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Post by Jared Sandeye on May 29, 2016 19:19:52 GMT -5
“Did you say Tutha?”
Madeline’s posed query begged truth. Edoran’s grave face clarified the statement and question with no actual reply.
“Garkul’s been to see Wayne, hasn't he? Tutha’s chieftain?”
Jared’s tone was fearful and concerned. Unmistakably the second-born Sandeye child almost couldn’t accept what was being heard.
Edoran surveyed his shocked siblings. His mind fought with vigor to locate the correct words, to quell their fears and instill hopeful understanding.
“How could I be able to help you without giving away too much detail? You do understand that you’re in danger from our visits, right? Mine and our father’s?”
The other two were honest in their verbal responses. Edoran took his seat between them, cross-legged and arms wrapping around their shoulders.
“To answer your needs: yes and yes. Garkul’s paid Wayne a visit. It’s dark in the matter of what educated him of Tutha as your last known location. As much as it pains me to say, that foul cruel weasel threatened Wayne.”
Greater shock slapped the others’ countenances. Edoran hesitantly continued.
“I know it sounds terrible, guys. I am compelled – nay, obligated – to bring you nothing short of the truth. Garkul made threats to execute Wayne’s family if the chief refused to supply information about you two; and that’s not to imply what his vermin may have done. Rest assured, Wayne and his family are alive and well; Garkul has long since left Tutha.”
“He’s coming after us,” Jared whispered breathlessly. Determination supplanted shock, and met eyes with Edoran. “Should we tell our friends?”
“Divan and Larina? Indeed, you could. However, that would just put them in danger as well. I want you two to be prepared, additionally cautious. Garkul will be here in…Martin knows when.”
Edoran stared up at the Tapestry. Madeline leaned on his ghostly shoulder in sheer dread. Jared’s thoughts immediately wandered to his sword, and briefly left the hall to go retrieve it.
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Post by fernleaf on Jun 5, 2016 22:03:04 GMT -5
Snowpaw looked over at Jared and said "Nobody should be alone in these times. I will go with you." She left with Jared. "Be good, Fernleaf."
"Always, Snowpaw." said Fernleaf. He was sitting in a corner, his eyes often wandering to the tapestry, then at Madeline and Edoran. "I hope it's all right for me to be with you." he said. "This scares me as well, but maybe we can weather this storm together."
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Post by Jared Sandeye on Jun 24, 2016 15:33:28 GMT -5
In his peripheral vision, Jared saw Snowpaw trailing him, choosing to lead her back to his bedroom, where he kept one of his most prized possessions.
“This is my personal sword, Mother,” Jared explained, withdrawing it from a hidden compartment in an upright dresser. “My father was the island blacksmith, the metalworker. A decent job, honest work and honest pay for commissioned weapons, shields, jewelry, and hardware tools. You get the idea.”
The young Sandeye unsheathed the steel blade, holding it left-pawed vertically by the handle, the cutting edge pointed at the nearby window.
“It’s a long-standing tradition in the Eastern Islands, that a child upon reaching the age of 8 should receive a gift, to be treasured as a lifelong invaluable possession. My father gave me this sword, forged by his own paws. He did the same for my brother Edoran. Right up to this present day, it’s the one sword I use in battle; no other in the world will do.”
Jared performed a series of careful coordinated swings and maneuvers with the sword; the blade moved in perfect precision, careful not to hit Snowpaw or any close objects.
“Immaculate Eastern steel,” Jared started once more. “Tighter and more adaptable than any other metal on that side of the globe. Tough to forge, but when done right, is not easily broken or damaged. Mossflower may beg to differ. Dane could make do given any other metal.
“A sword is more than just a weapon or a tool of war. It’s meant to be an extension of one’s arm, of the entire body. An extra appendage, if you will, Mother. Dane taught me, and Edoran did as well. Lessons learned in childhood stay forever until the end of life.”
Effortlessly, Jared spun the sword around in his paw, and holding the sheath before his face where Snowpaw could see, the two were joined together again in one swift millisecond movement.
Edoran decorated Maddie’s face in loving brotherly kisses, then directed his gaze to Fernleaf.
“Fernleaf, don’t be afraid,” Edoran assured the ferret. “All are welcome here. Even myself, who never received the opportunity to see the Abbey in all its uncontested beauty during my mortal life. But now, the chance comes to me. When my siblings require help or aid from the other side, my parents – Dane and Amida – and myself waste no time. But, tell me, Fernleaf: do you know anything of my siblings, questions I may clarify for you?”
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Post by fernleaf on Jun 26, 2016 19:26:49 GMT -5
Snowpaw nodded. "Looks like it was made for you and you alone. It needs a brave heart to make it work, and you are brave. I don't know who Martin will choose, but it should come up soon. Even if it's not you, you will do well."
