Further ((OPEN))

[Cross]

He stood silently on the bank of a stream, skipping rocks across the surface of the slowly flowing water. It was a simple manual task, no heavy brainwork required, and it was strangely therapeutic, as well. Cross the sea otter watched as a flat stone leaped across the water, skipping six times before plummeting into the depths. He knelt down and searched for another flat rock. His one good eye spotted a perfect one, and it swiftly began its journey over the surface of the stream.

Cross couldn't aim with no depth perception, but he could at least enjoy skipping rocks. For that he was grateful. It was another distraction for him, and distractions were always welcome. It was a wonderful summer morning. He could hear birds singing not far off. A gentle breeze kept the worst of the heat at bay, though the sun was warming up his exposed back and shoulders pretty good. It was probably because of his dark cross-shaped marking; dark colors attracted heat more than lighter colors.

Cross decided to ease the heat with a swim. Slipping into the current, he closed his eyes, relaxing in the depths of the stream. Inland waters were warmer than the ocean waves he'd once known, but the change of temperature was a menial thing to him. The stream was cooler than the heated summer air, and that was what mattered at the moment.

It was only his need for air that forced him to return to the surface, which he broke with as big a splash as he could. Inhaling deeply, he climbed out of the water, slowly at first, since the summer breeze cooled his wet fur to an uncomfortable level. Easing onto the banks, he shook himself once, letting out a deep exhale. He was calm. Slightly cold, but the sun would fix that soon. What mattered was that he was calm. Picking up his javelin from where he'd stuck it in the ground, he found a boulder jutting out into the stream and climbed upon it, intending to dry off.

Cross allowed himself the tiniest smile of contentment. If any moment can last forever, he prayed silently. Let it be this one.

[Promatera]

Enjoying a fresh sea breeze, a lone warrior mouse marched along the bank of a stream. Garbed in a green robe and carrying a very intimidating halberd in place of a walking stick, Dandelion was a mysterious sight. In passing she often heard other creatures marvel at her weapon and question her origins. Her bright yellow fur also called more attention than she liked, but it did not really matter. All that did was finding the great Redwall Abbey.

On the other bank she noticed a sea otter peacefully skipping stones on the water. Dandelion decided that she should ask for directions. Although another beast in her shoes would question the use of it at this point seeing as every time she asked it seemed to be unsure, Dandelion decided to press forward. Eventually one beast had to know where Redwall was.

"Excuse me, otter!" she called in a loud, commanding voice in order to carry it over the stream. "Might you know of Redwall?"

[Cross]

"Excuse me, otter!" she called in a loud, commanding voice in order to carry it over the stream. "Might you know of Redwall?"

Cross looked up, his gaze moving across the stream to see a small, hooded figure. He tried to remember the species that lived in Mossflower country. He was pretty sure this was a mouse, and quite an imposing one at that. She carried a halberd, and her stance was strong and sure.

But her question perplexed him. What was Redwall? The name sounded familiar, somehow. Perhaps somebeast had mentioned it to him before, years ago. But now it was like trying to remember a forgotten dream. The name meant next to nothing to him. Still, he did not want to appear rude. She looked travel-worn.

Cross stood upon the boulder and dove into the stream, swimming to the opposite shore and climbing onto the bank to face the mouse. It was then he noticed her brightly-colored fur. Did all mice have fur like this?

"I know of Redwall, miss, but only from a dimly-remembered story," he replied, his voice low and solemn. "Mayhaps I can help you in your search for it." Cross had no destination in mind, and it was driving him mad that he could not recall where he'd heard that name. Traveling there would give him something to do, and he would finally learn what this Redwall was.

He stood a respectable distance away, out of politeness and because he was slightly intimidated by the aura of command emanating from the mouse. Yet now that he was closer he could detect a hint of harshness in her demeanor. Vaguely, he wondered what her name was and realized he had not introduced himself. "My name is Cross."

[Promatera]

The otter seemed confused by her question. Perhaps he had not quite heard her? As the sea otter dove into the stream she realized he was probably crossing to help her. She appreciated the gesture, but she did not need help. She needed directions, that was all. The last thing she wanted was some sort of conversationalist. Hopefully, however, the otter would be able to set her on the right path.

Reemerging on her side of the bank, the otter seemed to do a quick assessment of her before responding. "I know of Redwall, miss, but only from a dimly-remembered story,"he replied, his voice low and solemn. "Mayhaps I can help you in your search for it."

Oh great. Just what she needed. Sarcasm aside she realized that the otter was just trying to be helpful and that deserved appreciation. Bowing her head slightly Dandelion replied, "Though your help is a great kindness, it is unnecessary. I need directions not legends." Though she tried to sound appreciative Dandelion's monotone voice made her statement a bit harsher. "However, if you too are in search of Redwall you may join me, but you MUST be ready for a difficult journey." Though she also tried to sound concerned for the otter's well-being, her harsh tone suggested he would be more of a burden.

