A few months ago, I found a funny picture on deviantart.
an awkward situation
(http://i62.tinypic.com/2dj2zo3.jpg)
It brought a story to mind almost instantly, so I happily started writing- only to abandon the effort soon after. However, this contest has encouraged me to take up my pen once more and sally forth into the realm of imagination. Enjoy!
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"Well the morning sun is rising
And the mist swirls o'er the loam
And soon I'll be surprising
My own dear one at home.
Well she asked when I'd be returning
And I said I could not tell her
And she waits with a heart full of yearning
For the return of her sweet feller.
Well I marched off tall and proudly
And kissed my love goodbye
And she sang me off right loudly
While I told her not to cry.
Well now I'm on my way home
And I'll sit in my old chair
And never more will I roam
For nowhere else can e'er compare."
Martin woke to Gonff's quiet singing and the smell of cooking flatcakes. The smoke from their fire mingled with the early morning mist that still hung over the forest, wreathing everything in a thin white mantle. It was a peaceful scene, the stillness broken only by sleepy bird calls and the sounds of Gonff preparing breakfast.
The warrior sat up suddenly, whiskers twitching. Gonff winked at him. "Good morning, matey. D'you want some breakfast? It's almost ready."
Martin glowered. "What are you doing? You know better than to light fires in unknown territory."
Gonff shrugged. "The mist will cover it. Besides, we're running low on prepared food. We'll need to cook sooner or later."
Martin stood, stretching, and stifled a yawn. "Well, there's not much we can do about it by this point. Are you done with the fire?"
The tubby thief nodded confirmation, juggling a flatcake. "Owow! These are hot!"
The warrior chuckled at his friend's antics, and Gonff gave him a frosty glare. "If you can't make yourself useful, then you can go hungry. Warriors, huh. The only thing they find amusing is the pain of other beasts."
Gonff had to duck as a pinecone flew past his ear. He stuck out his tongue at Martin, who held another pinecone ready with a grin. "Thieves. They aren't happy unless they're stealing something."
Suddenly Gonff broke into a smile. "Exactly. And I happen to be a Prince in that line, mate. Have you checked your pack lately?"
Martin shook his head slowly. "If stealing from sleeping creatures is what makes you a Prince, then you'd best give up your crown and ask yourself if
you've noticed anything missing."
"You were still asleep when I got up. I know you didn't-"
Martin merely smiled knowingly, and Gonff trailed off uncertainly. The thief quickly turned to check his pack. When Martin lobbed another pinecone at his friend, it knocked off Gonff's hat. The tubby mouse whirled around. "You old barrel-bellied liar. You were just trying to distract me!"
"It worked, didn't it? And I already know what you took. Hand over my sling."
Smiling, Gonff returned the rough sling. "I didn't think you'd ever notice, mate."
"I wouldn't have, but you left it hanging on your belt, you bold rascal. Come on- we should get moving. Why don't you put out the fire and pack up breakfast? I'll take care of our bedrolls and packs."
Gonff complied, muttering under his breath. "All right, bossywhiskers."
Martin, distracted by the various tasks involved in breaking camp, did not notice when another beast approached. He was kneeling to tie a bedroll together when the tip of a dagger appeared at his throat. Slight pressure was applied to the knifepoint, and Martin slowly raised his head. Standing in front of him was a mousemaid. "What's all this? Trespassers, at least. Perhaps even marauders?"
Gonff turned at the sound of her voice, then took a cautious step forward, paws spread. "Actually, we're just travelers. So maybe you could take that bodkin out of my friend's fur."
The maid didn't even look at him. "I don't think you're in a position to make demands. By the way, there is an archer hidden to your left with an arrow on the string. If I give him the signal, he will let it fly. Right where you are standing, in fact. I've never known him to miss... especially not such a
substantial target as yourself."
The tubby thief patted his girth ruefully and halted. "I guess you were right, matey. You said I'd regret pinching all those pies off the windowsills."
Martin managed a thin smile. "What about the pasties, turnovers, slices, cakes-"
The mousemaid scowled. "Quiet! Tell me your names and your business in our lands."
