OOC: Just to make this clear, this is how we;re starting: The cat horde is in sight of Redwall, planning to attack once it gets fully dark. At the moment, it's twilight. Bryony and anybody else who's on the quest to get to Salamandastron have just arrived, having taken Bryony's shortcut. Now, let's start!
BIC: Mother Abbess Rosemary was trying to get Arya to rest some more, but the Redwall Warrior wasn't having it. "No, Mother Abbess. The walltop guards have spotted the cat hordes - They need me up there." The squirrelmaid protested, grabbing her bow, and turning to walk out the door. The Abbess sighed, and merely followed her.
Argunath pounded his fists on the ramparts, watching the cat horde wait for nightfall. There wasn't much anybeast could do from inside the Abbey; they were too far away. Frustrated, he decided to keep watching for their next move.
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Aggril was trying to get some hare to hear him, calling from the outside of Salamandastron.
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Feshr bowed to Grina and Grain. "We await your command, my ladies."
OOC: As I recall, at the end of the previous rp, Dave had just almost committed suicide, Argunath saw and was moving towards him presumably to talk, am I to assume that time has moved on since then?
OOC: Sure; let's just say that he tried to help, and Dave thought what he will of what Argunath said.
OOC: Only about two hours difference. . . If that helps any.
BIC: Bryony joined in shouting. "Hello! Any beast in there?" Thwn, a hare stuck his head out of a window. "Oh, pack in the bally shoutin', wot! The door ain't over here, wot wot!"
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Grain thought for a moment. "We wait until nightfall. Then we attack." She said finally.
OOC: Alright
Jeboran Ritel was a careful fox and so when he saw the army, he avoided them and made his way around through the forest to the side of a giant building. Yes the cats did seem to be attempting to attack it but it was massive and made of stone, it would not be easy to break. He saw a shape moving up on top of the battlements "Hello up there" he called "could you let me in? I'd rather not be ripped apart by a horde of angry cats today"
OOC: The dark shape can be anybody
Arya had just gotten on top of the walltops when she heard shouting. Hurrying up the rest of the steps, she peered over a battlement. "Who's there?" She called softly.
Jeboran could not quite make out the figure on the battlements, his vision had never been the best and it was quite dark already but she was talking to him and so he replied "My name is Jeboran, I am but a simple traveler seeking refuge"
Kaylan was also up on the walltop, along with most of the ottercrew. The ottermaid kept alert, her eyes trained on the horde in the distance. Even though Arya had informed her about how many creatures were in the army, actually seeing them from a distance had made her realize just how many vermin they were up against.
A short distance away from her, Arya called "Who's there?" to somebeast on the ground. Surprised, Kaylan hurried over to find out what was going on.
"Well, if you don't mind having a risk of being hurt, or killed, I'll let you in the wall gate." Arya called back down, then saw Kaylan. "Hello, Kaylan. There's a beast wanting to come in the Abbey. Cover me from up here, please." She explained, tacking on a request. She the squirrelmaid was not stupid - It could be a cat, with some friends hidden.
Argunath saw the commotion on the other side of the wall, and he gradually made his way over, paying more attention to the horde. If they needed help with whoever they were talking to, he would be able to help; if not, he would stay on the wall.
"Alright," the ottermaid replied, nocking an arrow to her bowstring.
Arya nodded again, and set off down the stairs, almost at a run.
Now Kaylan was preparing her bow. Uh oh, Argunath thought to himself, and came closer; Arya was going down to the gate.
Jeboran grinned "Oh I'm fine with being hurt and killed, makes the day more interesting, you know?" he chuckled "I did notice the army at your gates, in a spot of bother I suppose. Still your building seems easily defensible and the fact of the matter is, there's nowhere else to go"
As Arya ran down to the gate, Kaylan peered over the wall, trying to see who the beast was. Fox, maybe? she thought. Interesting how all these creatures had been showing up at Redwall lately.
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Paisley was walking down one of Salamandastron's many corridors when, through a window, she thought she heard some creatures yelling outside. She poked her head out and saw two otters and a squirrel far below.
Arya opened the gate, and looked about. "Coming, or not?" She hissed.
The fox nodded and stepped through the gate "Aye, I am coming. Now that we are in a place where it is safer to talk I should like to introduce myself properly, my name is Jeboran Ritel, I come from the lands to the south. Tell me, who might I have the pleasure of addressing?"
"I am Arya Brushtail, Redwall Abbey Warrior and Champion." Arya said, closing the gate and latching it. Turning, she jumped. "Oh, pardon me. I didn't realize you're a fox. But I've seen stranger things." She said, with a small smile on her face. "Oh, by the way: We don't allow violece in the Abbey. Fighting hordes is the exception."
Argunath saw Jeboran come in, and decided to go down; foxes were often tricky beasts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aggril called again. "We need to speak to badger in charge: Redwall is in danger!"
Jeboran's eyes widened "I should hope not, violence is to be avoided at all times unless it is in self defense. Unless you say that to all who come through your gate, then I am quite frankly offended. Now is there anywhere I can sit by a fire and warm up? It is rather c-" His eyes fell on something over Arya's shoulder and he froze "Not that it isn't a pleasure to meet you, but I'm afraid I must dash" and with that he sprinted away across the lawns. Dave, who had been walking towards them behind Arya, shoved past the squirrel and bounded after him on all fours
"Dang," growled Argunath, and began sprinting after the two. If there should be a fight, he would do his best to stop it.
Paisley's ears stood straight up. There was no mistaking what the otter had said. "I'll be right there!" she shouted back, and turned and ran through the twisting hallways down to the lower levels of the mountain. With the help of a few other hares she unbolted the heavy main door and opened it, calling out to the otters and squirrel, "Come in, chaps!"
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Kaylan lowered her bow once the fox had entered. Apparently there was nobeast else with him, so everything was alright. She glanced down at the lawns and noticed the mute cat approaching Arya and the fox. Then something really weird happened: the fox looked at the cat and immediately bolted, with the cat in pursuit. Argunath hurried down to the lawns and ran after them. Kaylan debated for a second whether she should follow, and then impetuously ran after them. She wasn't sure if it was the best idea, but she didn't let herself think.
Lagg was out in the Abbey lawns when a guest had appeared at the main gates. He was out keeping a watch on the dibbuns with the help of some of the other good beasts that live in the Abbey also. That particular day the dibbuns were even more rambunctious than usual. Wind carried that a fox had shown up inside Redwall. He mad his way towards where said fox and Arya were talking. He started to walk up to them, but only for the fox to start running off. "That's weird..." mumbled Lagg to himself. He then noticed that Dave was chasing after the fox. The otter jogged next to Arya, wondering and worrying about what was going on. "What's happening Arya?" inquired Lagg.
OOC: This is my first ever roleplay, so I'm going to be very unsure.
BIC: Feldion had been questing for the Wildcat horde for many seasons. He had picked up their trail a few days ago, and now his quest for revenge was just within reach. He had been spying on them for a while now. Every now and again swinging down to find food, he was very anxious of letting them slip away.
OOC: Ah! Too much going on! And, Oracle, I'm sure you'll be fine. But I could give you some pointers, if you'd like. @Jet: I'm assuming that Jeboran and Dave hadn't gotten very far? @Lagg: They weren't at the main gate, and hardly anyone was seen Jeboran.
BIC: Arya was horrified. "Hey hey hey! What in the name of seasons is going on?!?" She called, running after Dave and Jeboran. "David! Stop!" She commanded, being close to the cat.
David launched himself on the fox, knocking them both to the ground. Jeboran threw up his hands to cover his face as Dave ferociously ripped at him with his claws, hissing and growling and spitting
"David please! David stop!" Dave did not stop, instead he carried on with a renewed fury, attempting to tear at the fox's throat
OOC: Someone pull him off and restrain him
Feldion knew that the numbers and ferocity of the wildcats were too much for him, but he could see that they were just outside the Abbey. He knew many tales regarding Redwall, he also knew that many warlords had tried and failed to conquer it. With this in mind, he decided to go to the Abbey, maybe he would see as to their hospitality. But no that wouldn't be proper to spy on fellow Woodlanders. He would go down to their main gate and ask for entrance.
OOC: David and Jeboran are inside Redwall
OOC: Sorry, misread the posts wrong, my bad.
BIC: Lagg was quickly next to the two fighting beasts. He didn't know what had become of Dave, who seemed to be a fit of rage against the fox. "Hold on mate!" said Lagg, trying to snap Dave out of it. He had doubt that Dave could hear him though, so he quickly went into a sprint to tackle Dave off of the fox.
Dave struggled in Lagg's grip, signing furiously at the fox You better hope they lock me up you slimy git! When I get my hands on you I'm going to tear your ******* throat out! I'm going to cut your throat open and watch you bleed to death slowly! I'll cut off your limbs! I'll cover you in blood and throw you to a pack of sharks! I'll break every ******* bone in your **** body you ******* traitorous *******! Jeboran stared confusedly at the cat as he got to his feet
"Does anyone know what he's saying?"
"I would guess something that you would prefer to not know." Argunath glared at the two creatures, his sword drawn but pointed down. "Dave, you need calm down or I might have to force you. Fox, I suggest you get talking as to why Dave might attack you."
Dave rolled his eyes at Argunath I would've thought you'd have guessed who this was, can you not put two and two together? Jeboran shook his head
"Just because you're angry at me doesn't mean you have to insult your friends as well, which I presume is what you were doing. David, you and I are old friends, can't we just let bygones be bygones?"
Bygones such as you getting my brother killed and my house burnt down? Sure, why not?
"I'm guessing you just said something sarcastic. I truly regret what I did David, I was young and stupid"
Yes and now you're slightly older and still pretty ******* stupid. I don't give a **** whether you regret what you did or not, what you did was unforgivable, you're not fit to walk this earth!
"I'm going to guess that because you're still acting like a creature possessed that you disagreed to my proposition"
No ****
"It is rather pointless having a conversation with someone you can't understand, isn't it?"
Then don't try and converse with me, run the **** away!
"Yes, your responses are getting harder to anticipate, I think I'll stop talking to you now"
Good, get out of my sight Jeboran frowned
"I said I was stopping talking to you" David rolled his eyes but did not try to sign anything else. The fox turned to Argunath "That's rather a personal matter, it's down to him to choose whether or not to reveal what I did, I shall not"
Arya had been trying to decide whetyer or not to step in, but now she did. "David. I am shocked at you. Were you not told that we here at Redwall do NOT encourage violence? I would have thought you, at least, would have the decency to either a. Calm down and try to talk - Or sign with a translator, or B. Ignore him." The squirrelmaid spoke gently, even though her words were sharp. She sighed. "I will have to bring this to the Abbess's attention. I don't care your reason for attacking this fox, but it's obvious that there is bad blood between both of you from some past event. And, you, Jeboran, are not going off with a clean slate, even if you were the victim." Now her voice was stern, and she drew her sword and waggled it under their noses. "Dave, I am finished talking with you. Right now, I would like to go up to your quarters NOW and think about what you have done. Those things include violating the most important rule of the Abbey, and fighting among people here when we have bigger problems than something done in the past! Argunath, would you care to escort him? Lagg, seeing as David is slightly in more control of himself and Argunath and I are more than capable handling him, I think you can get to the walltop. Now. Jeboran, you and I are goin to have a little talk." She admonished, frowning. Then she sheathed her sword, waiting.
Dave pulled free of Lagg's grip, ripped his book of his belt and scribbled a furious message
I think that if the person who destroyed everything you held dear was standing in front of you, you'd think that would be reason enough to break your precious "no violence" rule
Dave glared at the fox
I advise you not to talk to that scum, he'd use his silver tongue to charm you whilst slowly killing you
He threw the book at Arya, stuck his middle claw up at Jeboran and stalked off towards the abbey building. Jeboran rubbed at the back of his neck "That was an interaction that I did not expect to have"
Lagg was glad that David had finally settled down. He backed off the cat, as he listened to what Arya had to say. The otter nodded when Arya told him to head on up to the walltops. "Ok, just let me know if I'm needed for anything." said Lagg, leaving the group behind as he headed towards the east walltop. He spotted Kaylan watching for any more activity. "How goes it Kaylan?"
Feldion swung down onto the ground again, just outside of the Abbey gate, and knocked loudly on the main gate.
Argunath sheathed his sword, motioning for David to go with him. "I don't usually assume things, Dave, though I had my suspicions when you attacked him." After a moment, he continued. "I can't say I blame you, though. Come on." He looked at the walltops; the cat horde was still out there.
Arya quickly read that, then raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me a moment. And, honestly? I really don't think you could have picked a worse time." She told Jeboran, then ran after Dave to return his book. "Okay, then, Dave. I get it." She handed the book back. "As long as this doesn't happen again, I'll mention it in passing to the Abbess. Just no more rude signs." She passed the book in his direction, smiled, then went back to Jeboran.
He knocked again louder this time and called out: "It is a friend, I am a squirrel from the eastern side of Mossflower Woods. I have no allegiance with the cats!" Understanding that it would be tactically unsound to open a gate with scores of wildcats just outside.
OOC: Lagg would be perfect for that, since I can't at the moment.
After hearing several knocks coming from the main gate below, Lagg peered over the wall to see a squirrel standing there. "How goes it sir?" called the otter from above. "Give me a moment and I'll open the gate for you!" Lagg then headed down the stairwell to the Abbey lawns in front of the main gate. He got the gatehouse and opened the big doors for the squirrel outside.
