head. "...I think that rings a bell, and not a very good one." He blinks his eyes to the paw on his shoulder, and politely shifts it off of himself. "A group that came by a season or two before you."
Elanora laughs. "Oh, I doubt it would. He was with me--wanted to help, he said, but he insulted me and kept insisting on being an idiot, so I told him to come back here. I'm not sure he actually did, 'cause he was pouting. I just wanted to make sure he got back safely. So what sort of group is this?"
Kevarr closes her eyes. "I'm just hoping I won't wake up missing a few important body parts," she murmurs. "Like my eyes."
Cassite shakes his head. "An annoying bunch - overzealous, and rather critical of the inhabitants there before them. We have a few species about that somebeasts are uncomfortable living around.
Nagia arrives from the Staircase..
Nagia has arrived.
Atma says, "...What?"
Elanora nods. "Oh, you mean vermin? Yeah, I think some in my lot are a little uncomfortable about that. But I set them straight. Redwall isn't about turning beasts away."
Nagia hops down the stairs. "Eh. Dinner already?"
Kai arrives from the Staircase..
Kai has arrived.
Kevarr's shoulders hunch. She eyes the woodlanders warily. "This many woodlanders, there's bound to be at least a few White Glove sympathizers."
Two young otters nearly bowl Nagia over, carrying a heap of blankets each. "Whoop, sorry mate!"
Cassite looks somewhat relieved to hear this from Elanora, nodding slowly. "...good. We had a great deal of trouble from the others about this sort of thing."
Atma says, "In that case, they can all leave. Happy, supplies, yay, food, but one harsh incident, and I'll take care of it.""
Elanora frowns. "How so?"
Nagia stumbles a little. "...Not a problem, lads!" He steps around the otters, stepping into the room fully. "So...yeah?"
Kevarr frowns. "How?"
Cassite crosses his arms. "They seemed content to do nothing but insult them, run them down, and in some cases assault them. It took a great deal of effort for us not to flat-out run them out of the abbey - but most have left now on their own.
Elanora waves at the entering squirrel. "Hey there, kiddo. No dinner right now, but I'll bet some of the ladies in the kitchen could cook you something."
Kai emerges from the stairway like a motley shadow, slinking across floor, but keeping to the walls (and himself). He betrays only the slightest of confusion at the apparent commotion circulating in the hall.
Elanora mehs. "That ain't any way to treat a decent beast."
You say, "Look here, you see any more of that, you tell me. I'll give them a talking to."
Cassite nods his agreement, relief clear on his features.
Cassite says, "Aye."
You say, "They're probably just scared and upset is all. I saw lots and lots like that where I used to be."
Atma says, "Believe me, those of us who aren't of the Glove will either support it when the matter becomes public, or they will be disgusted with it. Those who are on our side will stay, and those who are not will be forced out. It's called dictatorship. I can be very influencial when I wish to be."
Kevarr manages a smile with no feeling behind it. "Assuming you aren't dead."
Kai weaves wordlessly through the beasts, padding over towards the fire hearth. The weasel takes up a private post by the flames, kneeling and, as per usual, draws the thin sword from its sheathe upon his back, and lays it upon the floor before him, briefly eyeing the reflections of the flickering light upon its surface. He knows not what's going on, but allows himself a moment of relaxation by the heat.
Atma snickers. "You have so much faith in me."
Kevarr shrugs. "I don't have much faith in anything, you know that."
Atma says, "Well, have faith in me."
Elanora glances toward Kai as he enters, and flashes a welcoming grin. She turns back to Cassite. "So anyway...point out some of this group to me later, and I'll talk to them and see what's what. And if you see Gyle in one piece, let me know. He'll probably be hanging off of Sunrose."
Kevarr says, "More than I put in anything else."
Cassite nods slowly. "Alright. I'll do that.
Elanora yawns and stretches, then heads toward the fire herself.