Gonff smiled winningly and shrugged. "How are we supposed to tell you our names if you want us to be quiet?"
The maid's eyes narrowed. "Enough. What are your names, and what business have you here?"
Martin shot Gonff a warning look before replying. "I am called Martin the Warrior, son of Luke the Warrior. Our business is our own. We are merely passing through, anyway. We are not trespassing; these lands do not belong to anybeast."
"You are mistaken. This land belongs to my father. And if you are a warrior, then who is your companion? A healer? A trader?"
Gonff chuckled. "A jack-of-all-trades, if you will. I am Gonff, the Prince of Mousethieves."
"There is no room in our clan for thieves. But you, warrior, would be welcomed if you pledged your sword to my father."
Martin locked eyes with the mousemaid. "I do not pledge my sword to anybeast, especially those who seek to ambush peaceful travelers instead of even challenging them honorably."
The maid's eyes flashed angrily, and she withdrew her dagger. "My clan is an honorable one. Anyone who says differently has made a grave mistake. I, Laterose, daughter of Urran Voh, challenge Martin the Warrior, son of Luke the Warrior, for the offense of trespassing on my father's lands, and for insult offered to my clan. It will be fought with blades, to first blood. The victor shall claim the loser as captive."
Martin stood and drew his sword. "I accept."
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To be continued...
Whoa! Cool story so far! So, I'm assuming Rose has amnesia from the encounter with Badrang, which is why she doesn't remember Martin?
(By the way, I've seen that pic on dA as well. It's by Saphamia, right? I don't even have an account on dA, but I love Saphamia's art. :D)
I really enjoyed this. The banter seemed right out of a Redwall novel, and the twist was intriguing enough to leave me wanting more. Excellent job! :D
Not BJ's style, but still very enjoyable; I like it. ;)
I'm more curious as to why Martin doesn't remember Rose; was it because he suppressed his memories so well that they are all but nonexistent? Has his life of a warrior who hides his thoughts hardened his mind into not caring for what happened in the past? Or did his fight with Tsarmina really do a number on him?
I know Gonff has no idea about Rose, so he would be no help in the memory jog. But was Rose never told of Martin again? I hope to see if my questions will be answered in the next chapter, and await with bated breath.
Thanks, everyone! ;D
Ah, so, let me clear up the thing with Martin and Rose. My apologies; really I should have explained it at the beginning. In this story, Martin and Rose have never met before. Also, this Rose is rather different from the one in Martin the Warrior.
@Jukka: Yep, it's Saphamia's. :D She has a lot of really cool art. *wistful sigh*
Aahhhhhh. . . Thanks for the explanation.
I like the AU concept of this one, it gives a whole new spin on the Martin-Rose sub-genre. Also, nice title, did you get that from Poison? ;)
No prob, Skarz. :)
Poison? Oh, the band. Uh, nope. Actually, I was just looking for a cooler title than its original, "Wild Rose". :P
Wow! That was VERY good!! Really enjoyed Gonff's antics! :D
I enjoyed reading this, can't wait for more!
Thanks! Sorry it took so long, but here is the next installment.
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Rose drew her own sword, a saber, and shifted into a fighting stance. She nodded at Martin and, before Gonff could voice a protest, the two mice sprang towards each other. They traded a few strokes, each gauging the other's skill, then backed off and circled warily.
Suddenly Martin darted in and slashed at his opponent's swordpaw- only to be forced into a skip backwards to avoid Laterose's dagger. She waited, always moving, until Martin was facing the sun. Though it was still hazy, the sun was getting brighter, and the mist was burning off quickly. Martin had to shield his eyes with one paw, which left an opening for Laterose. She was fast.
But not faster than Martin's blade.
His swordpoint clashed against her own blade, gleaming brightly, then angled and slid down towards her paw. The maid twisted her blade and stepped back, her breathing beginning to grow heavier. Martin kept advancing, moving to Laterose's side. He darted little strikes at her, forcing her out of her advantageous position. Then, when the sun was nearly behind him, he finally made his move.