Feldion strode in, looked around the Abbey and said: "Thank you, very much. I've heard many tales of this Abbey, and now I finally am standing in it."
OOC: Unless I've totally missed something, Paisley's still standing by the open main door of Salamandastron. :P
BIC:
Kaylan had run after the fox, cat, and Argunath, bow at the ready. She stayed out of it, though, and when Lagg had asked her how everything was going, she'd nodded at the otter and answered, "I'm fine. Glad their fight's been sorted out." However, she wasn't sure if the otter had heard. As everything seemed to be alright again, she headed back to the walltop, in time to see Lagg open the main gate for a squirrel. She found it slightly odd that so many beasts were showing up lately, but then figured it was due to the wildcats' presence.
"Well the more the merrier!" smiled Lagg. "The name's Lagg Tilk by the way." The otter closed the main gate behind them as he lead the squirrel through the Abbey lawns. "I'm sorry if this isn't the best of greetings, but with the wildcats out there we haven't had a lot of time to relax."
OOC: Whoopsie.
BIC: "I guess the door is somewhere else?" She remarked, not seeing a door. Major Colun, for it was he, huffed. "Of course! Why have the bally door at the back of the jolly old mountain, wot? Oh, just keep walkin' thataway." /he said helpfully, pointing, then withdrawing his head back into the mountain.
"Yes, it's fine. I've been after them for years, after they destroyed my village. Of course, according to the tales a greeting from Redwall, no matter how jubilant is better than the best of greetings anywhere else." Looking at the sheer size of the Abbey.
OOC: Is this better?
OOC: Del, could you perhaps add something that is not purely speech, please? Sorry, it's just a good habit for when you get two characters.
Argunath was still waiting for Dave.
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Aggril smacked his paw to his face. "Well, if you could please tell whoever's in charge to meet us at the door, we'll be over there as soon as we can."
OOC: Dave ignored Arya's instructions and went back to the abbey
Quote from: Jetthebinturong on September 08, 2014, 02:37:49 AM
....and stalked off towards the abbey building.
OOC: *Facepalm* Oops. What did I do?
OOC: That was mostly just to tell Skarzs that Argunath waiting for Dave would be pointless. You attempted to give Dave his book back but he's too angry to care
OOC: Okay. Thanks, Jet.
OOC: Aw, sorry. I just had my wisdom teeth taken out so I'm not thinking as clearly as I should.
BIC: Argunath walked along silently behind Dave.
Kaylan leaned against the battlements, watching for any suspicious activity from the wildcat camp.
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Paisley and a few other hares remained waiting by the main door.
Bryomny smiled. "Well, they were nice." She remarked,. starting to walk in the direction indicated.
Aggril walked quickly, hoping that Redwall was alright.
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Argunath made note that he should put his armor back on when he was able; he would get it on his way back from accompanying Dave.
Bryony matched Aggril's pace. Soon, she saw what must b the open door. "Look; There it is!"
Quote from: Delthion on September 09, 2014, 03:43:43 PM
"Yes, it's fine. I've been after them for years, after they destroyed my village. Of course, according to the tales a greeting from Redwall, no matter how jubilant is better than the best of greetings anywhere else." Looking at the sheer size of the Abbey.
Lagg nodded and lead Feldion inside of the Abbey, taking him to the living quarters. "Here's a room for you Sir, just make yourself at home. If you have any questions I guess now would be a good time or whenever." smiled the otter.
As the otters and squirrel approached, Paisley wondered what exactly was endangering the Abbey. Vermin, probably. Never in her lifetime had the Abbey come under attack; but that wasn't saying much, she realized, as she was only twenty-four.
Quote from: Lagg on September 11, 2014, 02:19:12 AM
Quote from: Delthion on September 09, 2014, 03:43:43 PM
"Yes, it's fine. I've been after them for years, after they destroyed my village. Of course, according to the tales a greeting from Redwall, no matter how jubilant is better than the best of greetings anywhere else." Looking at the sheer size of the Abbey.
Lagg nodded and lead Feldion inside of the Abbey, taking him to the living quarters. "Here's a room for you Sir, just make yourself at home. If you have any questions I guess now would be a good time or whenever." smiled the otter.
Feldion glanced over the room. "Yes, thank you. I don't believe that I've told you my name. Anyway it's Feldion."
OOC: Jukksa, the hares don't know the Abbey's being attacked yet.
Aggril squinted. "Good; hopefully the hares are ready to open it."
OOC: Jet?
OOC: Not entirely sure what I can do here, Jeboran certainly wouldn't start the conversation with Arya and Dave a) has no means of communicating with Argunath because he's an idiot and was too angry to wait for Arya to give it back and b) Wouldn't want to talk to anyone even if he could
As Arya got back to Jeboran, she sighed. "Well, Jeboran. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Quote from: Cornflower MM on September 11, 2014, 03:26:32 PM
OOC: Jukksa, the hares don't know the Abbey's being attacked yet.
OOC: Aggril yelled that the Abbey was in danger. But you're right; he didn't say what that danger was. I'll edit my last post.
The fox sighed "David and I were once great friends, polar opposites that we were, we had one thing in common, the hatred we received from others our age, I was his only friend and he was mine. When friends so close quarrel, it usually seems much worse than it is" he closed his eyes "I was a mere thirteen seasons old, what do children do when something in their life goes wrong? They run and cry to their parents which was what I did. My father took it badly, just how badly I did not know until it had happened. He told me that he had sent his soldiers over to kill David and his older brother, with whom he lived, I have it on good authority that they were tortured first. I never trusted my father again after that, nor did I trust myself to speak to anyone about anything remotely bad lest something of the same kind happen again" he shook his head "David has the perfect right to kill me, vengeance is something those of my father's dominion have always believed in, perhaps it is the only thing that can make up for a crime so heinous"
Quote from: Jetthebinturong on September 11, 2014, 10:37:42 PM
OOC: Not entirely sure what I can do here, Jeboran certainly wouldn't start the conversation with Arya and Dave a) has no means of communicating with Argunath because he's an idiot and was too angry to wait for Arya to give it back and b) Wouldn't want to talk to anyone even if he could
OOC: Okay. I'm just going to say that Dave went to his quarters without incident.
BIC: Argunath left Dave, going to his own room. He passed a paw over his war armor, covered in dents and damage from over a hundred battles. The cougar smiled grimly as he put the armor on. It would see more use by the time he left the abbey. Now he looked more dangerous than he had before, and he chuckled darkly at this. "Come meet the monster, cats."
Feldion saw the cougar across the hall, marveling at the size and agility of this beast. Once he began to leave Feldion asked: "On your way to scout out and hopefully fight the cats I presume? Well, any way if you are may I join you?"
"Abbess Rosemary has forbidden me to leave the abbey," Argunath said. "Until I get her permission to leave or something forces me to take such action, I'm going to stay on the wall to watch for the cats' attack. You're welcome to join me there."
OOC: Not sure if that's quite what you were expecting, Del. :P Sorry.
OOC: Please see the Front Lawns.
OOC: Yay! Corn's back! Now that the disturbing events are over, does anyone wish to make her feel better by helping to keep her RP alive?
OOC: If I went to all this trouble and drama for nothing, I'm going to kill y'all. Clear?
OOC: I want to keep it alive but what I'm doing currently relies on interaction with Corn
OOC: Oops. Sorry.
BIC: Arya listened, furrowing her brow. When the fox was done speaking, she said, "I see your point. I really do. But, really, you could have explained, and tried to reason with David, rather than run." Arya then added, "You really think that I would have let him hurt you? This sword isn't just for show, and neither is my bow."
Jeboran chuckled "How very naive of you. David couldn't care less whether I knew I was getting his brother killed, I did, that's what counts to him. Very little can stop an angry cat" the fox sighed "I suppose I should consider myself lucky that David respects you people as much as he does for if he didn't, I would be lying dead on the floor. David does not calm down, but he is willing to suspend his grievances against me because he respects you, and his respect is not easy to win" he turned away from her "Honestly, if it came down to my life versus his, I would rather he lived, for my soul is already damned and his is pure"
Paisley snapped out of her thoughts as the travelers drew closer, and called out to them so they'd be sure to notice the door. "Over here!"
Aggril waved in answer, and made it to the door before the others.
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Feshr tested the tip of his spear against his paw, waiting patiently for night to fully fall for the horde to attack. He had been with Grain and Grina far too long to go against that order, and he knew their decisions were smart.
Arya groaned, for she had just noted how dark it was getting. "I see. Do you think that we can continue this later? Because if those cats are smart, they'll be attacking any minute." As much as she would like to get this resolved, if the cats took the Abbey, it would never get resolved. Little did she know how truly she spoke, for Grain was just then considering to start the attack.
Paisley nodded at the otter and briefly introduced herself. "I'm Paisley." She went on quickly, "You say Redwall's bally well in danger?"
Bryony came up just then, and said, "Hello. I'm Bryony. Yes, Redwall's in danger from a horde of cats."
"I know it sounds ridiculous," Aggril said. "But you have to believe us. We don't know how many are in the cat horde, or when they're going to attack!" He looked up at the darkening sky. "May we come in, mate?"
"Wildcats?" Paisley muttered to herself as Aggril explained. Then - "Of course," she said briskly as she and another hare pushed the door open wider. "I'll take you chaps and chapess up to see Lord Grang." She turned and led them inside.
It was finally dark enough. Grain smiled, and nodded at Grinda. The attach was on! The orders were to storm the gate, and try to hack them to pieces. Well, that was the job of those who had axes, swords, or daggers. The others were to keep the Redwallers heads down with bows and slings. All this was to be done as quietly as possible.
"Do expect those cats will be attacking soon?" He spat the word cats out as if it was poison, he was speaking to Argunath, and holding his spear in his left paw.
"No doubt as soon as it's dark enough. We'd better get to the walls," Argunath said, striding out the door onto the lawns.
Feldion hurried after him. If the cats were going to attack then he would be in the thick of it.
Feshr led a large portion of the horde toward the gates, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes as he foresaw victory. "Let's get moving," the serval hissed to the other cats. "The Ladies Grinda and Grain command it!" They crept quietly as only cats can toward the gate, then, they began.
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Argunath heard the start of the attack, and his teeth showed as he drew back his lips. "Come on, squirrel. You wanted a fight? Well, we've got one."
OOC: If you were talking to Feldion, he's a squirrel.
OOC: Crud; sorry. Thanks for that.
OOC: No problem.
BIC: Feldion saw the cats approaching the gate, and answered Argunath with a low growl. "I'll go and sound the alarm!" With that he bounded off to the bell tower.
Arya saw the squirrel going for the bell tower and cursed. "Take care of yourself, fox. They need me up there." With that, she was away with a leap and a bound, running flat out for the wall tops. She somehow found herself by Argunath. She nodded in recognition, and necked an arrow on her bow. "Now, we wait." She didn't have to wait long - The cats knew it would do no good to parley, and the archers were loosening their first arrows in about two minutes. Ducking one, the .squirrel fired her arrow into the cats that were already at the main gate, and started shouting orders. "Get some wood behind the main gate - They're trying to cut their way in. Archers, fire at will! Somebody better get that bell ringing!" She called.
Feldion burst into the bell tower and pulled as hard as he could. Once he had raised the alarm he shot off to the walls again, intent on having a few cat skins in the near future.
Arya sighed in relief as the bell 's music rang out into the night. Abbess Rosemary had been sitting on her bed, and sighed as she grabbed the s long she had been using. "Well, let's go see if I can't kick some kitty tail." She muttered.
Feldion rushed back up to the wall and said: "What did I miss?"
"Nothin' much. Just the start of the attack," Kaylan said, joking a little to hide her nervousness. She ducked slightly so she wouldn't be an easy target and loosed an arrow into the wildcats in the same movement. From somewhere below came an anguished scream.
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Paisley led the travelers through the twisting corridors up to Lord Grang's chamber and knocked. "It's Lieutenant Thwibscutt, m'lord!" she called. "Two otters and a squirrel here! It's urgent - they say Redwall is under threat of attack by some bloomin' wildcats!"
OOC: Gonna assume they followed her. :P
Feldion glanced out at the band of Cats. "They don't seem to be attacking many points, what if I was to lead a small group into the woods and attack them from the rear?"
Argunath didn't even flinch as a slingstone bounced off his armor when he stood to look down. He ducked as well as he could behind the battlements. "'Nothing much'? They're trying to hack the gates to pieces, otter." He called to the creatures below on the lawns. "Get some rubble and rocks up here if you want to help! Those unable to help with defending the walls get back into the abbey!" The cougar turned to Feldion. "It won't be easy; those cats are bigger than your average 'vermin'."
Kaylan bit her lip at Argunath's comment, feeling a little embarrassed, but she brushed it off and nocked another arrow to her bowstring.
Quote from: The Skarzs on September 21, 2014, 01:35:34 AM
Argunath didn't even flinch as a slingstone bounced off his armor when he stood to look down. He ducked as well as he could behind the battlements. "'Nothing much'? They're trying to hack the gates to pieces, otter." He called to the creatures below on the lawns. "Get some rubble and rocks up here if you want to help! Those unable to help with defending the walls get back into the abbey!" The cougar turned to Feldion. "It won't be easy; those cats are bigger than your average 'vermin'."
