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Post by Celebes on May 21, 2018 22:53:39 GMT -5
**Reaching the top of the stairs, Dewbelle found herself exhaling rather forcefully. She hadn't realized how tense she had been down in the cellar. It seemed that no matter how hard she tried she could never get over her nerves when going underground. Shaking her head, she quickly changed sceneries as she trotted purposefully down the hallway, passing Abbeyfolk carrying all matter of saucepans and settings to make ready the feast. She was cautious as she passed the kitchens, knowing that every pan had a cover and every pot had a lid to keep beasts like her from trying to swipe an early morsel. So where could she grouse up some snacks?
She had idly wandered into the Great Hall to view the other preparations, when she spotted a familiar, yet out-of-place furnishing on one of the tables. Her basket! The basket of beechnuts she had collected and refused to shell still sat where she had left it at the beginning of the tour. It seemed like nobeast else had bothered to grab them either. Dewbelle happily reclaimed the parcel and headed back to the cellar.**
Well, t'would be a bit better with cheese, but these'll still help clear the tongue between gulps! **Picking her way down the stairs as she announced her find, she reached the landing and rejoined the group. Placing her basked on an upturned barrel, Dewy started to shell the beechnuts for the other's enjoyment. Focusing on the work helped keep her mind from dwelling on the gloom of the cellar.**
Why dontcha relax a bit? Try the cordial, I think this one o'er here tastes best.
**Dewbelle looked up, and gave a small smile. Their small successes, even this late in the tour, were starting to add up. The mole family seemed pleased with their new surrounds, and even more so with the cordial cups they cradled. Glancing at the barrel in question, she found a ladle and took a draught from the tap.**
Your right there, Isaiah. Good idea bringing them here to see the good stuff at last, ha ha.
**Taking a sip, she savored the flavor as she listened to Barkfur tell his tale. Swishing her tail, she chimed in a comment.**
Northlands, eh? Me father used to fight up that way. Me mother too, when she wasn't lookin' for him. This chilly night for us down 'ere has got to be nothin' to you, eh?
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Post by Barkfur on May 22, 2018 17:31:28 GMT -5
Northlands, eh? Me father used to fight up that way. Me mother too, when she wasn't lookin' for him. This chilly night for us down 'ere has got to be nothin' to you, eh?
**barkfur smiled. he was starting to like dewbelle. she was as funny as one of those mousetheives he learned about in history at abbey school. what was his name? ah! Gonff! shaking off the thought, he replied
well, you should see the winter's up north. theys as cold as wen de abbey ponds frozen!
**taking a sip of cordial he decided to do some tricks to impress the party. drawing a dirk, a dagger and a Sgian Dhu, he tasked the group**
anyone wanna see a trick?
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Post by Isaiah on May 27, 2018 14:03:40 GMT -5
Well, t'would be a bit better with cheese, but these'll still help clear the tongue between gulps!
*Isaiah grabbed a pawful of beechnuts and began to shell them himself, shooting Dewbelle a quizzical expression. The basket had appeared out of thin air. More likely, the squirrel had snuck away while Isaiah had been focusing on entertaining the group, but nonetheless Isaiah was impressed by her speed and efficiency. The power to make food appear was definitely a valued talent to the mouse. Now, with the best selection of ales, cordials, and juices in the Abbey—combined with Dewbelle's beechnuts—the tour group was holding their own miniature feast. It was nice to have a smaller gathering for once.*
Northlands, eh? Me father used to fight up that way. Me mother too, when she wasn't lookin' for him. This chilly night for us down 'ere has got to be nothin' to you, eh?
Well, you should see the winter's up north. Theys as cold as wen de abbey ponds frozen!
*Keeping the conversation between Dewbelle and Barkfur on the peripheral, Isaiah surveyed the rest of the group, double checking that he had indeed earned a moment to rest. A glance around a particularly large casket rewarded Isaiah with the sight of the adult moles tasting wines and giggling to each other, while their dibbun struggled to keep his eyes open on Alke's lap. It was time to admit that the tour hadn't been a complete disaster after all.*
Anyone wanna see a trick?
