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Post by Margorr on Apr 30, 2016 0:09:03 GMT -5
Redwall Abbey was just as impressive as the stories made it out to be. The high sandstone walls were enough to conceal most of the building inside, and from their length, Argrav fancied the grounds inside to be fairly expansive as well. This would surely make a good fortress for him, once he took it. Argrav and his crew stood on the clearing across from the Abbey’s front gates in formation. He’d brought one hundred of his troops with him, enough to intimidate the Abbey but not give away the sheer size of his army. He didn’t want to let the Redwaller’s know just yet how swift their defeat would be.
A deep rumble of thunder sounded overhead, causing Argrav to swear inwardly. They’d have to make this quick so he didn’t get caught out in the rain. Deathfang, Bruke, and Margorr were up front with him. Deathfang bearing his standard, and of course Bruke was there as one of his officers. Margorr was there as a sort of bodyguard. The stoat was observant, and had never let him down. Today the assassin had dressed himself as a fox. Argrav made sure to remember that. For now, he’d had enough standing around. It was time to get to business.
“Margorr, hail the wallguards.” he said, looking up at the top of the wall where he could see a few hares starting to gather. Margorr stepped forward and called up to them.
“Captain Argrav Kelnris wishes to speak to whoever is in charge here! We come under the flag of Parley, there will be no fighting!” the stoat called up. He was rewarded by a hare telling them that the Abbot would be there shortly. Perfect. He couldn’t wait to see what sort of fool was running this operation.
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Post by Taurian on May 1, 2016 14:52:01 GMT -5
"We come under the flag of Parley, there will be no fighting!"
Taurian scoffed. She had run out of the abbey building when she heard the commotion, and was there in time to hear the stoat's declaration. Vermin always want a fight, nae matter whether they're under a flag o' truce! The ottermaid glanced around, and noticed that Tarlya was missing. Surely she would have heard the vermin at the gates? They certainly weren't disguising their presence now. Taurian ducked back into the abbey building, muttering apologies and "excuse me"s to the hares pouring out the door onto the lawn.
"Tarlya!" she called, her voice echoing through the building. "The vermin are 'ere, an' they want tae parley. Most everybeast's makin' their way tae th' grounds."
"Oh, good!" Tsaron suddenly appeared in the doorway to Cavern Hole, looking rather ruffled. "Taurian, would you an' Tarlya maybe watch the Dibbuns? I don't want any o' those little ones gettin' up on the ramparts with those vermin around."
Taurian's shoulders slumped slightly; she had been looking forward to hearing the full parley with the vermin. "Aye, we can watch the little tykes. 'ave ye seen Tarlya, Tsaron? I 'aven't 'eard from 'er since breakfast."
The owl blinked worriedly at her. "No, I can't say that I have. I'm sure she's fine, though. She's a tough gel," Tsaron said, as if they were trying to convince themself rather than Taurian. The ottermaid smiled shakily at the owl.
"I'm sure she is."
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Post by jinxwolf34 on May 1, 2016 21:31:04 GMT -5
Deathfang held the flag aloft as the strange stoat called up toward the Abbey walls. The rat was practically salivating at the sight of the Abbey. Treasures, fame, money! It would all be theirs! Fang held themself together, not wanting to alert the other vermin of their ulterior motive for being here. 'Just play the silent flag bearer, Fang. Soon the money will be in your paws. Then its back to sea to plunder another land.' The rat's tail wriggled in anticipation.
----
Streamflower followed the rest of the council members out of the Cavern Hole. She watched as Turlien took control of her rowdy band of warriors, all who were itching to fight. The young Skipper's ears twitched as she heard a voice call from outside. She unsheathed her trident as she passed through the Streamdog camp to the walls and ramparts. Streamflower was debating whether or not to join the Abbey-beasts on the wall to see her possible opponent. She didn't want to interfere but the otter's curiosity was starting to get the best of her.
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Post by Doggo on May 2, 2016 17:45:05 GMT -5
Bruke stood languidly at the front of the amassed troops. The air had a slight chill, and she could smell the approaching storm. Although the winds weren't as strong as they'd been earlier, she still had to suppress the urge to shiver a little. At a time like this, she couldn't show any weakness, seeing as how the soldiers behind her didn't seem to be so affected. All the same, she hoped they wouldn't end up fighting in the rain.
Up close to the abbey for the first time, Bruke was rather impressed, and a bit unnerved, by the high, impenetrable looking walls. Seeing as how she might not get another chance to see the abbey this close without the threat of attack, she scanned the walltops. She didn't think it was likely that the abbeybeasts would just let them in, so it wouldn't hurt to try and get a sense of their numbers while here.
She could make out a few heads starting to peer out from the walltops, mostly otters and squirrels so far, and it seemed the crowd was increasing still. Conscious of the possibility that the abbey beasts might attack them if things went south, she remained alert and ready the spring her forces into action.
