Spring was in full flourish on Green Isle. Plants burst forth after their harsh winters rest competing for the sunlight. Tall grass swayed in the breeze ruffling both stem and fur. The fur belonged to a healthy looking otter, sitting with a clam expression on his face. Laying next to him was a sword and dagger seemingly forgotten.
Jade opened his eyes, they were as calm as his face, deep and understanding. Near Jade a small group of otters sat watching him with hungry expressions on their faces, drinking in his every action. Jade felt a tiny flare of joy at those expressions. It was something he cultivated, it fed and nourished him, far better than any food. His eyes fell on his most loyal, although painfully so, Over-Follower.
"Blirth," Jade's voice was low and soothing, but he spoke as he would to a friend. "You shall accompany me into Summerdell. Alana." His eyes turned to another of his followers. "You too. But first go to the hill top, wait there. You will see one of the Otterguard approaching. Treat him well, yet do not fail in bringing this otter to me. High Priest Jade of the Over-Father has spoken, and the Over-Followers will obey." At this Jade reclosed his eyes waiting for the expected flurry of movement.
~*~*~*~*~
The inside of the throne room looked as clean as it could get. Servants had made the palace as presentable as possible on their queen's orders. Their said queen now paced back and forth across the throne room the new Pawmaid Glimmer following about holding the queen's tea looking slightly out of place in the room's dreary atmosphere.
Breeia looked her best, the burnished chest plate of the High Rhulain gleaming in the morning sunlight, her fur slick and clean. Her coronet balanced between her ears, and her blue cloak swirling around her footpaws. She rubbed her paws together glancing periodically at Serene.
"The Otterguard is ready should Jade try anything correct captain? And the guard Aaron has been sent to bring Jade here, right captain? And do you think I look presentable captain?" Breeia turned towards Serene doubt spreading across her face.
~*~*~*~*~
"Th' hole don't look swell Cap'n. She's taking on water faster n' we can bail it out. I dunno if'n we can make it to th' Isle sir." A scruffy looking mouse popped up from below decks saluting to the tall fox captain. The mouse was soaked though, and he sneezed loudly before continuing his damage report.
"Th' hidden reefs did their toll. Even wit' yon tide an' wind we might be swimming inter th' Green Isle port." The mouse looked nervous sneezing again into his elbow. "What are th' crews orders Cap'n?"
Cadby Denholm was inspecting the lush green Isle through his spyglass when the mouse stuck his head up and gave his report. The fox looked down upon the crew beast before jumping down at his level. Stepped inside the ship, he ignored the cold water swirling around his feet. "The armory is still accessible," he said. "Halve the number of beasts bailing and send them to gather a second weapon for everybeast. Forget trading with those otters, just make sure everybeast is well armed. Throw the other weapons out the window, they're just dead weight." Blackened tail swinging behind him, the captain glanced out of the viewport, keeping an eye on the ever-growing island while speaking. "We have one dinghy to get everybody out of here. Get some crewbeasts to scrap everything we don't need and make a raft - extra rope should be in the after cabinet. It just has to get us to the island."
Done with his orders for now, the captain hurried above deck. A thought occured to him. Halfway up the stairs, he leaped back down. Tapping ten beasts on the shoulder, he said, "All of you! You're the best ten who can hold their breath the longest. The deck below us had some wood, good young samples. Swim down there and bring 'em back up. Two to a piece. Dump it in the middle of the deck. I want enough to make a nice smoky fire, we want those otters to notice us."
~O~
Aaron Galedeep finally reached the hilltop, gasping for breath. Why him? The aging otter leaned on his lance, the sharp point furrowing into the ground. Looking down the other side, he saw the fanatical Jade ordering his beasts around. Idiot. Finally having caught his breath, Aaron stood up, the perfect example of a member of the otter guard. Disciplined. Orderly. Not like the disciples down below, making their way up the hill.
"Aye, aye Cap'n!" Bart leapt to his task tapping every other beast on the shoulder as they worked in a frantic bucket line. "Ahoy mates gather weapons an' arm yerselves. Cap'n's orders!" The crew didn't have time to be confused. Rushing about in the sinking ship they thrust a collection of swords, knives, and small axes into their belts.
"Alright all of ye sons of th' sea. Up top to build a raft, half o' ye stay down here an' keep us floating. Or th' whip will taste yer blood. Yew lot goin' up grab anythin an' everythin' an' take it above decks." A roar rang up from the selected raft-builders who rushed up the wooden stairs carrying what was left of the cargo. Bart pushed his way though the mass until he found Denholm. The mouse sneezed again as he ran up his paws slapping on the deck.
OOC: Can't respond to anything else until the others all post. But we can RP the ship until then.
The fox grabbed the mouse on the arm. "What's the matter, mate, you have a cold or something? You're sneezing all over."
Serene, standing in the middle of the throne room a little awkwardly, nodded. "Yes, Your Highness, the otterguard is ready and Aaron has been sent. And I think you look perfectly presentable." Privately she thought that the Queen's coronet was ever so slightly askew, but she figured it wasn't really important and she didn't want to offend.
Alana's face was steely beneath the silver mask. She thwacked her rudder in a salute and echoed Jade's words.
"The High Priest speaks, the Followers obey."
She nodded at Blirth and began to make her way up the hill. She looked through the eye slits of her mask and saw Aaron standing atop the hill, looking at them with contempt. The sea otter returned the stare, even though he wouldn't see it. She straightened up and tried to look as dignified as possible, the gold trim on her robes glinting in the sun. Halfway up the hill, she turned to see how close Blirth was.
~O~
Amongst the crew, a tall sea otter pushed his way through, following Bart to Denholm. The otter tapped the fox on the shoulder.
"Pardon me, Cap'n, but I could jump overboard and swim to the island while the others focus on the raft. If I'm quick, I can make contact with the other otters and bring them to help us."
OOC: Character Sheet going up for this guy soon, I just figured I should make the most of him while everyone's still on the ship.
Cadby whirled to face the otter. "Fine, do that. We'll still be lighting that fire, though."
The black fox sprinted to the bow of the ship. He observed a tall hilltop, watching distant dots making their way up the hill.
"Thank you Captain." Breeia huffed resuming her nervous pacing. Her gaze traveled the length of the hall taking in the small number of Otterguard and servants that remained within. Her own choice would have had the room bristling with swords and javelins with a full score of her loyal's ready. Of course her advisers had suggested a more subtle number of four, plus guardbeast Aaron and Serene would be more then sufficient.
Turning on her heel for the umpteenth time she stopped in front of Serene her paw shaking noticeably. "When do you suppose they will get here Captain? Maybe we should have sent more guards, poor Aaron may be captured. Who knows what they might do to him." She rung her claws nervously popping them in a way that made Glimmer flinch.
The younger otter held up the platter she had been carrying for some time now offering it to the captain. The queen obviously didn't want it, but maybe the tall kind one might. Glimmer smiled brightly trying to ignore the tiny pop, pop, of the queen's paws.
"Tea ma'am?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"No Cap'n, er I mean yes but tis nothing bad." Bart yelled as he was jerked around slightly. He pulled his arm out of Cadby's grasp rubbing the fur back into place. "Ye have a firm grip Cap'n." The mouse laughed, smothering a sneeze.
Cadby shrugged. "Alright. Get the dinghy into position, we'll need it ready to drop at a moment's notice."
"Well, Your Highness, I don't think Jade would hurt a messenger. He probably wants to keep on your good side for this meeting." Actually, Serene wasn't quite as calm as her words might have sounded, for she was a bit concerned about Aaron as well, but in spite of her mistrust of Jade, she hoped that diplomacy would hold strong.
Then the young pawmaid held out a tray, offering her a cup of tea. "Oh..." Serene glanced up at the Queen, then back to Glimmer. "Yes. Thank you, Glimmer." She always made it a point to remember creatures' names. Picking up the rather lukewarm cup, she took a sip.
Aaron looked down his snout at the approaching disciples, then back over his shoulder at the lush green haven of Summerdell. The otter imagined the Queen in the throne room, servant at her side and the Captain of the otter guard waiting on her orders. He snorted. The sun glared off of his metal breastplate as Aaron turned back, looking down the hill.
OOC: Viluuu, where are youuuuu?
BIC: The otter, who was actually Alana's father Adamo, nodded.
"Thank you, Captain."
He put a jump in his step and jumped the gunwhale. The otter surfaced near the sinking ship. He took a breath and shot off towards the shore with the speed of one much younger.
OOC: Seeing as Vilu hasn't posted yet Groddil just have your character meet with Sage's alone, and bring Aaron to Jade.
BIC:
Surprised Serene knew her name Glimmer smiled brightly preforming a quick curtsey. She lowered the tray she had been holding nearly above her head looking longingly at one of the little cookies. "Yes ma'am, the cook said it helped with nerves and keeps a beast calm. Is it very good?"
"Your right of course Serene, what would I ever do without you?" Breeia sighed relaxing slightly. "He simply wishes to talk in good faith. I suppose neither of us want any more bloodshed, and I wouldn't have the heart to call the Otterguard to attack my own citizens. Even if they called themselves Over-Followers. The clans would be furious, it wouldn't matter whether it was in the name of this island." For a moment Breeia's eyes seemed to focus on something far away then she blinked shaking her head.
~*~*~*~*~
"Aye Cap'n!" Yelled Bart for what felt like the millionth time. Rushing off the mouse found a group of crew that were looking over the railing as the water continued to rise higher and higher. "Get beasts to th' dinghy, fit as many aboard as possible. All ye who can swim get somethin' to hold onto to." Rallying the crew into action Bart grabbed a rope pulling with all his might.
"Pull mates pull!" The crew beasts rushed to help lifting the small dinghy up and over the side of the ship.