The tip of his blade sliced across and up- neatly opening a small cut on his opponent's shoulder. With that, the warrior stepped back and set the point of his blade into the ground. With a little gasp of surprise and pain, Laterose looked to her shoulder. Beneath her fur, small beads of blood were welling up. Biting back angry words, the maid sheathed her weapons with jerky movements.
"You have won, warrior," she ground out.
Turning, she waved a paw above her head. A young mouse archer appeared from the forest's shadows and stepped into the little clearing, looking uncertain. "Are you all right, Rose?"
She nodded. "It is nothing. Now listen, Brome. Tell Father what has happened- I engaged a trespasser in a duel, and by the agreed terms, I am now his captive." Stepping closer, she caught him in a swift hug and whispered, "Tell Mother not to worry."
Brome blinked in surprise, then nodded reluctantly and set off in a northerly direction, glancing back in concern. Rose sighed and sat on a nearby stone, unbuckling her sword belt. Martin, who had put up his own weapon by this time, approached with a coil of thin rope.
"So, was that your brother?"
Rose glared at him and let the belt fall. "That's none of your business, warrior."
The mouse merely nodded and began tying her paws- tightly, but not cruelly. "Gonff, stop standing around staring and do something useful, will you?"
Martin's friend grinned and saluted comically. "Whatever you say, O Mighty Winner of Duels." He collected his pack, and after securing the bedroll to it, did the same for Martin's. "Which way are we going, mate?"
Martin tied the rope's loose end to his pack and hoisted it onto his shoulders. "Well, Rose? Lead us to the edge of your father's lands."
Rose, her paws tied at the other end of the rope, stood. "My name is Laterose," she snapped.
"All right then. Laterose."
"And what happens after I lead you there, son of Luke?"
Without looking back, Martin replied, "That depends on you. Which way?"
She glared at him for a moment, then made a grudging reply. "Southeast."
They set off at a brisk pace, with Rose weaving through the trees a little ahead of Martin. She refused to look at him, and what few attempts Gonff had made at conversing with her failed completely. When they stopped briefly at midday to eat and rest, Martin secured Rose's rope to a low branch.
Then he took an apple, a hunk of cheese, and a roll out his pack and offered them to her. When this was met with a glare, he set the food down next to her. "You refused breakfast, too- are you trying to starve yourself? No matter what you think of me, Laterose, you need to keep your strength up."
With the tiniest of nods, Rose took the food and began eating. Martin took another lunch out of his pack for himself, then sat next to Gonff, who was already enjoying his own meal. "Out of curiosity, mate, why didn't you let her go? It's not like you to hold a goodbeast prisoner."
"First of all, she would have almost certainly held me prisoner had our positions been reversed. Second, we needed a guide and she wasn't going to comply otherwise. Third, maybe it will teach her a lesson. She's very proud, in case you haven't noticed." Gonff still looked skeptical, and Martin treated him to a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
After their frugal meal, the small party continued southwest until nightfall. Gonff skipped ahead, laughing. "Come on, it's time for supper and bed. Tonight you'll see why I'm a Prince of Thieves, 'cos I'll have stolen off to sleep! Haha-"
The plump, cheery mouse's laughter was cut off suddenly as he tripped over a tree root... and disappeared!
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To be continued...
WHAT! WHAT! YOU CAN'T STOP THERE! MUST READ MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very good once more!!! ;D
Quote from: rachel25 on August 30, 2014, 06:03:24 PM
WHAT! WHAT! YOU CAN'T STOP THERE! MUST READ MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh, heh, heh. . .
Very good! Can't wait for more.
Awesome update!
I'VE BEEN LAZY, I'M SORRY!!!
...but it will be finished on time. And hopefully with even a semi-satisfying ending, instead of anticlimactic blah. Yeah, anyway, thank you all again for feedback. Heheheh- now you all know what I felt at the end of Changes, by Jim Butcher. (The only one in the whole series that had a cliffhanger ending. And I had to wait like three weeks to get my hands on the next book.)
