Redwall Abbey

OOC: Welcome to the official thread of the second Tale of Reedbind! If you wish to join in please make sure you are signed in on the OOC thread for this RP first!

Rules:
Please post at least two sentences when you add to the thread.
Please do not Godmod (write what other people's characters are doing) without permission.
Please roughly follow the storyline as stated in the OOC thread
If you need to say something OOC only please post in the sign up for this thread.
If you want to add OOC to an IC post that is ok as long as your IC is at least 2 sentences.
Have a great time!
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BIC:
A marsh bird's song trilled across the estuary lands. The air was warm and full of life. Outside of Holt Reedbind young otters could be seen, cavorting and sporting in the tidal inlets. Other otters were at work, gathering shell fish, mending nets, and tending to the tasks necessary to keep the Holt going.

A rush mat floated near then entrance of the main cavern of the Holt. It was here that a council of elders was being held. The term "elder" does not have to do with age at Reedbind. Otters are selected as elders due to their ability to reason, their skills, and their devotion to Reedbind and its statues.

Seven otters sat on the floor around a large rush woven table. A couple were quiet well on in seasons, their fur graying with time. One appeared the be of middle seasons, and two seemed much younger. Aside from these Shring and Eloyna presided over the council. They were the leaders of the Holt.

"Tides be with you my friends. Your discernment is much needed in today's council." Shring spoke in his deep tenor voice.

"Of course, you can always count on us!" One of the younger otters spoke up, his whiskers bristling.

"You all know why we have called council." Eloyna's voice of liquid gold poured out. "The Tide Dance has not returned. We sent her on voyage almost a season ago now, to bring back supplies and news from otters on Tonnet Island."

"Aye, their absence has become most disturbing." An older otter commented.

"Pirates?" The other young otter breathed the word.

"We can only hope to seasons nothing terrible has befallen the crew." Eloyna shuddered and turned to Shring. The male otter spoke out. "We need a course of action. The most sensible thing I can come to is to send the Blue Star after them. Perhaps we can find them and piece together what has happened to our crew and ship."

It was not long before agreement was reached. The Blue Star would be sent to Tonnet island in the wake oft he Tide Dance. Shring sent a runner to fetch two particular otters, Oakpaw and Searose. Once the otter arrived Shring spoke to them.

"You two are well trusted otters of this Holt. You proved that during your adventure to UnderSky and back, bringing our young ones safely home." He eyed Oakpaw especially as he added. "At the risk of your own lives." He nodded.

"Because of your deeds and your dedication to the Holt we have decided to have you lead this voyage. The Blue Star is to leave the Holt on the morrow. Shuffer has crewed and readied the ship. Oakpaw I name you Captain of the Blue Star, Searose, you shall be the first mate. Do you accept your duties in your new roles?"
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Shuffer sauntered down the deck of the Blue Star. Provisions were ready, as was the crew. The otter could see the sea blue sails of the ship, furled tightly on the outstretching spars. Soon they would unfurl to take them to Tonnet Island and hopefully the crew of the Tide Dance.
Shuffer nodded to the otter standing near him. "All ready to go?"

"I except with honor."

"All ready shuffer! but Riverrose is sad to have me gone." Searose replied.
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On the island Tonnet A young otter was preparing dinner Dried Fish, and Watercress stew, all she had to do now was wait for her friend Gerard, Gerard was almost like an older brother to her, Seamusic had no family she had been raised by an old hermit who had died a long time ago, then she found Gerard and they became quick friends, gerard looking after her for the most part but still good friends all the same.
"Gerard! Gerard! were are you? dinner time!" Seamusic new who would come pretty soon, he almost always did for food. she sat down at the back of the cave and sang a song one she did not know where she heard it she just had always known it,

"Hush hush my darling soon you will fall asleep,
to the world of make believe,
so hush little otter when you awake,
Your mother shall bake you a cake,
So hush little darling till you awake" 

Oakpaw was bursting with excitement but he forced himself to keep calm 'captin hmmm' Oakpaw mused and smiled to himself. Seeing Shuffer the cook ask the cew a question he shouted out 'aye aye shuffer!' Boarding the Blue Star Oakpaw gave a few experimental urns of the tiller and nodded  more then satifyed with the result.

Shennalynn was sitting outside, thinking about things. She was looking forward to the sea voyage, but it was her first big one. She wasn't sure how she would go.

"I except with honor."

Shring nodded at the female otter and smiled. "We could not ask for better paws than yours Searose. You have shown great loyalty to our Holt."

Eloyna smiled at Oakpaw. "The same for you Captain Oakpaw. May the both of you guide the Blue Star safely to the Tide Dance and come sailing home to us soon!"

The council watched the two otters go to the ship satisfied that they had made good choices on leadership of the crew.
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aye aye, Shuffer!

"Welcome aboard yer ship Captain Oakpaw! Everything is ready. Well stocked provisions, enough for a season and a half. Clean ship from deck to stern. All crew is making their way here as we speak." Shuffer saluted his new Captain smartly.

"All ready Shuffer! but Riverrose is sad to have me gone."

Shuffer smiled and responded to Searose with a salute. "Aye, First Mate Searose, we're all parting ways again too soon." He wished Riverrose could go but the voyage would be too dangerous for young ones.

The friendly cook noticed Shennalynn sitting not far away. She looked nervous about something. He trotted down the gangplank and came to the otter's side. He placed a paw gently on her shoulder.

"Well, you seem ready to go Shennalynn. How do you feel?"

Searose made her way to Oakpaw "Um oak paw can i tell you something?" she said looking anywhere but at him, without waiting for a yes or no she continued "You see er... i was not brought up on the ocean and well um... Ive never actually been on board a ship before i might get seasick are you sure i am a good pick for fist mate?" she asked looking up at the mast.

Gailen was flying up ahead. He could see the ship from far and beyond.

Saxon watches as Gailen fly's over head as he sat on the ocean relaxing and wondered what his friend was up to and took flight coming along side of him.

"So old chap what has your eye this day? What What?" Saying this in a mocking tone of voice. He always like to pick on him for him being him.

He stays with him as they both soar through the are countering every move he makes.

ooc Who are you?

OOC: Ok before you go OOC crazy. Me and Troy Troodon are the albatrosses that are on the open sea and off the coast.

Also I ask to keep the OOC and talk to each person to PM to keep the RP going.

Oakpaw smiled warmly 'im sure you'll be a great first mate! after all you are an otter' Oakpaw made his way off the ship and said is final goodbyes to everyone then boared the Blue Star and waited patiently for everyone else to finish.

'I'll be fine matey!' said Shenna cheerfully. She boarded the Blue Star in silence.

'I'll be fine matey!'

Shuffer smiled as the female otter sprang up and went towards the Blue Star. He could have wagered that she was having second thoughts about the voyage. But she seemed to have everything under control now. The cook followed Shenna back onto the Blue Star and continued making preparations.

"How does everybeast feel about a good ol' pot of skilly and duff fer supper tonight?"

The otter asked the question to the crew in general before moving towards the galley. It was then that he spotted the two huge birds winging towards the ship.

"Albatross? What are they doin' in these parts?" Shuffer muttered to himself as he shielded his eyes from the sun to watch them fly closer.

It seemed most beasts were on board at this point and ready to go.

"Captain Oakpaw, I believe we are ready to make fer the sea on yer command sir!"

"Oh I'm just flying over head." Said Gailen. "Got nothin' better ta do."

"How does everybeast feel about a good ol' pot of skilly and duff fer supper tonight?"
"that would be great! I'm hungry but I'll not eat much. When are we leaving sitting here makes me bored!"

Oakpaw wearily eyed the albatrosses and tapped his sling reasuringly, he took to the tiller and replied to Shuffer whithout looking back 'thats good news and personly mate im not bothered since all your cooking tastes nice' Oakpaw licked his lips and waved goodbye cheerily to the otters they were leaving at the holt

Shuffer cast his eyes up to the birds hovering over the Blue Star. Well, they seemed friendly enough and it wouldn't hurt to have some beasts to act as scouts and lookouts for the ship. Shuffer planned to speak to Oakpaw about getting to know the birds better. If they tested out as helpful they would ask them if they would like to be lookout.

The sound of chains running into the ship could be heard below decks. Some of the crew worked the cranks to haul in the anchor that had kept them resting in the harbor. Other crew beasts ran about taking care of the sails and riggings. There was a whooshing sound as the main sail was unfurled to catch a warm breeze. Blue Star began to leave like a huge light blue bird taking flight.

Shuffer made his way to the prow, past where Oakpaw stood at the tiller. The sea breeze played through his bristling whiskers and he could not help but smile. It was time for an adventure!

As they rode the current at breeze into the open main the otter spotted dolphins leaping and playing around the ship. Sea birds called over head as the Blue Star cut through the waves. Shuffer loved the feeling of the deck rolling beneath his footpaws. He wondered if anybeast on the crew would become sea sick.

After a while the otter cook disappeared below decks and did not resurface until evening.

"Supper is served!" He called as he lugged a cauldron of skilly and duff up onto the deck. He began to dish out the delicious meal to the hungry crew. As he served the Captain, Shuffer questioned him.

"So Cap'n Oakpaw, how is the Blue Star handling fer you? Enjoying the open sea?"

Speaking of seasick Searose was not doing well at all she sat there staring into the blue green ocean and thinking of stuff Riverrose her sister, her mother and father who died when she was 10, her friends, she put her hand down and bumped something in her pocket, taking it out she smiled at the green Rose oakpaw gave her, He had carved it for her after she saved his life, smiling she put it in her pocket and felt better.

Shenna leaned on the rail, feeling better than she had in days. She was perfectly happy at sea, being a sea otter.

Oakpaw set the tiller on straight couse and hurried over to where the delicious skilly'n'duff was being served 'ho matey, couldn't ask for a better ship to sail the sea, i tell you i wouldn't mind being born a sea otter thats for sure!' he said cheerily. Oakpaw blew on his skilly'n'duff and leaned against the rail whilst staring out to sea, he looked at the crew and smiled glad to have everyone of them with him.

Gailen dived down on the ship below. Seeing what he can find.

From the corner of his eye Oakpaw spotted one of the birds dive on to the ship 'REEEEEEEEEEEDBIIIIINNNNNND!' Oakpaw bellowed out as he wizzed stones amazingly acurately at the bird

"Ooh!" a reaction out of Gailen; "Oi, Cut that out!" Gailen fluttered back up to saxon.

He watches Gailen take a dive twords the ship and hears the cry of 'REEEEEEEEEEEDBIIIIINNNNNND!' from the otter and watches a rock wiz by his friend. Ans laughs as he comes fluttering back to him.

"So my friend you find out that the otters are not as nice as they look. I do have to say what ever they are cooking smells good. Perhaps we should talk to them before dive bombing there ship".