Cadby dashed to where the raft-makers were. As he came closer they finished putting the last piece of wood into place and binding it firmly to the main hull, if you could even call it that. "Good job, mates, she's fit to sail. I'll call her the Savior, as that's what she is. Get her ready to launch after the first dinghy drops into the water."
Blirth came up the hill at an unusually fast pace for him. Panting he greeted Aaron, "Greetings Captain, I am Blirth Shellhound, the Over-Father Acolyte."
OOC: Aaron isn't a captain, just a normal otter guard.
BIC: Aaron's eyes flashed up to meet Blirth's. "Hello. I'm Aaron, the unfortunate guard sent to pick you up," he said, sarcasm dripping from his tone. "We'll wait for Mask there to reach us, then we can leave for the Holt."
OOC: Get my reference? Get it? Eh? Eh?
Alana crossed her arms as she took the last step up to the hilltop.
"Wait for me? I was waiting for you to catch up, Acolyte Blirth."
The masked otter felt her sword beneath the robes. Good, just in case.
"I'm afraid we can't go anywhere until you see High Priest Jade. He has asked us to bring you to him before we leave for Summerdell."
Alana kept her eyes on Aaron's lance as she waved down to Jade.
Serene gave a smile to the young ottermaid. "I think the cook's right! Aye, it is good." She wished it was a bit hotter, though.
The Queen then said something about both sides wishing to avoid bloodshed. "Aye, my lady," the Captain said quietly in agreement, and quickly drained her cup to the bottom.
Aaron's sarcastic smile was wiped from his face. "Ah, sorry, but no. My orders are to bring to the High Rhulain." His lancetip dropped forward a little bit. "And no compromises."
"Lower your weapon Mister Galedeep, there shall be no need of the spear today. All shall be discussed and fought with the tongue." Jade having seen Alana's wave and thinking she had been distressed he had moved rather quickly to the base of the hill, only to stop and walk regally the rest of the way. Once there he had no reason to wait for the otter to be brought to him, though it did irk him that he, High Priest Jade had to approach a guardbeast.
"Lead on. Do as you were ordered." Jade nodded to Aaron to lead the way. "These two shall accompany me." He motioned to Blirth and Alana.
Put off, Aaron twirled his lance. "'Tis not a spear, it's a lance. I don't see any issue with two others with you two accompanying him. Let's go."
The otter about faced and started down the Summerdell side of the hill.
OOC: Hey Jukka could your new character meet up with Cadby and his crew as they come ashore?
BIC:
"I have no need to be lectured about the proper name of your weapon guardbeast." Jade's voice was still calm and slow, but it had a new commanding ring to it. He smiled pointedly at Aaron's retreating back before walking after him, motioning for the two Over-Followers to follow.
~*~*~*~*~
An almighty splash soaked the crewbeasts as they dropped it into the water. Not that it had fallen far with the water splashing at the bottom of the railing. Waving to Cadby Bart tried to get the fox's attention.
"Ahoy, Cap'n! Last dinghy is away, we should launch th' raft!"
~*~*~*~*~
Breeia nodded in a distracted manner walking over to the room's windows glancing down. Her eyes widened as she spotted the four beasts approaching from the hills.
"There they are captain. Arron has three of them with him, and they are approaching the main entrance."
OOC: Sure!
BIC:
The young Over-Follower Morgen was on the beach, eying the ship out in the distance and the beasts abandoning it. He wondered if he should go alert someone, but... no. The last time he'd alerted someone about something it had turned out to be unimportant, and he was determined not to be ridiculed again. So he simply decided to wait for the beasts to come ashore and decide what to do after that.
Alana had nearly pulled out her sword when Aaron readied his weapon, but the swift, unexpected approach of Jade cancelled that. She watched the Otterguard closely as they set off, still not trusting him.
~O~
Near Morgen's footpaws, the water bubbled. A tall, bulky sea otter propelled himself out and landed on the sand next to the Over-Follower Disciple. The otter shook himself off and looked in the direction of Morgen.
"Oh, no. I come here to find Alana and the first beast I meet is one of you?"
The otter shook his head. His eyes flashed with red for a split second as he grabbed the Disciple by the throat.
"Listen quick. My name is Adamo Irontail. My daughter, Alana, where is she? Surely your "all powerful" High Priest knows where everybeast on this island is, so he can stab 'em in the back when they ain't lookin'!"
Adamo released Morgen, shoving him away.
"Forget it, I'll ask the High Rhulain when I tell her about the ship. At least she has some sense..."
With that, Alana's father left the young Disciple on the beach as he trekked in the direction of Summerdell.
OOC: That was probably PPing, sorry.
OOC: Whoa.
BIC: Cadby roared out orders hastily. "Bart, get on the dinghy now! You four, ready the raft and get everyone on it."
Yelling down into the bowels of the rapidly sinking ship, the fox ordered everybeast to come out and get on the boat. Wasting not a second, the captain of a doomed vessel released the makeshift raft into the water before making an almighty leap onto it himself. "Let's hope Irontail did his job," the fox muttered to himself as both small boats made their way to shore. Cadby turned to see his ship sink below the merciless waters, forever lost to him.
Morgen picked himself up, throwing a hate-laden glance in Adamo's direction, but not wanting to cause trouble with the older and bigger otter.
Adamo looked over his shoulder. He would have to be careful if he saw that one again, could cause trouble.
"Hmph, cultists. If they've touched Alana, I swear..."
OOC: Can we do a timeskip so Jade and co. have reached Summerdell? Cadby and the crew can be on shore by then as well.
OOC: We are doing a Timeskip as Groddil requested.
BIC:
Jade and his Acolyte and Disciple followed Guardbeast Aaron up into the palace flanked by two more of the Otterguard. The six beasts stopped before the throne room doors as a announcer bowed his way inside, before slipping out again, nodding to Aaron.
"The queen shall see them now."
"But of course she shall. Did she not invite me here to talk, in good faith?" Jade soothed his completive gaze lingering on the two Otterguards that stood beside them, weapons at the ready.
Breeia stood before her throne watching the door in a mixture of fear and curiosity. To her right stood Serene, and to the left Glimmer stood a little ways back looking lost. The High Rhulain sucked in her breath as the door swung open.
OOC: Sage by this time you should be close to or on land. I'd assume a few of the clan otter NPCs will be ready to meet them. Along with Morgen.
OOC: Ok, thanks.
BIC: Cadby was fully standing up on the raft, watching the dinghy further ahead making landfall. He watched the lone otter standing on the shore, and the contingent of what were clearly otter guard making their way towards the shore. Not even caring what the single otter was doing, the black fox called out. "Ahoy, otter guard! Make way for my crew in that boat there."
Turning his attention to Bart's boat, he gave his orders. "Beach the boat and wait for me."
Alana and looked around at the palace she grew up in. She spied the High Rhulain and several otterguard: Clearly they didn't want to take chances. Wise Decision. The Disciple glanced at Breeia. If the High Rhulain had been a little younger, the two would probably have grown up together. Imagine the power she could have had then...
Serene stood stiffly, waiting. She wasn't sure what the outcome of this meeting would be, but she could only hope it turned out well for the island.
As the doors opened Jade padded though his head straight and his eyes locked on Breeia. The two guards on either side of her stiffened as Jade approached, striding purposely forward. The High Rhulain suddenly realizing the danger she was in started to step back, wondering if the guards had searched Jade for weapons when the High Priest bowed before her falling onto one knee, his head lowered. He moved his paw in a subtle sign for his two followers to do the same before raising his head to speak.
For the first time Breeia realized she had never truly met Jade. She had done her best to avoid him and had done so quite well. Of all the stories, rumors and reports she had heard about him, this sign of submission wasn't what she had expected. And by other otters looks they hadn't expected it either.
"High Rhulain of Green Isle, I seek to do naught but humble myself before you. Foolish creatures, drunk on anger and power endangered your life. I have seen to it they shall be punished for their crimes. True Over-Followers would never be so foolish, nor wicked. Know that I shall do all in my power to ensure this foolish action is never repeated under my watch. I do not seek to unsure you, nor your throne. However I do ask the maid Deepstream is returned to her guardians. She has willing given her life to the Over-Father. She must do the ritual or suffer his wrath. I know great queen that you suffer no belief in the great Over-Father, and for this I pity and pray that you may one day see the light. But I ask you please do not burden your conscious by keeping the young pup from receiving the Over-Father's blessings. She shall be safe, and protected under my personal care until she is returned to her rightful guardians."
All though his speech Jade had never once looked away from Breeia's brown eyes. His own deep pools of forget me not blue had left the High Rhulain tongue tied. She couldn't look away, much less refuse. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She tried again and managed.
"Oh."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Nodding in Cadby's general direction Bart leapt off the dinghy landing in waist deep water. Grabbing a tug rope the mouse barked a series of orders at the crew beasts. Who shuddering at the prospect of the chilly sea water jumped in helping the mouse pull the boat up onto the rocky beach. Bart looking up noticed a young otter standing on the shore watching them closely.
"Here mate," Bart called slinging another rope towards the otter. "Make yourself useful and give us a paw."
OOC:
Bart is talking to Morgen BTW.
Alana saw the paw movement and dropped to one knee. She would have stayed upright if she could, but she wasn't about to disobey Jade. The masked otter glared through the eye slits at the otterguard. If they tried anything, blood would be spilled. She grinned that they hadn't bothered checking for weapons, and she patted the sword beneath her robe fondly.
Cadby, on his own raft, quickly leaped off as the makeshift vessel made shore. "Alright, me good plank tailed friends, make yourselves useful and bring me to the Rhulain. Crew, come inland to the edge of the forest and get some rest. Bart, you're coming with me."
One of the otters emerged from the group. It was Adamo. The sea otter walked over to Cadby.
"I found these otterguard on my way to Summerdell. Good thing I did, or you'd be alone on the beach. I hope you don't mind if I travel with you, I have business with the Rhulain as well."
