Round One: Swords of Freedom (Spring Festival)

[W0NWILL]

*Nevfae gave a loud laugh, full of joy at the new season. She kicked her paws up in a comic dance, scattering sand everywhere. The cave was crowded with mice, squirrels, moles, and hedgehogs like herself. She whooped and pranced to the edge of the cave and sat down on the sand, her back against the wall. Nev breathed hard as she watched the celebrating creatures with their songs and dances. She sang along with the chorus in a terrible, out-of-tune, voice,

Ooooh! Plip plop, hear the water drop,
The larks take wing as the buds go pop!
The sun do shine as the birds do sing,
Throw open wide the gates of spring!

The song was ruined by Nevfae's terrible singing, but she ignored the dirty looks and jumped up. She practically skipped to the entrance of the cave and looked out for a few moments, looking for anyone still out, but quickly pulled her head back inside in disgust. She raised the corner of her seagull feather cloak to her snout to dry it. That was a mistake. The feathers, having once belonged to seagulls, and then her, were rather dirty, and the part that she had wiped her snout with had some still wet sand-mud on it from running into the place from the edge of the sea. (Was terribly damp sand caked into feathers called sand-mud? It would make sense.) She realized that the 'cleaning' had just made it worse when she felt the sand stick to her nose and scrubbed harder at it. Finally, she gave up and went deeper into the cave.

Nevfae's snout fur sticking up with sand-mud and wetness still stubbornly clinging to her face, she pranced back into the celebration and shouted, "Who knows Hogstamp Pawclap? I'll lead the singing!"

[Leatho Shellhound]

"I, suppose your right. We should be thinking about the living not the dead. But what troubles my mind, is, did seafur die? Said Vannøyne. A sudden wind hit him in the face, he closed his eyes, fighting back the sad mood which threatened to strike. Then he opened them, they were blue. Hearing the call, he stood up. "We should go back to the others, Timballisto might have some thing important to say. I'll escort you to the cave." He said. walking with her down the steep cliff road, which had turned into a mudslide or creek. His fur was plastered all over the place. His footwear were filled with water, making his legs drag buckets of rain. This made him sink into the mud and sand.

[WarriorOfMossflower]

*
"Swords! Your presence is needed at the festival!"
Sora Shirosaki snapped back to the present upon hearing the call. She had briefly zoned out, dipping into her memories of Bristle. There had been many rainy nights like this on the southeastern island that they had been enslaved upon. Rain, rain, pelting down in driving sheets, soaking her to the bone...
Bristle had died on a rainy night, too.
Sora was drifting off again. She shook her head, but felt the need to examine just a few more memories. Surely she wouldn't miss that much inside the caves...
The albino leaned against the outside wall, standing just beyond the door. She was content to take the rain. Rain was the one thing that had always been stable in her life, the one consistent thing. Her feelings for it were mixed.

Icy droplets stung her cheeks. Were they raindrops, or teardrops? She couldn't be sure.
Lying in the muddy, bloodstained turf was old Bristle. Sora could just barely detect the shallow rise and fall of his chest. She sat on her knees beside him, clutching one of his paws in hers.
"We won," she whispered softly.
Every last wildcat or vermin on the island was slain. Sora and the resistance forces had made sure of that. Had it all been in vain, though, if the one beast she truly cared for was also dying?
Seeming to read her thoughts in that magical way he had, Bristle smiled up at her. "Dear Sora, I am an elderly squirrel anyways. It is simply my time to go."
"Wherever you're going...take me with you," Sora pleaded. "I fought this battle for you alone. You gave me the courage, the strength, to take back our freedom. It was for nothing if you do not live to see this island become peaceful once more."
"You cannot single out one beast alone to care for, Shirosaki. You must be a protector of all...a shield of the weak...a beacon of hope in a sea of darkness. You have to go on, after I am long gone. You have to continue...being a hero...promise me...that you will be a..." Bristle trailed off. Just breathing was a strain for him now.
Sora's red-pink eyes wavered with tears, but she blinked them away. "I promise, Master Bristle." She bowed her head and sat there, subject to the rain's merciless torrent. In the mud beside her lay her trusty katana-like weapon, Kaiho. It had slashed and sliced and chopped all the day long, liberating the island one death at a time. Blood ran from it in rivulets, pounded from the steel by that pounding, everlasting rain.