Saxon shouts "Oi Otter mind not sling rocks in are direction of my friend!"

Oakpaw replied gruffly 'Then state your Buissness and don't attack us or else!' Quickly finishing his skilly'n'duff Oakpaw strolled over to the mast and leaned against it casually with his sling loaded and arms crossed he indicated for the birds to start talking

Shuffer grinned charmingly at Oakpaw's words about being born a sea otter.

"Aye matie, some of us have all the luck." he chuckled and ladled some extra food into the captain's bowl.

As he was serving Shuffer watched one of the birds wing down towards the deck. The sea otter had a feeling that the albatross' would end up being helpful to the crew. He had made towards Oakpaw's to stop him looseing a stone but it was too late. Shuffer left serving to one of his galley assistants and followed Oakpaw to the mast. He stood near the other otter and cast his eyes up to the birds.

"I have a feelig these birds could be useful to us captain. Perhaps we should take a different tactic with them if they speak to us! They don't look like they mean us harm. That one probably swooped down because he smelled the skilly and duff. However, a little caution never hurt." he glanced towards Shenna who was leaning on the ship's railing.

"Shenna, could you fill two bowls with skilly and duff and bring them over here please?"

Oakpaw replied 'i was being careful, for all we known that bird was attacking us, if they come in peace then i will not harm them' Oakpaw was still weary off the birds but decided not to judge them until he knew their intentions

the bird swooping down had scared Searose but she had gotten over it pretty quick, Listening to the talk of the ship she picked up a phew things from some otters who might be trouble in the future, she heard them conversing in low voices.
"We shouldn't be here!" One grumbled
"Yeah My Ma Sabin was captain of this ship before Master woodpaw came and took over!"
"Hey that is bad enough but that searose took my job! I was first mate I was second in command but no now we have the high and Mighty searose we must be safe on the ship! As if i could not do better!" Searose had heard enough to know the were not happy she needed to tell oakpaw she went looking for him.

"My friend here was not attacking you ship. He was just simply getting a closer look at you and possibly seeing if your intentions were kind but sling rocks at us could mean other wise."

The smell of the stew is heavy now seeing the other otter with 2 bowls coming to the otter with the sling in his hand. Saxon watches the one with the sling and takes note of his stance and how he hold himself.

"I takes it sling otter your the captain of this ship yes? What brings you to the sea?" Saxon has to keep circling and only hovers in place for a few moments to speak. He leans in over to Gailen and speaks in a tone just between them.

"What do you think should we should do? That food looks really good and I am sure if we stay around they will feed us well. I not complaining but a steady diet of fish is getting old."

coming to stand by oakpaw Searose whispered to him
"What do you think they want? I mean yeah they want to know what we are doing but what business of theirs is it?" she asked she had a hard time trusting birds after some took her sister.

Gailen was not pleased to return. He gave a mad glare at the otters the incident. "Alright." he replies to Saxon; "Let's join."

Shenna waved to Gailen as she brought over the bowls. ''Ello there, who're you?'

"Gailen!" He repied with a groggy voice.

Saxon flies down but his landings are not the greatest and he kinda crashes in to Searose and then roll back to his feet. He looks at her and gives a half smile.

"Sorry about that I am not that good at landing."

He gets up and kinda dusts his self off and offers his wing to help up the female otter. He speaks in Latin to her in a soft voice.

"Ego sum ??paenitet diligere. Quam pulchra es oculi tui sicut stellas." He turns to the captain and looks at him as he smells the food.

"SO You didn't answer my quest before I crashed in to your deck and you otter friend here." He still helping her up.

OOC i do not speak Latin  :)

Looks at the Bird in wonder what the heck was he saying?
"thanks and no problem i am used to being knocked about." It was nagging that she still needed to tell oakpaw about the crew but she could not if he was talking to a bird!

'What in seasons is that bird saying?' Shenna wanted to know. She squinted irritably up at Saxon. 'Could you please translate, sir?'

"I told the very lovely female here that I am sorry. How beautiful she is as her eyes are like the stars at night. However she looks concerned and I can see that in her eyes."

He moves around the other otter holding the bowls and takes one from her smoothly and begins to eat.

"Latin is the language of love or is the french? Ah both of them can be." Smiles

OOC: I don't think there are those languages in Redwall, but anyway.
BIC:
Shenna grinned. 'That's the way it goes, eh?'

He cleared his throat and again said "My name is Gailen."

'Well, 'ello, Gailen, what might you want?'

OOC: I could be old script and such thought I be different. Thinking out side the box a little.

BIC: "Yep that is how it goes love. You my dear have a gift if you are the one that help make this very tasty stew. My name is Saxon by the way."

Continues to eat.

Gailen spoke as calk and politely as welcome and answered "I request a proper whole roast fish, and a bottle of some of the finest wine you got, if you please."

Oakpaw spoke guffly 'only if you promise to work for us, we've been sent to investigate what happened to a previous ship that was sent out, and to be honest we need some scouts; you will be well fed and looked after' Oakpaw extended his am 'do you accept?'

Shelly was watching the whole ideal fearfully. She did not like the look of thoose birds. She knew they were going to be good news for the ship but she could not get the feeling out of her head that they could do something bad.

Shuffer nodded at the request of his captain to the birds. They could be very useful for the voyage. It would not be difficult to keep up with the appetites of the birds for a while, especially if they wanted fish often. Fish was the one commodity they were certain to run across while sailing.

As a deal was struck between otters and albatross' Shuffer glanced towards horizon. They had been moving out to sea for quite a while and the sun was beginning to sink. It would be nightfall before long.

The otter cook nodded to the birds before moving to his galley to prepare the evening vittles. "I hope the two of you will agree to work for us. If so you can join us on deck this evening for cherry popovers and cider."

Shuffer had brought along his "ship's fire" set up. A large metal bowl, set up on rocks so that it did not touch the deck. A fire could be safely built inside and as long as it was not under any sails made an excellent place for a campfire.

While the crew was eating Shelly sat at the opposite side of the fire from the birds. Only a few of the crew sat near the birds.

Saxon looks at the captain trying to remember if he seen a another ship of otters pass by he was sure he did but couldn't place his feather on it.

"Why didn't you say that you needed some scouts me and Gailen here are master scouts... Well pretty good ones ...Well we are scouts and I like the offer of free food." He walks over to Shenna and Searose puts his wings around them both in and embrace and gives each of them a little head nuzzle and looks upon them with very kind eyes.

"With beautiful females and the offer of free food what animal would resist plus the open sea you have to be crazy like a fox.. lady's are foxes crazy? * Thinks * ... Any ways my lovely's to the food and some drink then tomorrow my duty begins." He begins talking to them sweetly and charmingly as he has them guide him to the food and drink.

He lets his wing slide off of Searose and leans in to her ear to whisper.

"You seem very tense you and I can tell I make you unconformable go and do what you have to perhaps with time I can change you feelings hummm."

With a more loud voice to Shenna "Come my dear to the food this young one has other things to do." His wings wrap around Shenna fully embracing her.

Shelly is dumbstruck how her pals can be embraced by the big bird without totally pulling away. She walks over to Searose who has been around the bird despite all the things its done to her.

"Searose," she says walking up to her, " I see that you are with Saxon a lot since he came aboard. How can you be around such big birds like that? It scares me to be even on the same boat as them!"

Gailen rolled his eyes.

Shelly sees the eye roll and runs down to the galley knowing she lost her reputation in front of this bird. She waits for dawn and the end of the voyage. Shelly mutters to herself, "This voyage isn't going too well so far. What's next for me?!"

"well i do not know what you are talking about! i do not trust him and it is not that i am around him but he is around me! He is a bird calling us beautiful females and it makes me sick!" she said "I have to find oakpaw!" Making her way to him she whispered in his ear "Something i need to talk to you about but not near the crew!" she says and walks over to a part of the deck where no one is hoping for him to fallow her.

Gailen takes a sip from his wine.

Oakpaw see's the worry in Searose's eyes and he follows without question, though he wonders what it could be about

"I over heard the crew speaking i could identify two of them one is fingal who used to be first mate, the other was Aza who's mother was captain i do not know the other voice but there were talking about how they would do better and were calling you names i think they might be trouble later on?" she basically asked. she waited for his reply

Oakpaw's face was emotionless as he replied 'bring them to my quarters' he walked off to his quarters and sat himself down on a beautifully carved chair, he sighed and straitened up awaiting the arrival off the two otters

He eats and then watches the young otter that seems not not like him speak to the Captain, He laughs and talks with his friends but can tell by the look and the way the captain walked off he was not pleased with what the young one had said.

"Gailen my friend how is you wine you seem to be enjoying it well. I am very happy with my food and my new friends.

Now if you would be so kind as to tell me why you lot are out here sailing about in the open sea or if any of you wish to tell me and my friend perhaps we can be more helpful then just sitting here eating your fine food and drinking up a storm so to speak. "

He noted Shelly quick hurry to go below deck.

Gailen nodded and took a bite of his fish.

Searose went and found fingal without a problem he was lounging in a chair "Come with me do you know were Aza is?"
"In the galley! Why?"
"No matter come!" searose Going into the galley Aza Was helping the cook and she did not look happy about it especially when she saw searose
"What do you want!" she spat
'The captain wants you not me!" She said hoping Aza would fallow.  

Shuffer had not been too thrilled to have Aza helping him in the galley. However, there were few otters that he could not find a way to get along with. When Searose entered and requested Aza to follow, Shuffer only had to guess her response would not be favorable.

"I think you should do as the first mate says Aza. Yer chose will be waiting for you here when you get back." He tried to speak soothingly, hoping she would respond a little better.

After they had left Shuffer went above decks. The fire was burning brightly and the otter went to have a seat with others from the crew. He caught the end of the albatross' words as he arrived.

Now if you would be so kind as to tell me why you lot are out here sailing about in the open sea or if any of you wish to tell me and my friend perhaps we can be more helpful then just sitting here eating your fine food and drinking up a storm so to speak. "

"We're lookin' fer a ship from our holt. The Tide Dance was so late in returning that our leaders sent up to look for the ship." Shuffer had decided to trust the birds. Just because some birds had done them wrong did not mean they were all bad. While sailing having birds on one's side could be extremely useful.

"Who wants a popover? Just stick a cherry on one of these sticks, wrap some of this sweet dough around it and hold the whole thing over the flames for a bit. Delicious!"

"Oakpaw i got them although Aza gave me some trouble." She says raising her eyebrows at him
"What do you want captain?" Fingal says in a formal way but Aza Spits
"Probably more chores Right searose? I'm surprised you did not give me a bunch your royal highness shall i grovel at your feet?!" She says mocking searose, Searose clenches her paws into fists then lets them relax fighting the urge to punch her hard in the mouth she also purses her lips as not to swear at her.