Kai turns his head, nodding slightly to Elanora. Some of the ambient light from the flames bounces off the surface of his darkly eyes, presenting them in a more revealed fashion. "Good eve...", he states, in his thin and grating tone. His voice is as shadowy as his pelt, but no hostility lies behind it.
"Evening," Elanora greets, as she takes a seat not too far from Atma and Kevarr.
Atma says, "That's good enough for me"
Darries arrives from the Staircase..
Darries has arrived.
Elanora grins and turns to Atma. "Arright, so who're you?"
Nagia looks to Elanora. "Nobeast of any remote importance within this vicinity. A random beast with pointy teeth."
Silverleaf arrives from the Staircase..
Silverleaf has arrived.
Elanora glances to Nagia. "That so? And who're you then?"
In a room page-pose, Nagia points to ATma. "Atma said that.
Nagia room-pages, "I'm just a random moron, too. ^_^".
You room-page, "Ye'oi. Okay, erase that pose of me."
Elanora chuckles. "That so? Do random beasts with pointy teeth have names?"
Atma says, "Friendly ones do."
Silverleaf goes into Dynamic Role-play.
You ask, "And that might be?"
Darries goes Away From Keyboard.
Atma says, "I'm not friendly yet."
Elanora nods. "Arright." She holds out her paw. "The name's Ela. You can shake or not, s'no consequence. Good to meet you, nameless pointy-toothed one."
Gyle arrives from the Staircase..
Gyle has arrived.
Kai removes the waterskin from his belt, uncaps it, and consumes the last drops of fluid remaining. "Nyak var...", he mutters quietly, beneath his breath, before returning his eyes to the fire.
Silverleaf's soft voice betrays her presence before she even appears at the base of the stairwell...what looks like a younger apprentice mouse lad following a few paces behind, "And don't forget. Those herbs have to be sorted right." The youth bobs his head and after a dismissing wave of the master healer's paw he disappears back up the steps. She, on the other hand, turns around to glance over the room.
The room is still somewhat crowded by unfamiliar woodlanders, although most have since headed up to bed for the night. Ela is seated next to Atma and Kevarr, and is currently greeting/annoying the former.
Darries goes In Character.
Atma says, "It's not good to meet me yet, either. That we will judge later." He smirks. "We'll see."
Elanora grins brightly. "Sure thing." She takes her paw back, then turns her attention to Kai. "Ho. Are you the nameless pointy toothed type too?"
Darries shuffles down the stairs a bit after Silverleaf, entering with an expression of utter exhaustion. The adult mouse bears left after emerging from the stairs, leaning his back against the stone as he covers his muzzle in preparation for a mighty yawn.
Kevarr is fairly close to dozing at this point. She's not quite asleep, simply because she wants to avoid the possibility of being stabbed.
Silverleaf settles her pale eyes upon the exchange between Elanora and Atma and the healer strolls over toward them..or more specifically toward Elanora, "Good evening, Ela." Apparently she does recall that last exchange with the other mousemaid, "I do hope you'll forgive the pathetic manners of some of our local pointy toothed individuals." She flicks a brief, less than appreciative glance, in Atma's direction.
Cassite room-pages, "Surry for delay. EQinterface actually isn't lagging today. x.o".
Kai tilts his head to one side, considering the words with a pause. "Pointy toothed, perhaps...", he grates. "But nameless, no... Kallamir is my clan name. But you may call me 'Kai' if you wish."
Elanora nods, and offers her paw to Kai. "Good to meet you, Kai. You can call me.." Her ears flick as her name is mentioned. "Yes, that works. Ela." She grins at Silverleaf. "Nah, I rather like him. Reminds me of a few weasels I knew up north."
Silverleaf grins lightly as she glances at Atma out of the corner of her eye this time, "Aye...well it's good to see someone doesn't mind it." Her eyes stray to look over Kai out of basic curiousity. A new face for her.