But not only sorrow came from the rain, Bristle had taught her. It could bring joy as well. Sora, Bristle, and the other slaves had often danced and twirled in the rain, rejoicing in nature's gift. Rain was nature's gift; it brought extra much-needed water that they so rarely received.
In the end, Sora didn't mind the stinging droplets that carved trails through her pure-white fur. She had been taught to accept it, to simply accept everything. Her paw drifted to the hilt of Kaiho, which jutted out over her right shoulder, secured in its metallic black sheathe. Kaiho had been a gift from Bristle, along with so many other talismans and wise statements. 
After a deep breath to clear her head, Sora turned and walked quietly back inside. She shook out her tattered black tunic the best she could, but water still dripped from her. Hoping that she had not missed anything, Sora scurried further inside and claimed a spot at the table, marking it with her mug of strawberry fizz. She looked towards Timballisto, awaiting the leader's words.

[Dannflower Reguba]

*
    "Swords! Your presence is needed at the festival!"
Xbalantie let slip a groan, this always seemed to happen! The squirrel knew full well that she could potentially get in trouble for this, but someone had to keep watch! Who better than herself? "Besides," she though, "Maybe Tim will be lenient since I got here less than a season ago." No way was she leaving the coast without a sentinel.

    Now that the leaving or staying at her post issue was sorted out, she had to figure out how to properly keep watch. It certainly WAS unlikely that vermin would attempt anything now, of all times, but if they did, how would she know? "Ears don't fail me now!" Slowly, she closed her eyes. Gradually, the sea-side sounds became more distinct.... The Surf crashing heedlessly against the sandy shore and the rough hewn rock face. The sound of sheeting rain depositing itself on the squirrels hood. The distant yet impending crackle of thunder nearing the caves. The breakaway of stray shale as it slid down slick pathways to the short sandy dunes below. The mighty gale-force winds driving against solid walls and pliable beasts as the rest of the creatures found shelter inside the cave system. She tuned into the sounds of the world surrounding her, and what she heard very quickly became something disturbing, and dangerous!

    The scream, heard twice, was obviously cut short by the waves of the roiling expanse water... A vermin scream? Xbalantie needed visual proof before reporting, the wind wasn't being kind this blustery evening. The lightning was immediately both a boon and a bane, needed for its' light, but easily becoming enough light to blind. Xbalantie knew she had to take a chance, and giving her luck to the decision of the fates, opened her eyes. The fates were kind as lightning flashed off to the left, and deftly illuminated the ragged tatters of vermin pirate sails!

    Even over the far distance and through the rain, the evil prescribed in those sails was all the watcher needed before plunging down the slippery cliff face to the slick pathway now before her, she had to inform Timballisto! The Swords of Freedom had company!

[Icefire]

As they worked their way down the slippery slope, Liv thought about what Vannøyne had said. She thought it quite impossible that Seafur could have lived, but she also knew it was useless to say that to Vannøyne. She was so distracted she slipped a couple of times, adding to the mud already caked on her dress. She probably would have slid all the way down the hill if not for the flashes of lightning illuminating the way and Vannøyne there to help her. By the time they reached the main shore, her dress was a complete wreck.

She stood in the entrance of the main cave and looked in at the celebration. There were creatures everywhere. Some were sitting and enjoying the small feast they had managed to scrape together out of their winter stores. Many were dancing and singing about the new season to come. She spotted Spera with Timballisto and a small smile flitted across her face knowing that she would keep Tim busy for a while. It was hard for anyone to resist Spera's charms, as Liv well knew. The young squirrel was one of Liv's close friends - one of her only friends come to think of it. She was one of the few bright spots in this cold Northern land.

As she stood there, she noticed a few of the musicians had spotted her and were looking at her hopefully. She knew they wanted her to take over the music so they could join in the dancing. She inwardly heaved a sigh as she forced a small smile and gestured to them to wait for a moment.

Liv caught Vannøyne's arm before he left to join the celebrations and said quietly enough so only he would hear, "I don't know if she is alive or dead, but whatever the case I know she wouldn't want you to hold on to this pain. Why don't you try to live in hopes that she would return and work to make this a better place for when that day comes?"