OOC Searose gets angry  ::) ::)

"Hmmm, For minut it looked as thou there were to be a cat... I mean otter fight on board." Gailen spoke to the boys around the table with a calmer tone of voice to not let Searose over hear.

Oakpaw stood up with alow growl coming from his throat and walked towards the two otters toweing over them 'listen, we can do this the easy way or the hard way, i would lie to do the easy way but the had way sounds fun' Oakpaw smiled grimly and flexed his muscles

Gailen, Facepalm. "Hey ugh... Oky-dokypaw was it, I don't think that's how you get a ladies attention." Gailen stood up and walked over; "To truely get to a woman's heart, you must show her some enthusiasm, some compassion and comprehension and delicacy, like a true gentlemen." Gailen says this while kneeling before them and offering a rose (Which he actually took from the vase on his table)

(Okay everyone, if you read my posts you would see im in my quaters)

((Eh?))

OOC: I am sorry my friend here must be hitting the wine on an empty stomic. If miss Brook are beautiful GM would be ever so kind as to delete and place post in order we shall get back to it.

On a persional note I am going to be slower then mormal on posting I had to move from my house due to unforseen isssues with the owner. So I am limited to my phone webs but will still keep up with rp.

Ooc: fine by me

Un-clenching her fist Searose intervenes "If you are going to hert them i am leaving and you can try to tell them why they are here without me. Go on?" Searose says walking away. partially cause she does not like violence another part cause she wants to punch Aza really really hard.

(are you rping the two otters cause i dont know what their angry about and stuff and thre will be know fight if they choose the easy option)

OOC: they are freeplay.

Tonnet.
Muse sat on a rocky outcrop, cursing everything. His mother having to give birth to him there, the fact that he was an outcast in every woodlander household, even the fact that there was no good rhyme for Tonnet.
"Bonnet, fawn it, prawn bit....sonnet!"
Strinking a chord on his mandolin, the fox minstrel sang lustily:
"O Tonnet, glorious Tonnet
for you I write this sonnet!
Your scraggly trees and burning sand
are surely getting out of hand
I detest your rocky hills
your inhabinants give me the chills!
As I finish this soliquoy
I wish you to drop into the seeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"
His final howl was cut short by a none-too-large rock that clacked against his head. An otter's irate voice rang out.
"Shut up 'n let us sleep!'
"Monsters!" he cried theatrically. "Villians! Cease thy philistanical barrage, lest thy tongues curdle thy infants' minds!"
A whiskery head popped out of an opening high up in the cliff.
"Oi told ye to shu-"
Muse kicked a tripwire near his footpaw. Twangs and snaps illed the air as the intricate array of tightly-strung wires that covered the mountainside ruptured, sending a boulder near the top rolling down, almost crushing the otter. Cries of rage chased Muse as he skipped away, his mandolin clutched in one paw and a smile on his lips.

OOC: I know I'm doing this OOC but I want to remind you guys that I don't want a ton of OOC posting in here. It's ok if you add it to an actual character post but please don't post just OOC stuff in here! That's what I want to use the sign up thread for. Thanks!!

BIC: Fingal quailed before Oakpaw as he came forward. It looked as though he was going to resort to violence. Fingal had not been expecting things to be so harsh. Normally he would act tough and get his way but that didn't seem likely to happen. He backed up and dropped his head.

"I-I'm sorry. I just don't know why Searose was appointed to such a high position so quickly."

It was Aza who moved forward. She sneered at Oakpaw and stood with her arms folded in defiance.

"All they did was rescue some silly babies from some puffed up birds and they got promoted to captain and first mate. I could have done that!"

The female otter waited to see how the Captain would respond.

OOC sorry about the OOC but Fingal is a boy ::) ::)

BIC

Knowing there was going to be violence searose did not really want to leave so she stayed hearing Aza's Sneer she kicked her hard in the shind and looked at the ground expecting to be reprimanded my oakpaw

OOC:  :) OOC is fine as long as there is some in character in the same post as well. Changed Fingal to a boy.  ;)

Aza gasped in pain and stooped down to hold her shin for a moment. After this she growled darkly and jumped towards Searose. She swung out at the first mate with her right fist, hoping to connect with Searose's muzzle.

"Ah, now it's a ladies fight!" Gailen exclaims. He sits back down to avoid getting himself injured.

Shuffer could hear the commotion coming from the captain's cabin. He excused himself from the group sitting around the fire and went below decks. He arrived just as Aza launched herself at Searose.

Moving forward quickly the otter cook stepped between Searose and Aza. He avoided the punch and gripped Aza's arm tightly in his paw. She tried to pull backwards but Shuffer held on tightly.

"I'm not letting go miss. Not until you calm yourself."

Aza glared defiantly at Shuffer. "Why should I calm down? She attacked me first!"

"That doesn't matter. This needs to end, now!" He turned to Oakpaw. "Captain I recommend we put this young otter in the brig for a while to cool down.

The Blue Star had a small cell called the brig in the lower section of the ship. It was not large but had plenty of room for at last two to be held if need be.

Aza sneered. "Ha! You wouldn't put one of your own holt in there would you? You don't have the guts!"

Gasping with pain Searose punches Aza in the mouth sendin her to the ground then she placed a foot on her shoulder.
"Leave me alone or next time i will not be so easy!" She said her nose making her voice a little funny she walked off to her cabin.

'What's going on?' inquired Shenna, coming in.

Gailen replied; "There was a fight on deck." Everyone just looked at him then he just back down again, sipping his wine.

OOC:as i've already said were in my cabin, not out on deck so you couldn't see whats happening

BIC:Oakpaw smiled slightly 'oh and where were you when that happened eh, cowering under your bed prehaps' Oakpaw sat down on his chair and stared at the ywo otters

"Well..." Gailen stood up again; "I'm going to streach out my wings so if you need me I'll be up in the crow's nest." So he flew up and roosted where he said he'd be, up in the crow's nest, While up there he could see some dolphins swimming across from the boat.

Muse held his forepaw in the water, gritting his teeth. "C'mere, little fishies, come to papa, ya tiny shark babes, get ove- Aha!"
He whipped his hand out, clutching a wriggling perch. He banged it against a rock just enough so that it moved more slowly, then dangled it over the sea. He looked out into the horizon, waving the fish. A stir in the water warned him that a Blubberfolk was coming. He backed away, still holding the fish...
SPLASH!
A massive beluga whale leapt out of the water, grasping the perch with its teeth. As it slid back into the water, Muse put aside hs mandolin and leapt onto its back. The beluga twisted and leapt, but Muse held on, laughing wildly.
Soon, the huge white whale stopped its throes and calmly swam on the surface of the sea. Muse grinned.
"That's right, me beauty."

Shuffer was not quick enough to stop Searose from hitting Aza. The otter fell backwards, out of Shuffer's grasp and hit the deck. The cook wondered if he should step in as Searose delivered her ultimatum to Aza.

"Well, perhaps we don't need to use the brig for this one. Doesn't look like she will be causing any more trouble." He helped Aza up. The female was bleeding from her muzzle. Shuffer passed her a kerchief and helped her press it to her muzzle. "Let that be a warnin' not to mess with our first mate miss."

Aza held the kerchief to her nose. Tears coursed down her cheeks. She did not reply, just snuffled some.

"Well Captain, we've just faced a bit of mutiny and come out alright." Shuffer nodded respectfully to Oakpaw. "I think we should let this one heal and then have her and Fingal report to my galley firs tthing in the morning for some onion peeling duties. How does that sound?"
_________

Writings from Shuffer's sea journal:

The Blue Star sailed away from Holt Reedbind for two more days without incident.  I have employed Aza and Fingal in the galley. They seemed to have calmed down quite a bit but I still keep my eye on them.

The crew seem to be taking to their jobs well. The ship is running smoothly and is on course for Tonnet Island. No sight of the Tide Dance yet but we remain hopeful.

The birds have been spending much time on the ship with the crew. I will ask Oakpaw today to send them out on a scouting trip. It is time for them to earn their keep aboard ship. They have already consumed two casks of wine and a large quantity of food. Thankfully most of the food has been fish which we can always replenish form the sea!
_____

Dawn of the fourth day at sea found Shuffer meeting on deck with some members of the crew. The otter posed a question to the captain.

"Captain Oakpaw, I think we should send out the albatross' on a scouting trip. Perhaps they can tell us how far away the island is or they might sight the Tide Dance."

Oakpaw shook his head and replied 'aye, looks like we wont be troubled by them anymore though if they do i have a good mind to send them back to the holt' Oakpaw took Fingal and Aza and tookthem to their beds.

Turning Oakpaw saw Shuffer speak to him of the Albatrosses 'aye mate, i was thinking of that two' Oakpaw scannd the deck for the birds and walked over to them as he saw them. Standing over them Oakpaw said cooly 'time for you too fill your part of the bargin, you ready?'

Still holding her paw to her nose searose came up "Skipper, Remember how i could not Tell who the other conspirator was? well i think it is not over i mean i think he is still a threat i have been listening on board and i can not tell who he was but he may have disguised his voice so no one could tell, do you think there is still A threat?" she said catching her breath as he turned towards her

He sees Oakpaw standing over him as he lays on the deck looking up. "Well I see you are right sir it is time for us to earn our keep. My friend is in your crows nest been there for a while keeping watch. It is a good place for him. What would you have me do?"

He stands at some what of attention and listens as if he has been in a military or has taken orders before showing respect to the capt.

Oakpaw turned as Searose put her paw on his arm, his face slightly toubled 'I will keep watch but speak no more of it unless you hear anything, we should enjoy this journey as much as we can' with that Oakpaw marched the two otters too their beds like two naughty dibbuns.

Oakpaw smiled glad there was no trouble 'tell your friend to head north and circle south while you head south and circle north, you should meet up wih your friend as you circle round, then head back here and make your report' Oakpaw walked off beliving the two could acomplish their task with ease.

Gailen streached his wings from the crow's nest to soke up the warmth of the sun, then flew back down on board.

OOC: So I've added some pirates into the thread. Feel free to play one of them but not Vissaru. I'll play him. My plan is that they will attack but will be defeated by the otter crew. I would like one of the ferrets to be taken prisoner and held in the brig. The rest will die in the encounter. Let the albatrosses report to the crew before anyone writes about fighting and such please.  ;)

BIC:

As they were marched towards their bunks Fingal spoke quietly to Aza.

"You know, maybe these otters are not as bad as we thought. Perhaps we could join the crew and help out. After all, it could be a great adventure for us."

Aza scowled at her friend. "Leave it to you to side with them... there's no way I'm going to sail along with these beasts like there's nothing wrong. I'll get Searose back for what she did to me." The words were so quiet she barely spoke them out loud. Fingal heard her but even Oakpaw would not have been able to.