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Post by Margorr on Oct 3, 2016 21:08:19 GMT -5
"The vermin are 'ere, an' they want tae parley. Most everybeast's makin' their way tae th' grounds."
Taurian's voice reached Tarlya as she entered the Great Hall from the kitchen. She froze in her track for a minute, processing the information. Vermin were at the Abbey gates, looking to parley. She knew what that meant. But they wouldn't be in any danger, right? A parley was a good thing, it was just talking. The Long Patrol and the Abbot would be able to handle it, the vermin would leave that night, and they'd be okay.
She watched as the Council left Cavern Hole, no doubt to go talk to the vermin. She had a lot of respect for them, and what they were going to have to do. She was brought back to reality when there was a tug on her habit. Looking down, she couldn't help but smile to find Rylee standing there.
"Hey little one. Whats up?"
"Auntee thur bee vurmints an' mum says oi needs t' stay wiv you insteada inna kitchen wiv her."
Oh the dibbuns. They'd be safer with her. She picked up Rylee and held her. "Of course you can stay with me. Let's find your friends and all go down to cavern hole. I'll tell you a story once we're there."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Major Rifflerun lead the Abbot to the edge of the Ramparts, where several of the wallguards had gathered to look down at the vermin. Steeling his nerves, the Major leaned over the wall to get a look at exactly what they were dealing with. The vermin were lined up behind who Boggs figured were those in charge. A quick glance told the major there were about three or four score vermin, give or take.
"Their leader is named Argrav Kelnris." whispered a hare who had been up on the wall since the Parley started. The Major nodded and cleared his throat before addressing the vermin.
"You are in th' presence of th' Abbot of Redwall, and Major Rifflerun of the Long Patrol! State y' business!"
Argrav took a step forward, and gave a slight bow. There was no need to get on the bad side of these woodlanders just yet. The presence of the Long Patrol complicated things, but it was nothing he wouldn't be able to deal with.
"Father Abbot, Major, we are here to discuss the terms of your surrender. "
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Post by Taurian on Oct 8, 2016 4:32:18 GMT -5
"Good seasons!" Tsaron whispered. The old owl puffed up his body indignantly. "The arrogance of vermin never ceases to disgust me." They looked out at the assembled vermin company. It was a large crew, and the long patrol that was here hardly could be a match if they all rushed at once.
"Major, permission to scout beyond the vermin forces for reinforcements?" The owl was planning to sweep out by the south wall and then fly low over Mossflower to avoid detection by the vermin camp.
------
Taurian was sitting in Cavern Hole, surrounded by a mass of Dibbuns, as Tarlya came in. She perked up then, and saluted cheekily. "'ello there, nice o' ye tae make it!"
"I've been tryin' tae get these little 'uns tae calm down, but I've ne'er been good wi' young'uns," Taurian confessed.
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Post by fernleaf on Oct 9, 2016 17:41:35 GMT -5
"I've been good with young'uns ever since I came to Redwall Abbey." said Snowpaw, the Badger Mother, who had just entered. "And I brought one who is good with them as well." She indicated a hooded one she had brought with her. "Mistuh Fernleaf!" said a few of the Dibbuns, rushing to him. "Easy, dear ones, don't bowl him over." said Snowpaw, giggling.
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Post by Margorr on Oct 9, 2016 23:42:03 GMT -5
The Major felt his fur bristle with agitation at Argrav's words, but he chose not to reply to the wildcat. Instead, he leaned down to whisper to the Abbot.
"There's about a hundred of them, Father. All armed, standing at attention. They look tired, so I don't think they'll be a threat tonight. Probably traveled as fast as we did, wot. There's four in th' front. A standard bearer, a weasel, what looks t' be a fox, and their leader, a wildcat. Big looking brute, but he's got an arm and a leg missing. We could easily take this force if they decided to attack but based on what reports th' Long Patrol got, there's far more of the scum."
----------------
Tarlya breathed a sigh of relief when she found Taurian in Cavern Hole with the rest of the dibbuns. She set Rylee down, who immediately began to play with the other dibbuns. Taking a seat next to Taurian, she watched the little ones play.
"They'll be fine just playing like this. As long as they stay down here with us, there won't be any worry."
By this time, some of the other Redwallers, and even a few Long Patrol hares had made their way down to Cavern Hole. The dibbuns had gotten up to go greet Snowpaw, as well as Fernleaf. Tarlya didn't love the ferret, but Snowpaw trusted him. It was probably for the best the badger mother kept him company.
"You're not up on the wall?" Tarlya asked, turning to face Taurian. "I thought you'd prefer to be up there instead of down here with the rest of us."