Cadby shrugged. "Sure. Just follow my orders when I give them."
OOC: So are Cadby and Bart in two different groups?
BIC:
Morgen didn't budge. "Er, who are you?" he demanded (but not very vehemently), trying to seem stronger than he felt.
OOC: No, Bart is just going with Cadby to the Rhulain. He was in a seperate boat before they landed.
BIC:
The black fox turned and looked over his burnt shoulder at the otter. "Me? Cadby Denholm, captain of the Lady Fortune. Not much luck left in her now, eh?" He pointed out to the rapidly sinking boat, now showing only its mast above the water. "Anyway, she hit a reef and tore open a hole. We landed here, there was nowhere else. Who might you be?"
OOC: Okay.
BIC:
Morgen wasn't exactly sure what the correct protocol would be in this situation. He knew that Jade was meeting with the Queen right about then, and he wasn't sure if it would be the best idea to just run off and tell some of the Over-Followers of these beasts' presence.
He lifted his chin. "I am one of the Over-Followers, and we're the only true believers on this island." He paused, not sure if that was the right thing to say. Sometimes he wasn't sure if he really believed in the existence of the Over-Father, but... no, of course he did.
A new thought sprang to his mind, and he quickly added, "And what are you? Merchants? Pirates?" He moved his paw slightly toward the hilt of his rather beat-up sword.
------------------------
Serene stared at Jade. Lies. And very good lies, too. She glanced at Breeia and saw what she considered to be an almost trusting look in the Queen's eyes. It alarmed her. She looked at Glimmer and a mixture of compassion and confusion welled up in her. She didn't want the young ottermaid to be in any danger, but could Jade possibly be telling the truth in that Glimmer had joined the Over-Followers?
No. What am I thinking? That's what he'd want me to believe.
At this, Serene stepped forward before she could stop herself and spoke, tripping slightly over her words. She wasn't exactly sure what to say, but she felt somebeast should say something since the Queen barely had. "And this, uh, ritual you mention involves hurting a young ottermaid? How could this gain the blessings of the... 'Over-Father'?" Then, a bit surprised at her boldness, she fell silent, hoping the Queen would not be offended.
Alana scoffed.
"You could never understand because you are too arrogant to undergo the ritual yourself. Who can say what the Over-Father thinks is right or wrong? Certainly not you!"
The masked otter rose from her kneeled position. She kept her eyes on Serene while waiting for Jade to decide what to say. Alana found herself checking for the sword again. Still there, good.
Jade's eyes flickered for half a second away from Breeia switching to Serene unwittingly. In that one moment the sense of vertigo left Breeia and she sank onto her throne looking thankfully at her otter captain. And while Jade's piercing blue eyes tried to lock back on hers Breeia kept her gaze up over his shoulder looking at one of the Otterguard's behind the Over-Followers who was picking his nose.
Something about Jade's eyes. They had frozen her, made her lost, unable to talk. How had he done it? Jade had given up trying to reclaim his staring contest with Breeia and was now looking at Serene almost curiously.
"Peace Alana, how could one who has not received the purification of the Over-Father understand? You yourself were doubtful. We must pity these creatures for they do not know of the Great Over-Father's mercy upon otters alone." Jade tried to lock eyes with Serene. "Captain Serene young Deepstream must undergo the purification of blood, and the mark of the Over-Father shall be imprinted upon her arm. I will not deny there is momentary pain. However what is a moment of pain to the expanse of eternal happiness?"
~*~*~*~*~
"Over-Followers?" Bart snorted shaking his large ears in mirth. "What in th' blazes are Over-Followers?" The mouse and his team managed to haul the boat on the sand. Many of them rubbed their ankles reproachfully, wringing water out of their clothing. Bart stood up squeezing water from his jacket before saluting to Cadby.
"Crew be all ashore Cap'n, all accounted for, I think."
The black fox nodded. "Good work. Griddil, you're in charge until I get back."
The fox turned toward Morgen. "I'm a trader, yes. But, eh he he, we don't have anything to trade with. And I really don't care about your "Over-Followers" unless they happen to have a spare seaworthy ship laying around."
Morgen stumbled over his words a little nervously. "The Over-Followers follow the Over-Father, who, uh, enlightens and bestows his blessings upon us." That's what he'd heard others say on more than one occasion, anyway. He stood there a moment, then grunted noncommittally at Cadby's words. Then he turned and sprinted into the woods, intending to tell the others now that he knew what these beasts were - or at least what they claimed to be.
-------------------------
Serene shot a quick glance at Breeia, and seeing that the Queen did not intend to speak up, she said, her blood boiling, "That's a load of garbage! I don't know where or how you came up with such ideas, but I know that any kindhearted being wouldn't require blood rituals!"
There I go again, not even trying to be tactful. She bit her lip a little regretfully. I hope this didn't ruin all chances of diplomacy... She remained standing, facing Jade with fire smoldering in her eyes.
For a long moment Jade seemed to be considering the Otterguard captain. His eyes remaining calm and outwardly peaceful. Slowly the otter priest stood facing Serene. His expression hadn't changed, however standing Jade looked much more dominating then he had kneeling.
"I see..." He said at last. "I can not change what you believe so deeply. Nor am I here to argue what a good being would, or wouldn't do. However Otterguard Serene you do not speak for the queen, if you do I must lose faith in the Queen's judgment at picking ranking officials."
"She speaks for me." Breeia said slowly. The final sense of vertigo finally leaving her. She forced herself to look past Jade, not wanting to lock eyes with him again. "What she says is true, bleeding a youth is disgusting and wholly unnecessary. Glimmer will stay here. Captain please escort Jade and his ilk out."
A tiny flicker of fury flashed in Jade's eyes but was gone in a moment. He held his palms up level with his chest shaking his head sadly. "As her majesty wishes. For here, and only here, the High Rhulain's word is law."
~*~*~*~*~*~
"These are otters Cap'n. M'sure they got at least one ship that'll sail on this lump o' rock." Bart observed his eyes ranging the mostly rugged shoreline. Dark sand mixing with a large number of pebbles made up most of it. Further up the sand ended and a thick woodland began. The mouse sailor glanced at his captain. "Erm I wunner where the otter ran off to. Should we follow?"
Alana stood up, fire in her eyes.
"Just you wait, unbelieving scum! Just you wait..."
The masked otter took a step back.
Cadby shook his head. "Nah, we'll stick the the Rhulain. Irontail, you said you wanted to come with. Let's get going."
OOC: Time skip to when Cadby and the others reach Summerdell? We can assume that they landed near the Holt.
Relief flashed in Serene's eyes when the Queen backed her up. Nodding, she took a step toward Jade, ignoring Alana's comment, and motioned to two of the otterguard. Without saying any more, she and the other two escorted Jade, Blirth, and Alana out of the room and saw them out of the palace.
OOC: A time-skip is fine with me. And I hope that wasn't PP'ing, Sand.
OOC: You forgot Blirth.
OOC: Whoops. *edits post*
OOC: How dare you. What should I call Jade?
BIC:
Birth followed Jade out of the Holt.
"How do you think it went, Jade?" he asked. Then he spotted the ship's crew coming towards the Holt. "Look, some beasts are coming towards us, and they are not otters!" he cried.
Escorted out onto the front steps of the palace Jade turned looking at the large palace. Its architecture was magnificent. High walls surrounded the min building, and two towers overlooked the entire mountain holt. Jade's eyes flicked over the structure noting every detail he could. The calm look on his face flickered into a smile.
With the right push, the Over-Father will topple all who stand against his truth. The enemies of the Father shall tremble in fear as their pathetic walls of disbelief crumble. Jade turned as Blirth pointed out the three beasts coming towards the palace. In a moment he straightened looking almost disdainfully down at the approaching beasts.
"Remember the teachings of the Over-Father, only otters shall be saved from his eventual wrath. These wretches deserve our mercy, but they are wicked and cannot understand the truth. Though I do see an otter among their number. However the Over-Father does not wish us to meet them. We shall go back to the camp, I have a meeting there." Without another word Jade set off towards the Over-Follower campsite.
~*~*~*~*~
"There tis, th' palace of Summerdell holt Cap'n. Magnificent I gotta say." Bart barked eyeing the palace. "Say look there be some beasts out to welcome us." He pointed at Captain Serene who had just finished kicking Jade out.
"Of course, High Priest," said Blirth following Jade.
Serene was just about to go back inside the palace when she saw a large group of beasts approaching. She stared a moment. Looks like an odd lot... is that a mouse and a fox? Puzzled, she walked down the steps in their direction.
--------------------
Morgen had told a couple of Over-Followers about the beasts who had landed on the island. To his relief, they thought it important, and now they were all waiting for the return of Jade.
Alana did not speak, instead looking strangely at the group as they left. That otter, who was he? He looked familiar...
Cadby ignored Jade the the others, hearing the word "Over-Father" and assuming that they were with that otter they had met when landing. He sprinted the final few yards to Serene. "You're otter guard, right? I need to see the Queen right away."
Serene looked the fox up and down. "Aye, I am. Who might you be?"
"Cadby Denholm. I was the captain of a trading ship, but it's lost to the waters. Now, can I go see the Rhulain?"
Serene looked over Cadby's shoulder at the other beasts, then gave a nod. "Follow me then. Just you alone." She walked up the steps and into the palace.
Adamo stepped up towards the entrance.
"I have my own questions to ask of the Rhulain. My name is Adamo Irontail, you may have heard of me."
OOC: Wait, you're talking to Serene, right?
OOC: Yah.
Cadby walked into the entrance behind Serene, holding out a paw to tell Bart and Adamo to stay where they are.
"Alright, otter, what's the problem here?" The fox said. The room was dimmer than the outdoors and his eyes took a second to adjust. "I just want to get a boat and get off here, back to my normal life." For a second his voice dropped the sociable pretense he had shown when landing on the island - he was back to his old self. For just a second. "Who were those other otters? There was one on the shore when we landed - he was apart from the otter guards. Said something about the Over-Father."