"Please don't Aza. We could be helpful, it could be fun for us."

"Go boil yer snout coward!"

Fingal sighed and allowed Oakpaw to march him on. He would watch Aza closely. If she tried to betray the crew again, he would stop her.
________

About two leagues to the south ran the "Reef Blade", a small skiff crewed by six beasts. Two stoats, a rat, two ferrets, and a polecat. The polecat named Vissaru acted as captain while the others served him with somewhat of an allegiance. However, each was out for their own gain and if it came to it they would turn on their captain.

"Where away Galyer?" The polecat growled to the rat who was acting as lookout.

"Tonnet Island should be no more than six leagues off at this point Cap'n. We should reach it by tomorrow eve."

"Good. Make yerselves ready my beasties. There will be blood for all who inhabit Tonnet when I arrive. It's the perfect place fer us to set up rule and live the good life!"

Galyer hesitated and squinted his eyes before calling to the captain. "Sails Cap'n! I can see sails. They appear light blue. We'll be crossin' paths with them before long!

The polecat smiled darkly. "Well then, let's pay them a visit. Perhaps we can sail a new, larger ship to Tonnet if we play our cards right!"

A ferret swung the tiller to bring them on course with the "Blue Star". As the steersbeast work his eyes caught two large birds not far away. They looked like albatrosses...

Searose retracted her paw quickly wondering why she even put it there she walked away. Going to her cabin she read a letter from her sister Riverrose then fell asleep.

"Aye Capt. We will be back before you know it. Gailen! You herd the capt we have scouting to do and we better make it quick I have a bad feeling and you know what happens when I get one. Gailen You Head north and circle south I meet you as I am going south."

Saxon looks over to Searose.

"You seem to got into a scuffle with some one I do hope they got better then you got for there troubles." He steps back a bit before taking flight with a gust of wind. "Capt. Not telling you how to operate your ship but I keep and eye out just for the crews sake."

With that both birds took to there directions like a shot in the air.

Shelly had heard all of the conversation from where she was still hiding. Once Fingal and Aza were gone, Shelly had crept out of hiding place and rushed to the Cap'n.

"Cap'n sir!" she said respectfully and rushed, " I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment?"

OOC ratbane TroyT Please keep up! i am a sleep in my private cabin!

Oakpaw turned to Shelly and said in a friendly voice 'Wot is it that you want?' he glanced at the Albatosses and smiled abit glad they were helping the crew out

"I was wondering if I could talk in private for a moment. I was down below the ship and I heard those two rascals Aza and Fingal were planning to do something to the crew. I don't want to be a tattletale but Aza was mainly planning to do it, Fingal was trying to stop it. I didn't catch all of the conversation but I thought you just might want to know." finishes Shelly in a rush.

Oakpaw nodded seriously 'i was aware they were up to something but that Aza seems to be wanting moe trouble' he patted Shelly on the back in a friendly way 'Have you seen Shuffer and Searose? i must speak to them'

"No Cap'n I haven't seen them recently. Would you like me to find them for you or would you like me to keep watch while our bird friends are gone?" Shelly says in an obedient way.

Gailen circles around the South just as Saxon says, He could see him with his sea bird vision as well as every object on the waters below. He matains his status, waiting for any other orders from his commrads.

Oakpaw replied 'aye, that would be grand. Tell them to meet me at the tiller' Oakpaw strolled off scathcing his rudder while his face looked abit undecided

OOC: ok just to keep things moving I'm going to say the birds have spotted the skiff and are heading back to relay the news. Hope that works for everyone... Get ready for a fight!

BIC: "can't you move this thing any faster?" Vissaru snarled under his breath and they sailed towards the Blue Star. They had moved thier craft quickly enough to stay in front of the albatrosses and get in close to the ship. In a few moments the pirate crew would be aboard the Blue Star.
-----------

Shuffer had been told the captain wished to see him at the tiller as soon as possible. The otter brushed flour off of himself as he left the galley. He turned to speak to Fingal and Aza. "now you two keep right on with peeling the onions for these cheese and onion pasties. I'll be back soon to check on you. Both otters could only nod as tears rolled down their faces due to their onion cutting duties.


Shuffer made his way across the deck. As he walked he did a double take off the port railing. "could have sworn I just saw a small ship out there." he chucked. His eyes were playing tricks on him. "oh no! Troubles coming!" he spoke the words aloud and ran as fast as hd could to Oakpaw.


"change of plans I'm afraid sir!" Shuffer glanced over his should. "there's a crew of six vermin closing in on us!" after this the otter dashed back to the rail and loaded his sling. He yelled down to the skiff.

"be on your way vermin!"

"that's no way to treat sea faring beasts. Let's say hello shall we?" Vissaru glared up at Shuffer.

At the polecats command each of the five skiff crew dipped arrows into a small lantern flame. They aimed high up into the Blue Stars sails and rigging. "now, give us what we want or yer going no where seadogs!"

Shuffer was at a loss. He twirled his sling but did not fire. If the birds came back soon they could help put out flames and the skiff crew could be dealt with. They judt needed the albatrosses back...

Oakpaw lay down twiling his sling, otters were crouching down swinging thei slings, Oakpaw whispered 'are ye game for this Shuffer?'

Gailen can see the flames, so he dived down into water, slurped as much water he would fit in his beak. It was warm and salty but he managed to spread it on the ship. Then he picks up a bucket to fetch some more.

Coming up searose answered Skippers question "I know i am! If that is any help, i am a better healer than a warrior but I'll do my best." she said drawing her blade but keeping it behind her leg.

Seeing one of the birds take some water he swung his sling faster awaiting for the birds to set out the fire before he gave out punishings to the vermin crew

After making there circle as requested they found that the island was not as far off as thought as they made there way back to the ship they both see the smaller skiff approaching in an attack move upon the bigger ship.

"See we cant leave theses land people alone for more then a min can we. You got the fire I am going to do some sail damage to the skiff that should keep them busy."

Watches Gailen go to work on the fire slurping up water. I take a sharp dive to the main sail on the skiff and put my hidden blades to work cutting deep long cuts in it as I dive and cause issues with some of the crew trying to fire slings on Gailen as he works.

"OH no you don't!!" Spinning around and hitting one of the vermin that had his friend in his sight.

"Well to think I was not going to have an exciting day.. HA-HA!!!" Smacks another vermin in the back before he can turn and taking off before his friends can fire a shot on him.

"Haha, Good show!" Gailen cries.

Vissaru cringed as two of his crew was belabored by the attack of the albatrosses.

"Since when der the sea birds fight fer other beasts?" He glowered at the sky, wondering when another attack might rain down on them. As soon as he finished the thought a shower of ocean water feel on them from above. An albatross wheeled away, leaving the fire arrows hissing with steam.

"Git us over there as fast as you can! We'll have no chance if we can't board the ship!" The small crew took to oars. The skiff reached the side of the Blue Star but they were being attacked from all sides.

It now seemed to Vissaru that his idea had been a bad one. The rails of the Blue Star teemed with otters. All showing steel or swinging slings. But there was no turning back now. When they were close enough, the polecat launched himself at the rat lines and began to haul himself onto the deck. A ferret followed his captain to the Blue Star's deck.
______

Shuffer nodded to Oakpaw. "Aye, I'm game fer this! It appeared these beasts didn't know there were so many of us ready and able to fight on ship!"  

When he finished speaking the ferret and the polecat jumped over the railings. "Reeeeeedbind!"

The war cry tore from Shffer's throat. He moved forward quickly and struck out with his sling at Vissaru's head. The polecat drew his cutlass and the sling wrapped around the weapon. Shuffer moved forward as the polecat tore the sling from Shuffer's paws. The otter reached for his belt and drew his dirk. He began to circle Vissaru, his eyes hardening for battle.

"Have at ye vermin!"

"Big words fer such a soft otter. Tell me are you the chief cook around here? Perhaps I'll keep you on as my personal cook!" He slashed with his cutlass. Shuffer gasped at the weapon cut him across the arm. "Or perhaps not!"

"Yer not worth the scraps we throw to the fishes!" Shuffer countered the attack and swung at Vissaru's sword paw. The hit connected, causing the polecat to drop his blade. The polecat launched himself tooth and claw at Shuffer.

While this was happening the ferret was advancing on Oakpaw.

Just then gailen also manages to raly a pod of dolphin to the ship. The blew spouts from their blowholes and with it came a shower of water rinse the ship deprived of the flames completely.

Oakpaw put his sling away as he watched the vermin retreat, out of the corner of his eye he saw shuffer fighting with what seemed  the vermin leader, he set off but was soon tackled by the ferret.Oakpaw cursed as his head hit the mast ducking swiftly he managed to avoid the vermins twin scimitars. backing up Oakpaw grabbed the first thing that game to reach; a wooden staff. The ferret twirled his blades and shuffled forwards, Oakpaw smiled grimly and launched himself under the ferret, seeing the ferret turn around hw whacked the staff knocking one of the scimitars out of the vermins hand, Oakpaw was a blurr as he thought the vermin, he whacked the vermin on the head stunning him, he grabbed the fallen scimitar and charged. Oakpaw admired the blade taking them for himself, he then heaved the carcass overboard realising Shuffer was still fighting.

Gailen made back to the ship by Oakpaw's side alongside Saxon.

Out of the corner of his eye Shuffer saw Oakpaw dispatch the vermin that had come towards him. He did not have time to react though because Vissaru was intent on making a kill.

"Come on then vermin! Make your move!" Shuffer growled and held his dirk firmly in one paw.

Vissaru lunged forward, trying to stab Shuffer with his blade. the otter danced to the side, narrowly missing a death blow.

"Stand still otter. I'll skewer you and leave you to the gulls!"

Shuffer ignored the taunt ad watched the polecat's eyes. Perhaps they would show him the vermin's next move. He was awarded by a swift glance to the right. Vissaru snarled and lunged forward at Shuffer, striking quickly at his torso. The otter moved fast to the left, stabbing his dirk into the pole cat's side.

"AAAGG!" Vissaru screamed as the dirk left his body and blood began to spread from his side. He panted hard and turned to face Shuffer again.

"Try that again! Come on!" The enraged polecat moved forward, striking his blade in front of him. The blow caught Shuffer off guard causing a wound on his right shoulder. The otter gasped but tried hard to keep focused.

Vissaru laughed and drove his blade forward, hoping to catch Shuffer through the gut. The otter made a leap to the side and slashed Vissaru with his dirk on his other side. Then he let the pole cat keep moving by and booted him over the railings oft he ship.

All the vermin had been taken care of. Shuffer turned to Oakpaw. "Well, the crew made short work of those vermin." He gasped and clamped a paw to his shoulder wound. "Is there a healer aboard?"

"I could be of assistance." Said Gailen.