She flashed him a sad smile before rushing off to her own small cave to change into a more suitable dress and to grab her fiddle.

[Dannflor]

  Frost sat at a Table sipping some october ale. Sometimes joining the dancing and singing she would always be back to her chair. Everything was joyous ''This is homeshe thought I don't know who my parents were but I am happy here
     She joined the dancing thinking Spring is finally here. After the dance she walked over to the table and picked up the tulip that she picked and placed it in her dress pocket.
    The musicians were looking at another member named Liz. Liz walked toward her room Probably to grab her fiddle Frost said happily Liz was one of the best fiddlers she ever heard.  
    After the next dance she sat wearily on a chair that was exactly the twelfth dance she did today. Making her way to her room she entered it and went to her bed and laid down.
    Near her bedside was a bow and a quiver full of arrows was on a hook. Also under her bed was a Short sword and A dart blower with a pouch of darts next to it. Even though she loved peace there where times for war.
   She didn't know how long she lay there but after a bit she joined the group again. Going up to Marcus she said smiling ''Good Evening Mr. Marcus and walked to join more of the Swords of Freedom group

[WarriorOfMossflower]

Sora watched her cavemate, Liv Aegis, rush away to the cave they shared with Spera. She knew Liv to be a very good fiddle-player, and eagerly waited for the mouse to return. The albino stood up and stretched, preparing to dance. The squirrelbabe from before scurried up to her and scrambled onto her shoulder. Sora tried not to wince as the tiny red squirrel's claws dug through her fur, seeking a hold in the skin.
"What is it, little Tibble?"
Tibble giggled and leaned against his small head against hers. "You'sa gonna dance ag'in, miz Sora?"
"If Liv is going to play, I might."
"C'n Tibble dance wiv you's?"
"I don't see why not," Sora laughed, but inwardly she was thinking, To dance with Tibble I'd have to be on my knees the entire time! How is this going to work?
Tibble frowned. Obviously, this had dawned on him as well. "Hm. Whattabout dis: you'sa c'n dance wiv me on your shoulder!"
"Or, maybe we can take turns dancing," Sora suggested.
Tibble tipped his head to the side and gave her his classic 'explain-this-to-me-now' look.
"I have a feeling it won't be a slow partner dance, so you can just dance first, and I'll watch. After that, we can switch, and I'll dance for you."
The small red squirrelbabe grinned and nodded enthusiastically, perching on the albino's shoulder as she turned to look in the direction of her shared cave.

(@Rainshadow and Icefire, see OOC)

[BrookSkimmer]

Tim smiled as Spera asked him to dance. He had procured a fondness for the squirrel since they had first met a few seasons back. She had such a cheery nature and even on his darkest days a smile from her always penetrated his brooding. He took her extended paw and patted it fondly.

"Aye, I would love to share a dance with you my friend, however," He eyed those who were now entering the cavern. Members of the Swords of Freedom were one by one making their appearance. It strengthened the young mouse, thrust into leadership before he was fully fledged, to be the warrior those of the cave dwellings looked to.

"I would be very much obliged if you would stand near by as I share words with our clan." He nodded to a raised piece of rock that jutted out from the cavern wall. This spot was often used by those addressing the group as a whole during an event. From the position one's voice would echo off the cavern so that everybeast could clearly hear.

"Perhaps later on we can have that dance?" He winked at Spera in a friendly way before making his way through the dancing, feasting, laughing throng to take his position. Once he had climbed the carved steps leading to the rock precipice, he cleared his throat, thought of his dear friend Martin, and launched into his speech.

"Clan beast! Lend me your ears for a moment!" The laughing and music began to subside. Murmurs went through the crowd. Some pointed to Timballisto, others eyed the members of the Swords of Freedom. They had each in their own ways become symbols of peace and protection to their clan.

"For many seasons now we have lived in harmony here on these northern coasts. Our hardy crops yield us enough to live in comfort, our caves provide us shelter from the elements, we enjoy the hospitality of the nature all around us!" He took a breath and continued. "To those of you who farm, we salute you! To those of you who take farmed goods and turn it into wonderful fare, we salute you! To those of you who put your paw to labor to make our home comfortable, we salute you. To those of you who sharpen metal, construct our ballista, and fashion our armaments, we salute you!"