Arriving at his camp Jade clapped his claws together rousing the Over-Followers resting amongst the trees. "Rise my brothers, the Over-Father has need of your assistance. A beast promised to him has been forcefully withheld from our care. Our sister Glimmer Deepstream has been kitnapped by the queen. Now Alana, Blirth. Find all of our brothers and sisters, gather them north of here by the little waterfall. Gather as many pickaxes and shovels as you can. Wait for me there. Go Jade High Priest of the Over-Father has spoken, the Over-Followers will obey."
Looking though the crowd of Over-Followers Jade picked out one of them. A young male named Webbkir. "Go find and bring young Over-Follower Morgen to me. I shall be here. Tell no one but him. I have special need of his services. Go." Webbkir nodded and sprinted off to search the island for Morgen.
OOC:
Jukka you can PP Webbkir to find Morgen whenever you want.
Edit: Yeah I did, good catch. I probably should have come up with names that don't look so similar. :p
Adamo ignored Cadby's paw, following the two in. Not wishing to become involved further with the fox, who was, after all, just a means to an end that had succeeded in his task, the tall otter stood to one side while Cadby began his inquiry to the Rhulain.
~O~
Alana saluted with her tail.
"The High Priest speaks, the Followers obey!"
The sea otter stared around. She selected 5 otters to retrieve the needed equipment and, motioning to Blirth, led the others towards the waterfall.
OOC: Sandpaw, don't you mean "Over-Follower Morgen?"
OOC: He was talking to Serene. Might want to edit that post so Jukka can respond and Breeia can just overhear the conversation.
OOC:
Whoops, I thought you had just skipped to where he was talking to Breeia. I'll just remove the first half of the post.
OOC: Fine by me.
Serene turned when Adamo spoke up. She hesitated a moment, then said, "You may speak to her as well, then, but only you and Cadby, no one else."
Then a minute later Cadby spoke to her just inside the entrance. Serene nodded, and then her eyes hardened with disgust when the Over-Followers were mentioned. "They're a lying bunch of bloodthirsty scoundrels who believe in some 'Over-Father' who requires blood rituals, and they would've hurt a young ottermaid if the Queen hadn't stopped it. I'm afraid there's going to be even worse trouble with them before long." She shook her head.
---------------------------
Morgen was cleaning off his sword under a tree, as he often did, when a male a year younger than him ran up. Morgen had seen him before but didn't really know anything about him other than the fact that his name was Webbkir.
"Hey," Webbkir said, somewhat out of breath, "the Leader wants to see you."
Morgen wasn't sure he'd heard correctly. "Me?"
"Yeah, you."
"Oh, come on." Morgen felt anger rising in him. How gullible did they think he was? He was sick and tired of being teased and pushed around.
"I wouldn't keep him waiting, y'know," Webbkir said, annoyance seeping into his voice.
What if he isn't lying? At that thought Morgen got up and sheathed his sword. "Fine," he grunted, and marched off.
Cadby nodded. "Okay, stay away from them, I guess."
Without waiting for approval he brushed past Serene, done with his conversation. Walking up to Adamo, he addressed the otter. "Irontail, you deliberately disobeyed my orders. I let you come along with me to here on the condition that you follow my every order - and you didn't?"
The black fox unconsciously itched a spot on his burnt arm under the leather armor, he winced after touching the burnt flesh. "Bart, it's alright to come in," he said. Cadby might as well have someone he could trust to follow an order with him.
Fire flashed in Irontail's eyes.
"I had my own reasons for coming here, Cadby. I came to find my daughter Alana. Once I find her, I will gladly help you get off this rock, but until then, get out of my way."
The sea otter ignored the fox and approached the Rhulain. He gave a quick but elaborate bow.
"Allow me to introduce myself, High Rhulain. I am Adamo Irontail, advisor to your parents."
OOC: Wait... I thought Cadby, Adamo, and Serene were just outside the palace, above the steps? *is confused*
OOC: Works with my post anyway. Adamo walked inside.
OOC: I had it so Serene and Cadby walked into the foyer. Adamo followed anyway and now they're waiting for the Queen to respond. Oh, and Cadby had Bart come in.
OOC: I was thinking of them just barely inside the entrance of the palace, with the throne room being elsewhere. But okay, I'll assume the throne room's right there.
BIC:
Serene stood aside, eyeing the Queen to see her response.
OOC: Okay just to make sure everyone is on the same page; Blirth (Whose Name I always spell wrong) and Alana are out gathering pickaxes and shovels along with the rest of the Over-Followers (About fifty in all) while Morgen is on his way to meet with Jade, who hath secret mission for him. *Wink Wink*. Breeia along with the rest of the cast, Cadby, Glimmer, Serene, Adamo, yadda yadda are in the palace entrance hall about to have a discussion.
Did I get everything right?
BIC:
Having followed Serene out of the throne room Breeia felt tremendously better to have finished the audience with Jade. So much so she was going to take a walk. And she was still going to walk outside whether the new guests had to follower her around. Not that they could all be considered guests.
"I know you Adamo. You have been gone for a long time. I regret to tell you that my parents passed some seasons ago. Now if you would please step out of the way." Breeia made her way around Adamo only to find Cadby blocking her way. A flicker of annoyance flashed across her face as she frowned at the fox. He wasn't the most tasteful of creatures, and his injuries drew the eyes in causing an awkward situation of trying not to stare at them. Something a queen shouldn't find difficult.
"Master fox, please state your business on Green Isle. Your kin- I mean I do not see foxes often..." She looked over at Serene as if to say, 'Why is he inside?' Bart on the other paw stared around open mouthed.
"Craw, tis mighty fine." He murmured.
Adamo quickly stepped in front of Breeia.
"Wait! My daughter, Alana. Have you seen her? Do you have any idea where she may be?"
Cadby grinned with what he thought was a winning smile. "I have no reason to be here, Queen, and no want to. But one is usually out of options when one's ship is sinking. Now sunk."
"Most unfortunate master fox," Breeia said without any tact whatsoever, growing more irritated by the second. "We are very fortunate to have a tavern on Green Isle where you can stay until a trading vessel shows up." She turned her eyes to answer Adamo who had just stepped to front of her. She was about to answer the same way she had to Cadby when she caught sight of Glimmer standing happily nearby. The young otter stood grinning about her like there wasn't a care in the world.
Sighing slightly Breeia shook her head looking sorrowfully at the otter. "No, I am afraid the last time I saw her I was still young, and she not but a kit. I am sorry Adamo, please stay. I shall have a servant prepare a room for you, and have another search for her, Alana correct?" Feeling her fur plaster down in embarrassment she turned back to Cadby.
"I apologize master fox. I have had a rough time as of late. However I cannot be so terrible a host to a guest in need. I will have rooms prepared for you and your creatures in the palace. How many are with you?"
The fox counted off in his head. "I'd say a score and a half. Look, my main concern are those weird otters I saw leaving. The Over-Followers? I've seen fanaticism like that before in other creatures. They almost tried to kill us. Are they a threat?
Serene was still standing there, deciding to stay out of the conversation for the moment.
-----------------------
Morgen finally found Jade and walked slowly up to him. "Uh, Webbkir said you wanted to speak to me, sir."
Adamo hung his head.
"Very well. I will wait, so long as I find my daughter."
The sea otter trudged off to his room.
Turning ever so slowly Jade looked Morgen up and down nodding slowly. "Yes I believe I was looking forward to speak with you. I have something I feel only you would be capable of. Something that shall be most befitting to your stance amongst the Over-Followers." Jade paused and seemed to be considering then he set a heavy paw on the young otter's shoulder looking him directly in the eyes.
"Do you, and will you obey the Over-Father and his high priest at all times? To preform any task to your utmost and without question?"
~*~*~*~*~
Biting her lip Breeia watched Adamo go turning to Serene. "Send somebeast to set up a room for him, aaaand Somebeast to cheer him up." She jabbed her head at Glimmer winking. "Once that's done join me out on the lawns for a, important talk." She then turned back to Cadby shaking her head in the most relaxed way possible.
"Not at all master fox, not at all. They shall be dealt with in their own time. Nothing that a guest of Green Isle should be concerned with. Now I'm afraid that we do not possess enough rooms for all of your crew however I am sure hardy creatures like yours would be more then comfortable out on the lawns. They are surprisingly comfortable. Blankets, tents, and such will be delivered along with food. However for yourself and a few officers I will have rooms prepared. Would you like to go up now, or go down to your crew?" Without missing a beat she turned to the mostly silent Otterguard.
"Otterguard Aaron would you please escort the fox where he wishes to go. Once he is settled in meet with me and Captain Serene out on the lawns as well. We have much to discuss."
Aaron nodded an affirmative. The otter almost sauntered over to Cadby. "Okay," said the fox. "Bart, go to the shore and get my crew over to the lawns."
Without waiting for Aaron, Cadby walked out to the lawns himself, mentally mapping the area. The sides that weren't surrounded by the rocks of the holt were instead bordered by trees, with a broad grassy area going through the woods. The fox took it all in at a a glance, folly calculating where he'd put he essentials. Of course, the crew would portage both boats. The dinghy would make a good makeshift tent, but it had to be kept in good condition. The raft, however, would make good firewood. When the crew cam back, he'd have the dissasemble the makeshift craft. But for now...
"Alright, where's my room?" To fox demanded brusquely. Aaron motioned toward a smaller doorway cut in the stone, leading to a carved stairway. Both beasts entered and took the stairs. The hallway at the top branched off into other hallways, each with their own rooms. Aaron showed Cadby to an empty hallway with five rooms for his officers and himself, before leaving in silence.