*Barkfur's tone of voice caught Isaiah's attention once again, and the mouse made his way back to his fellow tour guide, eyeing the newcomer squirrel carefully. While Isaiah would have liked to give the benefit of the doubt on a night like this, this squirrel had appeared out of nowhere, and Isaiah had always been a rather paranoid mouse. Now, this stranger had produced a variety of weapons at the drop of a hat. His intentions didn't seem ill, but Isaiah was suddenly on edge. Things had started going almost too well, and Isaiah was realizing how little he really knew about Barkfur to begin with. A vague memory of Barkfur as a dibbun sparked in Isaiah's mind, but that didn't change the fact that the squirrel hadn't lived at the Abbey for some time.*
Aye... Per'aps. That's quite the arsenal ya got there. You a warrior of some sorts?
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Post by Barkfur on May 29, 2018 18:19:01 GMT -5
**barkfur was preparing to juggle his arsenal of weaponry when isaiah asked:**
Aye... Per'aps. That's quite the arsenal ya got there. You a warrior of some sorts?
**barkfur was starting to like isaiah. after all, he had quite the sense of humor, a tendency to speak his mind, and he was pretty good for a friend. sheathing all his weaponry he replied,**
yea', i come from clan macburl, i'm related to one of your abbey warriors, rakkety tam, but he lived lots and lots of seasons ago.
**picking up a scone, he began to ravage it. when he finished, he heard voices upstairs, he quickly asked isaiah **
ah think tha' the feast is ready, wanna check?
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Post by Celebes on May 31, 2018 21:58:13 GMT -5
**Dewbelle slid her tongue across the front of her teeth, seeking to dislodge a wayward crumb before her next beechnut. She had been a bit apprehensive to see what Barkfur intended to try with his blades, but it seemed the other squirrel had gotten distracted. Or had second thoughts. The was not much room for maneuver in the confines of the cellar, after all.**
Ah think tha' the feast is ready, wanna check?
**The squirrelmaid glanced at the mole family, who's attention had been captured by the suggestion. Perhaps a bit too captured, considering the quality of their entertainment thusfar. Or it could merely be that they already knew of the grandeur of Redwall feasts. There was little in the Abbey that they could show off that would compare to a seasonal banquet. Dewbelle decided to refashion a response to Barkfur into a pronouncement for their little tour group. Isaiah's idea to go to the tapestry of Martin had been a good one, it would make a delightful conclusion to their misadventure. She took a sip of cordial to clear her throat before standing.**
Aye, I think we are all primed up for the meal, yes? They were still fixing bunting while I was retrieving our appetizer, but I'm sure a quick drop by of our Abbey tapestry will get us in our seat by the blessin'.
**She finished her idea with a look in Isaiah's direction, seeking a nod or something else agreeable before turning away. May as well try to make sure they continued on the same page and pacing. No reason to spoil their recent luck by showing up late to feast.**
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Post by Barkfur on Jun 1, 2018 19:43:05 GMT -5
Aye, I think we are all primed up for the meal, yes? They were still fixing bunting while I was retrieving our appetizer, but I'm sure a quick drop by of our Abbey tapestry will get us in our seat by the blessin'.
**barkfur thought about it for a moment. a trip to martin would help him to know this abbey better. after all, he just saw martin in a slight vision.**
sure! a visit to mar'tn would be fine!
** as the party reached the tapestry, barkfur studied martin's face. it showed no fear, with a kind glint in his eyes. barkfur stared at it awhile, then asked the party,**
well should we take our seats at the feast or should we visit the good ol' friar first?
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Post by Isaiah on Jun 6, 2018 16:33:18 GMT -5
Aye, I think we are all primed up for the meal, yes? They were still fixing bunting while I was retrieving our appetizer, but I'm sure a quick drop by of our Abbey tapestry will get us in our seat by the blessin'.
*Taking note of the obvious interest the mole family showed in this suggestion, Isaiah nodded in rapid agreement. It seemed he and Dewbelle had fallen into a pleasant cooperative flow despite their rocky start. The issue of an Abbey feast being on the line made it quite a bit easier, however. Draining the last of his cordial, the mouse ushered the group back upstairs, into the Great Hall.*
Well should we take our seats at the feast or should we visit the good ol' Friar first?
