|
|
Post by Thrush on Oct 11, 2015 23:01:35 GMT -5
Once Major Rifflefun left, Frederick slowly allowed himself to stop standing at attention and relax his posture a bit. His ears drooped slightly as he scanned the sea and shore. Just for a moment, he wondered if this would spread. Of course, his own parents had probably gotten up to mischief in their younger seasons, but... He shook his head briefly, trying to clear the thought away, and returned to his vigil. Movement caught his eye, though. Lucerne had sat down, and...hang on a moment, was she trembling? Frederick frowned, concerned, and opened his mouth to ask what was the matter--only to abruptly close it as she apologized for 'messing around on watch'.
Then Dianthus laid a paw on her shoulder and spoke up, apologizing and still joking about a bit. Frederick furrowed his eyebrows slightly. Dianthus shouldn't be the only one stuck out in the rain... Perhaps he'd started the joking about--but he wasn't the only one to blame for it, either.
"I say, old chap," Frederick murmured, "this isn't entirely your fault, wot. If anything, I should be apologizing to the both of you... After all, I rather egged things on a bit."
After a moment, he turned his gaze to his vigil once more.
|
|
|
|
Post by Beekeeper on Oct 12, 2015 1:25:07 GMT -5
Suddenly a voice higher than a hare’s sounded from above. “I say, that was a bit harsh, wasn’t it?”
Darting into view with a flash of brown was a small bird. He settled onto a ledge above the entrance into the mountain and leaned forward to closer examine the hares, head cocked slightly. His appearance was sudden, but he looked decidedly non-threatening, with a sincere, curious expression.
“I was quite enjoying your little jokes, yes I was, yes I was. No harm in keeping the spirits up I always say!” His speech had a curious bit of twitter and warble to it, an odd avian quality that made him sound ready to launch into a bought of song at any moment. “But here, don’t let that old fusspot get to you, at least you’ve got each other and the view!” he said, and punctuated this cheerful sentiment with a little whistle for good measure.
|
|
|
|
Post by Captain Bigwig on Oct 12, 2015 16:05:32 GMT -5
Frederick's reply did make Dianthus feel better. If they weren't going to gang up and put all the blame on him, then maybe he hadn't given them enough credit.
However, when the strange voice swooped out of nowhere, Dianthus' grip on Lucerne's shoulder tightened in surprise before letting it go apologetically, reaching behind himself to draw his bow, crouching away from the sky. His heart was pounding, and his eyes grew wide in fear, and he was nearly ready to bolt back into the mountain when he finally noticed... the darned thing was a bird. A bird.
Trying to keep from feeling embarrassed, he straightened himself out, watching the creature with curiosity. He had never known a bird to do battle with hares. This one seemed rather cheerful, indeed, and noticing the lack of weaponry on it's feathered person, Dianthus placed a hand on his hip and thought.
"Owl certainly say the view is nice from here... but I'll wager toucan see far better!"
As if expecting the Major to come back, he comically covered his mouth with his paws and looked over his shoulder, before snorting and giving the newcomer his full attention.
"I do wonder, what exactly is a flying fellow such as yourself is doing up here?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Margorr on Oct 12, 2015 19:19:57 GMT -5
Lucerne looked up at Dianthus when he put his paw on her shoulder, and smiled at him. She couldn't help but laugh when he talked about lightening up her father. Frederick taking some of the blame helped too. These were good hares she was with. She almost relaxes for a second, then that sing song voice comes out of nowhere, causing Dianthus to tighten his grip on he shoulder. As soon as he lets go though, she jumps up and turns around to get a good look at their guest.
Oh!! A bird!! Not a lot of birds stopped off here, and even when they did, she'd never gotten to meet any. Lucerne had actually read about birds not too long ago. She knew right away that their new friend was a type of Wren. Clearly this guest wasn't a threat, so she had no need to worry. It seemed like Dianthus wasn't worried either. He hadn't grabbed his weapon, and as soon as the wren had finished speaking, Dianthus had gone into joking around with it. He clearly had the situation handled, so she stood to listen for now. Maybe she could talk to the wren herself later, and see what sorts of things birds are up to, or if they carried news of some far off place.
|
|
|
|
Post by Thrush on Oct 14, 2015 14:58:17 GMT -5
All of a sudden, Frederick heard a voice--a unfamiliar, higher-pitched voice--coming from above. The young hare instinctively took a step back, tensing slightly. His arm moved on its own; one paw strayed a little bit closer to the hilt of his rapier. Though, in all truth, he rather hoped this visitor was friendly. Frederick slowly exhaled as he examined the newcomer, who had alighted upon a ledge above Salamandastron's entrance. The newcomer was some sort of bird--small, as birds went, he supposed, and a bit chubby-looking. The bird's feathers were primarily brown in color, though Frederick noted that his chest and stomach were paler, more of a gray-brown. Lighter brown stripes marked the area above his eyes, almost like eyebrows...
