Embrace the new Sun! [Continued from CoK, OPEN]

[Ashstripe]

For nearly a week had the combined forces of Salamandastron, the New Azurrians, the Merrito, Luna's Horde and the Woodlanders marched towards Salamandastron. Marching steadily in crooked columns and rows, keeping step only for the sake of not treading another's paws, the allies had slowly made progress towards their destination.

And eventually they arrived, by the time they had reached the dunes did many of the beasts had to be carried by their comrades and even the Badger Lord himself wasn't yet quite used to the sudden change in temperature - or even travelling such a span so quickly and suddenly.

No sooner than had they reached the gates of Salamandastron did the hares cheer loudly and exuberantly, lead by their self-proclaimed leader - Breeze whom cheered more loudly and more wildly than any of his fellow officers, leading the war cries and singing while Ashstripe had banged on the door loudly and impatiently(Along with Kenzie) - he did not wish to spend another moment away from his Mountain, he had missed the heat of his beloved forge and cool interior of his home.

The gates had swung open slowly - far too slowly in some of the more impatient eyes and the masses had streamed in, ironically like the dam that had been broken to win their war. Rushing through the halls and claiming their accommodations in the barracks wherever there was a spare bed or room to claim - at the end of it all, many of the new-found allies and beasts had to resort to sleeping on the floor of the Mess-hall; their complaints becoming unheeded throughout the ensuing silence that encompassed the fatigued army.

Yet no sooner than had the entire army gained a likely five hour rest in total did Breeze have the audacity to wake the entire population of Salamandastron! Where was the feast? He kept crying out whilst banging on the pots and pans he had pilfered from the kitchens.

Torchlight flickered in rhythm, there was only the sound of singing and banging of cups on the table, mingled with the occasional loud-voice from a particularly drunk soldier. The soft golden glow didn't falter, even as the night approached the later hours of the moon's journey, it was as if all shadow had been banished from the land and the world was thankful for it.

Ashstripe laughed and cheered happily at the tomfoolery of the more playful hares amongst his ranks, mingling with some new-found comrades from all sides as they gathered to make their own performance, an improvised act all made up on the fly by a narrator - the result was an unusual amount of laughter for a play that was supposedly a great work of drama. Taking a deep swig from his grained wooden mug, he grinned and sighed appreciatively as the Badger reclined into his rightful place at the tables.

He was surrounded by many of the senior hares and officers from all walks of life and backgrounds, all of them flocked to his table, still used to the idea of not mingling with the common soldiers, despite this time of celebration; still it mattered not, after a few mugs of ale everyone forgot who was the superior.

The Badger's grin didn't fade, for it was from the bottom of his heart did he feel this happiness and contentment - it wasn't from the alcohol either. All around him he was surrounded by what he considered to be his brothers and sisters in arms, they were the kind of friends you made through the pretext of combat, the kind of friends whom you would give your life for despite only having known them for a few days at most; it was an odd feeling, but one of what could be described as perfection.

Breeze sat with Sarge and Kenzie, who flocked to his left and right, always demanding to be the centre of attention, tonight he decided to fall back and let the more younger loud-mouths take the stage; some of them singing, others dancing all of them laughing. It seemed as if providing entertainment was as a pre-requisite for joining the Long patrol as having combat skills was. Clapping wildly and joining in whenever he could - this is truly why he joined the Long patrol, to make sure moments like these could happen.

He poured himself another mug of the dandelion and burdock cordial, the sweet, sticky liquid making itself quite comfortable in the standard cup provided by the cooks. The hare stared down into it's depths for a moment, as if pondering, then no sooner than that, had he sculled most of the drink, the apparent sweetness doing little to deter him.

Kenzie kept a light glare upon her features as she glanced towards her friend and thanked whatever higher power that existed in the world that Breeze didn't drink ale, she would circumvent his efforts to drink anything other than water whenever she could; it seemed that anything other than water drove him into hyperactivity.

"Settle down there old boy, yore gonna make yerself sick, wot?" She interjected as Breeze was pouring his fifth mug in a row,
"Yes ma'," Breeze exaggeratedly rolled his eyes as he swigged the next mug, "Yore one to talk though, remember that time she had her first mug of ale, Sarge? Hoho! N'e'r figured liddle Kenzie to be that emot-mpffh" A small clenched paw quickly made it's way into Breeze's chin, cutting off his sentence completely and prompting Sarge's laughter to amplify even more than before.

"Told y' it would make you sick. Wot?" Kenzie smiled with sickening sweetness as she strode off proudly, having proved her point.

[Rocky]

OOC: Ill join here with my Zephyr Swiftfire guy. If you dont want me here, just tell me.

BIC:

It was over. The battle that seemed everlasting was finally over. It left the hares hurt and bruised in places, their energy gone from them like sap from a tree. Zephyr was glad he lived through it all, glad for it to be over. Though, he was sad over the loss of his friends and even greater, the loss of a loved one.