I was thinkin' I'd just explain the tapestry to our guests a bit.
*Isaiah opened his mouth, thinking he should perhaps say something profound about the tapestry, but found no words came forth. The woven figure stood as proudly as ever, posing with his sword like a true warrior. A smile danced at the edges of Isaiah's features as he recalled dibbun days of desperately wanting to be as fearless and respected as the mythical mouse. It had seemed every dibbun, and indeed every beast in the Abbey looked up to Martin. The smile faded, and Isaiah let a small sigh escape. A reminder of things the mouse would never be able to live up to, that was also what the tapestry was.*
This is the Abbey founder, by the name of Martin the Warrior. He was a pretty great mouse I s'pose. *Probably best to shut up now and let Dewbelle take over. Isaiah had never been the best at graceful or eloquent speeches. Squirming, the mouse looked towards Cavern Hole as the aroma of the feast grew stronger.*
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Post by Celebes on Jun 7, 2018 20:52:17 GMT -5
**Standing aside the tapestry with the others, Dewbelle listened patiently the musings of the others as her eyes searched the stitching, looking for new details she hadn't seen before. It was excellent needlework, the tight uniform weave was as impressive as the design itself. She couldn't imagine how long it would have taken to create. All that work. All for other beasts to treasure.**
This is the Abbey founder, by the name of Martin the Warrior. He was a pretty great mouse I s'pose...
**Pausing her study of the dark scowl of a particularly vile vixen, Dewbelle glanced at Isaiah, who had trailed off in voicing his thoughts. Aroma and ambiance began to drift in from the feast, helping to fill the void left by the reverent silence. Well, mostly reverent. The volebabe was carrying on his own hushed conversation with his mother, boasting of how many vermin he would slay if he was with Martin.**
I think what's greatest about him is that he live his life for others. Wandering, fighting, sweating, dying, he did it all for other beasts, most'a us not being born yet. He helped make this Abbey, and all he received in return was friendship. And, well, a whole lota of good food.
**A clang and a muffled shout came from the next room, giving Dewy a nice breakoff point. It had sounded like somebeast had dropped a platter of some sort while setting the table. The feast was close now. The squirrelmaid simply hoped that it was not the turnip n' tuber turnovers that had taken a topple. She fancied those.
Seizing the moment they had clearly been anticipating, Dewbelle strode away from the wall so that she could turn and face the group.**
**Well! We showed you some pretty good and fair things to see at Redwall, so why don't we all see what's to taste here! We'll make sure you sit next to Foremole and Brother Damsley, they seem to get always have the best dishes with 'em. And be sure to save space for desert!**
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Post by Barkfur on Jun 8, 2018 3:43:12 GMT -5
**Barkfur was about to launch into a long epic on how martin came to mossflower and killed tsarmina but dewbelle beat him to it** I think what's greatest about him is that he live his life for others. Wandering, fighting, sweating, dying, he did it all for other beasts, most'a us not being born yet. He helped make this Abbey, and all he received in return was friendship. And, well, a whole lota of good food.
**barkfur studied martin more, he learned in abbey school that the tapestry had been through a lot. even through times of famine and war the redwallers looked to martin as a cure, a hope. his thoughts were cut short when dewbelle turned to the party and asked** Well! We showed you some pretty good and fair things to see at Redwall, so why don't we all see what's to taste here! We'll make sure you sit next to Foremole and Brother Damsley, they seem to get always have the best dishes with 'em. And be sure to save space for desert!
**barkfur thought about the people that would be at the feast: Abbot sycamore, Friar Jonah, Brother William, Sister Zoe, Badgermum, Skipper, Foremole, brother Damsley, Brother Joshua, himself, Dewbelle, Isaiah, the mole family, Alkie, Bomboar, Jasmine, Brother Sherwood, Brother Silas, the list went on and on. he walked to where the feast table was and shouted to the party,
c'mon! i'll be sitting next to Isaiah and dewy!
**he then plopped himself on a chair on the right side of the table. drawing his sgian dhu, he placed it next to the placed tableware. with one final wave he asked the group**
c'mon where are ye guys?!
