Salamandastron: Civil War

[Unimaginative]

"I am the eldest, if only by a few minutes. And I don't push that claim for myself; I intend to fight for it for the good of Mossflower. My brother is a warmonger; I intend to simply enforce peace within the realm," Doboslav never looked away from Haenrok as he spoke. "And the comparison is fine. It's not inaccurate." He followed with a chuckle.

[HoltLutra]

OOC: I made a character, so I'm just going to jump right into it.

BIC: Josy Broadrudder bound into the meeting room, full of energy. "I'm sorry mates. I forgot about the meeting. How can I be of assistance?" She asked, viewing the room. She glanced over at the Badger Lord, respectfully bobbing her head, "G'day Lord," she said. She knew the problem between Doboslav and his brother. She and her tribe were strong supporters of Doboslav. She knew he was the best choice to rule Salamandstrom.

[Unimaginative]

The Abbess shot Josy a harsh luck. "You can sit and listen." She said.

[The Skarzs]

  "Very well," said Haenrok, turning back to Doboslov after Josy's interruption. "But why would he trouble Redwall except for you bein' here? You know the risk to others if you're gonna start a war."

[HoltLutra]

Josy slouched into a chair, looking crestfallen. "Fine..." she muttered under her breath.

[Unimaginative]

"I don't deny, there is risk to the creatures of Redwall with my presence here. But Ehedetor, for all his faults, wouldn't squander the life of a goodbeast. He is likely to take prisoners where he can, if there's a war, and forgive the Abbey should he defeat me," Doboslav once again paused, and gazed around the room for effect. "However, he will not protect the Abbey if he does; should a vermin horde arrive, he will leave the Abbey to defend itself. Which would you rather; to fight for safety from great dangers in the future, or to gamble for safety from Ehedetor now?"

[Wylder Treejumper]

At this point, seeing the Abbess pause, Brother Eldon arose. "Lord Doboslav, I believe you are misunderstanding the issue at hand. Nobeast can foresee what is to come. Yet regardless of what the future holds, there are certain duties each of us has. Doubtless, as a Lord of Salamandastron, you understand duty: to protect the goodbeasts of the Western Shores from vermin who come to pillage and slay. Many a badger and hare has given their lives to that cause, and likely many will in the future. We, too, here at Redwall have our own duties: to care for the poor and the needy, the injured and afflicted. Such we have done for you (as you are dispossessed of your home), and will continue to do so as long as you are in need."

As he continued, he gazed calmly at the badger. "We are also bound to honor and protect all goodbeasts, raising paw in defense only to protect Redwall when it is threatened. We have forsaken violence. Such are the duties of our Order." He shook his head firmly. "We have the responsibility to bring peace, healing, and understanding to Mossflower, not war. The gates of Redwall must stand always open to those of good heart, even those with whom we do not agree. This is not to say we cannot aid you in your endeavor, but we could do so only through peaceful and fair negotiation, not steel and blood. For between good beasts there ought to be no conflict, neither for power, nor for glory, nor for any grievance. The way of peace is open to all those who seek wisdom and righteousness."

[HoltLutra]

Josy sat forward in her chair, listening to Brother Eldon's eloquent speech. "Well said, Brother." she murmured to herself.

[Unimaginative]

Doboslav dipped his head, chagrined by Brother Eldon's words.

"Yes, of course. Forgive me, please. I got ahead of myself, suddenly wanting to recruit the goodbeasts of Redwall into my war. That is ridiculous to ask. Any aid you offer, be it as mediators or as warriors would be amazingly appreciated, and having your Abbey open to me, even for this one day, has been a great service... But the question remains as to how long you will leave your Abbey open to me, to operate out of."

[HoltLutra]

Josy was rallied by Doboslav's words. "I'd be glad to aid you in your cause, Doboslav. I'm sure I can recruit some other otters I know that would be glad to join your cause." Josy's face reddened as she looked at the Abbess, "I'm sorry..." she muttered.

[The Skarzs]

  "I'm not sure Skipper would agree with fighting another creature's war," said Haenrok to Josy, looking at her hard. "But. . . I'm sorry, Brother Eldon, but I think we're gonna have to pick a side here. We're either gonna get caught up in the middle o' two forces, (and I don't think gettin' sucked down a whirlpool like that'll be any good) or we move with one."

[Wylder Treejumper]

Brother Eldon shook his head slowly. "It is our duty to remain neutral arbiters. We cannot side with one faction of good beasts over another faction of good beasts; that is not our way. Surely, we will feed them and provide them a place to rest, as is our charge, but we cannot close and bar the gates against Lord Ehedetor, who has as much claim to our hospitality as Lord Doboslav. Not as a Lord of Salamandastron, but as a fellow beast, for Redwall recognizes no division of class or profession. If they have a conflict, we will surely aid them to resolve it peacefully. But no weapons ought to be drawn within our walls against any but vermin intent on conquest."

[Scott McLamok]

Suddenly out of nowhere a young mouse came in said, "Mother Abbess, sorry to interrupt, but, there are two  hares outside and are demand entrance. There was a big commotion, when they said they were sent by Lord Ehedetor, it was terrible. What should I do? "

[HoltLutra]

Josy looked over at Haenrok with a smile, "There are more otters in Mossflower than just Skipper and his crew." As the mouse came running in, she turned suddenly, a look of concern on her face.

[Unimaginative]

The Abbess blinked in surprise at the news of the messengers. "Send them in. Tell them to be civil, or we will have them escorted from the Abbey. That goes for you, Doboslav." She said, turning to the Badger Lord.

"Of course, Abbess."

Soddy entered first, and glanced around the room. He had known Doboslav would be at the Abbey of course, but the number of beasts gathered around the room surprised him. Clearly their entrance had been well timed, as it didn't appear any important decisions had been made yet.

"'Ello, Doboslav. Abbess. Er... assorted others." he said, making eye contact and smiling at each creature.