Zephyr had followed the troops inside, being in the last ranks of hares as they entered the long extinct volcano. As the gates closed with a 'boom' behind him, he couldn't help but smile at the fact that he outlasted another battle. He lived to fight another day. Though, that didn't come without a cost. He lost many friends and a loved one. Although he lost allies in this fight, he gained new ones with the woodlanders, becoming fast friends with some of them who fought by his side.

As the troops found beds and bedrolls, some of them went to eat. Of course, they hadn't eaten for a long time, the battle taking up much time, so they had to fill their stomachs.

Zephyr was no different then the hares in the dining hall. He was hungry and when his stomah was hungry and wanted food, he obeyed. The general grabbed a clay cup and filled it with water, the clear liquid taking on the form of the cup as it slowly filled a few centimeters from the brim. Next, he grabbed some food, just a small bowl of soup.

He scouted the area in the dining hall for someone who he'd like to talk to, or just someone who he felt would make a great story. Zephyr's eyes soon spotted the faces of Breeze and Sarge, and the retreating form of Colonel Kenzie. Zephyr let a small smirk pass form on his lips and he made his way to their table.

As he sat down, he took a sip of water before talking, soothing his parched mouth. He moved the cup from his mouth and placed it lightly on the table. ''So, it's finally over, eh chaps?'' He said, his voice trailing a light chuckle. He looked at Breeze and Sarge, then laughed, ''We live to fight another day, wot. Another enemy gone with the wind. Maybe now, armies wont want to fight us, eh?''

[Luna Broadsword]

Luna slipped into the festivities quietly, after visiting her own wounded. She sat heavily in a chair, rubbing her head, normal cheerful attitude giving way to exhaustion. It didn't often seem like it, but Luna generally did care about the members in her horde. Right now, those who weren't among the injured were part of the celebration. A small ghost of a smile filtered across her face at the sight of the merry making. Part of her was just not into the festivities. Than, Philip sat down next to her.
"Ma'am, it's not a natural look for you." He said, without actively looking in her direction.
"What?" Luna asked, looking at her second curiously.
"That serious, world-on-your-shoulder's look. Known you most of your career, and you only have that look when something's gone horribly wrong." Philip replied.
"The situation... all of this... Nearly as complicated as that siege down south in Cor'Shik." Luna said, looking down. Philip nodded, his own face turning grim at the memory. He snagged a mug of some unknown liquid from a passing serving hare. He handed it to Luna, who took it gratefully.
"Well, try to look happy. Your dampinin' everyone's good spirits." Philip said, clapping her on her back. Luna grunted in assent, finishing the liquid off with a large gulp. She'd seen that some of her soldiers were looking uneasy with their leader out of sorts during what was supposed to be a celebration. So Luna plastered on a grin that looked sincere enough to fool her horde back into a relaxed state. Philip got up a moment later and than stood upon a table, raising a mug of a liquid he didn't know the name of, but was madly in love with.
"Twas a grand performance that has been put forth." He shouted in a deep, carrying voice. He saw quite a few looks pointed in his direction. "Such a grand tale reminds me of our own battles fought under the banner of Luna. Who here would be willing to hear such a tale?" He shouted across the hall. Luna snorted, taking a new mug. She doubted anyone here would care to hear of one of the battles other than Philip.
"Take a seat Phil." She said, grabbing the back of his uniform and pulling him off the table.
"Jus' tryin' to share some of our exploits ma'am." He said with a nervous chuckle.

[Sigurd]

(Mind if i join)

A shadow flickered across the room. Suddenly a fox in a strange cloak materalized right next to Ashstripe. "Ashstripe Cinderpaw, am I right?"

[Ashstripe]

((Rocky: XD. No worries mate, more the merrier in an open thread.

Sigurd: Just a word of advice and I don't mean to sound cruel or picky or whatever, but try to aim for at least a paragraph with your posts. I'm not saying "Do it otherwise I'll ban your butt into the next century.", I'm just asking to try . Simple things such as a description of the environment, your character's mood, why he's here and so on.

Stuff like that all helps to make your posts look nice and shiny - shiny is cool and cool is fun =).))

"Ahhh tis' ne'er so Zephyr ol' boy." Breeze replied in an uncharacteristically stern manner, yet at the same time neglecting to remember his superior's rank, he shuffled over and simultaneously grabbed a nearby sp oon to 'sample' the General's soup and smacked his lips appreciatively, "Mmm...Good stuff...'Course not as good as mine, but still good." The sandy furred hare grinned for added effect with a light riveting chuckle rumbling from his throat.