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Post by Isaiah on Jun 18, 2018 13:41:01 GMT -5
I think what's greatest about him is that he live his life for others. Wandering, fighting, sweating, dying, he did it all for other beasts, most'a us not being born yet. He helped make this Abbey, and all he received in return was friendship. And, well, a whole lota of good food.
*Isaiah nodded along as Dewbelle took over with a much more eloquent explanation of the mouse warrior. More and more Isaiah was becoming thankful that he'd elected to rope in another Abbey member to this tour. It seemed entertaining and informing a large group of people took a greater skill set than the mouse had one his lonesome. The mouse glanced at the tapestry one more time, his eyes drawn to the dramatically lit armored mouse. Many a dibbun day had been spent in front of the tapestry wielding imaginary weapons and slaying invisible threats. Now, the eyes of Martin seemed judgmental. Isaiah shrugged, turning his focus over to the delightful aromas and shouts echoing up from Cavern Hole.*
Well! We showed you some pretty good and fair things to see at Redwall, so why don't we all see what's to taste here! We'll make sure you sit next to Foremole and Brother Damsley, they seem to get always have the best dishes with 'em. And be sure to save space for desert!
*Taking up the rear of the group this time, Isaiah watched as the mole family excitedly rushed ahead, guided by sweet and savory smells wafting down the hall. Entering Cavern Hole, it seemed the food had already been served, and most were in the process of eating already. There was nothing left to do but be seated.*
C'mon! I'll be sitting next to Isaiah and dewy! C'mon where are ye guys?!
*The mouse settled down in a spot next to Barkfur, still unsure how much he trusted a beast who brought their blade everywhere, but thinking he should keep an eye on the squirrel anyway. A plate was passed to him and Isaiah began the process of taking a little of every dish from down the table, piling his servings much higher than anybeast aside from a hankering hare would recommend. A smile danced across Isaiah's features as he watched the mole family select their dishes in awe, overwhelmed by the amount of choices. Tonight had been a good night.*
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Post by Celebes on Jun 18, 2018 19:37:48 GMT -5
**Dewbelle saw to it that their charges had been successfully seated, and she took a hearty conversation struck up between the mole parents and old Jasc across the table as her cue to withdraw. At last, she could enjoy the festivities for herself. Not that it hadn't been a pleasure helping the others find happiness in the end, but there was a special joy reserved for time spent among friends and food. As she began to scout across the room for her friends, a name drop caught her attention.**
C'mon! I'll be sitting next to Isaiah and Dewy! C'mon where are ye guys?!
**Dewbelle hesitated. She fondled the end of her scarf for a moment as she considered pretending she hadn't heard the implied invitation. But seeing that Isaiah had already joined him, and that there was a particularly delectable plate of damson rolls being passed that way, the squirrelmaid relented. Nothing wrong with making some new friends. Especially when they were sitting next to the choicest vittles! She grabbed the seat across from the pair, and became conscious of the fact that her appearance was rather lacking. Bundled up in more layers than the friar's garden flan, she hadn't even changed since arriving back at the Abbey. Ah well, she wasn't the strangest looking one at the able. At least her whiskers were straight enough.**
Didn't do half bad, did we? At least now the Abbey can speak for itself!
**With that passing comment to sum up the tour, Dewbelle helped herself to a monstrous portion of a sweet-glazed seven nut roll. Though, for some reason that she couldn't place her paw on, it almost tasted like it was missing one of the nuts. Ah well. Life was good.**
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Post by Barkfur on Jun 19, 2018 20:11:25 GMT -5
**as Dewy and Isaiah sat next to him at the table,Barkfur began consuming food rapidly. a flan,a meadowcream trifle, and a few scones were consumed before he heard Dewy Reply,**
Didn't do half bad, did we? At least now the Abbey can speak for itself!
**barkfur smiled. he liked having a friend that liked to speak their mind. he grabbed his dirk and began using it as a spoon, and shoveled a bunch of food onto his plate. as a certain hare had told him, first top it off with a trifle, then a few scones, then a bowl of shrimp'n hotroot soup, continue with fifteen plates of your own choosing, and wash it down with a cup of strawberry fizz. don't forget, fifteen chews per mouthful ,wot!
Barkfur sighed, he missed the good old days, but today was the start of a new life, a new future.....**
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