Fernleaf shook his head. "I don't know much about your siblings. They only met me once, and didn't stay long. I hope that otter shows up, I heard she's around here somewhere." He sighed. "I so want to go back to the life I've known all these seasons. I was happy being a hermit and a herbalist. But..." his eyes wandered to the tapestry. "He won't let me. He hasn't spoken with me, but somehow I know. He wants me here, though I don't deserve it."
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Post by Jared Sandeye on Jul 8, 2016 20:16:22 GMT -5
Jared nodded his concurrence with Snowpaw. “For sure, this blade was made for me, and me alone. Madeline can never be persuaded to lift up arms to fight, although I can personally vouch for what it feels like to receive an irate punch to the face from her fists. Edoran possessed his own personal special sword, however since…haven't seen him use it since...”
He pulled his face away from the Badger Mother’s eyes, not able to mention the truth of his brother’s and parents’ deaths that had changed the Sandeye family forever.
“Anyway, I assume we ought to be getting back to the Tapestry? Whatever future revelations await us are not to be kept waiting. Perhaps Fernleaf will play a part in all this somehow.”
Binding his sword tightly to his belt with a leather strap, Jared joined paws with the Badger Mother and led the way back to the Great Hall.
Madeline gave Fernleaf a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. “It’s OK that you don’t remember us, Fernleaf. We’re not natives to Mossflower to begin with. Really, our family originates from the Eastern Islands, a rather obscure part of the world, once in a while seen by foreign eyes. And we prefer it that way, we prefer the mystique, the solitude, and the privacy.”
“We don’t know anything about any female otter, I’m afraid.” Edoran noted. “Whatever Martin may want with you, Fernleaf, he would not bid you here with an absence of reason. In the Eastern Islands, everything happens for a reason; we realize that too well. Let us pray that the same applies here in Mossflower.”
"Our visits have reason," came another voice. "And with prescience and prophecy."
"Daddy!"
The spirit of Dane Sandeye returned, emerging from within the fabric of the tapestry, and stepping out into the Great Hall. Madeline stood up to embrace him.
"Jared left to go retrieve his sword," the daughter explained, pulling away and letting her father go. "He'll be right back. I'm sure he'd wonder what you're doing back here, too. Seriously, what are all these visits about?"
"All in due time will all be revealed," Dane Sandeye advised. "Your mother's coming as well, just wait. It'll be a natural and supernatural family reunion!"
His eyes turned to Fernleaf.
"Well, hello! Who is this? It seems you and your brother are making more and more friends in Mossflower every day, eh?"
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Post by fernleaf on Jul 8, 2016 20:58:53 GMT -5
Snowpaw didn't ask Jared what terrible secret he held. "Let's get back to the Tapestry. As for Fernleaf,I don't know what part he will play. He doesn't either, but it scares him, that much I know." **Could it be? No, that's really far-fetched. I wish the one would soon be revealed.** she thought to herself.
"Mystique, solitude and privacy." said Fernleaf, almost to himself. "How I valued them. I don't know what Martin may want with me." He looked down at his paws. "These paws have not held a weapon since my vermin days, which I would rather forget. And I made a vow to a Badger Lord years ago that these paws would never again hold a weapon to harm any goodbeast, and I intend to keep that. Harming those vermin who threaten this Abbey, however..." He paused, thinking of what he was saying.
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Post by Jared Sandeye on Jul 9, 2016 14:23:08 GMT -5
Dane heard every word of Fernleaf’s small discourse of his desire to never again bear a weapon to fight. He could not help but understand profoundly.
“I wish I could agree with you, Fernleaf, honest to Maraul’s ancestors. There is one truth you must know, that being that I trained my sons in the art of the warrior for one reason alone: to defend Maraul and the other Eastern Islands from any and all threats, both foreign and domestic. To protect family, friends, and homeland. That is the thing we live for; that is the thing we fight for. In any case, that’s not the most impending problem right now.
“Garkul’s coming, Dad, we realize that.” Jared reminded his father, stepping down the staircase back into the Great Hall, bearing his sword, and Mother Snowpaw walking behind him. “When he arrives, and inevitably he will, what can we do?”
“What else but fight back?” Edoran exhorted. ”What Martin does depends on him. We must figure out how to take care of ourselves. Garkul is desperate right now, and will resort to any kind of forceful tricks and strategies to get exactly what he desires: revenge on both of you. An army force accompanies him, that you know. One devoid of morality, mercy or conscience. Garkul will come after you initially, Jared; subsequently afterwards, setting his army loose to do whatsoever they please.”
Jared stared down at the hilt and pommel stone of his sword, then up at his family again. “It’s been a long time since the last time you visited us; much more since I grabbed my sword to defend the Abbey and my sister. Six months since last we visited Maraul. To at long last need to do it again...it may require some investment to get reacquainted. Tell us what we need to know, and to do.”