Sarge pretended to clear his throat and covered his laughter with what turned into a coughing fit as he attempted to distance himself between his companion and his insubordination, shuffling in the opposite direction to make room for Zephyr and all the while welcoming him into the social circle at was likely the loudest table,
"'Course what Breeze meant to say, General," The elderly hare corrected his junior whilst stating his opinion, "Is that there's still th' matter of dealin' wit' th' other 'orde an-"
"Yes quite so, sah," Breeze interjected, still obviously not quite finished with sampling the General's stew, "After all, there could be poison in this 'ere broth sirrah! Wot? Can't 'ave y'gettin' dropped on us now eh? Wot wot!" He made another loud slurp as the wooden sp oon reached his lips.

Sarge opened his mouth to retort again, seeking to berate his friend on the mannerisms of letting the elders speak first and drift off into another one of his long winded speeches concerning etiquette and respect - but ironically enough, he was cut off - again.


"Twas a grand performance that has been put forth, such a grand tale reminds me of our own battles fought under the banner of Luna. Who here would be willing to hear such a tale?"


The room had fallen into a brief lull, each beast present expecting a story to be weaved before them, furthering the night's entertainment; which was cut rather short.
"Let 'im speak wot!" Breeze cried out, "H'I'm sick of hearin' Sarge's ol' war stories and there's only so many tales of heroism that I can tell wot?" The hare broke out into haughty laughter, ignorant of the groans and complaints thrown his way, it was after all, attention and what more could he of asked for?


Ashstripe half glared and half smiled, a fox, from one of the hordes perhaps? Sneaking up on him like this - had he been in a more paranoid and had a bit less to drink, he wouldn't have thought twice about bringing his free paw to the face of this fox whom so suddenly startled him.

Not that he would let the fox know that.

Lazily, the Badger arched his back and stretched in his chair, as if unconcerned that this beast had near caused him to spill his drink or cause a scene, after all, he had an aura of power and control to maintain.

"Th' name ye be after, be called Splinterpaw. I'd ask of ye tae correct yer tongue in future." Ashstripe replied in what seemed like a carefree and easy tone, not out of place in many of the throats of his subordinates but certainly as familiar as a Mole swimming in the ocean to Ashstripe.

"And may I ask who it is that I speak tae?" The Badger lord smiled, keeping his appearance calm and in control, for once, this wasn't an illusion.

[Sigurd]

"Splinter, Cinder, both wood, eh?" The fox said, his fur was gold red, well the parts you could see under his cloak. He wore commoner clothes, shirt, leggings, hard boots, and a wool vest. Over that was a green, gray, blue, and brown cloak. The fox carried strapped onto his heavily braided belt was a duel knife sheath and a quiver. The longbow hung on his back. The fox ignored them though, pulling out a long scroll. "Names Sigurd Bladedale, Ranger of Luminar Isle, apprentice to Olef Begre" Sigurd's voice rapped out like lighting "Ashstripe, any offspring, of course you do, i you didn't i wouldn't be here" The fox's voice stayed steady the entire time "Wot's her\his name, size, eye color, which arm does s\he favor" The fox stopped to let the badger answer

[Rocky]

((@ash-- Hooway!))

"Ahhh tis' ne'er so Zephyr ol' boy."

Zephyr had to agree. Hordes have always attacked Salamandastron for many many years, all the way back to the days of Lord Brokctree and his son, Boar. A sigh passed his lips and he nodded slowly, ''Seems like that, don't it? I don't know why it happens.. Wot have we ever done to them vermin chaps, eh? 'cept the fact that we send 'em home to their mamas all the time, eh, wot?'' Another sigh escaped on Zephyr's breath as he spoke again, ''Maybe we should bring the fight to the vermin once in a while, eh?''

His rambles we cut short as Breeze spoke again, this time taking some of his soup.

"Mmm...Good stuff...'Course not as good as mine, but still good."

"Oh no. Definitely not as good as you.'' Zephyr said sarcastically, a laugh trailing after his words. ''Maybe ye'll hav' ta' make some for the ole' lord, eh?'' The general continued, this time leaning over the table and whispering to his friend, ''I hear 'e really likes it, doncha know?''

This time, more words reached Zephyr's ears, but it wasn't Breeze, Kenzie, or some other hare, but it was none other then Sarge,

"'Course what Breeze meant to say, General,"

In all honesty, Zephyr hadn't noticed that he wasn't reffered to as 'general' or something else showing his authority by Breeze, and again, in honesty, he was too tired to even bother correcting him. Not like it mattered, anyway. Breeze was a pal and he didn't mind. Zephyr didn't exactly like the fact that people would salute him as he passed by them in halls, or always sounding off when he spoke to them. He preffered to be treated like another, normal, hare. Though, he didn't let any emotion form on his face, giving breath of any of his thoughts.

"Is that there's still th' matter of dealin' wit' th' other 'orde an-"

''Ah.. So now I see...''

And as if Sarge's words were to be confirmed, the captain piped up again,

Yes quite so, sah

Zephyr merely nodded, not knowing exactly what to say in response to Breeze. But alas, Breeze continued on again and Zephyr mentally paw slapped himself, chuckling, and showing no objection to it, either.