-----------
Even though she hadn't known Fernleaf long, the sight of the other dibbuns getting excited about seeing him made Rylee excited too. He was friend! Someone new to play with! She ran over to the ferret with the rest of the dibbuns, and hugged on to his leg.
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Post by fernleaf on Oct 10, 2016 20:13:41 GMT -5
Fernleaf smiled at Rylee hugging his leg and picked her up, hefting her to his shoulder. "I'm glad to see you, precious." he said. "Like to play? He carefully got down on his knees. "Like to play horsey?" He was enjoying herself as Snowpaw laughed. She greeted the Dibbuns who came to her. "I'll take care of you." said the Badger Mother. She looked to the others. "Have they had something to eat?"
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Post by Constable 216D on Oct 12, 2016 15:33:17 GMT -5
The stones of Redwall Abbey's western wall were warm, a stark contrast to the chill wind whistling in Abbot Whittle's ears as he stood alongside Major Rifflerun. He was listening to the sounds all round him, allowing his ears to tell him about the scene he was unable to behold with his eyes. He heard the agitated rustling of the creatures on the wall with him, mingled between muted scoffs and the shifting of footpaws. He could make out the frantic flapping of the standard borne by the creatures that stood on the path below, and the occasional metallic clatter of weapons and mail. The Abbot gripped his staff tighter and sniffed the wind. The rain had yet to begin, but he had little doubt it was on its way.
A curious voice delivered the ultimatum of surrender the Abbot knew was to come. It was educated and firm, the voice of a beast who glimpsed what he wanted and was confident that he could reach out and grasp it in his paws. Abbot Whittle was intrigued. He briefly wondered from whence this stranger had come when his thoughts were interrupted by the Major's report. It did not take long for the Abbot's sharp mind to formulate a reply to the Long Patrol hare.
"Thank you, Major. I suppose we are not surprised our visitor has brought up a negotiation for Redwall's surrender?" The hint of a smile played about the Abbot's lips as he continued, "Mayhaps we should thank him for getting down to business. In any case, we cannot allow these creatures to stand about on the path when a storm is on its way. I would like to invite this stranger into Great Hall, so that we may hear his terms in full. However, I would like everybeast not directly involved in these proceedings to retire to Cavern Hole or the dormitories. Can you instruct your hares to, erm, prepare to receive our guests? I shall send word to Snowpaw to gather the Dibbuns together."
The Abbot flicked an ear and turned in the direction from whence he had heard Tsaron's voice originate from. "Tsaron, my friend, pray wait before you depart for reconnaissance. Might I ask that you find Snowpaw and help her escort our Dibbuns up to the dormitories?"
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Post by Taurian on Oct 12, 2016 16:52:02 GMT -5
Taurian bristled at the sight of the ferret, but the nonchalant manner of the badger made it clear that the he meant no harm. Turning to Tarlya, she replied, "I was about tae, but then Tsaron asked me tae come down 'ere an' help ye take care o' the little 'uns." A mousebabe crawled up onto her lap, and looked up at her.
"Ahoy there, little feller." The ottermaid smiled at the dibbun, who frowned back.
"I wants to hear a stooorieee," the mousebabe declared.
"Tarlya tells good stories, I bet."
"Tara tells us stories alla time, wanna hear you tella story," she demanded. Taurian smiled at Tarlya, and took a deep breath.
"Well, I can tell ye th' story o' the first otter o' 'olt Maelstrom, I suppose. It all begins on Green Isle, with a wayward otter named Illyria Galedeep..."
----
Tsaron bowed politely to the abbot. "Straightaway, Father Abbot. Be careful, vermin are a tricky bunch." They fluttered down to the grounds and wandered back inside the abbey. When the sound of chattering dibbuns failed to reach their ears, Tsaron was puzzled, until they wandered down into Cavern Hole. Seemed the new ottermaid was regaling the young ones with a story. They moved over to Snowpaw's side as quietly as they could, nodding at Fernleaf. "Abbot Whittle says t' take the young'uns up t' the dormitories. He's planning to let the vermin inside t' parley."
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Post by fernleaf on Oct 12, 2016 21:45:12 GMT -5
Snowpaw nodded. "Come, my dibbuns, let's go up to the dormitories. We'll play some games there." she said. "Can I bring horsey?" said the dibbun on Fernleaf's back.
"Of course." said Snowpaw. "Come along, Fernleaf....er...horsey." Fernleaf grinned and followed Snowpaw. "Giddyup, horsey!" said the little otter dibbun.
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Post by Margorr on Oct 25, 2016 1:23:16 GMT -5
Major Rifflerun was taken aback by the Abbot's request to invite the vermin into the Abbey. He'd rather not show the vermin more hospitality than they deserved. They had agreed to the Parley though, so he would do this on the Abbot's terms.