"Yes, you're quite right. But what if you were to come with us? The cats might be fooled into thinking that you were one of them." Then he bounded off to get anything that could be rained down on the heads of the vermin.
Arya growled. As Feldion bounded by her, she said, "I'm the commander here. You really should run your plans by me," She sad it softly, drawing another arrow back on her bow. Popping up, she sent it down it the vermin attacking the gate, and ducked own, feeling the wind of a slingstone above her head.
Argunath growled. "This is ridiculous; we're nearly completely pinned down. From the sound of it. . ." He listened to solid thumps on the gate. ". . . It might be a while, but they will end up getting through."
"Depressing, isn't it?" Arya said, popping up again and loosing another arrow, rewarded by a scream. "Well, nothing we can do, really, except try to pick off the ones that are, ah, knocking on the gates."
Argunath watched as some moles began bringing up piles of rubble, and he went to help. "Start piling them up between the ramparts above the gate; we'll push them off on top of them!"
Arya smiled, glad Argunath was taking charge of the moles, before doing her standard jump-up-shoot-arrow-duck-down-repeat
Feldion returned bearing a wheelbarrow full of boulders and other projectiles, and started heaving it up the wall steps, then dropped them over the wall. "Well, what do you think? Is that a sound plan?"
Argunath piled more rocks on the walls, both getting ready to shove them over as well as providing more cover for the defenders. "Ask Arya," he said, pointing over at the squirrel. "She has the authority as Abbey Warrior."
"Oh, thank you I wasn't aware of that." said Feldion, now turning to Arya; "Well, what do you think of it?" Proceeding to dump rocks in front of the gate.
"Think of what?" Arya asked, having just ducked down as was nocking an arrow to her bow. "That plan of yours?" She wanted to know, popping up and releasing her arrow, then bobbing back down. "If that's it, then I don't think so. If you failed - And it's quite likely, since if they're smart they'll have reserves - That would leave the Abbey even shorter of defenders." She finished reloading her bow, this time with two arrows, bobbed up, shot, and ducked down again. "If you'd care to share any of your points on the subject, I'm all ears." She said, jumping up with two arrows again, and leaning slightly to one side, ducking a slingstone. "Oh, and get under cover. Unless, of course, you want to be hit." She said, smirking a little.
Argunath hefted a small boulder in one paw, rising and throwing it forcefully into the mass below, where it hit with a satisfying crunch. He was frustrated that he couldn't do much, stuck on the inside of the walls where he was unable to fight except from a distance. Suddenly, he got another idea. "Arya, how much vegetable oil or resin does this place have?"
Arya ducked down again, and smiled, catching onto the cougar's idea. "Lots. The Kitchens will have tons of used vegetable oil - It will be perfect." She said, grinning and she nocked an arrow, shot it, then ducked back down.
"Good," said Argunath in a pleased growl. "Be vigilant! I'll be back." He jumped down from the wall, then tore off toward the abbey building.
"Well, what if I was to take a bow, and draw their fire?" said Feldion to Arya.
OOC: Soo... who wants to play Lord Grang? 'Cause Paisley and co. are currently waiting for him to respond. Corny?
BIC:
Kaylan was firing arrows into the horde for all she was worth, ducking back down in the nick of time as an arrow or slingstone sailed overhead. Though preoccupied, she caught most of what Argunath said to Arya, and grinned slightly as she realized what they were going to do.
OOC: I could be Brang if that's alright with everyone.
OOC: Nah, I'll PP him. It's only for this littl;e bit. Um, has Paisley arleady knocked on the door. . . . ?Sorry. Had a lot on my mind.
BIC: Arya grinned and nodded at Argunath, as she was reloading her bow, and as she bounced up and shot it she asked, "Explain." Right before she ducked back down, she saw a slingstone heading for Feldion, and grabbed a fallen otter's wooden shield and swung it in the stone's path. "Get your head down, idiot!" She shrieked at him, ducking down again and casting the shield away.
OOC: Yeah, she's already knocked. And called out.
OOC: Thank you, Jukka!
BIC: Lord Grang called, "Come in!" He had just finished pouring himself a beaker of elderberry cordial (He always kept a pitcher in his room), but set it aside.
Paisley entered ahead of the others, and repeated what she'd just called through the door: "These three say Redwall is in danger! A horde of wildcats are attacking, wot!"
Grang blinked. "What?!" He roared, then fell silent, wanting details.
OOC: Enter Skarzs!
Aggril stepped around Paisley. "Lord Grang." He bowed. "I don't know how much time we have, because we left Redwall three days ago."
OOC: I may be wrong, but didn't they leave just yesterday?
OOC: Ooops. . .
BIC: Argunath lifted an entire barrel of oil over his shoulder, beckoning for a mouse to follow him to the wall tops with some ladles. "Someone get a lit torch!" he cried, hurrying out of the kitchens.
Feldion had seen the stone, but wanted to drop one more stone. Hearing Arya scream he ducked, then since he felt like he wasn't necessary he ran to get a torch.
OOC: Um, there's no way he could have heard Argunath, because he was inside the abbey. :P
OOC: No, I was on the wall top. I think.
OOC: Let me clarify: Argunath was still in the building, while Feldion was outside.
OOC: Scratches head* I'm confuzzled. And, technically speaking, Del, Arya screamed WORDS at Feldion.
EDIT: Oh! I'm an idiot.
Argunath opened the large main door, the mouse with the ladles and a hedgehog with a lit torch scurrying out behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Feshr listened to the thunking noises the cats' tools were making as they hit the gates. "Keep going, we'll get through! Those who haven't taken a turn, move to the front!"
OOC: ... Willow is at Salamandastron, and it sounds like the Abbey's under attack.
WHAT DID I MISS?
OOC: Ummm. . . . . Everything?
OOC: Yeah. . . pretty much.
BIC: Argunath sprang up the stairs, a reddish light glowing dimly in the back of his eyes; he was desperately trying not to go berserk and jump down off the wall to tear the cats apart.
OOC: Could someone please take over Lord Grang?
BIC: Arya continued her routine for a while after Feldion ran off, then looked up and smiled while reloading her bow. There was Argunath, pounding up the stairs. Going over, keeping her head down, she called, "Good plan, Argunath! But, please, be careful." Smiling encouragingly, she went back to her post.
OOC: I can... If that's alright.
OOC: Del, I'd prefer you not. I'm sorry, it's nothing against you personally. Just your lack of RPing experience. Two characters can be hard, you know.
Argunath chuckled darkly. "Careful isn't going to happen, Arya," he growled softly. He started rolling the barrel so as to keep under cover on his paws and knees. "Stay down!" he roared at the creatures behind him, watching as several arrows barely missed the mouse and hedgehog.
OOC: Wasn't sure if you knew, but that meant, 'Pleas try to keep control of the Bloodwrath. And please don't get killed by foolishness.'
BIC: Arya resumed her routine again, shooting two arrows instead of just one every other shot. But she was soon running out of arrows. . . . Even though almost all her shots had found a target in a vermin by chance and luck, there wasn't much of a difference.
OOC: I don't think I should be the one to take Grang, 'cause I've never played a badger, and I'm not sure I wanna be in charge of the entire Long Patrol. :P
BIC:
Kaylan ducked down below the battlements to take a breather from her constant shooting. Her heart was pounding like crazy, but she thought she'd done pretty well so far. Glancing to the side, she saw Argunath rolling a barrel up the stairs, and got up cautiously, planning to go and help Arya and Argunath with their plan.
OOC: I know. He'll be occupied.
BIC: Argunath reached the area above the cats, and set the barrel upright. After a moment of trying to carefully pop the cork-like lid off, the cougar resorted to tearing it out with his claws, and instructed the mouse to hand out ladles. "Douse them good, defenders; you, hedgehog, keep that torch away from the oil and keep it lit."
Kaylan hurried over in a crouched position and asked, "Any way I can help?"
"Yes." Argunath held out a ladle. "Give them a bath." The cougar started dousing the cats below with oil, along with several other creatures on the wall top. "Get down as soon as your done! We don't want anyone getting hi-" As soon as he said this, the mouse stumbled back as an arrow buried itself half its length into his chest, and he stumbled back, falling off the battlements.
Kaylan took the proffered ladle and started dumping oil down on the attackers below, making sure to keep her head below the battlements. As she turned to get another ladleful, the mouse who was helping was hit by an arrow and fell off the walltop. The ottermaid dropped her ladle and very nearly screamed in shock. She had never witnessed anything like it.
Within a few seconds she was racing down the stairs to see if she could help the mouse, but just as she reached him he breathed his last. As there was nothing she could do, Kaylan headed back up to the walltop, feeling rather numb. She crawled over to the oil barrel and began dumping ladlefuls again, trying to get her mind off of what had just happened. She'd never witnessed anybeast die before.
OOC: Yep, completely understand! :)
The red spark lit in Argunath's eyes when he saw the mouse fall, pierced with the arrow. Kaylan was down there before he, but it didn't matter now. He gripped the stone wall, trying to calm down, but it wasn't working. Only one thing to do now. . . Argunath stood up, lifting the barrel of oil. He began splashing it over the attackers below, despite the arrows shattering painfully on his armor and sling stones hitting him. Soon it was all gone, and he took the lit torch from the hedgehog's petrified paws.
The cats below weren't pleased with being bathed with oil, but they didn't realize the danger they were in. Argunath held the torch out above them, saying a single word before he dropped it. "Burn."
Fedlion had left via the side gate. Intent on getting revenge on the cats.
OOC: Yeah, but maybe the fight could wait until we're further into the RP, and until Feldion has developed a little more as a character. ;)
OOC: It seemed as if it was almost over...
OOC: You kidding? I can see this going for a while longer.
BIC: Feshr watched as Argunath dropped the torch, setting flame the oil-covered fur of many of the cats. Those who were aflame eventually spread the fire to the others, causing pain and death throughout. Feshr ordered them to roll the fire out of their fur, trying to get those unharmed to safety. He looked to the wall and saw Argunath watch the cats burn, their screams not bothering him in the least.
OOC: Whoa, HOLD IT! Um, Del, didn't Arya say 'No' to that plan? And, yes, the fight will be going a little longer.
There was a knock on the door. Dave rolled out of bed, made his way over and opened it to reveal Jeboran What the hell are you doing here? he signed irritably
"I came to talk"
Well you can- wait, you can understand me?
"Obviously"
But what was the point in ************ the Redwallers that you couldn't? What do you gain from that?
The fox smiled "Saving face. Isn't that a big thing where your family comes from Debiddo Sutoraida?"
David stared at him Just how many languages do you speak?
"Seven, counting sign language"
I don't know why I'm surprised, you always did go the extra mile. Come in if you must
"Thank you" The fox entered the room and Dave flopped down on the bed
You said you came here to talk, so talk
"I want to apologize for-"
Nope, wrong answer, please try again later
"Don't be such a child!" Jeboran snapped
In case you hadn't noticed Jeb, we're children
"Teenagers"
Dave waved his hand in dismissal Same difference
"Dave, I swear I didn't know that would happen!"
The cat hissed And that's supposed to make it better? "Sorry I got your brother killed, it was an accident"?
"I killed my father"
The ******* had it coming, still doesn't make what you did any better
"How doesn't it?"
MY BROTHER IS STILL DEAD! OH YOU TOOK VENGEANCE UPON HIM! WHO CARES, HE'S GONE AND HE ISN'T COMING BACK! He jumped up and drew his katana You owe me a fight. Don't worry, I won't kill you
Jeboran drew his sabre and stared at it "I don't want to fight" he said quietly
Too bad, because I do
Jeboran sighed "Aishiteru Debiddo Sutoraida"
Zan'nen, watashi wa anata o nikumunode
"Watashi ga suisoku noda"
For the record, if you'd told me that three seasons ago, you would have got an entirely different answer
Jeboran smiled sadly "C'est la vie"
True enough He swung his sword blade down
OOC: Interesting; are they going to realize what's going on at the gate?
OOC: Eventually they'll see it from a window
OOC: *Sighs* Okay. . . . .
Quote from: Cornflower MM on September 26, 2014, 03:29:43 PM
OOC: Whoa, HOLD IT! Um, Del, didn't Arya say 'No' to that plan? And, yes, the fight will be going a little longer.
OOC: Yes, Feldion's going alone. Against Arya's wishes.
OOC: Someone really needs to play Grang...
BIC:
Kaylan watched as Argunath dropped the lit torch down on the cats. As the flames spread, she bit her lip, feeling slightly sick at the sight. Then the image of the dead mouse flashed up in her mind again, and she clenched her fists. Those cats were getting what they deserved.
OOC: I asked for someone to play him a page back!
OOC: I know, but it seems no one wants the responsibility. :P
OOC: What about you? I think you're experienced enough to play three characters for a few days.
OOC: You mean you want me to play him temporarily? Even so, I've never played a badger before, and I'll be in charge of the entire Long Patrol. That's a lot of responsibility. :P ::)
OOC: Why not? I think you're experienced enough. Badger's aren't that much harder than hares, and the entire Long Patrol is you, me, and roughly 998 other PPede hares.