"After all, there could be poison in this 'ere broth sirrah! Wot? Can't 'ave y'gettin' dropped on us now eh? Wot wot!"

''Poison? Ya don' say?'' Zephyr, now acting like a child and not like a general, put on a mock look of surprise and clasped both paws to his heart, ''Maybe, we should raid the kitchens at night, wot? An' check them cabinets? Because o' course, we wouldn't wan' anyone else getting poisoned, eh?''

Of course, Zephyr wasn't being serious, but... Breeze may think it was serious. Who knos what Breeze is thinking?

More words, a larger amount of them, made Zephyr turn his head,

"Twas a grand performance that has been put forth, such a grand tale reminds me of our own battles fought under the banner of Luna. Who here would be willing to hear such a tale?"

"Who wouldn't!'' Some random hare piped up, his voice dripping sarcasm. The hares around him chuckled and Zephyr stood up and looked in that direction, making a mental note to berade that hare before the day ended.

"Please,'' Zephyr began, ''Continue.''

[Ashstripe]

Ashstripe snorted half-heartedly, both wood? True. But his name, nay, his kinship name was so much more important then a simple branding of the grains of wood. Silently, he raised a mug to his lips as the rather strange fox continued his rapping of questions, it was a good thing the liquid within the mug had long been drowned into the depths of Ashstripe's throat, for had he drunk any that moment he would've spurted it back out across the table at what he heard next.

"Meh Daughter?" The Badger frowned, deep crinkling lines in between the snowy fringe of his brow. To his recollection, he had many daughters and sons, a whole clan to call his own and a testament to his previous success in life - yet in his disappearance, he had lost the only one whom had missed their stern father and she was dead.

Ashstripe lowered his head into his paws, resting on the table for a brief moment, as if he was whimpering and grieving from a deep wound struck so long ago; that was half of the truth.
"And what do ye seek with mae daughter?" Sigurd had struck a very delicate spot in Ashstripe's mind, a part he held so dearly to himself and revealed to absolutely no one since it had happened; only Breeze had dared to bring it up once and the Badger had ensured that the loud mouthed Captain couldn't speak for a week.


''Maybe we should bring the fight to the vermin once in a while, eh?''

"Bringin' the fight to the vermin won't solve anythin', sirrah." Kenzie nestled herself into the conversation as smoothly as she had previously left it,
"Bad blood leads to bad blood." She spoke uncharacteristically sagely, there was no snide remark, nor was there sarcasm or even annoyance in her tone, she spoke as if she were educating a child, despite likely being the youngest one in the group present. The short, near petite young miss lightly plopped herself beside Breeze, obviously having forgiven him for their previous argument already and not being one to scold the General for taking her previous seat.

"Bad blood leads t' bad blood eh? Obviously no one went 'nd told Kenzie that." Breeze jested his junior, yet senior officer lightly while pulling teasingly at her cheek, obviously having forgotten their previous argument.

Sarge groaned as he tried to convince himself that what he heard the General telling Breeze was his old hearing playing up again, the last thing Breeze needed was encouragement for his antics. In any shape or form. Sarcastic or serious. He. Did. Not. Need. It.

"Last thin' we needs, General. Is ano'her war, in our very own Mountain wot?" Sarge winced painfully as he recounted past experiences with the hellish stew, the most painful being the time he lost patches of fur - Ashstripe ended up laughing until his fur turned a brilliant blue - after that, he proceeded to raise hell by chasing after Breeze and causing the entire Mountain to drop it's daily procedure and engage in a man-hunt for the Captain's head.

Kenzie grinned a rare sight, after having freed her cheek from Breeze's grasp, "Oh aye, that was a day 'is Lordship ne'er wants to hear spoken of again, I remember him sayin'." Despite her stoic attitude and apparent oaths of service, honour and generally things that imposed upon her ability laugh for her Lord's service - she felt this merited an exemption.

"Poison? Wot?" Breeze stroked his chin, as if in deep thought, apparently oblivious to the gossiping Kenzie and Sarge.
"You never know wot wot? Why I remember a time when 'is Lordship turned blue and Sarge went bald from the stuff those cooks make! Wot! Dangerous stuff doncha know? 'Tis a wonder why they don't let Breezers in there ta' sort 'em out! Wot wot!" He declared over a muttering Sarge and a restrained Kenzie whom now was simmering with light controlled chortles.