Kai extends his own paw, but clasps Ela by the wrist for the pawshake, a gesture probably reminiscent of some other custom. "Ela. A pleasure to meet you also, I hope. You are here for the assistance of the woodlanders, yes?", he asks.
Elanora nods. She's momentarily unfamiliar with the gesture, but then she repeats it on her end. "That would be it."
Darries flicks an ear as he catches a bit of the exchange. He pushes off the wall with great effort, dragging himself towards Elanora. He lingers about the edge of the conversation, not wanting to be rude but making it most obvious he wishes to speak with her.
Elanora notices almost right away. She turns her grin on Darries. "'Lo there."
Kai nods his head in a more bow-like fashion, than a curt nod. "Then your timing is welcome, considering the season. Perhaps you are the one to bring an element of clarity to the thinking of such beasts...", his words are rather cryptic, but sincerity seems to emerge through the sandy, thin tone of his voice.
Atma smirks. "I do it because I love you so Silvertree. Ah.. Silvertwig. Silverstick. Silverthing." He chuckles to himself.
You say, "Ah, I wouldn't say that. I'm not one for philosophy. I'm just here to help.""
Darries nods briskly, "Hello, maiden. I am Brother Darries, albeit a tired Brother Darries at that. I have heard rumbles from the forest of your efforts to bring aid to the Abbey."
Elanora rubs the side of her head. "Eh, well it wasn't all that. I just alerted some beasts to the problem."
Silverleaf's eyes resort back to Atma, a bare edge of a smirk tugging at her muzzle, "I just wish you'd at least try to be polite. I should think learning such skills wouldn't be beyond your intelligence." She looks ready to add to said comments but instead her eyes catch on the beast in the chair just the other side of Atma. She frowns in slight concern as her eyes snap back to Atma, "She's returned? And Kes?"
Darries nods, "Aye, and you couldn't have picked a better time to do just that. With the winter fast approaching, we need all the help we can get. We've seen some hard winters, yes..." He pauses throwing a hard glance towards Silverleaf, "Please attempt to be civil while you're within our walls."
Despite her efforts, Kevarr is well and truly snoozing now. She needs it, anyway.
In a room page-pose, Silverleaf blahs, "That beast being Kevarr....heh....sorry. Little tired."
Elanora waves her paws. "Ho now, room enough for everyone."
Atma says, "That would be correct. But Cassite returned with my daughter. Shortly afterwards, the Al Bhed child rescued me from the woodlander savages in hoods within the forest."
Elanora blinks at Atma. "Woodlander savages?"
Silverleaf casts a glance over her shoulder at Darries remark and her tone remains demur as usual, no bite in it yet as she murmers, "I assure you, sir...I know how to behave within these walls. Seeing as I am Master Healer I do believe my time here outlasts most of the rest." Her eyes then slide back forward and she nods her head, looking rather relieved, "Well...at least all of you returned safely."
Gyle heads outside and into the Abbey Entry..
Gyle has left.
Atma says, "Well, almost."
Atma says, "I was dumped naked into the river moss. I'm lucky to be alive, methinks."
Elanora blinks as her question isn't answered. "Who did that?"
Atma says, "The White Glove organization. They slaughter vermin and kidnap their children for slave labor."
Darries nods, rubbing at his eyes with fatigue. He replies, emotion drained from his voice as he stiffles another yawn, "I'd imagine with all your time here, Master Healer, that you'd hold the principles of this Abbey as closely as I do. Granted, it's not what it used to be..." He trails off, his attention diverted to another part of the Great Hall.
Silverleaf frowns and resists the temptation to add to Elanora's question with some others of her own. Sometimes she'd rather not know. He's alive and apparently well enough...that's all she needs to know. Darries comment goes unanswered as she moves around Atma to kneel besides Kevarr's chair, murmering in nearly a whisper, trying to refrain from startling the dozing creature, "Kevarr?"