And now I'm going to stop wasting time here and finish writing.
Eh, sort of finished. Here's what I have now, and will post the rest either later tonight or early tomorrow.
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Before Martin or Rose could react, a shocked yelp and the sounds of a scuffle emanated from the ground in front of them. The two mice stared in bewilderment, until Rose noticed an opening in the loam, just beyond the tree root. She pointed it out to Martin. "There!"
Only pausing to load his sling, he leapt into the opening. "Redwaaaaall!"
The space was only dimly lit, and Martin was barely able to make out the forms of Gonff and his attacker. The tall, lithe beast hit out at the rotund mouse, knocking him back. Gonff hit the wall with a thud and slid down it, senseless.
Martin charged forward, sling whirling, and brought it down towards the mysterious creature. The beast lifted a forearm to block the weapon, which wrapped around its arm. The warrior pulled on his sling, now trapping his foe's arm, and drew his sword.
He was not quick enough, however, and the beast got its free arm around Martin's throat. The warrior felt the beast's arm constricting, cutting off his air. He struggled vainly, distantly aware of hearing Rose's voice. "Martin, is everything alright? Martin! You'll not leave me out here all night. I'm coming down."
"No, Rose!" he choked out, causing the beast holding him to squeeze tighter. "R-run!"
Oblivion quickly enveloped the warrior mouse, erasing all cares from his mind.
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When he woke, Martin realized that he lay on cool stone, not far from the edge of a lake. Keeping carefully still, he opened his eyes. His sword and sling were gone. Gonff was lying unconscious only a few steps away, but Rose was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she had gotten away. Then he heard something behind him, and closed his eyes, feigning sleep.
Somebeast, rather young-sounding, spoke. "On'y a couple o' mice. Is that what all th' ruckus was about, Caltrus?"
"Ye should've seen 'em fight, Fennan. The maid gave me more trouble'n both o' them, an' with 'er paws tied, too. Nearly bit m'bloomin' nose off. Don' get too close to 'er when she wakes." This beast's voice was low and gruff.
Martin's hope that Rose had escaped disappeared. At least it seemed that she had put up a good fight. Pawsteps echoed, and a new voice joined the other two. This one was definitely feminine, and colored with a strong Northern accent. "Ach, have ye no' a lick o' sense, ye great lump? Put tha' underused brain o' yores tae work."
The second voice, Caltrus, answered. "Poppy, me darlin'! I thought ye were cookin' supper?"
"Ah was before ye dragged these puir creatures in. Have ye ever known mice t'be badbeasts? If they're no' treated well, Ah'll quit usin' mah ladle tae cook wi' and put it tae use crackin' heids."
Fennan interrupted excitedly. "Look, that'n's wakin'!"
Martin opened his eyes as the beasts moved away from him. They were otters, dressed in simple, homsepun garments. While they gathered around Gonff, their attention on the reviving mouse, Martin sat up and looked around.
He was in a large cavern with a lake at its center. Gaps in the roof let in sparse amounts of moonlight, which sparkled prettily on the lake. Lanterns hung on the walls, and several tunnels led out of the main cavern. Rose was lying near one of the tunnel openings, her paws still tied.
Martin stood, surprised to find an otterbabe at his side, sucking on a paw. The babe regarded him curiously, then seemed to come to a decision. He used his unoccupied paw to grab hold of Martin's tunic hem, then stood quietly, apparently content.
The warrior smiled at the babe before turning his attention back to Gonff and the otters. Gonff sat up carefully, rubbing his head. "It feels like a full-grown badger sat on me," he groaned. Then he took note of the beasts around him. "Hello. None of you goodbeasts would happen to have a meal ready, would you? I'm starved. Hold on- where's Martin and Laterose?"
The female otter stepped forward and offered him a paw, helping him stand. "Good tae see ye're no' harmed. Your companions should be wakin' up any time..." she trailed off as she turned to show Gonff where Martin lay, only to see him awake and standing. She placed a paw on her hip and waggled her ladle at him. "How long have ye been standin' there withoot sayin' aught? Males never have any sense. Ach, an' there's where wee Master Artul has got tae, the scamp."