OOC: *Sigh* Fine.... Um, I'm gonna keep Grang at Salamandastron and let Major Colon lead about five hundred hares (they wouldn't send every single one, 'cause they have Salamandastron to protect). That okay? I mean, it's not completely necessary for the Badger Lord to come along too; that's what the majors and such are for. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to the wildcats to have a bloodwrathy badger attack them. They've already got Argunath. ::) ;)
BIC:
Lord Grang answered Aggril without hesitation. "Then there's no question about it. Reinforcements must be sent right away." He turned to Paisley. "Lieutenant, fetch Major Colon here. I must inform him of how matters stand. Once you've done that, spread the news and inform everybeast that five hundred must be ready to march within an hour."
Paisley nodded. "Yes, sah!" She turned and left.
Major Colon was in the mess again, getting a 'snack' (If you call two apple puddings, a big bowl of salad, and ten scones a snack with a big tankard of mountain ale to wash it down) and holding an animated chunnering session. "Fancy two otters and a squirrel trying to get in the front door at the back of the jolly old mountain, wot!" He paused to demolish a pudding, then continued: "I wouldn't bluink if it were just the squirrel - Rather flighty, insensible creatures, wot! - But two sensible creatures like otters? Bally shame, wot wot!"
Argunath crouched on the wall, clenching and unclenching his paws. All he saw was the sandstone blocks under him, but only with a far redder tint. He felt the need to attack, thankfully he could not see anybeast. Instead, he forced himself to pound the stone, trying to release himself from his berserk rage.
Paisley made her way through the halls, asking around for the major and spreading the word about the situation at Redwall and the fact that five hundred hares were needed. Finally, she found Colon in the mess hall. "Major!" she said, rushing over, "Lord Grang wants to see you! It's bally urgent!"
-----------------------------
Grang turned to the three travelers. "You've traveled far. Will you be going back to Redwall with the Long Patrol, or leaving later, after you've rested?"
-----------------------------
Kaylan could tell Argunath was in the beginnings of his rage again. Not knowing what she could do, she simply stayed where she was, crouching on the walltop.
Feldion knew that it was foolhardy to try and assault the Cats single-handed, but he knew that he only had use if he was in the field with the Cats. Stealthily he bounded up an oak, and bounded over the cats heads, and there he waited for an opportunity; an opportunity, to get his revenge.
OOC: *Facepalm* Just remembered something. Corny, how much daylight's left at Salamandastron? 'Cause I didn't consider the fact that it's evening, and the hares are supposed to leave pretty soon.... Just hope I didn't do anything completely stupid. :P
OOC: Uh, lemme think. . . . .. . . Um, we;'ll say the Abbey and Salamandastron are in metaphorical different time zones, and Salamandastron is. . . . . How about two hours behind Abbey time? That work?
BIC: Colon shoved a scone into his mouthm nodding his head in acknowledgement as he stood up, brushing his tunic off.
Aggril stifled a yawn, shaking himself. "I think we should leave as soon as possible; who knows what might happen."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Argunath jumped down from the wall, his rational side telling him to stay away from anyone who might get hurt from him, but his berserk side forcing him to do something. So he began running, just running, to try and calm himself.
Arya saw Argunath jump, and buit her lip, but kept firirng steadily, having gotten new arrows.
-------------------------------------------
Bryony nodded, agreeing with Aggril.
OOC: Yup, that's fine. Just what I was thinking, in fact.
BIC:
Lord Grang nodded. "Very well. I won't keep you any longer; you probably want something to eat before your journey, anyway." He smiled. Teenage beasts were usually hungry. He walked over and opened the door for them, meanwhile adding, "If you do, the mess hall is three doors down, to the right, and then the left. I'm sure the cook will be there."
----------------------
Kaylan had resumed firing arrows into the horde, but she was nearly out of them.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Argunath run down the wallstairs. Yep. It's his rage again. She whirled around, hoping he wouldn't hurt anybeast. But as she peered at the darkened Abbey grounds, she could see he was merely running, away from everybeast else.
---------------------
"You'd better hurry, wot," Paisley reiterated. "Redwall's under attack!"
Swallowing, the Major blinked. "Whaat? Oh, good heavens!" With that, he bounded off hurriedly.
----------------------------------------------
"Thanks you, sir!" Bryony said, grinning. She walked out, then waited for the otters.
Argunath could start to see ore clearly now, and stopped running, dropping to a crouch. "Get up," he gritted to himself. He obeyed. "Walk; slowly." The cougar began taking deliberate steps, then strides. There, he thought as his thoughts and vision cleared. Now I'm calm, I need to get back up to the wall.
OOC: Just wondered: Are a few of the wildcats gonna try and get in through one of the wallgates while everybeast's occupied at the main entrance? 'Cause neither side seems to be getting anywhere at the moment, and maybe it would spice things up if they tried the wallgates.
BIC:
Paisley watched him go, then turned and headed downstairs to the large chamber by the main entrance where she'd told the hares to gather once they were ready. She could anticipate there being far more hares volunteering than Grang had said to send, so she figured she'd eventually have to do some pruning.
-----------------------
Kaylan had her last arrow on the bowstring. As she pulled it back, an arrow flew towards her, zipping across the top of her head. Surprised and frightened, she accidentally released her arrow and it flew off into the darkening night, missing the wildcats by a mile. It was then that she felt something warm running down the side of her face. She touched her head gingerly... and was horrified by what she found.
Her right ear was gone. Nothing like this had ever happened to her, and Kaylan's paws began to shake from pure shock. Sitting down with her back against the wall, she swallowed hard and tried to get herself under control. You're acting like a wimp! she told herself fiercely. Stop it! Now!
After a moment, she forced herself to take a deep breath. Losing an ear was bad, but if that arrow had been a little lower, she would have been dead. By now the pain had begun to register, and she gritted her teeth as she tore a strip from the hem of her tunic. She tied it around her head, over the place where her ear had been and under her chin. The ottermaid knew she looked ridiculous, but it would have to do until the battle was over and she could get to the infirmary.
Arya saw what happened, and hurried over, running with her back bent. "Kaylan! Do you have any arrows left?" She demanded, quite anxiously.
Kaylan shook her head. "No," she said, her voice still shaky.
"Okay, good. I want you to go to the Infirmary now. If whoever's there says you can come back to the battle afterwards, you may do so. But for now, get the Infirmary. Understand?" Arya said firmly, glancing at the makeshift bandage and not liking what she saw.
Kaylan nodded. "O-okay." She picked up her bow and headed over to the wallstairs, making extra sure to keep below the battlements.
Arya sighed in relief then went back to her post, nocked two arrows, popped up, and shot them.
Kaylan made her way over to the Abbey, feeling drained. This had been the most stressful day of her life, both mentally and physically.
She entered Great Hall and made her way upstairs to the infirmary. When she opened the door, she saw several others already there with varying injuries. Several Brothers and Sisters were tending to them, but as soon as she entered, one of the Sisters hurried over and indicated a chair. Kaylan sat down gratefully, and the mouse quickly washed and bandaged her wound. When she was done, the ottermaid stood up and asked, "Do you think I'm well enough to head back out there?" She was tired, but felt it was her duty to stick with her friends.
The mouse pursed her lips. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel great!" Kaylan answered perkily, even though she felt exactly the opposite.
The mouse was about to raise an objection when two more injured beasts entered. "Alright," she said briskly as she hurried over to help them.
Kaylan slipped out the door.
Arya was kept supplied with arrows, arrows they had spent hours making. And she kept shooting them.
---------------------------------------------------
Major Colon hurried up the stairs to Lord Grang's room, chewing on his bottom lip.
Feshr looked at the miserable cats who were in great pain from the oil fires; the frontal attack wasn't working. He found Grina and Grain and saluted. "My ladies, may I take a group of cats to one of the other sides to try to gain entrance there?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Argunath watched Kaylan rush down off the wall into the abbey building, a bit of cloth wrapped around her head. First real wound she's ever gotten, he thought. The cougar speculated as to what might have happened to her that night if he hadn't calmed down. . . No, this was not the time. Argunath remembered his own sling, which had stayed tied around his belt for a long time, and he grabbed for it; now he could fight.
Feldion wasn't sure what to do next, in fact he was quite sure that he should not be doing this, but the thirst for revenge was too great. He began bounding towards the Cats, quickly stabbed a cat on the outskirts of the main group and scurried up a tree.
OOC: I know Bryony's left the room, but what about the others? :P
BIC:
Kaylan walked across the lawns wearily, gripping her bow in her right paw. Her head wound still hurt, but fortunately the pain had begun to die down. She was still trying to process the fact that she had lost an ear and would be without it for the rest of her life. It was hard to believe.
------------------------
The lieutenant reached the chamber and surveyed the gathering. Several hares who had gotten ready in record time were already there. Paisley decided that she'd better get ready as well, and she left for the barracks.
OOC: Yeah. Skar?
OOC: Sorry.
BIC: Aggril went to get a bite of food, determined to leave as soon as possible, passing Paisley in the halls.
OOC: Someone go poke Jet.
OOC: Will do.
BIC: Grain thought for a moment. "Oh, might as well. Try to stay unseen, would you?" She said, sounding utterly bored.
Grang heard pawsteps outside his door and opened it. "Ah, there you are, Major. I need to have a word with you."
"Lieutenant Paisley said that the Abbey was being attacked, sir?" The Major confirmed, titlting his head head slightly.
Feldion jumped down from the tree and stabbed another cat, he knew that he couldn't keep this up for long without being discovered but he was determined to cause as many casualties as possible.
Feshr took a group of cats away from the horde, going around to the south gate. "Come on; let's get moving!" he hissed to the other cats.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Argunath was on the wallop again, doing as much damage as he could with his sling. It wasn't as satisfying to him to kill from a distance, but it was keeping him occupied.
Kaylan was up on the walltop once again. One of the ottercrew had given her some more arrows, so she was firing them into the horde one after another. It became a mindless drill: fire, grab another arrow, nock, pull back, fire, repeat.
-----------------
"Yes," Grang said, stepping back into his chamber. "Three young Redwallers arrived here not half an hour ago with the news. Wildcats are attacking the Abbey." He paused, then continued, "I am sending five hundred hares to aid the Redwall defenders, and you will be leading them. You must be ready to leave within an hour."
"Yes, sah!" Major Colon said crisply, with a salute, then he waited to be dismissed.
Feshr and his cats continued to hack at the door, especially on the edges so as to get to the hinges or latch.
Grang nodded in acknowledgement, then said, "You're dismissed."
------------------
Paisley was in the barracks getting her weapons and a few other things together, like dozens of other hares were doing.
Aggril had found the kitchens, and was given a plate full of food he couldn't hope to finish. The young otter scarfed down what he could and went to find out when they were leaving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Argunath watched a mole get hit in the shoulder with an arrow, and nearly fall off the edge. The cougar caught the mole, jumping down and hurrying to the abbey with the creature in his paws. "I'll get you to the infirmary," he said. "Don't worry."
Kaylan was still firing arrows for all she was worth. If she had known some of the cats were hacking at the south wallgate, which nobeast was paying attention to, she would have been appalled. But she didn't know, and so she kept firing, telling herself that the battle would surely end once the wildcats realized they weren't getting anywhere.
Argunath sprinted through the abbey to the infirmary, trying not to jostle the mole too much as he ran. The cougar took the steps three at a time.
Bryony was eating quickly, hoping that he, along with the hares, would set off son.
------------------------------------
Major Colon quickly walked out of the room, shut Lord Grang's door, then shot off like an arrow form a bow, heading for his barracks.
OOC: @Skar: On the way back from the Infirmary, can Argunath notice the wallgate problem? Thanks.
OOC: . . . That as well as opening Dave and whatshisname to the problems on the wall.
BIC: Now Argunath was at the infirmary, and he opened the door. One of the keepers screamed as she saw a huge, armored cat break into the room; she passed out like a light. Argunath growled to the conscious sisters and brothers tending the wounded. "This one's been shot in the shoulder." He set the mold down, going back down the stairs.
Jeboran growled "How on earth are managing to still sign to me while fighting?"
David feinted to the left before directing his true strike to the right W-i-t-h g-r-e-a-t s-k-i-l-l
Jeboran anticipated the move, slightly frustated, it was excruciatingly annoying to watch single letter signs when you were fluent. The fox slashed diagonally upwards but the cat leaped backward, dodging his opponent's sword
Argunath passed by the room Dave was occupying, and he stopped suddenly at the sound of a scuffle inside the room. He growled, opening the door, drawing his own sword. He saw Jeboran and Dave fighting, and he roared. "Enough!"
The two stopped abruptly, the fox turned toward the cougar "Now what did you have to go on breaking up a friendly duel for?"
I wouldn't say friendly
Jeboran sighed "Non-lethal then"
That works
"He said I owed him a fight and promised not to kill me"
To be fair, there's no way you could know whether I was telling the truth or not
"True, perhaps I still have a trust in you that is now misplaced due to the current circumstances"
Dave flashed a grin Lingering feelings perhaps?
"Jibun de ***** iku"
Dave smirked Well that struck a chord
"And you expected a different reaction?"
No, I was purposefully winding you up
"Anata ga ki hitoriyogari **** anata ga sa rete imasen ne?"
Rude
"This 'non-lethal duel' is going to wait," Argunath snapped. "If you didn't notice, there is a horde of cats attacking the walls at this moment, and if you do not want to be killed, I suggest you move your hides to help." Argunath's eyes started turning red, but he turned and hurried back down the stairs, leaving the two to make a decision.