“Do what you’ve always done: follow your heart and fight. Fight for your friends, family, and homeland.”
Materializing from beside Dane in a short small burst of white light, came the last of the Sandeye family: Amida, the mother.
“Mom!”
This time, both of the living Sandeyes raced to give her hugs, which Amida accepted with passionate motherly love.
“How are you two? Goodness, you’re growing up so much! Look how tall you are now! Oh, it’s so good to have the family together again!” She looked around at Snowpaw and Fernleaf. “And am I to assume these two are companions of yours?”
While Dane and Amida acquainted themselves with the others, Edoran beckoned his siblings to sit down beside him on the floor.
“Listen, you two. The Vermin armies that stand at Redwall Abbey’s gates, at this very moment, you know of them. Garkul couldn’t care less. In the wake of getting his retribution, he will be off leaving the Abbey, before the other armies can even blink. I don’t know who leads those numbers, yet bet your tails that we will come to your aid against the Abbey’s main invaders. They won’t know what hit them. Like you, Jared, it’s been years since last I wielded my sword in my paws. Perhaps it is indeed time to do it again.”
“If we survive Garkul, that is,” Jared argued, and the other siblings reluctantly agreed.
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Post by fernleaf on Jul 12, 2016 23:41:52 GMT -5
"I will do what I can, though I'm not sure what to do." said Fernleaf. "I didn't know this Garkul is more of a danger than this vermin horde outside the walls. What do you want me to do?"
"You swore to defend our precious Dibbuns for a start." said Snowpaw. What they have for you to do is up to them." She looked at the mother for answers.
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Post by Jared Sandeye on Jul 18, 2016 23:55:35 GMT -5
“I don’t know quite a bit of anything about this Abbey,” Amida admitted with an apologetic sigh. Then her face brightened up in optimism, and she gave a shining encouraging smile to the Badger Mother and herbalist hermit. “However, I’m here to help. I’m no warrior like my sons or husband, yet whatever Abbey-related work should present itself, you can rely on me.”
“We’ll need every help we can get, Mom. We’re happy you, Dad, and Edoran are here.” Jared patted an assuring paw on his mother’s shoulder and kissed her affectionately on the cheek. Amida responded in kind with the same, making Jared laugh and blush lightly and lay his head on her shoulder.
“The Dibbuns are the younglings of the Abbey, “ Jared elaborated. “They are the innocent little offspring who require constant watch, particularly from these hostile vermin hordes who even now stand at our gates. Everything, great or small, will go extraordinary distances in turning the tide of battle and defense.”
“Garkul represents an immense danger,” Edoran mentioned. “Whether greater or lesser than the present vermin armies remains to be seen. He is a threat to my siblings. A motivation of vengeance can lead one to do horrendous things without even the slightest misgiving. Ruthlessness, brutality, and a secret weapon will define Garkul’s intended actions towards the last living members of the Sandeye family. We must be on our guard.” Edoran gathered the family together, and the five of them shared hugs with one another.
Dane hugged Jared last, then beckoned Snowpaw and Fernleaf to him. “We will be staying here for the time being, always around if you need us. No sleep, no rest, no food or drink. As spirits, my wife, myself, and our oldest son are immortal. Fighting, healing, cooking, cleaning; nothing is impossible through the work of many paws. Strength in numbers, never less.”
“Suddenly, Maddie and I don’t feel so tired anymore,” Jared confessed, the two exchanging kisses. “But it’s past midnight. Any suggestions as to a course of action? Dear Snowpaw, good Fernleaf, thoughts? Are we expecting anybeast else tonight or tomorrow?”
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Post by fernleaf on Jul 20, 2016 20:45:46 GMT -5
The ferret began chuckling. "Good Fernleaf." he said. "I haven't heard that spoken about me though it feels wonderful to hear it." But then he took on a pained look. "How you have incresed my sorrow, Edoran." he said at last. "Vengeance. Ruthlessness. Brutality. I knew them well many seasons ago in a past I would rather forget. But knowing them also gives me the motivation to defend against those like this Garkul who would use them to destroy all. He saw Snowpaw already hugging them, and he was drawn forward to embrace them as well. "If by life or by death I can defend you, I will. There is another, but I don't know where she is, that reckless otter I healed once."
"I know who you mean." said Snowpaw. "Balma. She comes and goes."
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Post by Doggo on Jul 23, 2016 20:03:25 GMT -5
Balma walked down the steps into the Great Hall, muttering obscure curses to herself. With the vermin army at the gates, most of the defenders were outside to witness the so-called parley. She didn't see fit to attend though. With these vermin types it was always the same. Surrender or die, and so on. There was nothing of worth she could gain from being there, and it would be better to think strategy while she still had breathing room to do so. Maybe she could get some actual quiet in here.
She sees the gathered beasts near the tapestry, and stops in surprise at seeing a familiar face.