Tim drew his simple warrior's blade as the clan beasts cheered each other for their hard labors at creating their homeland. He raised the weapon aloft and continued. "And in salute and tribute to you who make this a place we can call home, there are those of us who offer our weapons, our skills, our lives to the task of your protection."

The tip of the blade dropped low. "It is no secret what has happened in this place." His voice became tight. "Blood shed, agony, desperation, rage, and death are no strangers to us and our families. What has been done on these shores lives on in nightmares for us all." His expression changed to that of determination. "However, bravery, courage, tenacity, kindness, honesty, and honor can combat all of these horrors. We can work together to stand for peace and protection for those of good heart in these lands. Thus the forming and holding of the Swords of Freedom. Those who have given themselves up in exchange for the upholding of peace and the thwarting of evil throughout the northern shores!"

From here Timballisto came down from his position to walk among his friends, family, and clansbeasts. I vow again today, as do all of the Swords of Freedom to protect this place, these beasts, our home. Evil shall not overthrow us, and new life will prevail! Hail the spring and her time of peace and plenty. It shall be upheld by us all!"

As he finished much cheering and paw clapping came into play. Music started and beasts began to dance and feast with a will. Tim smiled as he looked around him as he wondered how long this all could last.

[Icefire]

*Liv stood at the entrance of the cave she shared with Spera and Sora Shirosaki now wearing her favorite green dress and carrying her mother's fiddle tucked under her arm. She had barely made it back in time to hear Tim's stirring speech. She wondered at how closely many of his words had mirrored her earlier thoughts. All those gathered had, to some extent, lived through nightmarish events and they had come out stronger for it! Their loss had shown them the value of life and the need to protect it. She looked around as the tribe picked up the celebrations. She could see many of her fellow Swords mixing in the group. How grateful she was to have them! From solemn Marcus to joyous Spera, from carefree Nevfae to caring Sora, they each had their strengths and their weaknesses. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. Any vermin considering attacking there had better think twice! "...But may that day be long in coming..." thought Liv as she viewed the joyful faces about her.

After the speech, Liv noticed the other musicians slowly picking up their instruments while watching her through the corners of their eyes. She knew what they were waiting for.

"Oh no you don't!" Liv said cheerfully, "Get off your tails, you lot, and find yourselves some partners for the next dance!"

No one argued, leaving their instruments behind as they rushed off to find a partner. They all loved dancing, even Liv. Liv thought of her mother as she tuned up her instrument. Her mother had been able to dance while she played, skipping about gaily to the music. How Liv longed for that ability! The most she could do was take a few in steps in one direction during a very, very slow song.

"Ah well!" Liv thought with a sigh, "Let the young ones have their fun....this one's for you, mum."

With that thought, she turned to the only other musician left, an old hedgehog, drum in hand. He winked at her knowing full well what was coming. She grinned at him and began what had been her mother's favorite piece, The Butterfly. The dance started off moderately enough, but the longer it went, the faster it went! On the last note, many of the dancers fell to the ground in exhaustion, but it was obvious that all were enjoying it tremendously.

Liv laughed as she said, "Well there was a nice warm-up! Let's do something a little more tricky this time! What say you to the Pixie Panic?"

A collective groan went up from the dancers at the mention of the speedy song.

"Very well then! What shall I play?"

She stood, bow at the ready, as she waited for a response.
(OOC)

[Dannflower Reguba]

     Xbalantie was having difficulty descending the precarious slope, mudslides on the path, watered down rock surfaces... , "Great, just great." Never the less, she knew that getting to the bottom was not optional, it had to be done! There was a slight ledge just below a short drop... The leap to the pathway from here was long, but that part of the path was semi clear.... Having suffered only a shock to her left leg on the first drop, things were going well, the squirrel half ran, half slid to the next joint, and stopped. There was a mudfall on the next section, back to the rock face! She gripped a crag, and swung out to the nearest ledge, but it broke! Sliding down a watered cliff is no cake walk, and Xbalantie knew she had to slow herself down. She nabbed a passing jut of rock and jerked herself to a reasonable speed before landing with a slight shock to the ground.