Paisley grabbed her dirk and sling, plus the pack of supplies that most of the Long Patrol carried on the march. She slung the pack over her shoulder by one strap, then stuck her sheathed dirk in her belt and wrapped her sling around it. After double-checking that she hadn't forgotten anything, the hare left the barracks, pushing past other hares who were also getting their things.
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After shooting steadily for several minutes, Kaylan found that she'd run out of arrows again. The ottermaid let her bow drop, and she sat down with her back against the wall. She wasn't actually sure how she could be of any help now, because she hated to ask anybeast for more arrows.
OOC: Guys?
OOC: Tournament drag, all the normal RP's slow to a crawl while the tourny's going strong. It's notorious for smashing new RP's, and weakening the strong ones. It'll pass, but things'll be slow for awhile.
Feldion was still maintaining his procedure of scrabbling down the trees and stabbing a cat or two then scrabbling back up and hiding himself. Soon after he had climbed back up he saw a cat leaving with a smaller band of cats around the main gate and around to another less frequented gate. He bounded across several trees to investigate, he saw that the cats were hacking at the small gate trying to gain entrance to the abbey. He knew that he had to alert the abbey dwellers, but how? The cats were in his direct path and there were no trees near enough to the wall to allow him to bound onto the wall tops. The only option would be for him to go around the abbey and try to find a tree for him to accomplish the jump onto the wall, he was sure that almost no abbey beast besides the warriors would be out, and they would be on the other side of the building. He had to find a large tree and fast.
OOC: Right, let's get this gang together again, shall we?
OOC! YES! and Del, please leave Feldion WHERE HE IS! The wallgate taking care of is Jet and Skar's job. You already ruined my master plan.
OOC: Sorry! :-\
OOC: No problem, just get your little tail back inside the Abbey please, maybe we can still salvage my plan. Jet, Skar, POST!
OOC: I was waiting for Jet to react to what Argunath had last said, but he seems to need a good poke in the ribs.
For the sake of continuation, I will post.
BIC: Argunath strode across the lawns, wishing he could do something else other than toss rocks. Suddenly, as he passed the north wall gate, he heard the thudding sounds of Feshr's cats at the door. Going closer, he put his paw on the wooden timbers and felt the vibrations; they were getting near to breaking through around the edges.
Quote from: Delthion on December 16, 2014, 04:34:11 AM
OOC: Sorry! :-\
OOC: Don't worry, it's not your fault. Corny never told you about her plan. ::) :P
BIC:
Through the semi-moonlit darkness, Kaylan suddenly noticed Argunath by the north wallgate. She straightened up a little, wondering what was going on.
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Paisley headed down to the chamber by the main doors with the other hares. Once she reached the gathering place, she walked to the front of the room, eyed the crowd, and then announced, "All those under seventeen seasons of age must leave. I'm sorry, but only experienced fighters may go."
Several dozen young hares walked out dejectedly. The Lieutenant watched them go, then turned to face the crowd again. She mentally estimated their number to be roughly five hundred. "Right, we will leave shortly, wot. Major Colon?" she finished, stepping aside to give her superior the floor in case he wished to say something.
Feldion bounded over treetops and finally landed on the Abbey's bulwarks, he saw Argunath listening to the cats hacking at the door, "Good," Feldion thought, "Someone noticed." He rushed to the cougar's side and said; "Anything I can do to help?"
Come on then fox Dave signed we're in danger, better do something about that he strode across the room, Jeboran trailed reluctantly behind him
"We'll be in worse danger if we go headlong into the fight!"
But fighting is fun
"To you"
Let's put it this way, you help me fight, you wipe your slate clean, your debt is cleared
Jeboran coughed nervously "All of it?"
Yes
"Alright then"
When they exited the abbey, they saw Argunath standing by a wallgate, they made their way over What's going on? asked Dave, Jeboran translated
"Enemies," Argunath said simply. "They are hacking away at the other side of the gate." The cougar looked to the other wall, where Kaylan and the other defenders were busy doing what they could against the cats. "We cannot take the others from the wall; we take care of this ourselves."
He pointed at Feldion. "Use your arrows from the wall top; do as much damage as you can from up there."
Argunath turned to Dave and Jeboran. "You two are with me." He placed his paw on the lock. "On my mark, Feldion: start shooting." The cougar's eyes grew red as he saw the coming fight in his mind. "Now!" He unlatched the lock and slashed his sword down upon the first two cats to fall in.
Feldion dashed up to the walls on Argunath's order. He heard the signal and began firing as fast as his paws could move, he heard a scream and a cat go down, he fired a second time and again the arrow found its mark, but the recipient made no sound as he fell to the ground lifeless. He kept firing while he saw Argunath attack the front line of the cats.
OOC: Hey everyone sorry for not being here, been busy with rl. Hope to be able to continue in the rp by posting IC now if possible.
IC: Lagg noticed some other Abbey dwellers around a wall gate fighting what seemed to vermin right outside. The otter quickly ran to the Bell Tower, ringing the twin bells that hung above, alerting the other Abbey dwellers of the intruders. After warning everyone Lagg ran back to the few already trying to hold off the vermin. "I warned everyone." explained Lagg, as he drew his sword and started defending the Redwall from intrusion.
OOC: Good to see ya back, Lagg!
BIC:
Kaylan suddenly heard the bells being rung and saw a figure dashing across the lawns towards the wallgate where Argunath and two others now were. She got to her footpaws, and, at a crouching sort of run, hurried over to the wallstairs.
OOC: It's the sort of thing she'd do, so I can't just make her ignore what's going on over at the gate. Hope that's okay, Corny.
Feldion saw the otter run to the wallsteps and shouted; "Here bring your bow, I'll go down and see what use I can be down there!" He continued firing volley after volley at the group of cats whose numbers were now thinning.
Argunath's eyes were red with rage, and he saw only the battle in front of him. The cougar lifted a cat off its feet with a powerful blow to the jaw, and it landed several feet away with its head on the wrong way. He slew two more with brutal slashes with his sword before the few cats that were left began running away.
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Feshr cursed at the disaster of his task, and tried desperately to get the last of his cats away from the armored berserk cougar that was tearing them up. "He's a devil, a monster!" he hissed. "Fall back! Retreat!" he yelled reluctantly. They had weakened the gate substantially, and setting fire to it or using a battering ram would break it down soon. But now that weakness was known, and it wouldn't be as easy to exploit it.
"I'm out of arrows!" Kaylan yelled at the squirrel. But she followed his order and, instead of going down the stairs, hurried over to his side.
OOC: Corny, could you please post as Major Colon?
Hearing the otters response Feldion replied; "Well, it looks as if we won't be needing them anyway, they're in retreat. We should probably get back to the main gate." With that he rose and ran over to the main gate, knowing that since the wall gate assault and distracting with the main force had been unsuccessful they would most likely reverse their strategy and use the assault on the wall gate as the diversion.
Kaylan turned and followed the squirrel back to the other walltop. She knelt by the battlements, sighed under her breath, then asked the unknown squirrel, "May I borrow a few arrows?"
Lagg sighed alittle, glad that the few of them were able to keep the vermin from getting in through the side entrance. He quickly went back towards the Abbey grounds to make sure no goodbeasts that shouldn't be outside like dibbuns or elderly are safely inside. Thankfully none of his worries were true and he joined back up at the main gate, heading onto the battlements, crouching below the wall. "...Does anyone have a idea of how many of them are out there?" asked the otter.
OOC @Lagg: It's currently night, so I don't think any Dibbuns or elderly are outside. :P
BIC:
Just as she finished asking the squirrel for more arrows, an otter Kaylan recognized as Lagg came hurrying up to the wall and asked how many wildcats there were. "Arya said there's about five hundred," she answered.
OOC: oh well, who knows people could have been out star gazing or something? eh, oh well :P
IC: The otter nodded and peaked over the side of the wall to see if he could get a glance at the wildcats. "Have they tried to make contact yet?" asked Lagg, who particularly didn't want to chat with vermin that to intrude his home. He dipped back down to make sure the wildcats didn't notice him, and waited for a response from Kaylan.
OOC: PLEASE, can we talk in the OOC: topic?!
OOC: Coooorrrrrnnnn. . .
OOC: There will be a time-skip soon. Jukka, I'll be messaging you about that if I haven't by the time you read this.
BIC: Argunath felt like going out after the retreating cats and ripping them apart; it was all he could do to not run off in a berserk rage. He forced himself to close the battered gate, and dropped his sword while he slid to his knees. Thankfully his rage subsided more quickly than usual, and he got back on his feet and padded across the lawns, instructing some moles to shore up the gate.
As he passed a pile of wood and debris, he heard crying, and looked around the pile curiously to see a mousemaid crying into the cold paw of another young mouse, a bloodied arrow on the ground beside him where it was plucked from a deep wound in his chest. "Why," she whimpered, closing her eyes. "Why were you taken from me?"
Flashes of the past haunted Argunath's vision for a moment, and he quietly went to the mouse's side. "Hush," he said as gently as he could as she turned her tear-stained face to him. "Do not dwell on your grief, little mouse. Instead, turn to what he did: He gave his life so that you may live. Do not let that sacrifice go to waste, for if you cared for him you would honor that action. You cannot allow your grief to envelope you, because it will turn you into something he would never have wanted in you." There was a stab of pain in the cougar's heart when he thought of what he had just said, and it nearly made him break down in his own inner shell when the maid embraced him and wept. "Don't cry, but bury him with pride, for he died for you," he growled softly, pressing her away from him.
He walked away then bounded back up the ramparts so he could watch the cats retreat a distance away. "They're regrouping," he growled.
Feldion bounded down from his previous position on the walls. "While we have just a moments peace, I don't think we ever told each other our names! I am Feldion." said he, holding out his paw. "And anyway, I was thinking that I would be of more use outside the walls and picking them off from the treetops."
Kaylan merely shook her head in response to Lagg's question and flicked a loose bandage end out of her face.
OOC @Oracle: Were you talking to me?
OOC: No, sorry, I was talking to Arugunath. Should have made that clear.
"No," said Argunath. "We do not need you to die as well." He took the squirrel's much-smaller paw and shook it slightly. "I am Argunath. I'm going to gather the others so we can regroup as well." He waved to Kaylan, Dave, and the others as he went down from the wall to meet him on the lawns.
Kaylan was still out of arrows. Annoyed and tired, she simply sat against the wall in resignation, waving briefly in response to Argunath. She wished desperately that the battle was over.
Arya noticed Argunath's summons, and quickly ran down the walltop steps. When she got to the bottom, the squirrel paused for a moment, letting a mole supporting a groaning mouse pass by, then she walked over to the cougar. "Argunath, Feldion. I see you're not too badly wounded." Arya said in greeting, dipping her head to the two males.
Feldion bowed slightly and maintained his silence, not really sure what to do.
Argunath ignored what wounds he had suffered and went straight to the point. "The cats are falling back to regroup; we must do likewise. We should take this time to take a breather at least, and have everyone fed." He looked up where Kaylan was at the wall. "It seems we held them back, but that might not happen again."
(OOC: Hope you don't mind this here, Corn.)
Arya nodded. "Yes, we're running out of arrows." She thought for a moment before speaking again to Feldion. "Can you get a few beasts to collect some of the cat's arrows that fell on this side of the wall?"
Argunath nodded. "Good idea. Now everyone be sure to rest at least a little."
Kaylan continued sitting there a moment, not sure how she could help in the discussion they seemed to be having, but then she headed downstairs and over to the group, just in time to hear the tail end of what they were saying. Finally, we're gonna have a break from this, she thought tiredly.
"Of course!" Said Feldion, eager to do something helpful, organizing a few fast creatures he proceeded to gather the arrows.
OOC: @Skar: I don't mind - I wouldn't have been able to post anyways, it being Monday.
BIC: Arya nodded. "I'll start helping some of the more seriously wounded rceatures to the Infirmy." The squirrel said, turning. Then she stopped. "Unless you have something else in mind for me to do?"
Tired though she was, the ottermaid turned and began picking up some arrows near her, wondering how long the battle had lasted thus far.
David tapped Jeboran on the shoulder, the fox turned "What is it?"
What happened after you killed your dad?
Jeboran frowned "I ruled the territory for a while before we were invaded, most of my soldiers fled, presumably to join up with other armies, why?"
Because, I think I saw Ondy in that crowd, and if I did, he and I need to have a little talk
Jeboran's eyes widened "Dave, you're talking about going out there and finding him?"
His reckoning is long overdue
"David this is madness! You couldn't possibly-"
Don't try and stop me Jeb. I have to do this, I can't let someone else kill him
Jeboran drew his sword "If I have to use force to keep you here, I will"
Good luck with that Dave dropped and swept Jeboran's legs out from under him. Before the fox could recover Dave slammed the hilt of his sword down on Jeboran's head, the fox went limp. Dave slunk over to the wallgate, pulled back the bolt and disappeared into the wood
OOC: Do you need us to delay the time-skip, Jet?
OOC: Not really. Dave isn't an idiot and he'll spend a lot of time studying his opponents before he goes in
OOC: Okay, good. The time-skip will happen shortly, as soon as I have time to make a proper post.
OOC: Okay. Can't wait!
OOC: Time-skip. Hopefully this will prove helpful in the continuation of this RP.