Oakpaw gingerly touched a wound on his head and winced 'Aye, i belive Searose has some experience' seeing on of the albatrosses volenteer he told him to go with Searose and gather the stuff he needed. Oakpaw rounded up the injured beasts and sent them to Searose and Gailen before going there himslf

Shelly gathers her strength and leaps aboard the vermin ship. She grabs her weapon feeling a new strangth surge through her vains. She hacked down as many vermin as she could before the numbers started to overwhelm her. Shelly was now completely surronded she could barely move her blade they were that close.

He looks over to Shelly after following her to the vermin ship.  "Well what shall we do with there ship. It could be good to keep." He helps Shelly with the weapons. "I suggest that we look and see if we cans find any medical supplies and then deside what to do with the survivors."

"who was injured besides me? i got my pack it has what i need," She said her left led bandaged and red, noticing Shuffer's shoulder she walks over.
"Hmm I'll need some dock leave," She said reaching into her pouch "And some elm sap" She took out a bottle of a glue like substance "Here, Hmm, No a little finer." She said grinding up the leaves and mixing it with the sap. "OK this will sting a lot but you will have to endure it, i have it on my leg Stupid ferrets! the thing had a huge sword! here you go." She said applying the sap, and a bandage, "Do not move that arm have some other cook do it but do not move that arm! Ok who next?"

Shuffer held still and let Searose finish bandaging his shoulder. The dock leaf polticr burned for a while but at least te wound would heal well.

"Ah, thank you Searose. I'm sure it will heal much netter now. Ill supervise Aza and Fingol to do the cooking."

The otter looked over the railings as Shelly leaped onto the pirate skiff. There were a few vermin left but the albatrosses took care of them. Shuffer turned to Oakpaw. "I think we should keep the skiff. Perhaps Shelly could pilot it and stat along side the Blue Star?"

-------

shuffer's journal writings:
we are still at sea. It has been two days since the pirate skiff attacked the Blue Star. We have sent the albatrosses out to see how far it is to Tonnet Island. They say we will reach it by tomorrow!

"land ho!" the lookout's words rang out over the deck. They were about to reach Tonnet Island!

"Blue Star?" Gailen had heard many tales of the blue star, eversince he was a clutchling, but  grew up to the assumption that it was all Typical Sea-Folk talk, and Children's tales. "Oh but guys, how exactly do we know that sucha thing even exists, and even if it does indeed, how will we find it, and where will it lead us?" Gailen had many questsion to be answered for this truley got his attention in sea-fairing.

OOC: Make sure you read the posts before you make your own.  :)

BIC:

Shuffer sighed as he eyes the albatross. He had perked up at the name Blue Star.

"I take it you have not seen that Blue Star is in fact the name of the ship you are aboard right now. I'm pretty sure it does exist, and hopefully it is carrying us nearer to Tonnet Island."

As the otter said the words a mass of land appeared on the horizon.

"Land ho!" The lookout cried.

"Speaking of which, there it is! Too bad there has been no sign of the Tide Dance yet. Captain, perhaps we should send the skiff in ahead of our ship to make sure everything is safe?"

Gailen blushed with embarrassment.

"Maybe she turned around and headed back without are noticing?" Searose asked as she put a green ointment on Oakpaw's head.

Oakpaw eyed the cosair ship 'I have no problem in having shelly captin the other ship, would you like to tell her?'

Oakpaw closed his eys and breathed through his teeth as Searose put the soothing ointment over the head wound he had recived 'No, i think they would have made it back to the holt by now if they did' Oakpaw resisted scratching his wound and said to Shuffer 'Aye, that would be best, maybe the crew would have stopped here if the ship got wrecked in the reef'

"Hold still I'm almost done! there I'll not give you a bandage cause it would have to be a turban thing and you would look ridiculous!" She started giggling at the image of him wearing a turban on his head, "But i will put a strip of gos over the wound the ointment aught to hold it on...here" She said producing a price of gos a little longer than the wound.   

OOC: Skipper could you do me a favor? could you use Quotation marks when you make your people talk? instead of comma's " not '

Aye, that would be best, maybe the crew would have stopped here if the ship got wrecked in the reef.

Shuffer nodded at the Captain's words. He spoke out over the ship to save Oakpaw the trouble of issuing commands loudly. It might hurt his wound if he did.

"All paws prepare to anchor ship. We shall come within a fourth league of Tonnet and drop anchor there!" After this he got Shelly's attention from over on the skiff.

"Ahoy, Shelly! Do you think you can pilot that skiff? Perhaps you can bring her up next to the Blue Star. A couple of us will come ashore in the skiff to check things out before sending the rest of the crew."

Shuffer turned to Searose. "Perhaps you should accompany Shelly to shore. I would but this shoulder wound might make it difficult."

Shelly was trying to restrain her excitment, "Yes Cap'n it would be my pleasure to help pilot the skiff. Would you like me to quickly use some of the vermin's cargo to make the Reedbind 2 on the side of the ship?"

Shuffer nodded. "Good idea but make it quick! And yes that was a question from your captain!" The otter smiled at Oakpaw, happy that they were so close to land.

His expression changed as he thought of the Tide Dance. "No sign of the other ship yet Oakpaw. What will we tell everybeast from the holt if we don't find them?"

"This is pretty Random..." Gailen announces; "But perhaps I can help with some of the cooking on board."

Saxon looks to Oakpaw and then Shelly.

"If either of you don't mine I prefer to assist Shelly with her duties aboard the skiff. If that is acceptable to you Capt." He looks at Shelly.

"Gailen! When you get your head out of the clouds we should fly ahead of the skiff and do some scouting." He thinks for a moment then turns his attention to Shelly and Oakpaw.

"My self and Gailen will make a full circle of the island it may take us a bit but we will look out for any type of ship or place that some one could have set up camp to stay a while. I warn you be careful this island may have many dangers that are unknown to us or creatures that don't like outsiders trespassing on there territory. Mind the reefs going in.

Gailen you go north I am going south meet back at the skiff. I suggest you make you way close but not to close to the island and wait for us to get back. In case we need to make a run for the Blue Star."

He walks up to Oakpaw and talks in a voice for him only to hear.

"You may want to leave the most trusted here on the Blue Star to keep and eye out for any possible trouble."

"Yes that was random, and sure I'll help, but Shuffer i need to talk to you." She said. not hearing the bird speaking to oakpaw.

OOC Skipper is it OK if Oakpaw's wound is a little more serious than you think like you could go delirious and so you need rest? it would be more realistic if you had something happen after getting whacked on the head instead of going off hunky dory and having a goo time.

Shuffer nods to Searose. "Aye first mate, how can I help you?" The otter moved away from the others so he could listen intently to Searose.

"Well the head wound on Oakpaw is severe he could get delirious and start babbling and think he is some where else i know you should not move your arm but i think we aught to confine him to his quarters is he starts showing any signs." She said gravely, and looking at oakpaw with sad eyes, "it is almost certain that he'll lose memory maybe for a couple of hours maybe permanently it is hard to say." she said tears forming in her eyes.

OOC: Skipper hope it is OK with you if not I'll change it   ;)

OOC: Just a stall post until we make sure SKipper is ok with this.  ;)

BIC:
Shuffer looked in the direction of the captain. His head wound was fairly serious but he looked just fine. "That sounds bad Searose. Yes, perhaps you are right. Let's watch him just a little longer though. I don't think he will take this news well at all."

The otter was worried. Worried for Oakpaw and for the Tide Dance. He hoped the albatrosses would return from their patrol with good news.

"That is why i did not tell him and he could go berserk, i was taught by my mother and she tried to heal someone who had a head wound, and they went crazy and killed a bunch if animals and i do not want oakpaw to get that way."

Oakpaw replied to Saxon 'aye, if she'll 'ave you on board' he chuckled

Oakpaw listens closely as Saxon talks about leaving the most trusted on the blue star 'No, if i left the untrusted with shelly then they would be able to plot, im spreading the crew out evenly'

Oakpaw sighed and slumped against the mast groaning through his teeth, he staggered towqads the ail and leaned on it heavily

Shelly was fine having Saxon onboard he would be a good contribute to the skiff helping the crew and being able to fly to the other ship if they were in trouble.

Shelly had over heard the conversation about the crew going on her new skiff. "I thought Cap'n with all the problems on board I could seperate the two main contributers and split up a munity?"

Shuffer walked towards Oakpaw and put a paw gently on his shoulder. "Captain, perhaps you should rest? I can watch over things out here if you let Searose lead you to your bunk?" Shuffer hoped Oakpaw would respond well, he did not want to force his friend to be in confinement.

The otter called across to Shelly on the skiff. "Ahoy Shelly! Two others will be coming with you to scout the island. You stay aboard the skiff. Saxton will scout from the sky. Ringald and Reefrudder will do a fast scout of the beach area."

The twin warriors Ringald and Reefrudder bounded from the Blue Star onto the Reedbind 2. They nodded to Shelly as they boarded. Reefrudder winked roguishly at her. He spoke in a deep tenor voice. "Righto me bold captain, steer us towards that there island and we'll make sure tis safe fer the rest of the crew!"

Shuffer went to stand near the mast. "Right! Everybeast prepare to drop anchor! We wait here for the all clear from the Reedbind 2!"

Oakpaw groaned slightly and replied 'aye, perhaps that would be best' he put a paw to his head and awaited Searose trying hard to keep his eyes open. Oakpaw's head throbbed as the world turned black for a couple of seconds before he managed to open his eyes

Searose put his arm on her shoulder and headed him towards his bunk glancing back at shuffer. "It is all right captain if i do it correctly you should be about in not too long, here get some rest I'll get you a glass of water," she said laying him in his bed and heading off to the galley she stopped by shuffer "It is worse than i thought he reacted very quickly normally it takes a few hours this was instant." she said, and headed of for the glass of water.

feeling the soft blanket from his bunk Oakpaw sighed a pleasant sigh and he drifted slowly of into the land of dreams, he dreamt of happy times but they soon turned into dust. Oakpaw tossed and turned fling his wound burn

coming back to oakpaws bunk she heard thrashing, coming in with the drink of water she put it down and calmly helped oakpaw to calm down, even though she was screaming and crying inside. "It is Ok I've got some water here drink some?" she said as she put it to his lips, and hoped he would take some, 

Soon the Reedbind 2 held pulled into a bay off the coast of Tonnet. The albatrosses had not reported back yet but the twin warriors decided to scout the beach area.

Reefrudder smiled handsomely at Shelly. "Mayhap ye should wait her captain. Wouldn't want anything to happen to a beauty such yerself. Myself and ol' cod face 'er will go and make sure it's safe!"

Ringlald cuffed his brother as they both jumped into the shallows and waded ashore. "Cod face eh? If ye paid half the attention teh scoutin' that ye do to that otter maid we'd have already scouted this whole beach!"