When Aaron reached to bottom of the stairs, he twirled his lance and did a few fancy tricks before returning to his post. Was he being sent by the Queen to show guests to heir room like a servant? No, she said "escort." Right? The otter shook his head. Nah, the Queen wouldn't consider him a low down beast. She was inviting him to a military meeting.
Morgen could not believe what he was hearing. Was something important actually happening to him for the first time in his life? Excitement surged through him.
"Yes, sir!" he answered, nodding vigorously.
------------------------
Serene took the hint. "Alright, uh, Glimmer, could you please show Adamo here to a room and bring him anything he may need?" She smiled at the young otter, the first time she'd seemed cheerful since Jade had been there.
"Excellent," Jade said in his slow manner. Releasing Morgen's shoulder the high priest moved away from him opening a large sack that had been dropped. Scooping it up he emptied the contents out onto the grass. Out poured a Otterguard uniform and a few other garments which Jade stuffed back into the sack.
"I do not know I you were informed brother Morgen, yet an action most grievous has been committed against the Over-Father." Jade let the thought sink in before continuing. "Our future sister, who promised her life to the Great Father has been held against her will by the Queen of this Island. The Over-Father shall not be denied what has been promised him, and his wrath will poor out like fire over Green Isle should we do nothing. Now The Over-Father has shown me a way to distract the Queen and her guards while our sister Glimmer Deepstream is returned to her fold." Here Jade picked up the uniform and held it up to Morgen.
"You must enter the Palace Summerdell disguised as a guard and retrieve her, take her far away before sun high tomorrow. Or I am afraid Deepstream, yourself, and every other beast inside the palace shall be slain by the Over-Father's fury. Do you understand?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Nodding happily Glimmer scooted off up the stairs after Adamo. Running as fast as she could Glimmer soon caught him on one of the landings. Tugging on the back of his tunic to alert him she was there Glimmer bowed while managing to smile widely up at him.
"I'm to show you to your room sir and assist you. Is there anything I could help you with? I would really like to help. You look kinda sad, and my older brothers used to say when they were sad food helped loads. Do you want something to eat sir? I could run down to the kitchens and grab something real quick. Oh wait I have to show you where your room is first. Follow me sir." Still smiling Glimmer trotted off in the direction she supposed the guest rooms were at.
Adamo turned in the doorway.
"Thank you. I am not hungry yet, I will get my own food later. Hmm, you look a little like my daughter... Tell me, why are you here in the palace? I don't remember seeing you around before I left."
Morgen hadn't really known much about the situation, but he had seen Glimmer occasionally and knew what she looked like. Yes, this was a terrible thing to happen. They had to get Glimmer back before the Over-Father punished them all!
"Yes, sir, I understand, and I will not fail you. I will rescue Glimmer." He took the clothes, feeling more sure of himself than he ever had in his life.
"You shall." Jade said simply. Turning away to let Morgen dress the High Priest started off towards the waterfall where Alana and Blirith were gathering the remaining Over-Followers. "Get our sister out before sun high tomorrow, it is most important that you remember that. Keep her safe until we meet again Morgen, and you shall be honored. Allow her to fall into harm..." Jade left the threat unsaid disappearing into the undergrowth. He had a few stops to make before he went to the waterfall.
~*~*~*~*~
Having gathered the crew Bart led them up the hills towards Summerdell. They had portaged the dighny easily enough, however the raft had proved too unwieldy to carry whole. Instead the free crew members staggered along under heavy loads of wood, pieces of the raft that had been stripped off. Staggering under his own massive load Bart spotted Cadby walked slowly over to the fox letting the pile of wood and ropes fall to the ground.
"Got em all Cap'n, an' both o' the boats, though the raft is a little disassembled."
Cadby had descended from his room and back onto the lawns, waiting for Bart. When the mouse came into his view he sprinted down to meet his faithful crewbeast. "That's fine, mate, I never needed it whole. Set it down in the middle there, we'll wait for everybody to get settled down before I make my announcement."
Morgen yanked off his nondescript tunic and swordbelt and put on the otterguard uniform. It was a bit large, but once he'd pulled the belt back on over it, with the sword safely at his hip, he thought it didn't look bad.
After stowing his regular tunic in a cleft of a tree (he didn't want to waste time), he set off, quivering with excitement.
"I probably wasn't here when you were last here sir. I just arrived two day ago. The High Rhulain brought me here, and Captain Serene. Saved me, I think. They're very beautiful aren't they." Glimmer stopped on the threshold to Adamo's room. She was supposed to make sure everything was in order, however that left her completely as she stared up at Adamo happily.
"What's your daughter's name again? Is she beautiful too? What does she look like?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A few otter servants traveled back and forth from the castle loaded down with their assortment of items. Food, tents, blankets, and other essentials. Bart directed the construction of the camp site not sure whether it was long term or not. In a short time the crew had gathered around on the surprisingly comfortable grass resting after the day's heavy work.
"Your announcement Cap'n" Bart reminded as the last crew member, a lanky weasel, took his seat.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Taking her time Breeia crossed the palace grounds enjoying he soft grass between her footclaws. It was certainly a pleasant evening. Looking around she noted the crew a short distance away, though she couldn't make out what they were saying. She continued looking around waiting for Serene and Aaron to show up.
OOC: Hey Sage don't worry to much about responding to Breeia, if its okay with you I'll play him just enough to show he's still there. You of course can jump in at any time to retake control.
OOC: I'll post again later with some IC content, right now I'm not up to a long lost. However, in cases of my absence, you can RP Aaron and Cadby can just hang out in his camp.
Cadby leapt up to a convenient nearby rock, sweeping his gaze across his assembled crew. "Listen, mates, it's been a hard day. We lost our ship, lost our luck, and now we're stranded on an island amidst otters." The fox grinned. "But, we can make the best of it. Griddil, take four others and gather any spare canvas used for the raft. Pile it in the middle. You five," he said, pointing to a group of seafaring mole. "Shore up some hills. We want a nice cozy defensive perimeter so fanatic otters don't come in and kill us. The rest of you, find some nice straight, firm sticks and pile them next to the canvas. A piece of canvas and two sticks for every two beasts, nobeast likes getting rained on. Come on, get to work! Bart, come over here."
Adamo sighed.
"She was. Alana was her name, even prettier than my poor wife. I never should have run off and left her, now she's probably been murdered as well. I swear on the Dark Forest's gates, if I catch that Over-Follower scum that killed my wife..."
The sea otter stopped and shook his head.
"You should go, I don't feel well."
OOC: Sage, you keep using Groddil as a character name. :P
BIC:
Serene stepped out onto the lawns, looking around for the Queen. Ah. There she was. Taking her time, Serene walked over, keeping an eye out for Aaron.
Quote from: Jukka the Sling on February 13, 2016, 04:28:48 PM
OOC: Sage, you keep using Groddil as a character name. :P
BIC:
Serene stepped out onto the lawns, looking around for the Queen. Ah. There she was. Taking her time, Serene walked over, keeping an eye out for Aaron.
OOC: Its G
iddil.
Quote from: Groddil on February 13, 2016, 09:01:59 PM
Quote from: Jukka the Sling on February 13, 2016, 04:28:48 PM
OOC: Sage, you keep using Groddil as a character name. :P
BIC:
Serene stepped out onto the lawns, looking around for the Queen. Ah. There she was. Taking her time, Serene walked over, keeping an eye out for Aaron.
OOC: Its Giddil.
OOC: No, it's Griddil. With an r.
OOC: DP because otterguards!
BIC: Watching Serene emerge from the palace, Aaron strode over to her. "Hello, Captain. I guess that we're to commence the talk that Her Majesty requested?"
Seeing the two Otterguards approach Breeia made her way towards them. She adjusted her coronet slightly trying to keep it straight. She felt better, but worry clawed at her stomach as she thought of what the Jade and his Over-Followers might do next. While Jade himself seemed to respect her rank, clearly some of the Over-Followers didn't respect his policy of non-violence. Something that needed to be fixed.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bart, having just sat down stood back up walking over to Cadby's side. Giving a quick salute the mouse stared up at the fox captain.
"Aye Cap'n?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Should I get the healer. Green Isle has some of the best healers. I think I know where she is." Glimmer chattered as she moved towards the door, "If its a headache I could get some of those herbal drinks, the cook says they are her specialty and clear up headaches faster then a hare eats." Glimmer stopped thinking about what she had said.
"Hm I've never seen a hare eat. I guess they eat pretty fast. Least that's what the elders say."
OOC: Hey Jukka can you move Morgen to do his task that night or the next morning as Jade begins his plan? I'll leave it up to you to decide how he accomplishes it.
Adamo smiled slightly.
"They do, faster'n anythin' I've ever seen. And no, I'll be fine. I just need some time alone."
Cadby clapped Bart on the shoulder, taking the mouse along with him to one of the steep rock walls surrounding part of the lawn, he spoke in an undertone. "Listen here. We all know that this island isn't exactly the most hospitable of places. We have a fair amount of what creatures like otters consider "vermin" in our crew: weasels, stoats, ferrets, rats. Me," he added as an afterthought. "So we're not exactly on good terms with the Queen, even though we've just met.
"So, if'n I end up getting killed by otters, then I'm appointing you as standing captain. I know that it's a big thing t' realize, but you've been my strong right paw for quite a few seasons now, and you showed your worth aboard the sinking boat."
Quote from: Sagetip on February 13, 2016, 09:22:08 PM
OOC: No, it's Griddil. With an r.
Okay, I'm totally lost. What? I don't see any character named that in the OOC thread.
BIC:
Morgen was nearing the palace, wondering what the best way was to kidnap an ottermaid. He had a vague notion of waiting and scoping out the place for a bit beforehand, but beyond that he was woefully unprepared.
---------------------
"Oh, there you are," Serene said to Aaron, and then nodded in reply to his question. They were right by the Queen by now.