[Luna Broadsword]

"Oh now they've done it," Luna muttered as Philip grew the biggest grin ever before seen. He jumped up on the table again, and began pacing it's length, careful to avoid any food.
"Now I've been with Luna since I met her on the trail leaving Redwall, seen her grow from a low ranking horde member to a warlord and a successful campaigner. Has there ever been a time, my fellow horde beasts, when we have lost a siege?"
"No!" The shout from Luna's horde was loud, and most used there mugs or fists to emphasize their point. She smiled smugly.
Philip raised his hands grinning as well, silently pleading for silence. When he was granted it he continued. "Aye, we have never truly lost but we've come bloody close in the past. I can't tell how many sieges have gone by where I've left with more friends in their graves than gold in my pockets. A drink, to them, as is proper!" He paused for a moment to take a long drink from a mug he'd wiped from a passing hare. Every other horde beast did the same, including Luna. After a moment, he lowered his drink and looked to Ashstripe and other members of the Long Patrol. "This is quite good." He shook his head, as if silently reminding himself that the point of this wasn't to compliment the food and drink provided by the hares. "Aye, we've seen quite a few bloody battles, but for the most part their plot's have been straight. But sometimes, you step onto a battlefield and suddenly the world shifts and nothing is the same as it was when you first started." There were a few mutterings of assent from the crowd, and Luna's smile was gone as she remembered some of those times. "None though will ever match the Siege of Cor'Shik!"
There were a few groans from Luna's horde, and Luna knew why: If there was one fight she and her horde like to forget, it was Cor'Shik. "You're walking on thin ice Phil'." She muttered under her breath.
"'Course ma'am, I like it there." Philip replied, raising his hands in a silent plea for quiet. "I'll need a few volunteers to play the part of a young Luna, a dashingly handsome me, a beast to play the besiged... never really knew his name, another to play the villainous Graystone, and a bunch of extras to play the various armies."
He patiently waited for said volunteers to ... volunteer. Luna meanwhile was sipping something she hopped was tea, watching Philip with mild curiosity. She took note that Ashstripe was talking with a fox who'd just recently appeared.
Vigil in middle of Philip's speech. She'd been trying to convince her two ratlets to sleep and only just suceeded. She picked some food and but it on her plate, quickly eating the first few bites before slowing down to actually taste it. She glanced at the others, noting who was talking to who and who was enjoying the feast and who wasn't. At least the night promised to be an entertaining one.

[Sigurd]

"Well, do you know wot happened of her, did you see it?" Sigurd said, his voice stayed the same. "Do you reconize this" He said pulling out an old battle axe shard, rusty from disuse.

The fox could sense the other badger look at him. "Luna" He thought. Smerking, his hand moved into his pack and pulled out a bottle of, by the looks, rum. He had all the time in the world to solve this case. Olef was a great healer, he could get HER\HIM out of bed soon.

[ferretface]

'Retchen, former archer in Luna's horde, was drunk.

Very drunk.

"How's'y'all goin' goodbeasts an' less-good beasts...I feeeel issa time to cheer fings uppa liddle...'ere we goes...!"
And he began singing in a very off-key voice, often managing to knock over chairs as he went.
"There wozza horde...
BUt they wozn't us...
So we bea t 'em up...
An' now we're orl 'ere...-us....
an' we's be singin' an' dancin' and dancin' and singin' and dancin' and
um...
So I shot sum stuff...
An' sum uvvers shot sum stuff...
An' sum uvvers got shot...
Sum ov which woz prolly by meeee...
Wheee!
An' we's iz singin' an' dancin' an' dancin' an'...urgh...I don' feels so good..."
KNeeling down to the ground, the hares soon found themselves with a large pile of anonymous frothy green slimy stuff on their hands. With furballs.
And it seemed to be moving.

[Rocky]

OOC: Sigurd, I'm not trying to be mean, but, you cant, really do that. When you had Sigurd pull a shard of a battleaxe and say ''Is this her's?'', without permission. That only really implies if you intend it to be his daughter's shard.

@ Retchen -- Lol, nice song, man.

BIC:

Bringin' the fight to the vermin won't solve anythin', sirrah.

"Ya know,'' Zephyr began, steering away from responding to her statement for the time being, ''You don't be needin' to call me 'sir', ma'am." He threw in a wink, just for fun.

Now, about the statement, she was right, or, half and half, as Zephyr saw it. ''Well, it's sorta half and half, doncha know? Either way, them vermin chaps are gonna lose some soldiers, and so are we, so... Instead of lettin' them chaps retreat after we clobber 'em, only to let 'em regroup and attack again, why not wipe 'em out for good so we can rid ourselves o' another blinkin' enemy, wot?''

He understood what she meant by everything, of course, but, he was stubborn. Very stubborn.

His thoughts eventually drifted away from their chat.

The general massaged his temples and closed his eyes, thinking of several things, all of which have nothind to do withthese hares at the present times. His mind drifted to the pasts, thoughts of his family flooding back to him like waves on a shore, most of which were about his deceased wife, Scarlet. He hardly noticed Kenzie's words intruding upon his thinking.

''Bad blood leads to bad blood.''