After travelling for more than a season in search of the abbey, she knew that any beast unprepared for difficulty would find the journey draining. Glancing at the otter for a quick judgment, she noticed he seemed to be reserved in that he kept his distance from her and spoke very quietly.

"My name is Cross."

"Pleasure to meet you Cross, I am Dandelion," performing a quick curtsie she then added, "do you know of anyone who has been to Redwall?"

[Cross]

"Though your help is a great kindness, it is unnecessary. I need directions not legends." Though she tried to sound appreciative Dandelion's monotone voice made her statement a bit harsher.

That was understandable. Cross nodded once, preparing himself to leave. If she did not want to travel with him, he would not trouble her further. Shifting his grip on his javelin, he made to turn away.

"However, if you too are in search of Redwall you may join me, but you MUST be ready for a difficult journey." Though she also tried to sound concerned for the otter's well-being, her harsh tone suggested he would be more of a burden.

The otter paused, considering the offer. He did not want to be a burden to this mouse, who seemed as though she was dead-set on finding this Redwall. But skipping rocks all day would get a bit repetitive. He knew he could handle the difficult journey, and, now that this mouse had mentioned it, he was in search of Redwall. "I would like to join you," he said simply.

"Pleasure to meet you Cross, I am Dandelion," performing a quick curtsie she then added, "do you know of anyone who has been to Redwall?"

Again the otter had to answer in the negative, but he was now more focused on her name. Dandelion . . . Those were yellow flowers. Glancing at her golden fur again, he wondered if the name she had given him was real or an endearing nickname.

"The pleasure is mine, Dandelion," he replied. Her latest question had kindled a memory. It was the blacksmith! In the village Cross had once stayed in, the blacksmith had often shared his stories of traveling to and from Redwall. Now Cross remembered. The smith had said it was some kind of monastery or abbey. "And I do know of one beast who has been to Redwall. It is further north." She had said she needed directions, and Cross now recalled directions.

[Promatera]

"I would like to join you," he said simply.

"Very well," she nodded, "welcome aboard."

Dandelion never expected company on her journey. She had just hoped to reach the abbey, yet deep within her something was happy to have someone to travel with. Even though neither Cross nor Dandelion knew where to go next, she felt that together they would find it.

"The pleasure is mine, Dandelion," he replied.

Seemed polite enough too. She felt her lips form a small smile. Probably the kindest gesture she had given for some time. Just then Cross' eyes lit up, he seemed to recall something.

"And I do know of one beast who has been to Redwall. It is further north."

"Really?" she asked, "that can't be right... I just came from the north. Unless..." It dawned on her. In her haste to find Redwall, she must have completely passed it. How could she have been so idiotic?

Sighing she leaned against her halberd. "Ok, are you ready?" She was slightly frustrated now, but that did not matter. What did was getting on the right path to Redwall.

[Cross]

"Very well," she nodded, "welcome aboard."

Cross nodded back, his face expressionless as ever. Though Dandelion seemed an imposing character at first, she still seemed friendly enough. It had been awhile since Cross had been around other beasts, anyway, and though he spoke little, he enjoyed company.

"Really?" she asked, "that can't be right... I just came from the north. Unless..."

Cross was about to affirm his statement but kept silent as she realized something. She must have been in such a hurry to find this Redwall place that she had gone too far south. It was a mistake made often enough. He stood patiently and watched her sigh in frustration.

"Ok, are you ready?"

Cross merely nodded again, holding his javelin as if it were a walking staff. He knew which direction was north, as he had been traveling north for nigh on two years now. Catching Dandelion's eye again, he tilted his head towards the forested banks of the stream and began walking. He hoped she would walk on his right side so he could see her. He wouldn't be able to tell if she was keeping up if she stayed on his blind left side.

[Promatera]

Cross nodded back, his face expressionless as ever.

Definitely a quiet fellow, but Dandelion appreciated that. It would make the trip back less taxing on her. Dandelion adjusted her spear and looked to the sky. It was the same sky she saw as she left home. She was just about to tell Cross they would be leaving when she noticed his eyes. His left eye seemed fogged over. Could it have been blinded?

"Excuse me, Cross, but is your eye alright?" she asked completely tactless.

[Cross]

"Excuse me, Cross, but is your eye alright?" she asked completely tactless.

The question took him by surprise, and he faltered slightly in his step, but not nearly enough to trip. Collecting his thoughts, Cross turned to her, his one good eye catching hers. His neck was at an uncomfortable angle, since she had chosen to walk on his left, despite his unvoiced preference.