Kai raises a subtle brow, his little weasely ears perking a fraction at the description of this new organization. He keeps quiet, opting to listen for now.
Elanora frowns, first at Atma's remarks, and then Darries. She addresses the latter first. "Sir Darries, pardon me, I haven't been here more than a few hours, and only a few days before that, but the principles of the Abbey also don't include looking down on others and considering yourself better than everyone around you." Her ears flick, and then to Atma, "I've never heard of them. That's horrid."
Kevarr stirs. "Mrr?" She's not quite awake yet.
Silverleaf murmers the name just a tiny fraction louder, "Kevarr? I
In a room page-pose, Silverleaf acks, "Bad enter key!"
Darries smiles warmly at Elanora, "Aye, you are correct and a quick learner indeed, m'lady, but this Abbey was founded on the very principle of kindness towards /all/ creatures."
You say, "You aren't being kind. You're being condescending. If I were one of the dusty old sister's I'd whack your paw."
Silverleaf glances up as Elanora begins to rubuke the matter with Darries and she interceeds quietly, "Elanora...it's alright, leave it be." Her pale eyes stray back to Darries somewhat sadly as she murmers, "Perhaps the gentlebeast is right. I am getting old...my principles may simply be fading." Her attention slowly returns to Kevarr and her voice drops back to the whisper again, "Kevarr...it's me, Silverleaf." Only then does she dare to extend a paw and lay it lightly on the marten's own.
Kevarr stirs further. Normally, she'd pull away from that touch. She doesn't this time, though. "...Oh." Groggy jill. "What is it?"
Nagia says, "There's a difference between being an arse, and being an arse when you think you're being kind. I'm the former. You're the latter. Heh..."
Darries chuckles slowly, "I live in fear of my wife's quick paw upon my skull. Condescending was not my intention. I merely attempted to remind this good beast of..." He pauses with Silverleaf's reply, "I apologize if my comments fell as condescending, I, too, have been guilty of fading from my principles from time to time."
Kai repeats a word beneath under his breath, that he stated in a sentence earlier. "Clarity...", he mutters more to himself than anybeast else.
Elanora waves her paw. "You are both sentenced to being nice to each other without disparaging remarks. Your punishment begins now." She smiles. "Nah, I'm sure you get lots of that in return. S'only natural to reply in kind, but you should try not to."
Nagia heads over towards the Stairs..
Nagia has left.
Atma room-pages, "BAD alt! BAD!".
Silverleaf room-pages, "lol".
Darries room-pages, "Ha.".
Darries nods, "Sometimes a beast such as yourself, Lady...?" He glances at Elanora, inquiring as to a name, however finishing before he receives it, "...is needed as a refresher in considering one's values."
Silverleaf sighs and yet smirks a little...caught somewhere between amusement and absolute lack of hope for civility hearing Atma's reply to the situation. Her ears perk at Kevarr's groggy question and she keeps her voice low enough to remain between just herself and Kevarr as she grins a little, "A good heavy stick to whack your mate over the head with at times. Though as a more present request...how are you feeling?"
"Ela," the mouse states quickly. None of that 'lady' business for her. "Well, if you're looking for values, I doubt I'd be the perfect source, considering -my- upbringing."
"Tired," Kevarr murmurs. Well...obviously. "But I'm alright."
Darries laughs, "I have not had the perfect Abbey life either, Ela. Although I much prefer peace to war anyday."
You say, "I like a good scuff now and then, but war gets beasts killed. And it doesn't belong here."
Darries nods, "War is not for these people. Most of them have been touched by it, which is a shame. I wish for my children to know peace."
Silverleaf smiles and sigh of relief escapes her. She starts to say something more but rethinks the comment and merely pats the paw lightly, "Alright. You need anything you know you can always ask. Sorry to wake ya up." She pushes herself to her footpaws and starts to move back around to where the others stand to give the marten some peace.