The warriors held slings in their paws as they began to walk up the beach towards the interior of Tonnet.

Coming out of the tent Searose walked to  shuffer "He drank some but not a lot can you make some kind of porridge? Something that will go down easy, and he might not recover" she said crying quietly at the thought.

Shuffer felt bad for Searose. He could tell how much she cared about Oakpaw just by the way she spoke of him. "I think he will make it. We just need to watch him carefully and take care of him the best we can." The otter left to make some food for the captain.

Not long later Shuffer was back with a bowl of steaming porridge. He had mixed in some green sap milk and some honey to make it taste good. He passed the bowl to Searose. "Here, he should be able to eat this. Don't worry too much Searose, he will pull through. We just need to make sure he has enough water and food."

He watched her re-enter the captain's quarters. "It should be you that cares for his needs. He recognizes you the best and will trust you the most."

Shelly was in high spirits as she went aboard the skiff. She started inspecting the craft form  top to bottom. The cargo of the vermin was mainly slaves which she freed immediately. Her main concern now was how she was going to feed the slaves.

Searose smiled slightly at shuffer as she took the porridge to him,"Here some food you need to eat... I should have told you before..." She said something very quietly and gave him the food.

The twin warriors Ringald and Reefrudder looked over their shoulder as Shelly freed the slaves. The skiff was a small vessel. They must have been very quiet to have not been heard until now. There were three slaves. The otters hoped Shelly would let them wait on the skiff until they returned to the Blue Star.

Ringald walked between the pine trees that were the fringe of the heavily wooded center of Tonnet. There was no news from the albatrosses yet.

"Hey, cod face." He smirked at his brother. "Why don't you wait here for news from the birds and I'll scout inland a bit."

"Call me cod face again and I'll make sure yer wearin' yer whiskers in yer hat!" Reefrudder smiled charmingly as he jested with Ringald. "Sound alright to me mate!"

Reefrudder went back to the shore and looked up, hoping to catch a glimpse of the albatrosses. Ringald stepped further into the trees. It was quiet within the green confines. Ringald stepped on a twig and a snapping sound issued. He glanced around, wondering if it had been heard.

From somewhere further into the forest many sets of amber eyes glittered in the darkness of the leaf cover...

Seamusic heard talking two otters, male from what she could tell she walked over to fallow the voices in the woods"Hello? is anyone there?" She asked looking though the gloom.

Shelly was looking over the slaves, there was one hare, and two mice. The mice were obviously twins about five seasons old.

OOC: Maudie, the male otters are not near the ship. They have entered the forest. I will have them meet Seamusic near the forest if that's ok?

BIC: Ringald and Reefrudder both heard the voice of a female somewhere nearby. Their gaze shifted from trying to figure out what they eyes were to where the voice had come from. Eventually they spotted the female otter. They walked quickly over to her and exchanged words in quiet tones.

"'Lo miss! Fancy finding an otter in the forest!" Ringald winked at her.

"Aye, perhaps ye should go wait with Shelly at the skiff eh? There seems to be some beasts watching us." Reefrudder turned his eyes back to the glittering eyes in the forest. "Get a goin' miss, before there's trouble."

As if on cue the beasts began to take up a chant. "Reeeesvaaaaa, Reeeeesvaaa, chack chack, chack!"

The otter warriors drew their swords. "This could mean big trouble mate! You ready?"

Ringald held his blade level. "Aye, let's give em' something to sing about!"

OOC: are they rats? like the painted ones? just so i know seamusic has been here a while so she should know what they are
BIC

"Oh these coots!" she said in annoyance "crazy vermin live in here that is what i wanted to tell you." she said drawing her dagger "the easiest way is to back out of the forest and into the water, they wont come near it!"

Saxon lands in front of them and spreads his wings wide putting him self between the warriors and the other beasts letting out a loud squak like sound.

"Oh cut it out all of you!" He turns to the one that ventured forth from the skiff. "Did none of you listen to any words I spoke about staying on the skiff un till I properly scouted the area." Sighs and walks a bit closer to the other beasts to judge there reaction to him and waits on Galin to land and assist.

"I found your ship by the way it been dragged in to the forest and from what I could tell they were we small scrubby weasel sorts. It was taking deep into the forest the cover was a lot but I managed to spot a few of them."

He keeping his eyes on the chanting beasts.

"Now if you would not mind but your weapons away and stop scaring them or causing more trouble I don't fell like explaining to Oakpawn or Shelly as to why the locals are have fried otter with a side of albatross."

"Who the heck are you? and i know this place better we need to wait until the chanting dies down a little then back away slowly!" Seamusic said through gritted teeth.

Ringald sighed as the albatross landed and started issuing orders. He shook his head slowly, watching the bird try to issue orders. When he was finished Ringald spoke up.

"Saxon, I think this otter knows what she's talking about. She's been here on Tonnet for a long time. As to leaving the skiff, you were supposed to be back hours ago and we never saw you. Can't sit around forever. We're otters, and warriors. Sitting and waiting is not in our nature." He paused in introduced Seamusic to their avian friend. "This rouge is Saxon, he is a friend to us. Helps us to scout and that sort of thing." He turned to Saxon. "This is... well then! Haven't even asked yer name properly miss!" He began to walk backwards towards the skiff as Seamusic had suggested. "What is yer name eh?"

Both otters warriors seemed nonchalant. It took more than a little chanting and some weasels to frighten them.

"Not yet! Wait till the chanting dies a little!" Seamusic reminded them sternly. "And my name is Seamusic, We'll get introduced later... they've slowed down. Now move quickly but do not take you eyes from these trees! and do not at any cost turn around!" she hissed as she backed away still looking at the trees.

Both otters stopped in their tracks. Reefrudder twitched his whiskery face as he spoke. "She's got us there brother. Forgot about waiting' fer the chantin' to stop."

Ringald smote his forehead. "Aye! Forgot already! I must be distracted by these lovely otter maids." he spoke quietly as they backed into the shallows. "Seamusic eh? Lovely name that." By now they were half way up their legs in water. Ringald vaulted back onto the skiff. He noticed the slaves as he spoke to Shelly. "Shelly, this is Seamusic. Perhaps we'll save further information for when we are safely back aboard the Blue Star. Got some chaps coming to pay us a visit if we don't hurry."
------------
It was not too long before the Reedbind 2 held been tethered off the hull of the Blue Star. Everybeast boarded the ship including the slaves. The twin warriors passed on the news of the Tide Dance's discovery and word of the small weasels. Shuffer was quick to begin a meal for everybeast. He took special care to prepare food the slaves could enjoy. After being long on short rations large amounts of the wrong kind of food could make them sick.

The otter cook passes a wooden bowl full of shrimp, cress, and hotroot soup to Seamusic. Shuffer and Searose had been sharing captain duties so that Oakpaw could heal. The cook adjusted the sling that held his injured shoulder still.

"We must get to the Tide Dance and find what happened to her crew. Seamusic me beauty could you tell us how you came to be here on the island, what you know of the Tide Dance, and any useful information about these weasel chaps?"

Gailen lands, Next to Saxon. And follows the crew.

After making it back to the skiff and seeing the slaves and raised a brow at this but turned his attention to Seamusic.

"Greetings miss I am sorry for landing and possibly giving you a start but I felt you were in trouble and may needed assistance."

He then turns to the 2 warriors and his face expression and tone goes very stern.

"If either of you think that because you sail the seas in any way I have no authority to tell you for your own safety to stay putt then you better not think I will not flog the living snot out of you after you be comes the locals stew."

returning his attention back to Seamusic

"I am sorry I was not aware that you lived here."   Bows.

"Pleases forgive me mlady."  Kisses her hand gently.

"Now back to what we came to do. The ship has been dragged in land pretty far so I am guessing that the little vermin made it a home or worshiping it as a god or some thing like that. I don't underestimate them but there ways usually are some thing way out there and simple in there mind. What do you think Seamusic."

Oakpaw staggered out hearing Saxon's remark he said 'you'll do no such thing, or else!' Oakpaw felt better, well enough to get out and his head was not aching he walked to the rail and breathed in the cool air

OOC: I know I haven't been posting, but I was waiting for you guys to get to the island.
BIC:
Gerard returned back to his home to find that Seamusic was not there. He was frantically looking around for her, when the noise of chanting hit his ears. He ran as far as he could from it. He needed to think. Where could Seamusic be? Could those crazy vermin have her? The thought was too much for Gerard to think about. He turned his head towards the sea and was surprised to sea a ship. Sea vermin? He had to know for sure. Silently he slipped into the water and swam towards the ship.

"Maybe they could be lost to." Gailen assumes; "Sureley they are not like the ones we faced so I could go ask and see what they are up to."

OOC: Am I doing it right?

OOC are you talking about the vermin?
BIC
Seamusic looked at them all, her eyes went huge when the bird kissed her hand "I Do not know how i came to be here, i was raised by a hermit who died i have a brother well he seems like a brother to me but her took me after the hermit died i have lived with him ever sense we need to find Gerard i called him when i was in my cave but he did not come." Seamusic said worried
Searose was helping oakpaw worry on her face to but worry for oakpaw he was doing better but it could change as drastically as the sea "I'm sure we'll find Gerard until then are you hungry?" She asked and seamusic nodded her head she had not touched her stew until Gerard came, "I am searose first mate on board the blue star have you seen a ship besides our two?" "No not besides your two" Seamusic said.

OOC: Brook told me to speak to the vermin.

OOC: I don't remember asking you to have your character speak with the vermin. However if you want him to try that sounds fine to me. I was hoping we would need to fight them for the Tide Dance. We also need to discover the Tide Dance crew.
___________
BIC:
Ringald and Reefrudder nodded as Oakpaw spoke. There was no way a bird who just happened to be working with the Blue Star was going to give the twin warriors orders. They took their orders from Oakpaw and Searose.

Shuffer went to stand beside Oakpaw. "Are you feeling better Captain? You look a little better." The otter watched Oakpaw to see if he was still showing signs of begin ill from his injuries. He hoped Oakpaw was better. Shuffer sensed that they would need him in the near future.  "Captain, do you feel well enough to help to help our next steps in planning?"

The cook voiced his thoughts. "I don't think any contact with those weasels is a good idea. I have heard our new friend Seamusic say they are dangerous therefore there is no reason to risk interaction. I think we should take the Blue Star to the other side of Tonnet. We can anchor off the coast where we are safe and send in a part of our crew to check for survivors from the Tide Dance. I don't think we should try to save the Tide Dance unless we can do so without risk."
____________

In a rocky outcrop near the tide line a small group of otters were huddled. The survivors from the encounters on Tonnet. Captain Durlang and six of his crew were stranded. They had bravely fought off the Garjangs, weasels that lived in the trees on Tonnet, for over a half season. Not knowing if help would ever arrive the Captain spoke bravely to his crew.