At the mention of his name, the otterbabe smiled and let go of Martin's tunic to wave a chubby paw. He had already taken hold of the garment again by the time Martin made his reply. "Excuse me, marm, but if somebeast could explain exactly what happened, I'd be much obliged. The last thing I remember is being strangled."
Caltrus coughed in embarrassment, and Poppy whirled on him. "Ye did what? Ah've half a mind tae throw you in the pot for supper!"
"But darlin', they attacked me first," the slim otter insisted. "I was on'y defendin' the holt."
Poppy snorted. "So ye knocked 'em all as senseless as yersel', did ye? I doubt they did ye any harm, or meant any."
Gonff chimed in. "Aye- we were just passing through the forest, and I fell down a hole. Then somebeast was trying to punch me. Martin jumped in then, I think..."
Martin nodded. "That's right. I heard the noise and jumped in with my sling, ready to defend my friend."
Caltrus squirmed under Poppy's angry glare. "Well what would ye do if somebeast dropped in on top o' ye?"
The female rapped him sharply between the ears with her ladle. "Away wi' ye, ye lang-legged beanpole. Ah'll handle oor guests. Fennan, go help in the kitchen. Caltrus, find a place for them tae sleep. An' will ye take Artul wi' ye?"
But the otterbabe would have none of it. His only response to Caltrus' coaxing was to grip Martin's tunic tighter. Gonff laughed. "The young 'un seems to like you, matey! You'd best let him stay."
The babe nodded solemnly and Caltrus gave up in disgust as Fennan, unsuccessfully trying to smother his laughter, fled the room. "Right. Ye're in charge o' th' rascal now," Caltrus grumbled, then set off down one of the tunnels.
"Right, now let's see aboot wakin' up yon lass, an' gettin' supper."
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*bows* I am very sorry for my procrastination, this will be completed. (Though not technically
by October 1st, as it's going to be midnight here in a few minutes.)
Here's the rest! I do hope that things make sense, and the ending doesn't seem too rushed or abrupt. And who knows? Perhaps the otters will make future appearances in other fanfics.
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By the time they had awoken Rose and explained the events to her, she was more than a little angry. "You mean to say that I fought for your life- and my own- for nothing? I have not complained against my captivity or your terms yet, warrior, but now you can surely see what bound paws can cost."
She turned an icy glare on Gonff, who was disguising his sniggers as sneezes. "And I do not see what is so amusing, thief."
Gonff coughed, shaking his head. "No? It seems that you've picked up a shadow."
Martin and Rose each looked down in surprise- Martin to find only a wrinkled spot on his tunic hem, and Rose to find a smiling, paw-sucking otterbabe grasping her own tunic. "Oh," she said softly. "Hello, young one."
Gonff winked at Martin and said, "Well mate, I guess he's set to stick with Laterose now." Artul nodded once, then tried to imitate Gonff's wink, only managing to blink both eyes. All three mice laughed at the babe as they went in to dinner.
After a delicious and hearty meal, they were led to a hallway with doors covering several openings in it. "These are the bedrooms. Ye two can take a spare one," Poppy said, pointing one out to Martin and Gonff, "An' Miz Rose can sleep in mah room taenight."
"Are you taking little Artul as well?"
Rose looked to Poppy. "Wouldn't he prefer to stay with his parents?"
She shook her head sadly. "The puir babe doesnae have parents, no' any more."
"Oh." Rose flashed Martin an uncertain smile. "Perhaps he'd best stay with you two tonight."
Nodding assent, Martin stepped forward and picked up the grinning otterbabe. "How does that sound, Artul?" The tiny creature nodded once, still sucking his paw.
"Good night then, Laterose, Miz Poppy." Nodding politely, Gonff followed his friend into their room. There, two comfortable cots were set up, with their packs stowed underneath. "Good night, Gonff."
"Good night, Martin. And to you, Artul."