Elanora crosses her footpaws. "I heard tell about some group that showed up and was causing all sorts of contention. You know who they might be? I'd like to talk to 'em, if any are still around."
Kevarr almost immediately sinks back into her doze. Tirrrred.
Darries shakes his head briskly, "I was spirited off by slavers, and did not return until after that was over. Good thing, too, for them, I'd imagine."
Atma says, "It seems those of us who lack manners are -predictably- less warlike than those who are high-and-mighty above us. But then. You know what? I just sunk to your level. Haha."
You say, "Eh, I know how that's like." She looks at Atma. "Pointy teeth, there isn't any need to pick fights. I can thwap you as easy as I can those other two."
Silverleaf finds a chair slightly off from the talking pair of mice to seat herself in...not much caring to say something that may start another tiff. She catches Atma's remark but only smirks faintly and shakes her head. Perhaps if nothing else Darries will learn just why she addresses the marten in such a fashion. She listens...nothing more...her paws remaining folded into the sleeves of her habit.
Kai sniffs shallowly and sharply, presumably what passes for a glimmer of amusement in a beast such as himself.
Kestrel arrives from the Staircase..
Kestrel has arrived.
Atma says, "Feel free."
Atma says, "I have slightly more patience."
Atma says, "Including the knowledge that if I thwap you back, you'll bleed."
Elanora grins. "Right enough."
Atma smirks. "Silverleaf, have the first swing." He lowers his head, presenting a clear shot, and spreading his arms. "My lady."
A fuzzy blur arrives from the stairs and runs straight at the standing Atma. "Aaie-ai-ai!"
Darries grips the edge of his habit, speaking with a sharp edge towards Atma, "Do not be deceived, beast. Within these walls, I am a peaceful creature, and will go to no ends to see this Abbey returned to peace. But outside these walls, I will answer taunts with quite more than words."
Silverleaf glances toward Atma and she half glares at him to cover the remaining tug of a smirk, "You are so terrible, do you know that? If I'm gonna hit you I assure..." she catches the rest of the remark and there is a faint pause before she finishes much more kindly, "it will be for doing something evil." Cause we all know that's the only reason one should ever strike another...right?
Darries room-pages, "Haha.".
Elanora shakes her head. "Criminey, but you lot seem to be just itching to go at it. You'd have done well in the pits."
Atma lifts his head, looking at Darries. "Oo. I'm very, frightened of you, beast. I truly am." He starts snickering. "Those words mean nothing to me. Everybeast who can manipulate a piece of steel says that." He looks at Silverleaf. "Oh, heavens no. Deeds of evil disgust me. I prefer 'extreme measures'." He winks.
Kestrel leaps right into Atma's arms. At least, that's the idea. If she misses, she'll just climb him instead. "Aie-aie-aie..." Chatter.
Atma erfs, leaning back, and catching Kestrel. "It seems my daughter wishes to see me!"
Darries glances back towards Silverleaf and Elanora, "Ignore him. When the beast learns some manners and to stop throwing idle threats about, I'll listen. Until then..."
Elanora clears her throat. Loudly. She gives all of them a look. "Seriously. Oi."
Atma says, "I threatened nobeast, dear sir."
Kestrel clings tightly to Atma. "F'vrrr!" she whines. She sounds close to tears. "A'hadded bad'n dreamed!"
Atma smirks, lookng to Kestrel. "A bad dream? Well, explain it to me. I want to hear it."
Silverleaf glances between Darries and Atma..and on any other night when she felt energetic she might try and put both of them back in the place she thinks they belong. However, this evening, she merely chuckles faintly and shakes her head again and mutters softly, "Two sides to every coin." She settles to watching Kestrel bounce around on the marten's lap and her genuine smile returns. Just pure happy to see her..upset or not.
Kestrel exclaims, "A'big'n birded ate t'Abbeyey, an' a tried a'findin' you'n'M'vrr an' couldn't!""
Atma asks, "Do you know why?"