"Now mates, I know things are tough. But we've come this far and not let those vermin get us. We can hold out until help comes. I'm confident Shring will send help!"

Gailen walks into them while the others stay where they are. "Greetings Commrads!" he says, then he bombared with arrows, and made back to the bushes; "Okay that didn't work."

Oakpaw smiled slightly 'Stop frettin like an ol mouse-wife, i'm fine, i just need some fresh air to clear me lungs' Oakpaw stretched and scanned the island 'Aye, the sooner we're done the better.'

Oakpaw made his way to the tiller whilst shouting to the crew 'No interaction is to be made with the vermin unless they attack us. We've come here to rescue any survivors from the tide dance, i don't want to return to the Holt and report anyone to be dead'

Oakpaw was feeling marvelous, he could barely feel his wound, he skillfully sailed the boat though the reef and made for he other side of the island.

"But where is Gerard? i can't leave him we do not really go to the other side of the island."

Oakpaw replied casually 'i left some o' the crew on The Redbind 2, told 'em to look for your mate, and that they were to meet us when they found him' Oakpaw turned the tiller steadily and rested his paw on his broad leather belt

Shelly was scanning the island. She nodded to Seamusic.

"I see you know the land. Is there anything like a way to get in or something. A stream maybe we might have a chance then for getting your brother. If not I'll see if any of the birds could be of assistance."

"Yes there is a river going through the island up ahead." Seamusic nodded to shelly

Ringald and Reefrudder had been ordered by Oakpaw to stat with the Reedbind 2. The otters were more than willing to take on the job. They leaned on the edge of the skiff and kept a lookout for Gerard. Seamusic had told them what the otter looked like. However, the job was becoming less than stimulating quickly.

"Reef mate, I think there's a rock outcrop below the skiff. I think I'll go look for abalone."

Reefrudder grinned. Both of them were very partial to the large rock dwelling shell fish. "I'll keep a look out. Try and find big one!"

Ringald dove into the water without a splash. He was gone for about two minutes. He resurfaced with a blast of breath and spray. Vaulting back on board he gave a huge abalone to his brother. "well, I found it, you prepare it."

"fair's fair I suppose! Good work finding this beauty." Reefrudder used small knife to get the abalone out of it's shell. He kept the shell as it was very pretty inside. Next he used a rock Ringald had brought up to pound the tough meat to soften it. After this he ran the life through a chunk of the sweet white abalone and passes it to Ringlad. "get this in yer gob brother."

The warriors sat and ate thier delicious seafood snack and kept their eyes on the waves. After a while they saw a ripple of water. Soon Gerard had swam to the side of the Reedbind 2. Reefrudder and Ringald hailed him.

"Ahoy Gerard! We're friends of Seamusic! Come aboard and we'll tell you what's going on!" Once he was on board the twins offered him abalone and waited to see what he would say.

Gerard stood in front of the otters, looking about for his sister, Seamusic. "Who are you? And where is Seamusic?"

Shelly had been watching the newcomer. Seamusic was positioned in a way to talk to Shelly but had her back to Gerard.
"Seamusic my friend, look behind you."

Seamusic turned around "Gerard! oh there you are! we've been looking for you where were you?" seamusic asked hugging him tight.

Shelly smiled. She loved happy reunions.

"Oh well never mind your here now! this is Shelly she is the captain of this ship and here are Ringald and Reefrudder they're brothers and then on the other boat there is Oakpaw shuffer and searose"

Saxon looks at seamusic and then nods to her brother. He still holding her paw in his wing.
"I am Saxon and this is my friend Galin. We assist here as well pleasure to meet you." He leans foward a bit and looks him over.

"So perhaps one of you can show us around the island and tell us what dangers to be award of?"

Reefrudder and Ringald moored the Reedbind 2 onto the side of the Blue Star. They vaulted aboard and smiled as the two otters were reunited.

The warriors had just heard that they was a stream the flowed through the island.

"Perhaps we should use the stream to help us!"

Shuffer shushed them sternly before relenting with a smile. "Perhaps we should wait and see what our Captain wants us to do." The cook turned his attention to Oakpaw to hear what he would say.

Oakpaw scratched his rudder and looked into the sky 'that would be a sensible option, but what about those vermin?' Okpaw turned to Seamusic 'Ahoy, do ye know if hose vermin use that stream?'

"Well, Why donch'a send in a spy?" Gailen proclaims.

Oakpaw replied 'it would be too dangerous for an otter and the trees  look like they grow so close together that a bird wouldn't be able to see through, though if Seamusic or Gerard feel upto it they could decide as they know more of the island' Oakpaw gazed out to tonnet island deep in thought

"The vermin don't use the stream. They usually stay in the trees, but you can tell if their around because they chant." Gerard tilted his head towards the trees. "I hear no chanting, so now it is safe. But they could pop up any minute."
He looked in the direction of the trees. "Yeah, we would be safe in there, but only two or three should come. Too many will attract attention."

"I'll go!" Seamusic said. Even though searose was eager to go she could not leave oakpaw for he still was sick even though it was going through a soft stage.

Shelly had thought about all of this. She voiced her opinion,
"What if we took one of the life boats and gone a way up the stream. We could leave one or two otters on the boat and let the rest go through. If any dangers could happen the otters could make there way back to the life boat and the rest of the otters would paddle back to the boat. If we use more otters we could cover more  distance."

"So what you want us to do? I mean I don't want to be useless and I am sure we can be of some help." Saxon leaned against the deck ralling as he spoke.

Shuffer listened to all the suggestions and offered his opinion. "Well, we must look at what we have to our advantage.  We have the Reedbind 2, it is small enough to enter the river and travel inland. The Blue Star will need to stay anchored off the coast. It is way too big to fit inland. We have quite a few fit and ready beasts to help with looking for crew from the Tide Dance. We have two allies who can fly. We've lost the element of surprise due to various beasts contacting the weasels, and speaking loudly when first coming to the island. After this he eyed the warrior twins. Reefrudder and Ringlad quailed slightly. They were trained warriors but they were also still growing up.

"We also need to decide our goals. I think we should be firstly concerned for any remaining crew from the Tide Dance. Then, if she is still sea worthy, we can have a go at salvaging the Tide Dance." He looked inland, trying to see tree weasels. "I think we should use our fine feathered friends here to cause a diversion. Get as many of those beasts to the other side of the island as possible.  After this, we can send Seamusic, Gerard, Searose, and our two warriors into the interior." He saluted Searose. "That is if you think that's a good idea First Mate."

Shuffer nodded and added more comments. "I think we should travel on footpaw. Those creatures could easily overwhelm a small craft like the Reedbind 2."

He turned to the birds. "Do you two think you could manage a diversion to keep those little weasel's attention?"

Gailen's Reply; "Eh, Why Not." And he was the first to take air.

Saxon grins. "Well if that is what you want then you should be prepared for anything" He takes flight after his friend.

As they flew for a bit he dived close to the trees and let's fly a small but harmless noise making explosive to rattle the trees and call to the natives.

"You little vermin come out and fight!" Let another pop boom go shaking in the trees and hovers wating for movement. "Hey Gailen dive on them and dont get shot. Once we got them then we need them to follow us."

Gailen was the first to dive. And as he swoops down, he whomps one big weasel over the head with his beak.

"That is the ticket! Get them!!!"

He follows him in the assault to get there attentions. Both Birds dive hit and retreat in the same manner slowly moving the group of natives away from the landing part giving them time to do there work.

"I don't mind but keep an eye on oakpaw for me." She said "I already said i would go." seamusic piped up

Oakpaw watched the birds and said to hisself 'i wonder i they even know the meanin of stealth' He watched the birds swoop down and saw the vermin get some spears ready for when they dived.

BIC: Shelly watched the birds. "Next time we should give them more detailed instruction."

OOC: Laughs! The instrustions that I heard was "Do you two think you could manage a diversion to keep those little weasel's attention?" --Shuffer

BIC: "You ask for a deversion and I am doing such mind you I am a bird and smiple minded as well as my friend *gesters to Galin* You wanted destraction you have it plus I am not laying harm to them with pop bangs or a few pecks and floggings, I can stop and let them attack your ship and possiable eat the crew. Either way I am having fun."

He lets out another squak and flys off then dives on a few more dodging the spears. "I better be getting some extra food for this and I want a wing rub from that one called Seamusic." He calles back while flying up setting for another dive.

OOC: Everyone, please read the posts before making yours! The birds are doing what Shuffer suggested. The diversion seems to work fine for what we are trying to do. The weasels are following the albatrosses away from the area when the Tide Dance is.

BIC:

Shuffer tried to placate the albatross. "Easy friend. You are doing us a great service in getting the weasels away form the Tide Dance. Please rejoin Galin and keep them on the other side of the island. Watch out for their spears though."

The otter waited until the bird had flown off and then turned to the group. "I didn't even see him fly to the ship. We should watch what we say around those two. We don't need to upset them, they are helping us." He looked towards Tonnet and continued speaking, "Seamusic, Gerard, Searose, Ringald and Reefrudder, it's time to go!"

As they took to the water, Shuffer pulled Searose aside for a moment. "Don't worry, I'll look after ol' Oakpaw for you. He will be fine. Take care of the others First Mate!"
_____________

Ringald and Reefrudder made a dash to the edge of the ship. They hit the water with barely a splash and made their way to the shore. this time neither of them jested or joked. this was serious. If they made noise the weasels might return and then they would not have a chance to look for the crew of the Tide Dance.

Reefrudder spoke quietly as the others made it to the sands. "Well, looks like we should head inland."

"Well there distracting alright!" Searose grumbled. "They are queer animals if you ask me. Gerard did you try any of my stew? I hope it did not go to waist!" Seamusic said.

OOC: would this count as a DP?
Bic

"So Searose where are you from?" Seamusic asked coming up to her.
"Holt Reedbind with my little sister."
"I wish i had a little sister..."
"Well it was not meant to be i guess...."
"Sooooo.... Are you and oakpaw married?"
"What!" Searose jumped up in surprise at the question.
"Well i thought cause..." Seamusic started then stopped herself .
"No! we are not!" searose said shaking her head and smiling to herself at the thought.
"Oh... what is reedbind like?" Seamusic, asked then searose, went to telling her all about it.

Reefrudder and Ringald moved forward into the forest. the birds had done an excellent job of moving the tree weasels to a different part of the island. As the two moved, they kept their eyes peeled for the Tide Dance and for tree vermin.

"Looks like they pulled her pretty far up into the forest eh?" Ringald vaulted over a fallen log as he spoke to his brother.

"Aye, about as far as-" Reefrudder's words were cut off before he could finish.

Ringald laughed. "As far as what?" Then he turned and gasped in shock. Reefrudder lay on the log, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. A small arrow protruded from his chest, right where his heart was.