"As y' wish, Father," He said, before turning to the small group of four wallguards standing nearby. "You heard th' Abbot! Spread the word. Round up everybeast not necessary an' send them to Cavern Hole or th' dorms. Post guards outside th' entrances. I only want a score o' hares in the Great Hall with us. Unarmed. Keep a wall patrol up here. Get goin' now!"
The hares scrambled off to do the Major's bidding. Stepping up to the wall, the Major relayed the Abbot's message to the Vermin.
"Argrav Kelnris! Th' Abbot o' Redwall would like t' speak with you inside th' Great Hall. Come in unarmed, and leave th' majority of your army outside. You'll be in th' presence of unarmed Redwallers, and under th' flag of Parley, no harm will come t' you. "
Once he could see the Vermin getting ready, he gently took the Abbot's paw. "C'mon Father. Let's go greet our guests at th' gates."
-----------------
They were inviting him inside. Excellent. He couldn't pass up this opportunity to see what his new home was going to be like. If the stories were true, the Abbey would be just as beautiful inside as it was outside.
"You've got a deal!" Argrav shouted up to the Redwallers. He stepped forward, then turned around to face his troops. "Bruke, Margorr, come with me," He said, motioning to them. With a nod, Margorr removed his weapons and laid them on the ground. Argrav set his Harpoon down as well. If the Redwallers had an issue with his hook, they could very well deal with it. He wasn't taking off his prosthetic.
Besides, these Redwallers were not tricksters. He would come out of this alive.
Once he and those he selected were ready, Argrav made his way to the gate to be let in.
-----------------
"Abbot Whittle says t' take the young'uns up t' the dormitories. He's planning to let the vermin inside t' parley."
"He can't be serious!" Tarlya said to no on in particular. "Letting those lowlifes in. He's putting us all at risk!"
She watched as some of the Long Patrol escorted Redwallers down to Great Hall. Not only was the Abbot letting vermin in, but he was putting everyone in a place they would be vulnerable. This had bad news written all over it.
-----------------
Rylee followed behind Snowpaw, Fernleaf, and some of the other Dibbuns as they made their way up to the Dorms. When the small group of hares joined them, she skipped along next to them. Maybe they'd play with her when they got upstairs! She wanted to touch their shiny medals and march around saying "wot wot" too!
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Post by Doggo on Oct 25, 2016 13:04:17 GMT -5
At Argrav's command, Bruke dropped her club, and also unhooked her whip and bolas from her belt, letting them fall to the ground. She wasn't too happy with leaving her weapons outside, but these abbeybeasts didn't seem to be the type to attack unarmed guests. How foolish of them.
Walking up to the gate with the others, she did her best to look unconcerned even as she drew closer to the imposing walls of the abbey, which at this short distance blotted out much of the sky. No matter what, she couldn't appear to be intimidated by this lot, not if the negotiations were to go favorably. Can't let them see any weakness after all. The fur on the back of her neck bristled in agitation, but she nonetheless maintained her confident stride.
--------
Balma had been napping in one of the hallways, having not gotten sufficient sleep the previous night, and was jolted awake by the footsteps of a pair of hares running down the corridor. Having heard from them about the parley being taken inside the abbey, she rushed in the other direction toward the front of the abbey.
There should certainly be guards posted at the entrance and wherever the vermin might pass, and there was no way she was going to stay out of these precedings. Additional support would be wanted, in case the vermin turned out to be more treacherous than the abbot anticipated. It never hurt to take extra precautions after all.
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Post by Constable 216D on Oct 25, 2016 15:01:14 GMT -5
Abbot Whittle detected the slightest hint of stunned hesitation in the Major's voice when the hare acquiesced to his request. The old mouse let loose a soft sigh of resignation. This was a decision he was loath to make, but Abbot Whittle felt compelled to treat the creatures upon Redwall's doorstep with dignity and respect, as would any abbot or abbess who had come before him. What did it matter that they were vermin? They would feel just as wet and uncomfortable as he would if he remained standing upon the parapet in the encroaching storm. These creatures had traveled far, and the Abbot did not want to exchange words with them through the din of nature's fury as they stood at attention in chainmail and soaked tunics. He doubted this Argrav would dismiss his soldiers to retire to their camp, but the Abbot was comforted to know that the parley would not take long. Soon, the soldiers might be able to rest.
A few stray drops spattered against the sandstone beside the Abbot, staccato slaps that prompted the mouse to return to the matters of the immediate present. He felt the Major's gentle but firm grip on his paw, and, turning to him, offered the hare a face set with determination.
"Again, you have my hearty thanks, Major. If you would guide me down the wallsteps, I shall be able to navigate on my own from there, but I ask that you not leave my side. Please continue to offer me your thoughts on this stranger and those who accompany him for this parley. It is of great help to me to hear what you have to say. Once we are inside, we shall see what foul words await us."
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bye!