Kai ventures a question of Elanora, withdrawing his eyes from the fire momentarily. "Do we have the fortune of fresh medical supplies from your party... Ela?", he grates thinly.
Darries nods towards Elanora, ignoring Atma for the moment, "As I was saying, your help could not have been timed any more perfectly. All the beasts 'round here have been doing quite a bit to prepare for the winter, but I'm sure you're comrades will be a much needed boost."
Kestrel says, "A'runned away from K'ss."
Darries room-pages, "your, ugh, much tired".
Atma says, "Because your mother and I were away, making plans to take it back. That's why. When you woke up, you missed seeing us take the abbey back from the bird, and make everything better again."
Elanora shrugs. "They aren't my anything. They just came with me to help."
Darries nods, "Understood and appreciated."
"Oh." Kestrel seems satisfied with this answer, although she clings all the tighter to Atma's front. "So a H'abbey t'okay now?"
Atma exclaims, "Of course!"
Silverleaf relaxes back into her seat, eyes drifting partially closed as her ears focus in on the nightmare discussion. Her soft smile remains on her muzzle. Kids are so cute....sometimes.
Kestrel brightens. "A'gud." Chrr. Happy now. "A'miss you, F'vrr."
Darries room-pages, "Haha, my mother's been saying that since I've been born.".
Arrowleaf comes from the entry.
Arrowleaf has arrived.
Atma says, "Oh, I've missed you too. I was worried that bird might have taken you, too. I'm relieved that it was only a dream."
Kestrel's ears quirk. "Bu' F'vrr, a'bird'd did a'take'n me. A'go'd to t'badden place with bad'n ferreted."
Atma says, "Not that one. The other one. The bird that took you isn't going to take you again."
Kestrel asks, "A'sure?"
Atma says, "Very sure."
Kestrel says, "T'okay."
Silverleaf's head sinks to one side as though she's going to drop off to sleep at any moment. Her eyes then open about halfway...not really focusing on much of anything but the floor stones a few feet in front of her chair. As the talk in the room settles into silence outside of Kestrel and Atma she speaks up, "So some others came with you, Ela? I didn't realize that. Don't suppose you know what kind of skills any of them have?"
Elanora shakes her head. "Not really. There was an otter band, and a lot of the housewives know how to sew and cook, and there were a few moles and such. You'd have to ask them though."
Silverleaf smiles slightly and lifts her gaze lazily toward the other mouse, "Ah. Good...we need more seamstresses. Even when we do get hold of proper cloth half the time we don't have enough paws to get it sewn into useful things in a timely fashion."
Pushing open the doors, a burly otter male makes his way into the abbey. He pauses only briefly in the doorway, eyes squinting as he gets used to the interior of the room. ".. hoy, Ela!" His muzzle wrinkles back in a broad grin. "Ah been lookin' for ye, mate." He makes his way over, nodding genially to all those he passes, and pauses once he nears, waiting until Silverleaf finishes speaking to continue. "Th' rest o' the crew should be 'ere 'fore nightfall."
Elanora laughs. "I imagine so. I mean...look at half the females you have here. Most are either vermin, who don't usually know such things," she glances at Atma and grins, "No offense, or they've spent the last half of their lives just trying to find food, so no one's taught them." Earperk. "Hey there, Arrow. Wondered when you'd show up."
Silverleaf grins and nods her head in agreement and the older healer can't help but add in a quiet mutter, "Or they just plain were silly enough to think that the only thing this world needs is sword slingers." Grip, yes. I suppose one should be grateful that she complains seldom of this matter. The mouse's eyes adjust toward Arrowleaf's entrance and she smiles and dips her head in a polite greeting, "Good evening."
Slipping in quietly after the otter, Stryfe glances around, having finally made up his mind outside the gates. Scanning the room and taking account of all its occupants, he strides across the room, not particularly without purpose. The chill outside is a bit colder than inside as the early winter gusts may present.