     She took a moment to get her breath back, and look over the cut she had received from the rather rude chunk of rock she grabbed on the way down, "There are more important things than a bloody hand! Get moving!" She forced herself up and trotted back to the main cave, she had seen Liv enter with something in her hands on her way down.

     Once inside she made herself as little noticeable as was possible for a squirrel like herself. There was Timballisto! Xbalantie worked her way over to the leader. As she came up behind him she tapped his shoulder and whispered into his ear. Now Xbalanties' voice isn't something you will come across anytime soon, it is cold, harsh, but intensely clear, she whispered, "Vermin off the coast, large boat , number and leader unknown."

[Rainshadow]

  *  Spera had listened to Tim's speech with a smile, but even she, one of the most cheerful beasts she knew, shed a few tears as he spoke of the loss that they had all suffered.  The young squirrelmaid had been told that her parents died when she was just a little squirrelbabe, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remember them.  So, naturally, she never felt very sad when somebeast talked about her parents.  After all, how could she feel the loss when she'd never really gained them in the first place?

  Spera shook herself, trying to get out of her thoughts and back to reality.  This was when she realized that the bottom of her dress was caked in mud.  Her first thought was that it was ruined, but she then noticed how pretty it looked.  Her dress went from a pale yellow to a brown, which looked very nice.  Still, she would look ridiculous to anybeast who saw her.

  As Spera was heading towards the cave that she shared with Sora and Liv, she noticed Liv walking back in a very nice, green dress.  She was holding her fiddle!  Spera grinned and ran to the cave, hurrying to get changed so she could dance.

  Spera took off her everyday dress and slipped into the dress she'd made just a few days ago.  It was a dark blue with a wide brown belt, but the bottom and the neck had white lace in the pattern of small flowers.

  The squirrelmaid searched for her comb, running it through her headfur and her tail to make sure she didn't look quite as much like a fool.  She looked in a mirror, brushing her fur so that the white star in between her eyes stood out.

  Satisfied that she looked much better, Spera scurried back to the main cave in search of a dance partner.  She heard Liv start playing The Butterfly and she quickened her step, entering the cave nearly out of breath.  She scanned the large crowd for Timballisto, finding him standing with Xbalantie.  The pretty squirrel straightened her dress and slowed her pace, clearing her throat as she walked over to the handsome mouse.  Curtsying, she held out her paw, fluttered her eyelashes and said, "Might I have this dance, sir?"

[Ceteruler]

Marcus let out a little sigh, looking down at the little mouse who shyly walked up to him. "Mm, mm, mistah Ma'cus, may I sit on ya' lap?" she asked timidly, giving him a pleading, innocent look. There was no point in refusing the little one and ruining her evening. Without his facial expression changing he lifted the child up onto his lap and sat her so she was facing outward. "Thank ya, Mistah Ma'cus!" The young one chirped, bouncing a bit as she watched the events going on.

So much laughter, so much jollity, so much happiness. It was all good, Marcus knew. But he couldn't, wouldn't, shouldn't join. He would only make it worse for everyone. Content to sit and watch from the sidelines, Marcus only gave a small nod when Frost came up and greeted him. "Evening..." Not long after that Timballisto stood and started giving a speech about thanking those who protected the land, and how tragedy would be overcome by the strength of the warriors here, things like that. While Marcus didn't disagree with all he said, there wasn't a reason in the world for him to clap, to cheer, or to stand. So he did none. All he did was sit there, stoically, watching Tim with little expression on his face. The toddler sitting on his lap, however, was inspired by everyone clapping and cheering and hopped off his lap to run around, shrieking delightedly.

Before long Xbalantie walked in, dripping wet as he had. The squirrel walked towards Timballisto and whispered in his ear. This can only mean something bad is going on outside. If it was good she wouldn't have whispered Slowly he stood, walking towards the two in hopes of hearing what was up. It would make him feel much better to be out fixing whatever problem was going on than to sit there and watch others enjoy themselves while they could. Standing a few feet from the two he crossed his arms over his chest and glanced between them.