"Brother!" Ringald pulled Reefrudder off the log and behind some rocks for shelter. He cradled his brother's head in his lap.

Reefrudder smiled oddly at Ringald and spoke his last words. "Take a swim fer me matie and don't mourn me too long." Then his eyes closed for the last time and he died. Ringald ground his teeth together in fury and sadness. His brother was gone!

He fitted a stone to his sling and stepped out from behind the rocks. Spotting movement in a tree not far away he slung the stone. A sickening thud was followed by somebeast falling from the tree.

A tree weasel lay slain with a rock wound to the head. Ringald brushed hot tears from his eyes. "My brother is gone because of you! Scum!"

As he looked up Ringald spotted the Tide Dance moored in a water outlet of the stream. He no longer cared, Reefrudder was dead.

Shelly had heard the scream "Brother". Since the party had gone she had been watching or catching any sign that they were returning. She called over to the other ship, "Did you hear that? It sounds like somebeast is in trouble! Should we go help or not?"

Seamusic, Had been assigned to go with reefrunner, and ringald, she raised her bow but ringald, had already killed the weasel she looked at ringald, thinking what it would be like to have gerard, die she ran up and hugged him. saying that it was alright even though it wasn't anywhere near alright.

Both of the birds keep up with the distraction. Dodging some of the spears and arrows fired at them and pecking and flogging the few brave weasels that thought they could get the better of the larger birds.

As the continues Saxon could have swore he saw some more otters and what looked like a small camp on this side of the island not to far from the ship that was captured and pulled in to the jungle/forest area by the weasels.

"Galin keep them busy I am going to check out something."

He yells and watches him go to work with precisions and quickness keeping the larges part of the body quiet busy.

OOC: if there is remaining crew of the Tide Dance and have made a camp this is my understanding from what I have read I am going to land and interact with them and they my have to fight if a few of the vermin follows me.

OOC: (BrookSkimmer) Sounds good to me!

Gailen swerves side to side, even spinning around. Just to grab there attention.

Ringald pushed Seamusic away. He didn't want anybeast near him, not now.

"Leave me." The words came flat from his mouth as the otter's eyes narrowed to slits. "I have something I need to do." With that Ringald bounded forward, his sling swinging in his paw.

Many tree weasels died a short while later. There was no stopping the otter Ringald who had lost his brother. The others in the search party could easily follow in his wake as he left no enemy behind.

Soon he had fought his way to the inland part of the stream. There was the TideDance. She was listing slightly to one side but looked completely intact.

Ringald tried to slow his breathing and waited to see if Seamusic and the others would catch up. He wanted to apologize for pushing the otter maid away. She was only trying to be kind.
__________

On the TideDance six otters huddled together. They were chained to the walls and guarded by numerous weasels. These weasels had poison darts and would use them if the otters did not obey.

The guards raised their heads as the sounds of Ringald's approach came nearer. Three stayed to watch the captured otters, the other went out to investigate.

Seamusic, was hurt by Ringald pushing her away. After a couple minutes of thinking she fallowed him, even though he didn't want her to be near which puzzled her, if her brother died she would be devastated and want comfort...but then she had never had to go through that. she crashed through the woods fallowing his trail. She met up with him at the tide-dance. the normally forgiving reasonable otter was glaring at Ringald for accidentally driving a thorn into her paw when she fell over.

(Ratbane, i wasn't talking to you i was just making a silent comment to myself about the lack of stealth)
Oakpaw watched as the others made their way towards the island, he sighed feeling he should be going even though he had just recovered from his injury. Oakpaw jumped over the side of the ship and swam under the water gazing at the fish, he emerged from the water and waded the last few metres, Oakpaw looked at the tracks and followe dthem at a steady lope whilst keeping an eye on where he was going.

Gailen continued swerving, dodging arrows, asking himself; "Gah, what it taken' evrybody so long?"

Upon landing at the camp sight he could now clearly see that it was abondon and pillaged. He quickly turned and took flight before any of the vermin could noticse him on the ground.

"Gailen we given enought of are time with this lot time go and help out at the ship."

Saxon and Gailen both did a few more dives and circle and then doubled back on the vermin leaving confused and looking twords the sky for the 2 birds.

Both land near Seamusic as Saxon sides up to her.

"Hello there girly so I hope we have not missed the show, now worries me and Gailen took care of them vermin they'll be looking up and spinning in place for a while I think we made a few of them pass out from getting dizzy."

Saxton see her paw been hurt he gently takes in in his wing and  pulls out a small but fine piece of cloth wrapping it and using his beak to tie it in a nice neat bow.

"Thy you go girly that should help so Ringald he going to be alright? I mean I heard and kind check back when his brother fell and from the looks of things he been a 1 otter wrecking crew."

seamusic doesn't say anything but takes the bandage off her paw cause it hurts.

"Saxon, your despicable!" Gailen says.

"All of you are despicable!" Seamusic grumbles out loud.

Oakpaw made his way through the bushes to where the birds were gathered and roared out laughing at Seamusic's comment
'Yer probably right aswell!'
Oakpaw stopped and saw the sad look on Ringald's face, he had head about Reefrudder but he had thought it was a lie, he made his way to Ringald and said to comfortingly with a friendly arm around his shoulder
'If you wish we could take him back to reedbind and bury him there, I'll leave you to think about it'
Oakpaw took his arm of Ringald's shoulder and turnd to the others waiting to hear what they had found.

"well there's the ship!" seamusic had to smile at oakpaws laughter.

Searose , on the other hand was far from laughing, she had gone to check up on oakpaw and he was gone, she suspected he had gone into the woods to find them so she set out fallowing the trail he had left calling his name out softly.

sorry for the dp but Bump!

"anybody got an ale? I really need to drown my frustration!" so says Gailen.

"Go drink from the river" Seamusic says. her ears move "Oakpaw i heard someone calling your name over that way."

Quote from: Mad Maudie on April 07, 2012, 12:38:16 AM
"Go drink from the river" Seamusic says.

Gailen took that offensively and mumerd to himself words that no bird or mammal around should ever have to hear.

Oakpaw cupped a paw around his ear and listened, nothing

'Are ye sure you heard me name? I don't know anyone around these parts 'cept you lot.'

Oakpaw listened again and all he could hear was the wind whistling around them and lifting up some fallen leaves, which reminded him of Reedbind.

'If all goes well we might be home by late autumn wonder if they'll make us a big pan of  'otroot soup.'

Oakpaw shook a paw at Gailen while looking around for signs of movement

'If ye quit moanin' I'll give ye some october ale when we get back to the ship, your worse then me when i drink to much october ale.'

Oakpaw chuckled quitely and rested his paws on his belt, he turned around wondering if Seamusic actually did hear his name being called.

Gailen stopped mumering, and just crossed his arms while sitting down.

"Oakpaw!"searose called again she was getting worried he could be anywhere and he shouldn't have gone off no matter how much He thinks he's better,

"Yes i'm sure i heard it there it is again!" Seamusic grumbled to him she was still in a rotten mood.

"Really am I? I have been nothing but nice to this otter and she keep turning me away. I didn't hear his name and I think that we have these vermin well in hand. Oh I plan on taking you up on the October ale."

He looks over at Searose and spoke to her very directly.

"Look here lass I must have offended you in some way perhaps if you tell me I can fix it hummm?"

"You haven't offended me i;m just not in a good mood." Seamusic spoke quietly "It's searose! Searose Oakpaw is over hear!" Seamusic called to her. Searose sighed with relieve and ran towards the voice.

Ringald nodded in response to Oakpw's question about taking his brother back to the ship for buiral. It was a good idea. As Oakpaw left the once happy otter spoke softly.

"Aye, that sounds like a good idea."

After saying this Ringlad's eyes narrowed. He pulled forth his sling and the long dagger he kept at the small of his back. With a pained roar he charged the guards watching over the Tidedance.

The tree weasel guards fell like chaff in the breeze at the mad otter's onslaught.
He took the first one through the throat with his blade. The second fell as Ringald's sling strangled him. The third came forward and lunged at Ringald with a spear. The spear took him high on the shoulder. Ringald snarled and threw his blade. It buired itself to the hilt in the tree weasel's chest.

Ringald charged into the Tidedance. He dispatched the three other guards and set to work freeing the six prisioners. They rubbed their wrists where they had been changed and stepped blinking into the light.

"Get to the sea. You'll find the Blue Star moored off shore. Tell them not to leave until my return. Do you think you can swim to it?"

One of the prisoners, a gaunt female named Sapphire nodded. "Aye, we've made it this far, we can make it to the ship."

Meanwhile Ringald went back to his brother. He carefully loaded Reefrudder onto his back and began to carry him to the ship. The fallen warrior would be buried at Reedbind.

Oakpaw quickly assesed the situation as Ringald charged the three vermin, h swiftly loaded his sling and held his arm to the side

'Stay back! He can handle it himself'

Oakpaw watched as the vermin were dispatched quickly, he raced forward as the prisoners were released. Oakpaw kindly lent a hand to an old sea-otter by the name of Ziah Rushback. The old otter smiled gratefully and hobbled forward silently. He watched as Ringald made his way to collect his brother, Oakpaw ordered the others to an otter and told them to stay on the alert as thy made they way back to the ship.

 "Oakpaw! you shouldn't have run off! the wound isn't quite healed!" Searose snapped at him, all the while helping a young otter who had weak legs. "He helped us?" Seamusic asked hoping to make it better.

(OOC: I'm going to move our characters back to the ship in preparation to end this thread. If anyone has a problem with that, I'll edit my post for you. Just let me know., I'm thinking this thread is almost done.  :D)

Ringald hefted Reefrudder and began to slowly make his way back to the BlueStar. Oakpaw and Seamusic helped the freed otters from the Tide Dance to board a raft that would take them out to the Reedbind ship.

Ringald placed the body of his brother on the raft and sat silently, looking out to sea as the raft made it to the BlueStar. Shuffer met them on the deck.

"Ahoy mates! Looks like you freed the slaves! Great work all of you..." His voice trailed off as he noticed Reefrudder. The grief on Ringald's face was unmistakable. Shuffer did not offer any words to the lone warrior. It just did not seem right.

Reefrudder was buried at sea that same evening in the traditional otter way. The once jovial Ringald was now a changed otter. His face was grim and he never smiled. Someday he would return to this cursed island. He would kill all the tree weasels and bring the TideDance back to Reedbind.

The BlueStar sailed for Reedbind. Once Ringald had gone inside one of the cabins the freed otters began to celebrate. They were free and returning home. They celebrated life, they celebrated their rescuers, and they celebrated gratefully the warrior who had fallen during their rescue.

Ok, I'm going to call this thread finished!  ;D Thanks for joining the fun! Look for another Reedbind adventure soon!