Elanora merely grins. "Oh, it ain't all bad. Keeps you alive at times."
Arrowleaf grins. "Aye, I was runnin' a little late. Got 'ung up on the dirt road." Twin optics flicker to Silverleaf, and the otter smiles. "Evenin', lass. I 'ope th' evenin' finds ye well?"
Silverleaf chuckles softly and nods her head, "Oh...as well as can be expected these days, sir...." she pauses flicking a brief glance toward Ela then back to the otter, "Arrowleaf, was it?" She then extends a paw for a handshake, "I'm Silverleaf. Tis a pleasure."
In a room page-pose, Silverleaf meeps and makes Arrowleaf = Arrow
In a room page-pose, Silverleaf gahs, "I know better than to try this when my brain is fuzzy....hehe."
Elanora grins and leans back, not saying anything at the moment.
Kai removes his gaze from the fire, and takes the hilt of the long, thin blade lying upon the floor in front of him and sheathing it with a resonant 'shing' into the scabbard upon his back, signalling the end of his rest. He attempts to further ascertain the nature of this new party by question. "What stock is the abbey fortunate enough to receive? Food I realise... Medicinals....?", he grates with an almost inquisitive tone inflection.
Elanora nods. "Some. What they could bring."
Kai nods, tilting his head toward Arrowleaf, but maintaining converse with Ela. "And the riverdog... his band is responsible for the... donation?", his sandy voice asks.
Taking in some of the conversation as he finds a suitable place to hunker down for warmth, Stryfe let his bag slip off his shoulder, glancing up. Hmm...interesting folk. Staying quiet for the while to fully understand their dilemma of sorts, he carefully examines each of the creatures' faces, memorizing their particular features.
Elanora gestures. "They all are. Everyone who came. They pulled their resources."
Kai nods his head toward Arrowleaf, and taps his chest lightly with his right paw. "Brazhkev te'yar... Thankyou.", he states cryptically, before he stands from his position by the fire.
Elanora waves to Kai. "I suppose you're heading off to bed then?"
Arrowleaf nods and grins to the mousemaid. ".. Arrowleaf, act'lly, but whatever'll be fine." He winks broadly, accepting her smaller paw and shaking it firmly.
Silverleaf's pawshake is timid compared to Arrowleaf's but it works none the less. She smiles broadly and nods her head again, "Ah...Arrowleaf it is then." Her attention strays toward Kai and she looks the weasel over a little more carefully than before.
Silverleaf room-pages, "lol...s'alright.".
Kai glances upward, at the ever vertigo-inspiring heights of the abbey's roof. "Sleep, not quite. Something in between. Meditation." He instinctively checks his blade, his lifeline, is secured to his back firmly, before looking back to Ela. "My respect to you, mousemaid. Perhaps I'll see you again soon. Farewell."
Shadrach arrives from the Staircase..
Shadrach has arrived.
You say, "Good night then, Kai."
Kai bows his head again, and turns from the others toward the stairs, ready once again for the climb. The darkly weasel slinks into the stairway, vanishing like the wraith he is titled with.
Kai heads over towards the Stairs..
Kai has left.
Silverleaf flips open her pouch with a paw and she begins fishing around in it looking for something. Her brow furrows as she feels something she doesn't recall having put there and she wraps her fingers around it and withdraws a small twig of dried plantlife of one form or another. The healer stares down at it a moment in thought before shoving it back inside and pushing herself to her footpaws.
Elanora also stands up. "Well, think I'm going to go see if any of the bunks are still empty."
Silverleaf smiles and nods her head toward Elanora, "Aye...g'night, Ela. Pleasant dreams, my friend." She doesn't head for the steps though...instead the healer makes her way toward the main door. She pulls it open just enough to admit her slender frame and slips out into the dim light outside.
Silverleaf heads outside and into the Abbey Entry..
Silverleaf has left.