"It is blind," he replied. Just about the least alright an eye could be, totally useless. Turning his gaze forward again, Cross thought about politely asking Dandelion to switch to his right side, but he kept silent. He mainly wanted her to do that so he could keep track of her, but he figured she could keep track of herself, and him, as well.

[Promatera]

Judging by Cross' reaction to the question, it was not something he liked discussing. Perhaps she had been too forward? Yet Dandelion could not help her curiosity.

"It is blind," he replied.

As Cross gazed ahead, Dandelion wondered what it must be like to live with only one eye. She quickly tried to close her left eye, but had trouble keeping it closed. Now she wondered how that could have happened, but after seeing Cross' reaction she figured she should spare him.

Suddenly it just came to her that she was on his bad side and he may not even be able to see her. She adjusted her side to his right as she replied, "I see, well shall we begin?"

[Cross]

Cross glimpsed Dandelion's attempt to find out what life was like with one eye. It brought a ghost of a smile to his face, which quickly disappeared. He then focused his attention on the forest before them.

She adjusted her side to his right as she replied, "I see, well shall we begin?"

He glanced down at her, silently grateful that she'd shifted position, and nodded affirmation. He was strangely eager to begin their journey. Strange in the way that traveling wasn't his favorite thing in the world, but he'd never traveled with a companion before. It was a new experience.

As they set out, Cross began to enjoy the summer day in a new way. With an accomplice, the day didn't seem so lonely as it normally did. He vaguely hoped Dandelion would talk a bit on the way. He liked listening to others talk, but he wasn't the best conversationalist.

[King Benon]

OOC:
((I have a character that's on the way to acceptance (Got Tracy's express approval, just gotta wait on Prank) that I feel like would be absolutely perfect for this particular thread and I'd really like to jump in but I'm really fuzzy with the rules and such still so I don't wanna jump in without having the character accepted yet ANYWAY if you guys wanna carry on with your journey, would you please stay by the stream bank if you're gonna wait for me, if not that's cool too, I'd just really like to hop into this one.

If you wanna look at my character that I wanna use for this before you decide one way or the other, you're welcome to: Pagglestick Streamdiggurn. Let me know yay or nay either way. Thanks.

If you take out all the spaces except the ones around "ANYWAY" you can imagine how fast I felt like I was saying that.

I'm hoping this isn't against any of the rules that I read but am still fuzzy about...))

[Promatera]

((OOC: Sounds cool, Ben! Keeping close to the water is no problem at all XD))

Keeping to the right side of Cross, Dandelion started a brusque marching pace alongside the bank of the river. It was a perfect day for travel. The summer sun shone brightly over the area and the sea breeze continued to keep the two travelers comfortably cool. The sound of the river rushing alongside them was soothing.

Despite the natural and calming aura of the area, Dandelion felt slightly uneasy travelling with Cross. For months she had searched for Mossflower on her own and she enjoyed not having to worry about anyone else, but herself. Having looked after her parents for years, she had forgotten the feeling.

Yet Cross wasn't unwelcome. Clearly Dandelion failed to find Redwall on her own, so perhaps where she failed, Cross may be able to assist her. Dandelion also noted that Cross seemed to have a quiet understanding of her, which she appreciated. She hated small talk.

After marching on for a while, the sun had risen almost just above them. It was nearly lunch time. As she looked up into the sky she stopped her quick pace. "Would you like to have some lunch before we move on?" she asked. "If you have no food, I have some rations I can share between us."

[Cross]

"Would you like to have some lunch before we move on?" she asked. "If you have no food, I have some rations I can share between us."

Cross glanced up and down the stream banks out of habit when they stopped, alert to danger. Turning back to the mouse, he nodded simply. Even though he wouldn't mind pressing on, he did like to stop and rest every now and then. "Thank you, but I have food," he said in response to her kind offer.

He found a dry place for them to sit and eat and untied the bandana he'd looped around his waist sash. "I will be only a moment," he said, walking towards the edge of the stream. Diving into the current, he spread out the kerchief, using it as a net to catch the tiny fish and freshwater shrimp which abounded in near shoals in the deeper parts. He finally resurfaced, soaking wet, the ends of the now bulging bandana in his teeth.

Before he approached Dandelion again, he shook himself off, and then walked back to her side. Settling down across from her, the otter held the kerchief in one big paw, using his other to eat the juicy morsels.

[Promatera]

As they stopped, Cross looked about, no doubt making sure there were no vermin around. After a few moments, Cross looked at her and nodded. He then added,

"Thank you, but I have food,"

Dandelion nodded, but was curious where he was keeping his food. Together the two found a nice spot to set up lunch and Dandelion sat down to look through her bag of supplies for something to eat. Carefully she brushed over the doll her mother had made for her and dug deeper into the bag for her meal.