BIC: It had been a little over a day since the cats had pulled back to regroup, and the Redwall force had become uneasy with the wait. They had collected and made a substantial amount of arrows and other projectiles, Argunath and Arya had made sure of that, but it did little to help ease the tension of the halt in battle. All gates had been reinforced and going beyond the walls was forbidden, at least for the time being.
Now Argunath stood with his fists set on the stone parapet looking out to where the cats were. He gritted his teeth as he mulled things over in his mind: they had sustained heavy losses, despite the enemy taking a larger blow to their ranks; there were over a score of creatures wounded barely able to fight, and that cat Dave had gone out for who-knows-what reason into the midst of the horde.
Striking the wall once with his fist, the cougar lurked off to walk on the lawns and possibly find some of the others. If he did not think of something to do, or if the cats did not attack soon, he might. . . Argunath allowed his eyes to redden slightly as he thought of those who he had let die; he would do all in his power to keep his actions from ending more lives of those he cared for.
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The hares of the Long Patrol were nearly within sight of the abbey, coming towards the southern wall. With any luck, they would be able to get into Redwall and see what they could do to help on the inside before going out into battle.
Arya was strolling in the Orchard, pretending to be enjoying the fresh air, but she was really waiting for the cats to move. Spotting Argunath, the squirrel walked over casually. "Hello. " She said. Arya was no fool - She knew the cat had been up on the walltops, but had a feeling Argunath may have wanted to talk about something else. If his slightly pink eyes were any indication, anyways.
As it turned out, no one noticed another cat in the camp, it was good, excellent even. David had sat in a nearby tree observing the cats for quite some time and had managed to single out the tent belonging to captain Ondartet, as far as he could tell, the captain was inside. Dave slunk into the tent. Ondartet was standing with his back to him, Dave smirked. He drew his katana and poked the captain with the point. Slowly, the wildcat turned, eyes widening in surprise "David? This is impossible, you're dead!" Dave motioned at a chair and jabbed his sword forward, Ondartet took the hint and sat down. "How is this possible?" Dave threw his book on the table next to the chair, he had already written a message.
Ondy, do you remember me? Maybe you don't, it doesn't matter. Three seasons ago you ruined my life, you tortured my brother to death in front of me, then you had your soldiers slit my throat and burn the place down. Remember that? You probably do, whatever. This has been a long time coming Ondy, one of us dies today, I don't care which of us, though you would be preferable. I had considered torturing you before I let you die like you did to my brother, the only person who ever cared about me. But no one deserves to die like that, not even filthy degenerate scum like you. Call for help and I'll forget about fighting you and stab you right through your bloody throat. Actually scratch that, I can't let you go unpunished. I hope that if something comes after that it is excruciatingly painful. This is your final goodbye.
David saw the other cat's eyes widen and he knew that he had finished reading the message, he lunged. He stabbed with such force that he drove the other cat's body back with such force that he pinned him to the tent. Blood gurgled in Ordartet's mouth and David watched unfalteringly as his enemy died, his expression one of grim satisfaction. The cat wiped the blood off his katana with Ondartet's tunic and slipped out of the back of the tent, beginning the journey back to Redwall.
OOC: What time is it? Afternoon?
BIC:
Kaylan wandered out onto the lawns, feeling considerably better than she had the day before(?). Her ear stump was still rather painful, she still felt a bit worn out from the whole trauma of battle, and she was almost terrified of participating in the next, but yes, she felt better.
The ottermaid noticed Arya out of the corner of her eye, but as she seemed to be talking to Argunath, she didn't bother her, but instead walked over to the orchard. The scent of flowers and nearly-ripened fruit filled the summer air and helped to calm her down. Not that she was panicking about the upcoming battle... but she was pretty near it.
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Marching at the front of the Long Patrol with Major Colon, Lieutenant Paisley shaded her eyes and peered northwards, hoping to see the Abbey soon. She could only hope they were not too late.
OOC: No idea, HEY SKAR.
BIC: Major Colon glanced at Paisley, "Can ye spot the blinkin' Abbey yet, m'gel?" he asked.
"No..." At that moment, she suddenly saw the top of the belltower above the trees ahead. "Oh. Yes, we're nearly there." She looked at the older hare. "I hope we aren't too late."
OOC: Yeah, it's about 3 PM.
BIC: Argunath nodded at Arya's greeting before waiting a moment to speak. "Arya, could you please go to the infirmary to check on the wounded? It would ease my mind to know how they are doing, and it is hard for me to squeeze through the stairways." He did not look at Arya as he said this, instead he stared at the space above the wall, pondering something.
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Feshr opened the tent of one of the captains to ask something, but saw only the bloody corpse laying on the ground. Hissing in surprise and disgust, he hurried to the tent of Grina and Grain. "My ladies, we must attack now; an assassination on one of the captains has been made, so let us counter with their own blood!"
Arya raised an eyebrow, but said, "Of course, Argunath." The squirrel offered a smile, then turned and walked off briskly to the Infirmary.
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Grain tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Should we attack now? Perhaps that is what they want us to do . . . And that would be folly, would it not?" She said thoughtfully. Grinda almost rolled her eyes, but stopped herself, and said quietly, "Sister, we have the advantage. After all, numbers can, will, and have overcome sheer wit in the past, have they not?" Grain thought for a moment. "You are both right. Let the word be spread - We attack!" She hissed.
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"Hope? M'dear, if we're too late hopin' won't change a bloomin' thing." The major replied, speeding up. "Ansley! Get the Patrol marchin' faster!" HE barked. The hare nodded, and started spreading the word.
OOC: Did Feshr mean he wanted to catch Dave and kill him or just that he wanted to mount another attack?
Jeboran sat at the side of the pond, flinging stones into the water. How could David possibly be so stupid? More importantly, how could he be stupid? How could he let his guard down? How could he fail so completely at stopping Dave? How could he not even fight for a second? The fox growled, his throws becoming more wild, more forceful, more savage. Why was he such an idiot? Why did he care about Dave? Why did he care about anyone? It certainly wasn't his upbringing, his parents had raised him to care only for himself. He swore and flung a rock so hard that it hit the opposite bank. What was wrong with him?
Argunath waited until Arya was inside the building before turning and striding deliberately to the wall and above the main gate. Taking a quick glance around to make sure nobeast saw him, he swung his body over the wall, and then let his grip on the wall go to drop the rest of the way. He could have gone through the gate, but that would only make it obvious that somebeast left. . . as well as leave the abbey weakened.
Thankfully the drop was easily made by a cat his size, and the cougar chuckled dryly as he remembered the saying "all cats land on their feet"; at least it proved correct this time. After using a moment to swallow the jabbing pain in his leg, as well as checking the wall above, he began walking on the path in the direction he knew the cats to be.
Odd, Argunath thought to himself, that not long before he had walked along the same path as just a traveler. Now he paced it again with an entirely different purpose in mind, and he would not stop this time.
Peering ahead, he saw the horde of cats moving in his direction; they were obviously ready for another attack, but they would have to deal with him first. Drawing his sword, Argunath waited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Feshr, while urging the cats to hurry forward, noticed a figure standing in the road ahead. He decided he would wait until they got closer to make a solid decision, and he was confident that nobeast would be as insane as to stand in the way of an army of cats. "Let's move!" he yelled.
A few minutes in the orchard had helped calm her nerves, and now Kaylan left, striding purposefully over to the west wall.
Perhaps it was just her imagination, but as she glanced up towards the top of the wall, she thought she saw the edge of something disappearing over the side. Odd, she thought. Maybe it's nothing, but...
The ottermaid increased her pace and reached the wallstairs a couple moments later. Pounding up the steps, she reached the parapet and gazed over the side.
There was nothing to be seen. But somehow, Kaylan felt that something bad had just happened, and she couldn't shake the feeling.
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"Aye," Paisley agreed, then fell silent. She marched on, trying to feel more confident about the Abbey's survival. After all, throughout the ages Redwall had weathered many attacks. Surely they would manage to hold these attackers off long enough for the Long Patrol to get there.
The hare turned and looked back at the Patrollers behind her. Somewhere in the army she knew there were two otters and a squirrelmaid hoping their beloved home was safe, and she didn't want to let them down.
Arya was juat heading back outside when she overheard two mice talking. "Aye, I heard the horde's movin' alright. 'Spect there'll be more fightin' soon." One said "That's too bad - I didn't sleep a wink last night, and it looks like I won't be sleeping again this night. Could be fightin', could be dead, could be wouunded. Y'know know." The other replied. The two moved on, chatting animatedly about the impending battle. Arya dashed outside, not bothering to catch the door before it shut with a loud 'Boom!'
Feldion was walking around the Abbey grounds, seeing if there was anything left with the preparations. Everybeast that he saw looked tired and scared, and the cougar looked weary; not tired, but weary of fighting a long battle, one that has lasted for a far greater time than this siege. He strode up the wallsteps and looked at the surrounding countryside. It is peaceful for now, but soon the forests and rivers will be red with the blood of cats.
Arya dashed to the walltops just in time to see the cat army advancing - And Argunath right in their way. The squirrel's heart jumped into her throat as she started climbing down the wall, brush first. I'll never make it in time! Arya thought frantically when she glanced over her shoulder.
Argunath's eyes reddened to a color not unlike blood, and he advanced upon the approaching army resolutely.
"Come, then, you killers of the peaceful," he growled. "Come and face one who fears you not."
Thankfully it seemed the cats didn't find it necessary to use their archers against one opponent, and the cougar was able to close the gap without resistance, though it was apparent his stubborn approach was making them uneasy. One cat in their midst was urging them on, trying to get the tense cats to just kill the single opponent. When he was only ten yards from the horde, Argunath suddenly burst into a sprint, crying out with a sound between a scream and a roar.
Breaking into their line like it was made of string, the big cat cut down his enemies as if they were wheat before the scythe. His sword hacked and slashed, stabbed and chopped as if it had a mind unto its own, while with his other paw Argunath grappled with those who came in too close. Soon he was standing midst a pile of bodies, and the cats could easily see his terrifying form.
Shining red eyes peered out over a snout pulled back into a fearsome growl. Battered but impenetrable armor dully reflected the sunlight as it clung to his body like scales, adding to his bulk and demeanor. With one paw he held his dripping, vengeful sword, and in the other was held the limp body of a fallen wildcat.
Tossing the corpse aside, Argunath let his Bloodwrath course through his veins as he dove once again into battle.
OOC: I'm not sure what to do with the Long Patrol right now...
BIC:
Kaylan had left the walltop just a few moments before the horde advanced, so she was completely unaware of what was happening.
OOC: How close is the horde to Redwall? Should everyone be gathering on the walltop by now?
OOC: The hares won't reach Redwall until Argunath has taken out a. . . considerable amount of the cats. And yes, creatures should start gathering.
David, who had been sprinting alongside the horde, hidden in the woods by the side of the path, stopped and stared in horrified fascination as Argunath met with the enemy. So this was the legendary bloodwrath, David could see why all beasts feared those possessed by it.
Somebeast on the wall shouted, "Wildcats are coming!" At once there was a flurry of activity as Abbeybeasts ran for the walltop or their weapons.
Kaylan stopped short and then turned her head slowly toward the walltop, her face betraying nothing of the dread she felt. War was horrible. She had seen beasts die. She had nearly died herself. She didn't want to have to go through it again. Part of her screamed to just go and hide away somewhere in the Abbey until all was over.
But no, I can't do that, the other half of her mind said. I have a duty to these Redwallers. I'm part of Skip's ottercrew, so I have a duty to protect them. They asked for our assistance, and I. Can't. Let. Them. Down. A sudden spark of her usual spunkiness flared into life. Can't. Let. Them. Down, she repeated mentally.
Kaylan took her bow from its usual place on her back, gripping it tightly and still searching inside herself for some hidden reserve of courage. She directed her steps towards the wall above the main gate.
She reached a group of her fellow ottercrew who were pointing and murmuring amongst themselves. Kaylan looked at where they were indicating and saw not only an army of wildcats but a figure scything its way through them. Then it clicked.
"Argunath," she said quietly.
Feldion saw the great tumult erupt in the cats ranks. He decided to do the impulsive thing and leaped off the battlements onto a nearby tree limb. He knew that he would probably be scolded by Argunath and he would have to stay far away from him. "But," he thought, "I don't really care." He bound over until he was directly above the cat army then fired twice into their ranks. He then rushed to a tree above their rear flank and leaped down, bringing his spear out from it's place behind his back, dropped down, and hurled himself on the cats.
David shook himself out of his stupor, drew his sword and walked calmly into the midst of the cats. Keeping as far away from Argunath as possible, he began his attack, striking out at a ginger wildcat and severing his head. That was sure to get the other's attention. Sure enough, they began to attack him and he met them with a cold expression, a steely determination and a razor sharp blade.
Jeboran mounted the wall "Do you know where David is? Has he come back?" he asked the first person he saw. If anyone knew Dave was back, it would be the sentries.
OOC: Anyone can answer. Dave is in full view, Jeb just isn't paying attention
Through the haze of Argunath's vision, the cougar saw something go into the fight. . . Did it jump from a tree? A squirrel! Argunath roared, tearing his way through the cats to get to the fighting woodlander.
"Fool!" he bellowed. "Get away!"