The only answer was the quiet sound of an otterbabe sucking his paw.
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The next morning over breakfast, Martin and Gonff explained their journey to the otters. "We're on our way home, mates," the thief grinned. "And I've got a wonderful mousemaid waiting for me." He began humming cheerily as he ate, leaving nobeast in doubt that the feelings in that particular relationship were reciprocal.
Caltrus, who was spreading jam on a fresh scone, eyed the mice. "Where's home?"
Martin, caught with a bite in his mouth, swallowed and said, "Redwall Abbey."
Poppy looked up sharply. "Fennan, start readyin' five packs fer a week's journey."
Martin watched the young otter dash off, smiling. "Five packs, marm? Are you planning to join us?"
"Aye. 'Tis been too lang since we've paid the abbey a visit."
Rose, who had been sitting in stunned silence, regained her voice. "You are from Redwall? Both of you?"
Poppy gave her a curious look. "Ye're no'?"
"No. I'm from Noonvale. Why didn't you tell me? I would have let you pass with no trouble."
Martin shrugged, and Gonff elbowed him playfully. "It probably just slipped our minds, eh, mate?"
"Well I was a bit occupied with the knife at my throat."
The maid broke eye contact, looking down at her plate guiltily. "I'm- I'm sorry about that."
Caltrus and Poppy had been following the conversation curiously, so the mice explained their current situation. When they were done, Poppy insisted on going with them. "Wee groups are just whit bandits an' vermin look for. Even if ye can handle them, ye'd rather no' have tae if ye can avoid et, right? Weel, the bigger the party, the less likely et is that ye'll have trouble."
They all packed up and set off right after lunch. Martin and Gonff led the way, followed by Poppy and Rose, and lastly, with Caltrus bringing up the rear. Even little Artul had managed to wheedle his way into the party and he was strolling happily next to Martin, once again holding onto the mouse's tunic hem.
It was about two day's uneventful travel later when Rose suddenly halted by an ancient oak giant. She placed a gentle paw on the trunk, tracing familiar scars in the bark. "This tree marks the edge of my father's lands, warrior. One step more and I'll be farther from home than I've ever been."
The small party came to a stop. Poppy looked at Caltrus and cleared her throat pointedly and commenting, "We'll start setting up camp for taenight. Caltrus, go back tae that stream for water, an' take Artul. Gonff, help me wi' collecting some firewood, will ye?"
In short order, the only beasts left standing there were Martin and Rose. He regarded her in silence for a while. Finally she looked up to meet his eyes. In her own were pain, sadness, and longing for home. "Laterose, I cannot take you further away from your home. If you wish it, you can return right now. However," Martin ducked his head, almost shyly. "If you wish it, you can also come to Redwall with us, at least for a visit."
They stood in silence again, each thinking their own thoughts. Finally Rose took a breath and broke the silence. "Warrior- Martin. My family will be worried for me. I cannot go with you. But perhaps I will visit. Soon."
"That would please me."
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The next morning, the group parted ways- Caltrus was going back with Rose, as far as the holt at least, and the others were continuing to Redwall. As they set out, Gonff had to smile at Martin's absent-minded state. "You've come to like her, haven't you?"
"Who?"
"Rose, of course. And I think she fancies you."
Martin snorted. "Right. That's why she threatened my life when she met me. Come on, Gonff."
He strode forward purposefully, humming a cheerful ditty. "What has you in such a chipper mood then?"
The warrior considered for a moment, a grin spreading across his face "The roses with the most thorns are often the most beautiful, don't you think so?" he mused. Then he sighed happily.
"It's good to be going home."
I liked that; the ending to the story didn't seem rushed, and all the conversations felt very natural. Of course, it didn't have the descriptive paragraphs usual to one of Brian's works, but I could sense in it a connection with the real books.
I'd like to think of this as an alternate-universe-type story, where something prohibited the happenings of the actual books, but caused a new history. Anyways, I thought this was well-written, and enjoyable to read. I think you'll have a good chance with the contest. ;)
Oh, thank you! I'm glad the ending was all right.