He opened his eyes and stopped moving his hands, resting them upon his temples, still, as he responded, ''Exactly. We have bad blood after their bad blood which in the first instance gave us bad blood in which we defeated vermin with bad blood over and over, giving those warlords' children to have bad blood against us, and now, after the recent vermin with bad blood attacked us, we got bad blood, so we should attack them, 'cause we got bad blood which needs to be settled with blood, wot! Vermin blood! Followin' me?''

He figured they wouldn;t follow him, but maybe Breeze might catch it all because Breeze acts funny at times. But that's just Zephyr.

"Last thin' we needs, General. Is ano'her war, in our very own Mountain wot?"

This time, Sarge's words reaches Zephyr's ears, and he couldn't help but smile and laugh.

''Oh, aye. We don't want that to happen.''

Although Zephyr knew he wasn't the only one, he guessed a lot of hares here dislikes the captain's stew. ''It's orright, Breeze. I like yer stew, mate.''

OOC: Sorry about the quality. Im a bit tired and didn't necessarily want everyone waiting on me, so yea... It may not be good. *ducks flying fruit*

[Sigurd]

(modiefied the post, sorry)

[Ashstripe]

((*Readies the watermelon*...And they called me mad for breeding a super-melon in half an hour with only a fraction of nature's resources. I'll show them...They call me crazy! But I'm not crazy! I'm the only one who's not crazy!))


"Did I see it?" The Badger's tone was dangerously low and he had coupled it with a somewhat rhetorical question. That was never a good thing, it was the sole herald of the impeding storm that Ashstripe held swirling inside his mind as he ground out the words. He shook, his entire body rumbling with an emotion that yearned to come out; rage; the urge to stab this insolent fox with whatever object he deemed sharp enough and within paw reach.

The rumbling stopped and no eruption occurred on the mountain of a beast, instead there was only a smile, a cold harsh smile. There were only three kinds of smiles that the Badger-Lord's face was capable of; one was of genuine happiness, likely one of the rarer within his repertoire, the other was one of cynicism and sarcasm, commonly used to match his dry wit with his personality. And the third, the most dangerous, the second omen of death had been passed.

Control...Keep calm...Not the time or place....It's in the past...

"I saw what happened. I saw it like I saw ye." Ashstripe's lip twitched while his eyes drilled into the fox and then the axe shard, if there was a way to glare without frowning, he had found it.

He had better pray, that axe was not robbed off her grave.

"And what do ye hold afore mae eyes? I can fix it in the 'morrow. An' I don't recognise it." With one sentence the atmosphere of the Badger had changed, back into his dry, uncaring demeanour - at the very least on the outside.


The General's comment had caught Kenzie off-guard, protocol was law and the law was her life - Zephyr may as well have just asked her to kill herself right there and then. But orders also fell under the category of the law and she would interpret it as such, no matter what he may claim,
"I- er...O' course s-...Zephyr" She bowed her head slightly in a curt nod to acknowledge her new 'assignment'.

"Haha! Good ol' Kenzie, 'ad a good an' proper upbringin', she's h'educated doncha know? Wot wot!" Sarge smiled and patted the fumbling Colonel on her back reassuringly. Truth be told he always found protocol to be a complete waste of time(but he still abided by them), a likely reason he never ascended past his rather mediocre rank,
"Though it's a festive occasion, 'nd I think 'tis a good excuse as any other t'drop formalities eh? Wot wot!" The old hare chuckled benevolently, celebrations and formalities were as far apart as Good and Evil.

The trio of hare's gathered as the General's audience stared blankly as he lectured them on his beliefs on the matter, Kenzie and Sarge paying absolute attention and both fiercely attempted to decipher the code that had been presented to them, Sarge eventually settled on agreeing,
"Erm...Yes...Somethin' like that ol' boy, eh?" He adjusted his spectacles uneasily as he attempted to get his thoughts straight, he wasn't quite sure what the General had said, but he thought he might disagree.

Kenzie merely nodded, thinking she had grasped the gist of what had been told,
"Still provin' my point, sir- Zephyr, bad blood leads to bad blood! 'Tis doesn't end until someone dies out!" She smiled slightly, all the while trying to maintain good favour and the impression that she had obviously understood.

"That...Is th' most cleverest thin' I've ever 'eard! Zephyr y' ol' clever clogs! Where's this been hidin'!? Wot wot!" Breeze clasped an arm around the Zephyr's shoulder as quickly as he had supposedly understood the meaning of his words, "'Tis all so simple, so brilliant! So..." His ears pricked up as he tuned into Phillip's speech,
"Did I 'ear my three favourite words dashingly, handsome, and me?" Breeze exclaimed while he shot straight up from his seat, "That sounds like a job fer Breezers! Eh? Wot wot!"

Without so much as a second thought and a grin, he clambered over the table, knocking over drinks and spoiling some of the feast as he eagerly made his way towards the appointed stage - there was no need for Phillip to appoint or even accept Breeze into this role, he had already done so. There were an abundance of sighs and laughter from the bi-polar audience, whether they applauded his antics or admonished them, he was their Captain.