Now he was at the squirrel, and he grabbed at the bushy tail to literally toss him away from the battle. The cougar would not allow any of his companions to be harmed during this stage.
OOC: You can decide whether Argunath's action toward Feldion was successful or not, Del.
BIC: Now the big cat searched the horde through the red clouds that shaded his sight to seek out a leader or some kind as he fought doggedly on. He was beginning to tire, and the wounds he was being dealt, despite the protection his armor gave him, were taking their toll. But a few wounds would not stop one so possessed by the Bloodwrath as he, and when he spotted two wildcats well guarded by well-armed cats, Argunath made another surge in attack.
Kaylan stared again at the horde, seeing another figure slashing its way through the cats. Dave? she thought.
Just then the fox who been staying at the Abbey dashed up onto the wall and asked where Dave was. "Dave?" she said. "I think - is that him out there?" She pointed, unsure.
OOC: I am going to prevent it if that's alright.
Feldion deftly grabbed on to a cat's leg so that when Argunath threw him he would barely go anywhere. "Haha!" Feldion laughed grimly. "You're not getting rid of me that easily! You're still quite valuable you know, probably the one keeping Redwall together during this!" Feldion fought on, whirled his spear over his head once and then slashed through a cat's face. Trying to get out of the position that Argunath had thrown him into.
OOC: Holy crows guys, I'm so sorry!
BIC: Arya had reacjhed some cats by now and was frantically slahing through them, trying to get to her friend. Dodging a cat's spear, she noticed that Feldion was around Argunath, and she mentally blew a sigh a of relief, letting her guard down for just long enough for a wildcat to slice her leg - Not fatally, thankfully, but it was bad enough to severlly hamper the squirrel. Arya shrieked in rahge and pain and threw herself back into fighting, slashing and hack everything cat she saw until she was near Argunath. "What on Earth do you think you're doing?!" She shrieked at him, slicing at a wildcat that tried to sneak up on her.
Jeboran hissed "What in the name of hellgates does he think he's doing?" He slammed his fist on a crenelation, instantly regretting it "Big cougar with bloodwrath, virtually indestructible. Small cat with no bloodwrath, virtually dead meat." He grabbed a bow and quiver of arrows off another sentry "Blast that idiot's eyes." He began firing into the midst of the cats, aiming for the ones closest to Dave.
Argunath's scarlet gaze turned upon the voice of Arya.
"Squirrel," he roared. "I will not allow you to stay here. LEAVE!" With this final warning, the enraged cougar turned away from Arya and directly toward Grain and Grina. With the lives of their leaders at stake, many of the cats made more effort to try to stop Argunath, but were ultimately crushed beneath the big cat's berserk rampage. Even so, he was taking damage between the gaps in his armor, and the small reasonable voice inside his head told Argunath he wouldn't be able to last much longer.
Ignoring this, Argunath roared out his challenge to the cat leaders as he quickly cut his way toward them. "Much of your horde lays dead before you, foul ones! Now, it is time for you to join them!"
Kaylan then saw her friend Arya fighting among the cats. A wave of shock and fright washed over her. What is she DOING?! She'll get herself killed!
The ottermaid grabbed her bow and firmly nocked an arrow to it. She aimed for a cat near Arya and fired, then grabbed another arrow and repeated, her heart pounding with worry.
Feldion laughed again. "If you're not going to allow us to stay what right do you have to stay?" Feldion grinned as he leveled a cat.
OOC: The hares can be let into Redwall now.
BIC: So completely under the hold of the bloodwrath was Argunath that, even as he broke through the close line formed around Grina and Grain, he could not feel the spear pierce him in the gap in the side of his armor. He leapt at the two wildcats, ready to tear them to pieces.
OOC: Let them into Redwall? Shouldn't they attack the cats?
OOC: I thought they were coming up to the wall adjacent to where the cats were. I was thinking they might be brought into the abbey and alerted to the battling going on, and then go out through the main gate. However, you can do what you want.
OOC: Okay.
BIC:
The Abbey was very close now, and cries and sounds of battle could be heard. Paisley turned and faced the hares, barking a command. "Long Patrol, prepare for battle!"
They emerged from the forest on the south side of the Abbey. The wildcats were quite close, and Paisley thought she could see one or two creatures fighting them. She debated only a second before yelling, "Charge!"
OOC: Might be a good time to start using Bryony, Aggril, and that-other-guy-whose-name-I-forget now.
Feldion's ears pricked up on hearing the sound of thundering paws just after the order. He heard a horn blow and looked up and saw the Long Patrol! "Haha! The hares are here!" He fought even harder and recklessly until the Long Patrol hit the Cats flank.
Even with two cats clinging to his back, Argunath slashed at Grina and Grian, effectively cleaving Grina's head from her shoulders. The cougar did not hesitate a moment as the lifeless body slumped to the ground before launching himself at the fleeing Grian. The wildcat screamed as Argunath pummeled into her, scrambling helplessly in his armored claws as he grabbed her by the head, and twisted. The scream stopped abruptly, replaced by another noise.
Argunath might not have been described as an intelligent at that moment; he was more of a wild beast, a force of nature. He roared his victory over his prey, holding his sword high, his eyes matching the color of the liquid that was spattered on him, and oozing from his many wounds. But it was only a moment before he was set upon by dozens of cats, and he went down under the onslaught.
David was being overwhelmed. He had help of course, he suspected it was Jeboran though he'd never known the fox was such a crack shot. Nonetheless, he was losing, and losing quickly, barely managing to fend off the two cats that were backing him into a tree. Other cats crowded around and the archer killed some of them but he could not reach the ones closest to Dave. David felt his back scrape against the bark of the tree. That was it then. He was done for.
Jeboran slammed his fist on the wall, rattling off a stream of curses. "David. Get out of there you stupid cat, get the hell out of there." David was backed into a tree, cats cutting off any form of escape. "NO!" He began shooting with renewed fervor but he knew it was too late, David was going to die.
Feldion was near Argunath when he went down; Feldion leaped up and grabbed a tree limb. Then dashed over a few tree branches before dropping down next to the mound of cats on Argunath, he slew many of them and forced them to turn and face the new threat, giving a chance for Argunath to recover.
Paisley slashed and stabbed with her dirk, killing two cats. Beside her, a hare several seasons younger found himself confronted by a cat much larger than him. The cat grinned maliciously and drove his spear at the young hare, who dodged only to have the spear embed itself in his shoulder. He would have been done for, but at that moment Paisley whirled and slashed her blade across the cat's throat. He collapsed, choking on his own blood, and then lay still.
The hare bravely pulled the spear from his shoulder and continued fighting. Paisley nodded at him, then turned and flung herself back into the fray.
---------------------------------
Kaylan was so happy she could have cried. The Long Patrol had finally arrived! She lowered her bow, not wanting to hit a hare by accident. Arya would be fine now, she was sure of it. And so would Argunath... wait, where was Argunath? She'd been paying attention to Arya and hadn't noticed where he was.... She glanced around but couldn't see him.
What happened?
Feshr yowled in rage as Grina and Grian were killed by that massive cat, but as he saw the cougar go down under a suffocating wave of cats, he turned his attention to the squirrel harassing the group. He leaped after the troublesome creature, swinging his khopesh expertly in an attempt to cut Feldion down.
Feldion, noticed Feshr and ducked at the last moment. He then secured his flank and waited for the cats next move.
As Feldion dodged, Feshr ordered the other cats to surround the squirrel, leaving no area to escape. Feshr turned at the unpleasant sounds of the remainder of the cat horde being defeated by the Salamandastron hares, but went back to Feldion.
"Just one more we have to kill; destroy the squirrel!"
Destroy the squirrel!
One fiery eye opened somewhere in the pressing pile of cats near the group; the other would have opened as well had it not been for the dagger tip broken off in it. Argunath rose from the pile like a body from the grave, shaking off the screaming cats who weren't dead from his body.
His left arm hung limp at the cougar's side, his armor broken, but he still as easily slew a cat that jumped in front of him with a single blow. The Bloodwrath-consumed cat charged and cat scattered the group surrounding Feldion. Feshr managed to stab his khopesh into the base of Argunath's neck before being lifted up by Argunath's single good arm tossed like a rag onto a spear propped up on the ground.
This last action stopped Argunath's mad rage, and as his vision cleared, his eye closed and he fell as hares pursued the now-fleeing and scarce cats.
OOC: The battle's basically over. :P
Feldion seeing himself surrounded, wished that he had just one more beast helping him. He then spun around and felled the first ring of wildcats. Then he concentrated himself on one side and slew three wildcats in quick succession.
OOC: Should I let Feldion die?
OOC: Argunath just saved his hide. :P
OOC: Could someone save Dave? (Heh, save Dave). Most likely Bryony as she'd be the only one down there who knows Dave is on their side.
OOC: The hares are there, they might be able to pull him out (whether or not he can convince them he's against the cats).
OOC: Even though I did basically resign from this RP, I'll go in and save Dave. (:P)
BIC: Arya had been fighting for her life against the cats, and was giving a good account of herself. But that came at a price - Cut and bruised in innumerable places, Arya also had a deep gash in one arm, and was missing an ear. Glancing around as the squirrel found herself in a brief respite, she saw Dave getting overwhelmed by the cats. Giving a screech of rage, she fought her way over to him. Glancing over at him, Arya saw that while injured, Dave wasn't hurt too terribly badly. Arya swung and took out a cat as she asked, "Are you okay?" Stupid question, yes, but she wasn't thinking too clearly.
When the Long Patrol arrived and charged, Kaylan was completely exhilarated. A wave of relief and excitement washed over her. She grabbed some more arrows and began firing from the walltop with renewed vigor (albeit carefully, because of the hares) at random cats on the edge of the fray.
After a short time, the ottermaid soon saw that the battle was nearly over. The Long Patrollers had almost completely wiped the cats out, and when some survivors ran for their lives, the battle-hardened hares pursued them mercilessly. Kaylan lowered her bow, searching for Arya.
She couldn't see her. Oh, no.... A spurt of fear gave her extra adrenaline, and before she let herself think the ottermaid turned and bolted down the wallsteps. She ran for the little south wallgate and let herself out. All she could think about was her friend, and this made her disregard even her own safety.
Still fighting furiously, Arya halfway turned to look at Dave, to make sure he was still okay. Thankfully, he was. About to turn back, she saw a cat creeping on David on his other side, about to swing his sword. Dave hadn't seemed to notice him. Arya had a split second to think, and she propelled herself at him, knocking him out ogf harm's way with a shriek. The cat's sword had missed David, but hit Arya on her side. Moving to a crouching postioipn, she swept the cat's legs out from under him, and he landed on his blade. Hissoiing wit pain, she glanced at David. He seemed okay, she realized.
Feldion had just a few seconds to try and parry against any of Feshr's possible attacks, there were several cats closing on him. He just managed to clear them and then leap at Feshr, swinging rather wildly.
OOC: You can PP Feshr if you need to, Del when we recap, but I think I'm going to have to force this battle to a close here. Yes or no?
OOC: Yeah, probably.
BIC: Feldion felt his sword bite into flesh as it cut deeply into Feshr's wrist. Feldion saw that Feshr barely blinked and then Feldion felt a blade deep in his right shoulder, the cat was fast, very fast. Feldion switched hands with his sword and barely parried a downward stroke from Feshr's blade. Feldion pushed desperately outward and threw Feshr off-balance, at the very last minute, Feldion swung down with all his might, he nearly clove Feshr's head in two. Then he fell to the ground, unconscious.
OOC: Yeah, probably, nut can we get the thing with Arya cleared up first? *Taps toe* Jeeet, where are youuuuu?
OOC: I PMed him but I got no response. You go ahead and poke him.
OOC: Jeeeeeeeet. . .
OOC: Alright, it's late now so my creativity is low but I'll reply tomorrow... later today I mean, whatever.
She didn't have a weapon for close range (and she only had one arrow left), so in order to avoid the few cats that were still fighting, Kaylan dashed across the open ground south of the Abbey and made for the trees on the edge of Mossflower Wood. Once she was safely behind a tree, she frantically looked around for Arya.
To her considerable relief, the ottermaid soon saw the squirrelmaid a distance away with Dave, by the woods. She turned and slipped through the trees in that direction.
----------------------
Paisley killed the last cat near her, wiped her blade on the grass, and looked around. Limping heavily from a deep wound on her right footpaw, she slowly walked around, looking for any remaining cats she could dispatch. Most had fled, with hares in hot pursuit.
But the Long Patrol had suffered losses too. As the Lieutenant stepped over carcasses, she saw that many of them were hares. Some she had known very well, and tears pricked at her eyes in spite of herself. One corpse she even recognized as the young hare whose life she had saved earlier that day.
The battle was over.
Thankfully for the defenders the Salamandastron hares had been able to clean up what was left of the cat horde, though it wasn't without their own losses. Some of the enemies were bigger than wildcats, and if it hadn't been for the amount taken out before their arrival, they would not have fared as well.
Abbey creatures were now out on the path, helping the wounded and carrying off the dead hares for burial. Those hares who were not aiding with the efforts were scouting around in the woods and areas around the abbey, making sure no cats that fled were coming back.
Aggril the otter, who had come with the hares, was going around the battlefield, looking for any survivors. He noticed a big, blood-covered cat trying to drag himself out of a pile of other dead cats. "Got a live one over here!" Aggril called, and readied his javelin for a final blow. But as he got closer, he found the armor slightly familiar. . .