OOC: @Sandpaw: You should probably make glimmer stick around Adamo for a bit longer while Morgen tries to kidnap her.
OOC:
@Groddil Yeah that was my plan actually. :D
@Jukka the Sling Sage's character Griddil is a NPC like Webbkir. I think so anyway.
BIC:
"Yes sir I'll make sure no beast disturbs you." Glimmer said pulling the curtains shut and walking over to the door. "Then I'll bring you up some of the herbal drink. Its really good. Oh wait you've seen hares? What are they like, I've never seen anybeast other then otters and birds. I've seen lots of birds, big ones, honking ones. My favorite are the big black ones that dive into the water. What's your favorite?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bart's eyes doubled in size as the mouse considered this possibility. He had never been bothered by the woodlander vermin peramiters simply because he had known Cadby for so long. While it couldn't be argued the fox was the most pleasant of creature he had never let his crew down.
"They'll 'ave to kill me too 'afore they get to you Cap'n." Bart said loudly forgetting the captain was trying to keep the conversation private. A few of the crew cheered at the statement but went back to their personal tasks not really noticing what the comment might have implied..
"Ahem er sorry Cap'n, I'd be honored." Bart said in a quieter voice.
~*~*~*~*~
"Thank you for coming Captain Serene, Otterguard Aaron." Breeia stopped taking a breath before plunging on.
"I am no military leader, I might be the warrior queen of Green Isle but I have never been in a real battle or conflict, and quite frankly neither have you two. We're woefully underprepared and I have no idea how to go about dealing with Jade. He seems passive for now but...." She stalled looking from one to the other clearly nervous.
"If he looses control of his followers, they may attack us. I don't know who the clans will back. Now there is something my mother always told me, 'know your opponent' but I'm not sure how to go about learning things about Jade and the Over-Followers. You two are my senior Otterguard, some of the best warriors on this Island. I need your help."
OOC: Oh. Okay...
BIC:
Serene nodded quietly while the Queen was speaking. Inwardly she was breathing a sigh of relief that the Queen shared her firmly-held belief that the Over-Followers were going to prove a greater threat than they might have at first appeared.
"Whatever you need us to do, my lady, we're ready. Just say the word."
Adamo chuckled lightly. Glimmer really was like his daughter, she refused to leave him alone. Nevertheless, deep in his heart, the gruff otter had to admit he enjoyed her company.
"Tall, big ears, 'perilous' they call 'emselves, but all that means is they get mighty angry when you forget to feed 'em! As fer birds, I've been fightin' of seagulls for as long as I can remember, so it kinda leaves a bad taste."
Aaron stuck his lance tip into the ground so his hands would be free. "Well, when I was up on the 'ill where I met Jade and his beasts, I got a look down at the camp. It wasn't too long of a view, but I could tell that they weren't exactly prepared for war. But we know that there are some otter guards who defected to his group, so there's probably some armor and weapons among them. If you want my opinion, we definitely shouldn't wait for them to make the move."
The otter glanced over at Cadby and his crew. "And there's the trader and his crew. At this point I'd defer to you, Captain. I don't have much experience with other creatures landing here."
The fox in question was busy continuing his conversation with Bart. "Good. If we still have any luck, then we'll get off this island before those otters start tearing each other to bits. We'll wait a few weeks for a boat to show up, and if it doesn't, then we make our own. If the otters are warring before then, we make the boat. See what I mean?"
Without waiting for a response the fox clapped Bart on the back. Speaking loudly, he said, "Glad to know that you're always ready to lend a helping hand, mate." Winking an eye at the mouse, hoping he got the gist of his plan, he sauntered off to further inspect the area around the camp. He wasn't worried about getting killed, at least not by otters. He didn't want his crew the mutinize, especially on an island like this.
"Yes but I can't order the Otterguard to start arresting Over-Followers. They have done nothing wrong as a whole. Only certain members of their group have ever downright well, you know." Breeia touched her head in frustration. "We don't even know what they are up to. In fact we hardly know anything about them."
The High Rhulain looked up her eyes shining. "That's it, we need somebeast to find out what they are doing. What their goals are. We need a beast inside."
~*~*~*~*~
Nodding Bart ambled back over to his original seat slipping off his seaboots. He doubted that the otters, even the crazy ones would outright attack them.
"Pass th' brea mate." He asked a rat who was sitting next to him. The rodent obliged and Bart chewed on the loaf considering the day's events.
~*~*~*~*~
"You fought seagulls? The big white birds, wow?" Glimmer said looking up at Adamo in awe. "Did you fight them while at sea, they're suppose to be really strong. I'm always told to stay far away from them cause they're dangerous." She nodded in a knowing way as she talked, smiling all the while.
"Yeah, fought 'em off on two ships. First was much 'arder. Nowhere t'run, nobeast else t'lend a paw, and no food t'bribe 'em with. Second time was a lot easier, until we sunk, and here I am."
The sea otter sighed.
"I just want to find my daughter and get her away from here. Away from all the treachery an' cults, away to a safe place far aross the seas."
Serene thought a moment. If she hadn't been the Otterguard Captain, she would have immediately volunteered as the spy. But as it was, she was too well-known and identifiable, and she doubted anyone would buy the notion of her defecting to the Over-Followers. They would need someone less prominent to take on the mission.
"That's a good plan, my lady." She bit her lip thoughtfully. "Do you have any ideas about who to send?"
-----------------------------------
Morgen finally found himself on the edge of the woods near the seabeasts' camp, which was still in the process of being set up. Melting into the shade, he stood there for a moment, appraising the situation.
So the shipwrecked beasts had been allowed to set up camp. Hmm. He would have to report that to Jade on his return. But firstly, he would have to somehow figure out where Glimmer was in the palace and manage to kidnap her before the next morning. He looked up at the palace, located on a slight hill - he'd never been there, but had seen it from a distance on a few occasions.
Adrenaline had been pumping through his veins until now, but then, as his initial exhilaration of being sent on a mission faded, a cold claw of fear made its way into his heart. What if I fail? He swallowed hard, then turned and made his way through the trees, circumventing the camp. Even with his guard uniform, he didn't trust himself to walk in the open. Not yet.
"No, I can't think of anybeast who I'd willingly send into such a situation. Who knows what they might do if they caught a spy in their midst." Breeia groaned, "Besides who do we trust enough to not turn into double agent?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
Shadows were being to lengthen as Jade descended a last hill. The Over-Followers were spread out resting amongst the trees, while a small waterfall rushed in the background filling the air with its sounds. The High Priest walked though his followers until he spotted Alana overseeing the large number of pickaxes and shovels staked by the waterfall.
"Very well done Sister Alana." Jade said coming up behind her. "This is more then sufficient, the Over-Father is very pleased with your efforts."
Alana gave a small bow.
"Thank you, sir. The followers obey; what is your next wish of us?"
Serene turned to look at Aaron. "Er... Aaron, would you be willing to go on this mission?"
Taken by surprise, the otter quickly responded. "Ah, yeah.. I mean, yes, marm. I'd be willing to."
OOC: Wow I totally got sidetracked with all the other RPs and neglected my own. I'm sorry guys. So do ya'll want to continue this or should I have James send it to abandoned RPs?
IC:
"Follow me," Jade told Alana in quietly. Turning away from her he led the way towards the waterfall making sure to stand well away from the treacherous edge. The cascading water had been known to suddenly rip away some of its bank sending unfortunates into the pummeling pool at the base of the waterfall. Motioning Alana to stay directly behind him Jade shuffled some bushes for a moment revealing a large gap in the rock leading down below the river.
"When I first came to Green Isle," Jade explained. "The Over-Father showed me many things, so I might fulfill his work here. I know every passage, every nook and cranny on this island. Through this tunnel is a cave that sits directly underneath Summerdell palace. Some ancient ancestors of the Otter clans once lived there. It is a magnificent place, but the Over-Father has spoken to me, and I must do a difficult thing. Something I dread doing, and will tear at my soul for seasons to come. Can you think of what he has asked of us Sister Alana? You are a smart creature, how will we bring retribution on those who scorn our teachings? Those who hold our sister against her will, sitting in their palace. Blinded by greed and selfish intent."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Biting her lip Breeia inspected Aaron closely. She trusted the otter, and believed him to be a capable beast. But he was getting on in seasons. And she wasn't sure if Jade's Over-Followers would trust him enough to indulge whether they had anything planned.
"Are you sure you're up to the task Aaron?" She inquired worriedly. If she sent this brave beast into death it would rest on her shoulders. "Do you understand that if something goes wrong you might be killed, or worse..."
OOC: CONTINUE IT! PLEEASSSE!!! CONTINUE IT!
BIC:
Though the mask hid her facial features, Alana's mood was somewhere between worried and joyful. She just couldn't decide what she thought about all this.
"We have to make them join the Over-Father, don't we? If they deny him in life they must choose in death..."
"Yes sister, they have refused the chance at life that the Over-Father has promised all otters. They mingle with the lower species, and take the loyal Over-Followers into captivity." Jade said gnashing his teeth together. "So we shall take the shovels and picks into the cave and destroy the supports. We will complete the Over-Father's work and then, the weight of their own vanity shall bring down the palace, and everybeast inside. Its a terrible tragedy that so many of the Over-Father's sons and daughter must die before they receive his mark...." He set a paw on Alana's shoulder his blue eyes looking straight into hers.
"Fetch a tool sister, and our brothers and sisters. We have righteous work to do."
OOC: She's wearing a mask, Sandpaw...(Although I guess he could have looked through the eye-slits)
BIC: Alana turned her face away quickly, making sure the mask was still tight.
"Of course..."
The sea otter took a shovel that had been leaning against the cliff and returned to the camp.
"Everybeast, the Over-Father has spoken. Grab the tools, follow me to the cave!"