Kenzie's face soon found a well frequented face in her own palm and muttered under her breath, comments regarding him as a 'disgrace to the Long Patrol and an embarrassment in front of our guests'.



((And that is likely the most choppiest thing I've written. I'm tired and I got a super-water-melon so I don't care.))

[Rocky]

OOC: Haha, Breeze's attitude is so funny. I think Sigurd is next, then Luna and Retchen so Ill post after them. And giant watermelon? Haha

[Luna Broadsword]

(I hope you won't mind me breaking that order... By the way, how long do super watermelons stay fresh?)

"Good song Retchen!" Luna shouted, laughing. It was a good day to just let the little things like drunkin' singing and retching go. Besides, Philip was getting his first volunteer as Breeze clambered up onto the table.

"Well, it seems we have a brave first officer, and perhaps the beautiful hare he was with would like to play the average-by-comparison Luna?" Philip had taken the straw Breeze may or may not have unknowingly presented. He glanced at the third hare they'd bein' talking with, and saw another opportunity. "You, older chap; feel up to playing the part of Graystone? And we still need the besieged fortress lord..." Philip was trying his best to recruit the necessary cast members before the crowd lost interest.

Luna for her part was trying to look amused in a detached sort of way, trying to ignore the drama Philip was attempting to play out. Instead she watched from the corner of her eye the fox talking with Ashstripe. For a few minutes, she entertained the idea that they were plotting her assassination. Better sleep with more than just a small blade under the pillow, she thought privately. Than, Ashstripe smiled, and Luna revised her previous impression. There was something about that look that spoke volumes about what Ashstripe must be feeling... Still, Luna put her mug down. She didn’t want to sleep like a log tonight, with so many odd characters about.

[Rocky]

"I- er...O' course s-...Zephyr"

Noting the confusion on the young hares face, Zephyr laughed. ''Just for today.'' He whispered to her, winking.

"Haha! Good ol' Kenzie, 'ad a good an' proper upbringin', she's h'educated doncha know? Wot wot!"

''I would hope she'd be educated.'' Zephyr chuckled.

He was glad the war was over. It was now a time of peace, to chat with old friends, and new alike. ''Too bad...'' Zephyr found himself saying aloud. He might as well have spoke his thoughts altogether. They probably wouldn't mind, though Breeze would probably joke around with him. Breeze was one in a kind. An individual. Individuals were good.

"Though it's a festive occasion, 'nd I think 'tis a good excuse as any other t'drop formalities eh? Wot wot!"

A nod came from Zephyr. Festive occassions always had this sort of effect on him. It always worked like days and nights, following one another all the time. Zephyr would get happy during these occassions, his spirits would rise, and he and hid friends would have good laughs... Then, he'd remember that it couldnt last forever. How many of these occassions was Zephyr going to have ever again? This could quite possibly be the last.

He was so caught u in his thoughts, he didn't notice the confusionof the others after he spoke of bad blood. ''Merely means we have bad blood and that needs to be settled with vermin blood.''

An arm around his shoulder made him come back to the festive life. The smile previously wiped off his face came back again, and this time, it would only get bigger.

"That...Is th' most cleverest thin' I've ever 'eard! Zephyr y' ol' clever clogs! Where's this been hidin'!? Wot wot!"

''Deep down.'' Zephyr laughed. ''Or... Maybe I got it from some handsome hare sitting right next to me wth an arm around my shoulder.''

"Did I 'ear my three favourite words dashingly, handsome, and me?"

''Haha.'' Zephyr laughed aloud. Typical Breeze. Breeze was definitely unique. There were probably none other like him.

"You, older chap; feel up to playing the part of Graystone? And we still need the besieged fortress lord..."

''Me?'' Zephyr mouthed, turning to face the one who spoke those words. He wasn't sure if Philip meant him or Sarge. Either way, he wouldn't mind being in a play... It would take his mind off of other things.. less fun, for a bit.

''Either way..'' Zephyr said, standing up and walking towards Philip. ''... If you can find a part for me, I'm in.''

[Darkhawk Shadowheart]

Darkhawk was silently watching from the other side of the room. The festivities were loud with the various songs of the different cultures that had gathered in the Mountain Fortress. The Felishan's fiddles and woodwinds played in celebratory themes. The Merrito played strong and marching tones on drums and marching instruments.

"Ib Ostari Mont-saluntet
Tikis Zilotik pu-ojava
Zilotik pu-uta-shekaris.

Ashstripis-Zar, Lunaris,
Vigilis, Freyaris, Najaris
Rejiantiket mer Tokaris

Ib Sephronja
Ib Rosethornja
Ib Magija

Ib Ojava Vulputa...
Aris-za."