"Wait, are you. . ." Aggril yelled to Arya, Kaylan, and the others. "Mates! Come quick!"
Kaylan had been standing next to her friend for several minutes, recovering from her adrenaline rush and everything else and hoping that no random cat would try to attack them, when she heard someone yelling. She looked up and saw the otter Aggril calling for them (she guessed - he was looking in their direction). Concerned, she looked around, then dashed towards him as fast as she could.
Feldion had just managed to finish Feshr. But he had lost an arm and was bleeding badly from several deep wounds. He stumbled back to the Abbey as far as he could. But he fell on the far side of the ditch and could not get up. He tried to call out, but his mouth was so dry that it merely came out as a croak. Well, at least my goal is finished. He thought this then resigned himself to what was soon to come, death.
Lieutenant Paisley passed close by the ditch, wincing at every step. It was then that the young hare noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned, preparing to defend herself if she had to. Cautiously, she peered into the ditch and saw a squirrel lying in a pool of blood, his arm severed and bleeding freely. Paisley immediately whirled and stumblingly hurried toward the Abbey to find a healer.
-----------------------
Trying not to look at the carcasses strewn about, Kaylan reached Aggril, whom she had only met briefly before.
Arya breathed a very shaky sigh of relief. Te battle was over, Dave and everyone else was okay, and as yet she'd managed to hide her wound. Noticing Aggril calling, Arya tried to hurry over. "What is it, Aggril?" She gasped, clutching her middle as she painfully made her way over to him, slightly wheezing.
Aggril pointed at the cat. "Do you recognize that one?" He went over to the armored cat and rolled it over. "Wasn't this the cat that was at the gate those days ago?"
As Aggril rolled the body over, Kaylan let out a gasp and covered her mouth. It was Argunath! Horror filled her at the sight of his many wounds, and she was sure he must be dead. The ottermaid turned away, feeling queasy from the sight.
Seeing the body, Arya cried out, "No, Argunath!" Crouching down, she touched his head fur, starting to cry and causing her own wound to bleed more.
OOC: Feldion lay slowly dieing. Being trampled regularly. ;D ;D
Argunath opened his one good eye slowly as Arya touched his head, and made a horrible cough that let blood from his mouth. His breaths came as rasps as he tried to breath around the spearpoint stuck in his lung. He tried to see clearly through his hazy vision, only clear enough to notice the blood on Arya's tunic.
"Y. . . you're wounded," -he coughed again- "A. . . rya."
Pressing her paw to her side, Arya blinked, dislodging a tear. "It's nothing." She muttered, moving to stroke the cougar's head once more. "Your memory will be treasured." She whispered.
"Me?" Argunath couldn't resist a bitter laugh, though it caused him to cough up more blood. "Look. . . what I have wrought: death. I am as I said. . . a mon. . . ster."
"No, Argunath, you're not a monster. You may have killed many, but what about all the creatures you've saved?" Arya wheezed. "You would have made an excellent Abbey Warrior." The squirrel continued after pausing.
Argunath looked hazily at Arya, almost hearing the voice of one he lost long before . . . "I couldn't save every. . . beast. . . So many . . ." He closed his eye and coughed horribly again. When he opened it, he saw something, or at least he thought he did, behind Arya.
"No, you're not a monster . . ."
The words echoed in his mind, and he reached weakly for the figure. "El. . . Elmeath?" The form almost became clearer, the likeness of a female cougar like Argunath had not seen for a long time. "How. . . can you say that? I'm the cause. . . of your wounds. I tried to. . . to keep you from danger. . ."
Her limp more pronounced now, since she'd been hurrying on her injured footpaw, Paisley drew close to the Abbey. Amid the hustle and bustle of beasts carrying the wounded indoors, she spotted two young mousemaids who weren't occupied. "Oi! You two mice!" the hare called raggedly, with no time to waste being polite. "There's a squirrel chap back there, badly wounded, so hurry, come on!" Turning, she hurried back to the ditch with the mice scurrying behind her."
-------------------
Tears pricked Kaylan's eyes at Argunath's words. He might have been unstable, but here he was, someone who she'd accused without a cause, who had fought for the Redwallers and was now dying for them. And he was young, too. He, and every goodbeast who had died that day, hadn't deserved death. The sheer injustice of everything slammed into her like a physical blow. Tears spilled over and silently ran down the ottermaid's cheeks.
That was when she noticed that Arya was wheezing. Though the squirrel had just blown off concerns about herself, Kaylan knew that her friend was not all right. Added to that was the patch of blood on her tunic, and suddenly fear lanced through Kaylan. Yes, she had noticed the blood a moment before, but since then it had spread dangerously. (OOC: That okay?) She put a paw on the squirrelmaid's shoulder. "Arya, listen, I don't think you're alright. The-the blood. It's spreading," she whispered. Her voice trembled.
OOC: I love angsty, tragic, brutal stuff like what's occurring right now. (I must have serious issues.) Anyway, I hope that what I just did didn't ruin the atmosphere. :P
OOC: It's fine! I don't think it would have 'ruined the atmosphere,' but that is, you know, up to Skarzs.
BIC: Realizing Argunath was becoming slightly delirious, more tears came to Arya's eyes. "I hope you find happiness in the Dark Forest." She whispered, bowing her head. When Kaylan told her the blood on her tunic was spreading, Arya turned her to face the ottermaid. "I know, Kaylan," -pausing to smile weakly at her friend and press her paw to her side- "But trust me."
"You did what you could; I am at peace here, Argunath."
"But I. . ."
"Are not a monster in my eyes. The good you have done is enough for me." Elmeath spread her arms to him. "It is peaceful here, and you have done your part of life. Come with me, Argunath!"
"G-go, little squirrel." The cougar turned his gaze to Arya. "Go with Kaylan." Argunath managed to reach his sword with his good arm and held it gripped at his chest. "Elmeath. . . she calls me. I must -hack- go with her." He turned his head to the group, and through the pain of his body, he managed a smile on his broken and ruined face. "Everyone says I'm not a monster. . . I guess they may be right. May you find. . . peace."
Argunath closed his eye, and breathed his last.
Turning back to Argunath in time to hear what the cougar said, Arya's paw flew to her mouth. Bowing her head once more, "May you find peace as well, brave and noble cat," the squirrel replied although she knew there was no spirit left to hear. Staring sadly at the body of her friend, Arya remembered a poem she'd heard once, to honor the dead:
"Always the moon and stars go out.
Ever they come in again.
Sleep 'neath the grass evermore,
Free from hunger and pain.
Morning light will bring the sun;
Seasons go rolling on."
Then, turning to Kaylan, "Please, help me up."
OOC: The poem IS NOT mine. It's originally from Mossflower, and I merely mewssed with it a little they it would better suit the occasion.
Kaylan nodded mutely and helped her friend up. Not only was the ottermaid worried for Arya, but by now she was a complete emotional wreck, with tears rolling freely down her face. It wasn't just because of the death she'd just witnessed; it was the result of days of stress and worry all put together that she was letting out.
"Are - are you alright?"
Feldion had managed to slow the blood, but he had already lost much blood, he was holding onto life by a thread...
OOC: Wow, that was a rather direct way of saying it. ;)
BIC:
The two mousemaids climbed down into the ditch, took one look at Feldion, and turned away sadly. "There is nothing we can do," the older one told Paisley.
The hare tightened her mouth into a line, gave a short nod, and walked away.
Arya hissed in pain as Kaylan helped her up. "I'm okay for now, I think." She replied, trying to keep her breathing even so as not to alarm the ottermaid. . . . She hoped. Tutrning, sjhe saw the tears streaming down the ottermaid's cheeks. "Hey, hey, what's wrong?" She asked, placing a paw on Kaylan's shoulder. Argunath is in a better place now, and we'll have time to grieve later." She murmured.
OOC: That PP okay? And you know something funny? Looking through some of the old RP posts, a lot of us old RPers did a lot of mild PPing without ever asking if it was okay. :P)
Aggril rubbed his chin at the whole unfolding of events. Argunath, even if the otter didn't know him, was truly a hero of the battle. Apparently most of the cats had been dead before they had gotten there, and if he was the one who did that. . . He tightened his lips and turned to Arya and Kaylan, noticing the female squirrel was in pretty bad shape.
"C'mon, Arya. Kaylan'll be fine, but we need to get you to a healer or we'll have another dead warrior on our paws."
.
Kaylan tried to stop crying, but it was hard. She herself wasn't sure what was wrong with her. "I-I..." she began, but then Aggril said something, so she stopped and nodded in agreement. "C-come on, Ar-Arya."
OOC @Del: Huh?
OOC: That post was obsolete, Corn asked me to change my post, making that above post useless.
OOC: Del, you're awesome for doing that. You didn't have to. And skar did, too, I believe. I've made up my mind on what I want to do with Arya!
BIC: Starting to nod, Arya drew a shaky breath "Ohh, I feel strange. . ." She murmured, before starting to topple over, unconscious.
Aggril caught Arya as she fell and picked her up. "C'mon, Kaylan; let's get her to the infirmary, quick!"
OOC: Not sure how you want it to go, Corn.
OOC: I'm still try to decide. I think. Perhaps rushing to the infirmary would good. :P
OOC: Has Aggril actually picked her up, or does Kaylan have to help support her?
OOC: Um, I didn't want all activity to suddenly grind to a halt...
OOC: I was waiting for Skar. I'll go kick his tail.
OOC: Was busy.
BIC: Aggril started to rush to the infirmary as quickly and gently as he could. "Kaylan, keep your paws on Arya's wound, mate! Gotta do somethin' to keep the blood down!"
OOC: If Jukka doesn't respond, he'll have to just get Arya up there.
Kaylan quickly pressed her paws to Arya's side as firmly as she could, fear for her friend gnawing inside her as she ran into the Abbey with the older otter.
OOC: First, I believe we're just about facing the end of the RP. As I am, adfter all, still co-GM, I'm thinking this post, y'alls reactions, the epilogue, then done. And, Jukka, I am SO SORRY I didn't ask you about this first. Are you going to kill me?
BIC: With a wheeze, Arya opened her eyes, and saw Kaylan and Aggril. "K-Kaylan, I know I don't have much time left. Hear me out." Pausing and drawing a shaky breath, Arya blinked slowly. "Martin's calling me, so don't argue. I know you're young, and I know that you mayn't want to stay at the Abbey. But Redwall Abbey needs a Warrior, and you are perfect for the job. Please don't argue - With you, I know my home will be safe." Arya blinked again, wheezing more than ever. "Please, tell everyone. . . I said good-bye. . . . Don't grieve for too long. . ." With that, Arya blicnked one more time. . . And did not open her eyes. Arya Brushtail had left that world, and was on her way to the next with Martin the Warrior, ready to join those friends who had gone before her.
OOC: Del requested that I heal him, so here goes. ;D
BIC:
The mousemaids were about to climb back up and go see if anyone else needed help, when suddenly they saw the squirrel they'd thought was dead move slightly. Instantly they hurried to help him. The older one, Lilac, grabbed a stick and helped her sister Violet fashion a tourniquet to stop the blood flow from his arm, and then they quickly bandaged his wounds before Violet scrambled up and called for a stretcher. Two moles brought it, and they carefully placed Feldion on it and set off for the Abbey at a run.
OOC: Wow, Corny. Okay.
BIC:
When Arya spoke, Kaylan blinked, trying to say something, but nothing came except more tears. No, Arya wasn't dying... how could she, how, how, HOW? This couldn't be happening, and how could she be the Abbey Warrior? She couldn't take it in for a moment, but then Arya closed her eyes, and then the ottermaid knew that her friend really was gone. She sank to her knees, far too shocked to cry anymore.
"Arya..."
Feldion noticed dimly that he was being carried, he realized that he might have a chance to live. He didn't care all that much, but he was grateful to his saviors none-the-less.
Aggril stopped running as Arya breathed her last, and he stood still as he looked down at his friend. "Bless yer passing, matey. We won't," -he sniffed- "we won't forget."
Setting down Arya's body and folding her paws, Aggril walked back to Kaylan. "C'mon mate," he said bravely. "Let's go."
OOC: Okay, I think we should all not post anymore so Corn can do the outro.
OOC: Corny said I could have one more post. By the way, I wonder if Kaylaggril would be a good ship...
BIC:
Paisley entered the Abbey, and all of her tension and pain melted away for a moment as she savored the realization that Redwall, with all of its peaceful creatures, was safe. That alone was worth the pain and stress she'd endured.
The hare leaned against the wall and sank to a sitting position. She sighed and looked up at the sky.
The sight was comforting, somehow, after the heat and blood of battle.
-------------------------
Kaylan slowly pulled away from her friend's body and walked over to Aggril. It was then that she began to cry again, but quietly, and as they walked into the Abbey, she was reduced to sniffling. Her one consolation was that Arya was now at peace and would never suffer again.
The ottermaid glanced around the Abbey she'd helped defend, wiping her eyes. All around her was the evidence of war; wounded and dead beasts were almost everywhere. She quickly averted her eyes and shuddered involuntarily.
And to think... I always wanted to be in a battle, she thought, with a bitter laugh that was scarcely audible.
One thing was clear to her: war was a dreadful, dreadful thing.
And it had changed her forever.
OOC: Corn! ;D ;D