Aaron met eye to eye with Breeia. "Queen, I've been in life or death situations before. I can handle myself just fine. Anyway, those Over-Followers aren't exactly trained fighters."
OOC:
Timeskip? Aaron is on his way already and the Over-Followers have gotten about halfway through the dig?
Quote from: Groddil on March 23, 2016, 01:15:01 AM
OOC:
Timeskip? Aaron is on his way already and the Over-Followers have gotten about halfway through the dig?
OOC: I'm so bad about just leaving RPs entirely, tell you guys what, if everyone is still interested we'll continue.
@Jukka the Sling @Sagetip and of course
@Groddil
OOC: I'm up for it. Groddil is gaining a a reputation for not letting RPs die. Next he'll be reviving the Ghostbusters one *nudge nudge wink wink*
OOC: I'd love to finish this!
OOC: Okay cool, we'll get things going again.
So if ya'll would, just go over the characters again real quick, maybe read back a few posts. Basically what's going on right now Jade and his followers are underneath Summerdell palace digging out a cave to collapse it, while Aaron is heading that way to spy on the Over-Followers. Meanwhile Morgen is sneaking into Summerdell to kidnap Glimmer and take her to safety before sun high. While the Crew camp out.
I think we'll start towards morning with events going as Groddil suggested.
OOC: Okay, someone's gotta get this show on the road.
@LT Sandpaw @Groddil @Sagetip BIC:
Silent as a shadow, Morgen slipped into a dark room. It was around midnight, and just about everyone in Summerdell was sound asleep. A few lanterns lit most of the hallways, but this room was pitch black. His heart hammered in his chest, but he felt strangely alert.
Glimmer was asleep in here - he knew that much. When he'd finally reached the palace earlier that day, he had walked right in a side door in his guard uniform, seeing no other option. His heart had been in his throat the whole time. A female otter with a blue tunic had glanced briefly at him, but nothing had happened. He'd quickly slipped away, and, after slinking around for some time, found Glimmer. He'd shadowed her until night fell and she went to bed.
And now, Morgen was about to rescue her and bring her back to the fold. She would appreciate the Over-Followers once they enlightened her.
He'd thought about the best way to accomplish this for some time. His empty clothes sack in paw, he crept in, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. Actually, it wasn't quite as dark as he'd expected; moonlight shone faintly through the dark curtains over the window. Still, he had to stare hard to see with any clarity. There was the cot, right by the door, with a sleeping form in it. He took a deep breath and raised the sack. In a quick movement, he grabbed the ottermaid's head and jerked the sack over her. She struggled feebly, screaming, but he cut her off by jamming the coarse fabric against her mouth.
Over-Father above, Morgen hoped no one had heard her.
Then a head popped up on the other side of the room, outlined against the window. "Glimmer?!" a young voice asked, and another ottermaid darted over to Morgen.
Wait. Glimmer shared a room? With a curse, he rounded on the other ottermaid, slamming her to the stone floor with a well-timed blow. Grabbing Glimmer tighter, he hefted her over his shoulder and ran.
Fear coursed through him like liquid fire, urging him onward. Surely Glimmer's roommate would sound the alarm. He'd be caught, and he'd die along with the other Summerdell otters when the Over-Father rained vengeance upon them. Gasping, barely able to hold on to the kicking Glimmer, Morgen made it to an outside door and burst out into the night. He didn't stop there. Sure he was being pursued, he kept running for the forest, remembering just in time to circumvent the sailors' camp and avoid the fireglow. Finally he reached the woods and, after a good several minutes, he crashed to a halt, feeling as though he were about to pass out.
--------------------
Serene shot awake. She was always a light sleeper, but for a moment, she wondered what had awoken her. Her thoughts flitted to Aaron, who had left on his spy mission earlier that night. She hoped he'd make it through unharmed. Her eyelids grew heavy, and she was on the verge of sleep when she heard it again. Was that a scream? She leaped to her footpaws and dashed down the hallway.
Nearby, the door to the room of Glimmer and Arowyn, two young servants, hung open. That wasn't normal. Serene ran in and almost tripped over a body. She gasped. It was Arowyn, lying on her back.
"Aro!" Serene exclaimed. "What happened? Where's Glimmer?" There was no response. She picked her up and carried her out to the lit hallway, fear clutching at her heart. Blood oozed from a wound on the back of Arowyn's head, matting her headfur. She still had a pulse, but her eyes were closed. Serene was no doctor, but she knew the otter was seriously injured. What had happened?
Her sleepy brain suddenly snapped into gear. Oh no. Oh no. It was all so clear. Glimmer had been taken by the Over-Followers. Arowyn had just been collateral damage. Serene knew this as certainly as she knew that Arowyn was bleeding out all over her lap.
"Help!" she yelled. "Kidnapping! Blood! It's an emergency!"
Adamo was roused by the struggles, as his room was close to Glimmer and Arowyn's, and by the time Serene called for help, he rushed to the other room, blade in hand.
"What in Hellgates? Who did this?"
Down in the mines the sound of picks, cracking through stone could be heard ringing throughout the caves. The digging had gone well, and already mounds of destroyed limestone were stacked against the walls. Jade walked without fear through the crumbling structure, splashing through the small puddles of water and around stalactites. Occasionally he would order some otters out, and fresh ones from outside to replace them.
He suddenly stopped, clapping his paws together with a sharp crack, bringing all activity in the cave's gloomy interior to a halt. "The Over-Father has spoken to me," He said a ringing note in his voice. "Those to which it has been foretold now shudder in their sleep, and those who scoffed shall now be woken with the sound of the Over-Father's wrath. Let this day remain in your hearts and minds forevermore, the Over-Father shall have that which is his. Everybeast out." Jade turned, his crystal blue eyes picking out Alana from amongst the workers as they shouldered their pickaxes and shovels, shambling for the entrance tunnel.
"Alana I have a task for you. Remain with me, here."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Serene and Adamo's shouts alerted Breeia and her guards, who rushed down from the throne room. The warrior queen skidded around the corner closely followed by two other otters who struggled to keep up with her.
"Your highness you should be more careful," One of the guards called just as the came upon Serene.
Breeia had been unable to sleep, mostly due to her concern for Aaron's wellbeing. She had taken to wandering the Palace's halls, fretting and worrying. And it would seem, for good reason.
"What happened?" Breeia asked kneeling beside Serene, feeling helpless. She gently brushed the back of the young servant's head turning to one of the guards. "Fetch a healer." She ordered before turning to look at Adamo. "Did you see what happened?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Struggling feebly Glimmer gave a good account of herself from within the sack. She had been shocked awake, and even now the panic induced adrenaline pumped through her veins. Aiding power to he kicked and squirming. She had no idea where she was, or even what was happening.
Several times the young ottermaid attempted to cry out, only to get a mouthful of sack whenever she tried.
"At last. It has been too long since the Over-Father's wrath fell upon the foolish."
Alana smiled wickedly beneath her mask.
<\O/>
Adamo shook his head.
"No, my queen. I heard a struggle, but by the time I got here..."
He motioned to one of the guards.
"Come with me. We need to secure this place before anybody else gets killed."
He nodded to the other guard.
"Keep the Rhulain safe. Whoever did this could still be here."
"It's Jade and the Over-Followers. I'm sure of it," Serene said. "I heard a scream and Arowyn was just on the floor in her room and Glimmer was gone!" She didn't know Arowyn that well, but the ottermaid was around Glimmer's age and nice enough.
A couple of healers came running at this point, and Serene got up and backed away as they ministered to Arowyn. Then she turned and hurried to her room. The assailant could be anywhere, and as the Otterguard Captain, she needed to be ready. In a matter of moments, she was dressed and directing guards to different areas of the palace.
----------------------
Morgen got up again, his legs weak. He had to make it to the Over-Followers' camp before he was caught or Glimmer managed to get away from him. She persisted in screaming and kicking, and he tried to cover her mouth. When that didn't work, he swatted her none-too-gently on the head. "Shut up, or we'll both die!" he hissed, which was mostly true. He began running, staggering through the undergrowth.
The pirate's camp woke slowly to the sounds of the otterguards. Cadby stared sleepily at the rustling in the forest before stranding up and heading towards the dormitories. He walked into the hallway and up the stairs. "Uhnnnn.... whuz goin' on?" he grunted to everybody, but no one in particular.
Serene, who was telling a couple of guards to go watch a certain hallway, turned to Cadby. "A young ottermaid is missing, and her roommate is hurt. I think it's the Over-Followers' doing." With that, she hurried away to search the area.
"You speak truth, but be wary in your joy." Jade cautioned, hefting a pickaxe. He ran a paw down the spike, inspecting its quality while speaking in his lulling voice. "I, and you should take no joy in ending the lives of the Over-Father's chosen. However he has predestined these non-believers to suffer his wrath, so that others may be saved."
Deciding that the pickaxe was suitable for their purpose Jade waited until the last of the Over-Followers had evacuated the cave before presenting it to Alana. "How great is your trust in the Over-Father young sister? Shall you be my loyal right paw, Acolyte perhaps?" Jade ran his paw along the cave wall, picking the spot with the utmost care. Tapping it he drew away ever so slightly nodding to the female otter. He couldn't see the emotion on her face, but he could see her eyes in the dim glow of the lantern. And the eyes were enough
"Strike true young sister, strike true if you trust in the Over-Father to save you this day!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Are we sure?" Breeia asked as she followed Serene about the Palace and the grounds. "That it was the Over-Followers I mean? We have no true proof, perhaps in was somebeast else like..." Breeia considered for a moment, looking back at the crewbeasts camp. She lowered her voice, unwilling to believe that any otter would be capable of something so grievous as kidnapping. "Maybe them, they are led by a fox."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Morgen's threat was enough to silence the young otter, though she still wept bitterly, curled up in the sack as she was. At length Glimmer gathered her courage enough to ask a shaky. "Who... Who are you?"