"Oi, is that you Fernleaf? Glad ta see yer safe at a time like this! What're you lot talkin' bout anyway?"
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Post by fernleaf on Jul 24, 2016 15:09:35 GMT -5
"Balma!" cried Fernleaf as he ran up to embrace the otter. "We're talking of another enemy who is coming that is worse than that vermin horde outside,and what we must do do defend them. Especially defending those precious Dibbuns. And it's hard, it's been ages since I've held a weapon. I can still be a healer, which is what I'm best at now. Martin," he looked up at the Tapestry, "has sworn me in on this, though I don't know why he would want somebeast like me."
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Post by Doggo on Jul 24, 2016 18:51:09 GMT -5
Balma placed her paw on Fernleaf's shoulder, with a resolute look in her eyes.
"You may not think so yoreself, but I know you have what it takes. Your heart is fulla caring, and you've got that inner strength few beasts do. Your past is all the proof I need, and the fates seem to think so too. I kin sense a storm is all up and gathering in these dark days, and things won't be easy for a while, but I'll be here to help if'n you're wanting. It don't matter how strong these forces are, I know we kin survive, come what may!"
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Post by Jared Sandeye on Jul 26, 2016 14:29:35 GMT -5
Edoran is the first to notice the female otter named Balma enter the Great Hall. He waited for a pause in her conversation with Fernleaf, then entered it cordially. Although shaking paws with a ghost…nothing exactly natural. He did not anticipate what the ottermaid’s reaction would be.
Edoran likewise noted Fernleaf’s comments about being drawn to the Abbey by Martin. Having little knowledge of the legendary warrior mouse and founder of the Abbey himself, the ghost squirrel did not realize what to make of the situation. Notwithstanding, that was for the guardian himself to choose.
“Hello, Balma,” Edoran greeted brightly, a spectral paw extended for the ottermaid to shake. “My name is Edoran Sandeye. I will go to the point; there will be time to make acquaintances later. Fernleaf mentioned a more noteworthy foe coming to the Abbey. This threat is an old adversary of my younger kin, Jared and Madeline Sandeye, the only living and remaining members of the Sandeye family. He is coming for them, to seek payback on a past wrong done to him by my younger brother. Please, come and join us. We require every paw we can obtain to defend against this new threat.”
The siblings came abreast of Edoran, taking notice of Balma and introducing themselves. The spirits of the parents in going about the same pattern beckoned for Balma to come into the Great Hall fully and take a seat with them.
“Balma is your name?” Jared wondered for correction. “What is your relation to Fernleaf, may I posture?”
Madeline hopped up to a close-by windowsill, peering through the bars of the window up at the purple and blue of the approaching dawn. “It’s about morning, everyone. Whatever needs to be done, best do it now.” She spoke behind at Jared. “By the way, big brother, Larina wanted to have that art session with you today after breakfast.”
Jared felt his face turn red as a rose at the reminder of his adult sweetheart. He stuffed his face in his shirt, but was equally glad and excited for the upcoming time to spend with Larina. Hopefully, she would not react negatively to the apparitions of his deceased family in the Abbey.
“You needed to mention that in front of them, Maddie?” Jared’s shirt could not fully hide the affection and romantic feelings for his mate. “You had to say to everybeast in this hall that I have a girlfriend?”
“Wait a minute!” A goofy grin unexpectedly manifested on Edoran’s face. “Jared has…a girlfriend? Like, for real?” Without restraint, the older Sandeye brother burst out loud laughing, holding his ghostly sides together and keeling over in uncontrolled hilarity. “You have a girlfriend, Jared? I never saw that coming! Tell me about her! Her name’s Larina? Is she cute, adorable? Is she an actual artist? Does she do professional?”
“For the love of Dunthus Merkle, Ed!” Jared punched Edoran in innocent offense. “Yes, her name is Larina Skyleaf. She’s more than charming; she’s beautiful beyond words. An actual artist, non-professional. It’s a dream of hers.” Jared’s eyes became suddenly dreamy, twinkling with a longing and wonder that could only come from maturing romantic love and sentiment.
OOC: Dunthus Merkle is one of the original founders of Maraul in the Eastern Islands. The Sandeyes are direct descendants of his line, which is why they talk about him.
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Post by Doggo on Aug 1, 2016 23:03:09 GMT -5
Balma took the introductions in stride. Ghosts didn't exactly faze her, after all, considering the things she has seen in her past.
"I know Fernleaf from a while back, he helped me when I was poisoned badly. It were a bad time I was up and having, and I'd be terribly crippled if not for his skills" she said in response to Jared.
"As for that new threat you mentioned, that'll certainly be another thing on top of the horde right outside. I don't suppose you could tell me anything 'bout it? If it's not already arrived it wouldn't hurt to plan for it in advance, especially with so many things happening at once."
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bye!