Most importantly, the newcomer carried no weapon, and he didn't appear threatening. In fact, he looked merely curious. Frederick gradually relaxed, listening intently as the wren spoke. His gaze briefly flicked to Lucerne and Dianthus--neither of them looked terribly worried--then he returned his attention to the newcomer. Indeed, Dianthus was cracking jokes, which Frederick supposed was a good sign. This bird chap certainly didn't look like a bad sort, though Frederick had to wonder what had brought him to the mountain. He opened his mouth to speak, but Dianthus piped up as he did--and wondering much the same thing--so Frederick closed his mouth and remained silent, standing by.
What sort of business does this fellow have here? he wondered. Is he some sort of traveler, perhaps? Either way, I daresay this ought to be reported...
|
|
|
|
Post by Beekeeper on Oct 18, 2015 20:59:34 GMT -5
The small bird let out a chirping laugh at Dianthus’ jokes. “Glad to see you haven’t let it get you down too much! And I can see quite far indeed my good fellow--but feather or not my eyesight is better is a quailstion I can’t answer!” he said, with the slightly expectant tone of someone inviting you to laugh with them. He couldn’t help but bounce a little on his feet. These creatures were quite fun indeed!
“Sorry to startle you, my friends!” He turned his head slightly to regard Lucerne and Frederick more, and noticed where the latter’s paw had momentarily strayed to. “I assure you weapons won’t be necessary, I’m merely a traveler stopping by to visit along my merry way. Oh! And I haven’t even introduced myself, how rude am I? Seward Bramblesong Merryfeather at your service, Merry or Merryfeather for short, and I do hope I live up to the name, for I always try, don’t you see!” The wren laughed again as he gave a little bow. “And you, my friends, are doubtlessly members of the legendary Long Patrol?”
“I do hope it’s alright I’ve come to your jolly big home here, only I couldn’t quite resist once I saw it, such a large old shape against the sky, you know, very curious. I imagined what sorts of creatures and adventures I might encounter, what spiffing tales there could be to compose! A mountain of legends no doubt, one might say, ha!” As Merryfeather spoke, he seemed to only gain speed and excitement, flicking his tail, until finally he stopped...took a deep breath…
...And a melody burst from his tiny beak as though he could simply no longer contain it, ringing loudly in the night air.
“I came upon a mountain scene,
while flying through the air.
I figured I might stop and see
what I could find in there!
When I arrived what did I spy
but many a good hare;
an officer, two strapping lads,
and lady oh so fair!
The trio young, they stood and watched
the land without a care,
With jokes and fun and spirits high--
a jovial affair.
But then appeared the officer,
with something to declare:
‘For shame, you three, a proper guard
should feel naught but despair!’”
|
|
|
|
Post by Captain Bigwig on Oct 18, 2015 21:33:53 GMT -5
Once the song had ended, Dianthus began to laugh heartily, clapping and forgetting himself entirely. This bird was most definitely the most interesting and astounding creature he'd met in many months, and to be such a character! In the back of his mind, he knew he ought to be a bit more quiet, but it was safe to presume the Major had indeed left them alone to drown in the rain for the evening. Why not make merry when the chance was presented?
"I say!" Dianthus whooped, hands curling into excited fists, "What a spectacular show, wot! Bloomin' wonderful, wonderful! Where did you learn to think a song up like that?"
Turning to look at Lucerne and Frederick to gauge their reactions, he swallowed, hoping he wasn't the only one having a good time. It was, admittedly, a bit unprofessional to trust the wren immediately, even though he claimed to be harmless. But Dianthus just couldn't help it! Merryfeather was such a treat to behold, he had forgotten his status entirely.
|
|
|
|
Post by Margorr on Oct 19, 2015 23:14:11 GMT -5
Lucerne found the song that their new friend sang to be absolutely delightful, she couldn't help but smile as soon as the bird began his song. She especially loved the bit at the end about her dad, though she doubted he'd find it as amusing. Lucerne clapped along with Dianthus once Merry had finished singing. Dianthus immediately began going off on how absolutely wonderful the song was, and Lucerne nodded in agreement with him.
The whole ordeal lifted her spirits greatly, she almost forgot about getting in trouble earlier. Plus the chance to talk to a bird was rather exciting as well. he probably had a lot of stories to tell that would help the night pass faster. Lucerne kind of wished she had a snack or something on her to share with their guest though, that would have been nice. She'd just have to be a good host, along with her friends.
|
|
bye!