[BrookSkimmer]

Vermin off the coast, large boat , number and leader unknown.

Tim's expression became grave as Xbalantie spoke the news into his ear. Perhaps somehow vermin had heard his words. He knew that was impossible but the oddity of a ship being sighted just after he had given his speech sent a shiver down his spine.

Spera stood before him again, holding out her paw in question of a dance. Oh how he would have liked to dance with her. To be swept up with the joy of the moment. To swirled about the floor while laughing breathlessly. Yes, he dearly wished he could dance with Spera. However, the news that had just been shared changed everything. Gone were thoughts of dancing, food, celebrating. Replaced with the smell of steel, fire, and blood. An image of carnage danced before his eyes as he relived that awful day in an instant.

"I'm sorry friend, there are other, pressing, matters to attend to." He smiled weakly at Spera. "You may accompany us if you wish." Though she seemed sweet and joyful, Spera could handle herself in battle. That was why she had been accepted into the Swords of Freedom.

Timballisto turned and made eye contact with Xbalantie. He trusted the squirrel explicitly. She had show her merit many times before, there was no reason not to put faith in her words now.

"Where away Xbalantie? How far away do you think they are now?" He turned towards Marcus. He was a stalwart beast and Tim needed his help now.

"Marcus, a vermin ship has been spotted," Tim repeated the news in low tones. "Do not rouse the attention of our families yet. Find Vannøyne and tell Liv to get a replacement for fiddle playing. You and Vannøyne must ready the ballista. Send Liv to alert Frost,  Sora, and Nevfae. Make sure the ammunition is ready to use and all five ballista are primed for firing."

He turned back to Xbalantie. "You and I will go take at look at this ship. I want to know what kind of reception to give our visitors."

The mouse stepped away from the crowd, checking to make sure nobeast noticed that the Swords of Freedom were on the move. There was no need to involve the whole clan yet. Best to see the intentions of the vermin ship.

The rain had increased outside, a veritable deluge feel from the heavens. A crack of lightening split the sky, booming in Tim's ears. He threw his hood up over his head and moved towards the sea cliffs. Wind tugged at his cloak as the warrior mouse ascended cliffs. A good burst of lightening would make the silhouette of a ship visible.

"What have the seas brought us?" Tim muttered as he peered forth, waiting for a shaft of light to cut through the storm.

CRACK!

A streak of lightening raced across the sky, crackling and thundering. Tim's eyes widened as he sought to see what Xbalantie had heralded. There it was, black against the storm bruised skies, riding the currents outside the coast line. Tim could smell the foul stink of death and destruction return to his nostrils. His stomach dropped at the thought. Then her hardened himself, steeling his body into action.

"Vermin." He turned to the squirrel. "They shall not invade our home." Tim nodded once. "To the ballista. If they come knocking, we'll send them our welcome."

(OOC Xbalantie)

[Rainshadow]

Spera felt slightly disappointed that the handsome mouse declined her offer, but she knew that Tim obviously had a good reason.  She knew Tim.  She knew that he would dance with her in a heartbeat if he got the chance.  Everybeast would!

  "You may accompany us if you wish."

  Spear dearly wanted to stay and dance, but she knew that she should go with them.  It was her duty to go with them.  She was a Sword, after all!

  Following Tim out to the cliffs, Spear immediately wished she had stayed inside.  The wind had picked up and the rain was coming down much harder.  As soon as the squirrelmaid stepped out of the caves, she was drenched.  Shivering and hugging herself, the half-drowned squirrel faithfully followed her leader, hoping that what Xbalantie had heard was something important.

  A flash of lightning soared across the skies, illuminating a huge ship.  A shiver ran down Spera's spine, but it wasn't because of the weather.  "Is that what I think it is?"  She asked, feeling quite a large amount of fear.  "Vermin?"

[Dannflor]

Frost noticed a few members walked out of the caves running to her room she grabbed her bow and arrows put her short sword in her belt and her pipe on the other side. She flung on her cape and ran to catch up.
    She saw figures walking in the distance and ran to catch up. She ran to Spera's side and said loud ''Spera what is all the rush''. Thunder boomed when she said it so she repeated it again.

(ooc Brookskimmer)