Zeffer was speaking again in his native language. His people chanted to the sound of his voice as he began to speak in more verse like style. Despite how many had died, the Merrito seemed to be more strong then ever. They were few, but still held onto the seeming nobility that their name had been deeply rooted in. Honorable warriors, honorable fighters. Darkhawk smiled.
"I am glad you found the strength to face fear... the Merrito have honor again..."
"What are ya' goin' to do, Darkhawk?" asked a soft voice next to the male fox.
"I have to help finish the fight... but for now... I guess I can celebrate... or at least be happy that these Woodlanders have found peace. They never lost hope... did they."
"It got hard... but no... Deep down, I figure, they never let go of that."
"They are strong... I wish that they taught that strength to me. I admire their strength, their bravery..."
"Ya're brave, Darkhawk... How 'bout ya' join the party before it is over..."
"I suppose I owe it to them... What about you, Freya?"
"I think I will retire my family's throne to Ike... and retire to Redwall... or Salamanstrom... which ever has better food." Freya laughed after a moment with a smile as she looked at the party. She saw some Freelancers glancing around nervously before looking to her. Within a moment she was over to them, reassuring them that this was a celebration and old resentment and rivalries could be put aside for the night.

Darkhawk turned his head to where Ashstipe. He walked over and bowed his head for a moment.
"My respects to his lord, Ashstripe." Darkhawk knew he didn't have to take such a tone of respect to Ashstripe. He considered Ashstripe was a friend more then a lord over him. A smile came on the fox's face as he payed some respect to his friend.

[Sigurd]

(ok im back from being lazy, kinda...



rite, um Ashstripe, i had read the bio stuff for marla and it never said she died but was dead so i got an idea to bring her back, so u kinda killed part but i rethought it and maybe it couls be like a reincarntation or incarnation.

[Ashstripe]

((She died about two sites over and in the first quarter of the war. I think I prefer to keep it that way . Never fear, Ashstripe has other kids roaming around in the North.

Though for future reference, it helps if you consult with me before trying to pull something like that, it veers dangerously close to power playing and as you've found out, doesn't always work well.

Super-melons tend to stay 'fresh' for about 1-3 weeks in an air-tight container, any longer than that and they tend to evolve and gain consciousness. Doesn't help when I decided to weld guns to them just for fun.))

Ashstripe pulled his visual stabbing away from the rather odd and aggravating fox that he had been...Conversing with and pulled his eyes with a light sigh towards Darkhawk,
"Lord? Darkhawk, we've been through this many a' time, I ain't yer Lord.. " Though the tone was exasperated and the words were berating, the expression matched that of Darkhawk, a smile, a grin even. He bore no grudge against this fox despite nearly engaging in a duel, that, could've resulted in both of them dying.
"Still. I be glad t'see I speak with Darkhawk now." The Badger winked slightly as he downed another drink from his mug.

''Deep down.'' Zephyr laughed. ''Or... Maybe I got it from some handsome hare sitting right next to me wth an arm around my shoulder.''

Kenzie rolled her eyes in a rare gesture of insubordination(After bringing her face back to view) - rare for several reasons, but the most notable being that above her rank, she felt there were no fools and jokers who thought with their mouths and not their heads.

"Don't encourage the knuckle head," She frowned slightly, creasing the well frequented lines in her features, "He's as smart as 'e's 'andsome." The frown quickly dispersed in a dry grin to match her cynical remark, obviously unaware of how quickly such a statement could be turned.

Sarge grinned and snickered quietly to himself, whether it was the drink or the general atmosphere of it all, the hare's weren't quite acting themselves tonight. With Kenzie displaying insubordination and Sarge offering an even rarer display of immaturity,
"Comin' from liddle Kenzie, Breeze 'as 'is 'ead on th' right bloomin' way, wot wot!" The old hare broke out of his snickering fit and into a well contained chuckle, obviously not above reversing the chain of command into a lop-sided pecking order,

Kenzie ignored him, more focused on the fact that she had been dragged into yet another incident on behalf of Breeze, but she would bite and play along. Playing into her more feminine persona,
"Ohhh yore such a charmer! Wot?" Kenzie smiled sweetly and approached the assigned area for the actors, bringing much laughter and cheers from a good number of the hares, failing to realise that their superior was not as drunk as she appeared to be.

Indeed it was quite the opposite, for Breeze gulped slightly, intaking the obvious seriousness of such a jest, the last time Kenzie acted like that, she had made him drop his guard and he quickly found himself nearly on his knees with a winded stomach - for comments regarding her height(Of which, ironically, while bent over, Breeze was at near eye-level with her.).

But nevertheless, he would maintain his cheery attitude,
"Well now! If'n's I didn't knows any better! I'd say the good Colonel's had a bit much t'drink! Wot wot! A tad bit small fer it aren't you? Eh? Wot?"He patted her head slightly, placing much emphasis on the word small - he knew she wouldn't lose her temper or even lash out at him directly in such a social setting - and he would milk this opportunity for all it was worth.