"I will be only a moment," Cross spoke before diving into the river.

Dandelion was surprised. The otter must like his food fresh then. She pulled out some berries she had collected on her travels and a small piece of bread. Just then Cross arose from the water carrying several small fish in his bandanna. Impressive.

Shaking himself off, the otter walked back on stream and sat down just across from Dandelion. He then happily began to eat his freshly caught meal. Glancing at the otter as he ate she could not help, but wonder who Cross was. Deciding that if the two would be travelling together they may as well get to know each other.

"Cross?" she asked, "I know it is not my business, but why did you decide to come with me?"

[Cross]

Cross chewed on a particularly big shrimp, enjoying the texture and taste of the shellfish. He did like his food fresh, which was why he barely kept food with him for more than a day. He preferred to forage, gathering provisions from the wilderness.

"Cross?" she asked, "I know it is not my business, but why did you decide to come with me?"

Cross turned his one good eye to her curiously, finishing off the shrimp. Why had he come along? There could be a few honest answers to that question on his part. He liked the company, even if he didn't much like traveling. He liked making new friends, and Dandelion seemed like a nice mouse, even though her demeanor could be a little imposing at first. He also would like to visit this Redwall place. He had heard of it once, from the blacksmith, but Dandelion's quest had piqued his curiosity.

"I have never been to Redwall," he replied finally, returning his gaze to his meal. "And I enjoy the company of others." Those responses were true. The otter liked telling the truth. He had been lying, mostly to protect himself, for two years. It felt good to be honest again.

[Promatera]

Cross remained silent awhile after Dandelion asked her question. He seemed to be properly figuring how to answer it. Finally he seemed to come to his response.

"I have never been to Redwall," he replied finally, returning his gaze to his meal. "And I enjoy the company of others."

Dandelion nodded. The two had something in common so that was a good start. The otter seemed to be more of a drifter than Dandelion was. It seemed Cross just left with her on a whim. Then again if her parents would have allowed her to go, Dandelion may have left just as fast as he did.

As she glanced at Cross she wondered if Cross had anything such as family he was leaving behind. "Where is your family?" she asked rather bluntly.

[Cross]

"Where is your family?" she asked rather bluntly.

Cross tried not to look surprised at the question, even though it had caught him off-guard. His family? How long had it been since he'd seen them? His mind automatically went back to that fateful night, the spear . . . his father's blood . . . It was the rat's fault! No, it was Cross's fault! No--Stop thinking about it!!

The silvery otter inhaled deeply, getting his thoughts under control. That was a lifetime ago. It didn't need to catch up with him now. But she'd asked about his family! What was he to say? After all this time, they could be anywhere. He hoped they were happy, at least. Letting out a long exhale, he spoke only when he had collected himself.

"I do not know," he replied evenly. "I have not seen them in a long time."

[Promatera]

The otter was visibly perturbed by the question. After taking a deep breath the silver otter responded.

"I do not know," he replied evenly. "I have not seen them in a long time."

Dandelion assumed there may be more to the question, but it looked as though she caught him off guard with this question. Perhaps she should avoid going into it. She nodded again and popped several berries into her mouth.

The memories of her own parents had started to flood back to her. She remembered the way her mother would smile at her when Dandelion did something silly and how careful her father was when he was teaching her to be a warrior. She missed them dearly. She gazed sadly at her meager lunch before popping in another berry. The sweet, tart flavor of the berry cheered her spirit a bit.

"I lost my parents as well," she replied as she pulled out a small doll from her bag. The doll was in the shape of a mouse and though simple in design, Dandelion could almost make out the features of her mother. She held it close to her and would not move her gaze from it. "This and my halberd are all that I have left of them." she added glumly.

[Cross]

"I lost my parents as well," she replied as she pulled out a small doll from her bag.

Cross looked down at the toy, his one good eye taking in every detail. It was a sweet, simple little sentimental thing, and the otter could tell Dandelion loved it dearly.

She held it close to her and would not move her gaze from it. "This and my halberd are all that I have left of them." she added glumly.

Cross said nothing for a long time. With one webbed paw, the otter fished out the chain from his thick neck fur. He tugged at it, displaying the large golden ring that hung from it for her to see. "This was my father's," he said. "I . . . watched him die. But I believe my mother still lives." For a brief moment, he placed a gentle paw on her arm, a sorrowful look in his eye. "I am truly sorry for your loss." Then, he moved his paw away. He thought twice about returning to his meal. Dandelion might want to ask more questions of him, and he did not want to be caught off-guard. He might choke on something.