Alana took the pickaxe.
"I do. I trust in the Father's wisdom to save me on this day."
She struck.
<\O/>
Adamo, who had been checking the exits for the invader, shook his head.
"Pardon, my Queen, but it wouldn't have been them. They're harmless, otherwise I wouldn't have made it here. Not all vermin are evil monsters, and not all woodlanders are knights in shining armor. I've met my fair share of complete monsters, and there were a lot of woodlanders among them. These religious fanatics? I wouldn't be surprised in the slig- What in Hellgates was that?"
Serene, Adamo, and the Queen were just outside the palace by this point. The Otterguard Captain was opening her mouth to reply when the ground began trembling.
----------------
Morgen wasn't too sure how to respond. "I'm an Over-Follower," he finally huffed, out of breath. "You'll understand all once you accept the Over-Father." He was pretty sure they were close to the Over-Followers' camp by now; moonlight glanced through the trees, just barely lighting the way.
Adamo sheathed his sword.
"Everybeast away from the holt! With this trembling, it could come down at any time!"
Cadby chuckled, still half asleep. "Nah mate, it's jus' the ship rockin' underpaw. I'd jus' stay cal- OW!"
As the rock shook, he fell against the wall on his bad arm. "Ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch..." he said, teeth bared. "I'm awake now."
He hurried out to where the others were. "Idiots, that's what those crazy otters are. They'll take down the entire place if they don't stop now."
He leapt down among his crew. "Everyone, up! If you want to live, we've got to go now!"
Serene looked around, eyes wide, unable to figure out what was happening. Her first thought was the Queen. "My lady, you must get away!" With that, she leaped back inside the doorway. "Earthquake!" she screamed down the hallway at the few beasts in sight. It seemed the only logical explanation for what was happening.
Running over to Serene, Cadby got right up in her face. "Nonononono! You don't get it, do you? Those maniac otters, those 'Over Followers,' they're trying to kill us all! We have to go find where they're chipping away at the stone, and stop them!"
Serene stared at the fox. "You... they..." she spluttered, realizing that Cadby was probably right. She had never thought that anyone could cause the whole palace to collapse, even the Over-Followers. "Everyone out!" she yelled down the hallway. "The Over-Followers are going to collapse this whole place!"
Then she turned to Cadby. "Come on, then." With that, she ran out the door into the night. They had to find out for sure what was happening and stop it.
The fox captain ran back into his crewbeast's camp. "Up! Get up!" he yelled, slapping soldiers with the flat of his blade. "Bart! Where are you?!"
IC:
As she followed Serene out of the palace Breeia stumbled and fell, skidding to a halt just by the entrance. Several other otters, panicked by the tremors fled past without noticing, however the loyal guard that Adamo had instructed to stay with her, knelt down helping the otterqueen up.
"Not everyone has been warned," Breeia said in realization as the palace shook, nearly causing her to fall again.
"Aye, we'll send a few of the Otterguard to warn them to stay low my queen," the guard said keeping a tight grip on Breeia's arm. "But I wouldn't worry too much, it would take a far greater earthdance then this to bring down Summerdell. This place was built to last. Either way your safety is priority number one for me your majesty."
~*~*~*~*~*~
Bart, who was very much awake rushed over to Cadby tackling the fox and driving him to the earth. "What're ye doin' Captain, th' bloody ground has gone mad!" The mouse rolled off the fox, spreading out his weight on the unstable ground. "We gotta get everybeast to stop runnin' round making it worse." He advised, his voice slightly muffled by the grass though still squeaky with trepidation.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Down in the caves Jade smiled, it was a strange sight to behold, nobeast wanted to see Jade smile. It was a cold, emotionless thing that seemed to speak of something more evil and vicious then should be allowed to exist. It seemed to match the atmosphere of where they stood now very well in fact.
Down where they were the earth shook some, but besides a small bit of dust descending from the ceiling nothing much happened.
"I admire your courage young sister," Jade said in a voice, not sounding the least bit surprised the cave hadn't collapsed crashing down upon the two of them, more then likely killing them instantly. "Not many of the Over-Followers would be so willing to die for the Over-Father, but as he has displayed today tis not our day to die. Nor those who have wronged us, and through us him. Now I believe those above have been sufficiently warned by now, perhaps they shall be more indisposed to listen to our message of hope and truth."
His grin intensified and he swished his white robe in a very unpriestly way. "Morgen has done us a great service, the Over-Father has impressed upon him a most noble task, which he has completed. Shall we go greet him outside, Acolyte?"
~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh," Glimmer's answer was simple, in both word and understanding. The young otter could easily accept what Morgen would do in the name of the Over-Father. Her own guardian aunt and uncle had been swayed by Jade's teachings and were willing to do anything the Over-Father might ask of them.
"Could you take me back please?" She asked in a hopeful voice. "I liked the queen, and Serene. They were so nice..." She thought for a moment, and then her voice rose once again from her burlap prison. "I'll come back to accept the Over-Father later, I promise."
OOC: Feel free to PP Bart.
Alana cast off her mask.
"I feel no need for this any more. Now that I have proven myself to the Father, and he has proven that he accepts me, I see no need to feel any shame for who I am. I was once the daughter of a heretic, loyal to the Queens of those disloyal. But no longer am I his daughter. Now I have been born again in this cave, my own creature. I swear to the Father, I pledge myself to him completely. Let me be his instrument of destruction. Even if my own father stood before me, if my true Father told me to strike him down, I would no longer hesitate."
She followed Jade out of the cave.
<\O/>
Adamo saw Breeia fall and rushed towards her, but the guard had already helped her up. He motioned to two nearby otterguard.
"You two, make sure everybeast gets out of here. My Queen, we need to get further away. If Summerdell comes down, I don't want it falling of top of us. Besides, if this is happening because of the ground, we don't want to be near whatever's going on regardless."
"No, I can't," Morgen said, trying to sound firm despite the fact that he was out of breath. "The Father wants you brought to him now."
He stumbled into the area where the Over-Followers were camped. Relief filled him.
--------------------
Serene stopped running as the tremors began to feel less violent. Were they safe after all? What was going on?
"You imbecile!" yelled Cadby, shoving Bart off him. "Running around doesn't be make it worse."
He listened. "They slowed... we steel need to go down there. Bart, get some of our best beasts and make sure they have weapons. Meet me over by the otters."
Serene looked around, then continued on to the base of the palace hill, running again in the semidarkness. She hoped she could catch Jade and prove his evil once and for all.
"Yes," Breeia agreed, slightly out of breath as she followed Adamo. The otterqueen felt a little guilty as she allowed the two creatures to assist her out of the unsteady palace. She was supposed to the be the unquestionable ruler of Green Isle, its warrior and protector, and now her own palace was deemed unsafe. "Where is Serene, I'd like her to assemble some capable beasts, and figure out if this is the Over-Followers doing or not."
Little did Breeia know that Serene has already taken the initiative on that front.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Aye Captain," Bart huffed taking to his footpaws uncertainly. It was very different from the stormy seas, but even as he fought to stay balanced the land seemed to settle and slow.
Releasing his pent up breath the mouse motioned to some of the crew. "Ye heard th' Captain, gather some weapons an' get down the hill."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"I doubt that shall be necessary sister." Jade murmured, his priestly voice and gait having returned as they stepped out among the Over-Followers. "Perhaps your father will welcome the Over-Father in all his glory and power and wisdom. Now come acolyte, your services are neede- Hold fast all you who have fear!"
Jade's words stuck like a lightening bolt across the clearing. The Over-Followers were clearly nervous, the land had all but stopped its rumbling, but now even the water didn't flow and several trees had fallen. Something had happened further upstream that had clogged the river, causing the waterfall to end its cascade, leaving the hidden cave behind it open for all to see. Those otters who were nervously inching away held as they were ordered, awaiting what Jade had to say.
"Somebeast approaches but you should have no fear in your hearts." Jade called spreading his arms wide. "The Over-Father has granted mercy upon those who live in Summerdell palace, they shall receive one last chance to welcome the Over-Father, and join us in his eternal glory. Do you not think he will not also reward his followers? Now know and understand, it is with one act that this was made possible. Morgen come closer let me see who you have with you."
OOC: Okay, so Jade is back at the Over-Followers' place? Or is the palace pretty close to their place? Did they tunnel all the way there? I just assumed their hangout was a good distance away from Summerdell - that's why Morgen kept running for several posts. :P
Anyway.
BIC:
Morgen turned at Jade's words. "I... I have Glimmer, sir," he said, still out of breath. He set the bag on the ground.
OOC: The Over-Followers aren't currently at the 'Holy Site' which is typically their main base of operations. They are camped at the base of the mountain, beneath Summerdell. Its still a short journey to reach, but not an all nighter either.
No one really knows they're there, except maybe Aaron at this point.
IC:
"Did your mission go well our trusted brother?" Jade asked as he knelt next to the otter-shaped sack. Underneath the cloth covering Glimmer shivered nervously, recognizing the smooth, clear voice of the High Priest. "I trust you managed to liberate our true sister, and not the other one." Jade narrowed his eyes, as if trying to focus on something in the early morning darkness. "She will live, the otter you injured. Now someone please fetch our brother a robe so he can change out of that Otterguard uniform."
With part of the crew assembled, Cadby lead them after Serene. Whatever the Otterguard Captain had planned, it was probably not what the fox wanted. He flat out sprinted behind the otter, rapidly closing the distance between him and wherever Jade was.
Morgen bit his lip, shifting nervously from one footpaw to the other.
------------------------
Serene thought she could see forms ahead of her in the dark. "Hey!" she yelled, gripping her sling tightly in her right paw and fishing around in her stone pouch. She wished she had thought to bring her bow.
Footsteps sounded behind her, and she whirled briefly before realizing that it was Cadby and some others. She closed the distance between herself and the Over-Followers.