Happy Homecoming!!! (GI PLOT)

[Prankster101]

Renaud Wildroar yawned widely and ruffled his head fur as he stepped out on to the deck of The Sea Lilly from bellow. A crew member handed him a drink of ale and a bowl of porridge as the passed out breakfast. Nodding politely, Renny accepted the dished and headed to the bow.

Leaning upon the railing of the bow, Renny felt the bitter sea wind whistle through his thick fur as he slowly ate the warm porridge and watched his surroundings.

Otters rushed to and fro on the decks of The Sea Lilly, a ship Captained by an otter by the name of Deyna Wildrudder. Thankfully, Renny had run across Denya a time or two and he was more than willing to take the travelers to Green Isle, especially when he found out who Danju was.

Renny was still putting together the pieces of this whole adventure together. Danju was the "Prince" of "Green Isle" and his mother was the "High Queen Rhulain". Renny only somewhat knew what that was anyways. Danju lived at Green Isle till something happened. Something involving ships, storms, and a wildcat. What that was still a mystery. Danju then somehow ended up in Mossflower and Renny knew the rest.

Sighing Renny watched the waves, taking another sip of ale. The sun was rising quickly in the east, showering the sky in a wide array of bright colors. It was a clearer day then some, with few clouds and relatively easy swells, and Renny felt comfortable at sea. Having been at sea once or twice when his Holt had captured old vessels and sailed them to creatures who needed them, so he didn't mind the bouncing on the waves, and the briny smell of the waves.

Danju however did not...

Not only was he up all night because of his fear of ships, but he got horribly sea sick and had been sick all night. Renny had been up all night giving Danju herbs to help him get to sleep. Right now, Danju was still in bed, in a semi-drugged sleep.

Renny sighed. He hoped that they would get to this Green Isle soon. He wasn't sure Danju could take another night (or day for that matter) with out getting sick....



_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Onyxwing]

Oh I'll just sneak in the cargo hold while the crew's not looking and ride the way peacefully Onyxwing thought part aloud and part in his mind. Of course it was meant to be aloud but in his drukened stupor, it was impossible for him to tell. In one hand he held a clay jar of grog,and empty jar of grog. He had lived his life aboard the Sea Lilly in luxury.Until he decided to snatch a dish for a seasick passenger, and the drugs mixed with the alcohol leaving him in his present state. As he fell out of his hidden perch nestled in a cargo net hammock and onto the floor the grog jar smashed sending clay fragments around the cargo hold. He stumbled forward the world swimming and the floor sliding underneath him. Onyxwing pressed on and pushed on a door that refused to budge. He spun out his Kukri in flare that he normally would have complete but because the floor was obviously sliding weirdly he dropped it on the floor. the flying squirrel grabbed it up and turned it to the spine smashing the door latch off. He proceeded onto the deck and dropped the Kukri, crawling forward. He stood up and stumbled reaching the end of the main deck and the begining of the bow. The world spun as stars flew in front of him and he fell over, Unconcious.

[Grath]

Ambrr was not feeling well. She had never been on the ocean before, and this was proving that she should have continued that experience. Her stomach cramped and rumbled, she was so hungry! Unfortunately, the squirrelqueen had tossed her last few meals. The trip had been uneventful, the sun had shone, the weather had been getting warmer the farther southwest they went. None of this mattered to the squirrel, however.

She lurched up to the deck, somehow making it across to the rail. At least the strong wind had died down, leaving the waves to calm. She draped herself over the rail, staring ahead, hoping they would make it to land soon.

[Prankster101]

Renny sighed as he watched Ambrr hobble on to deck and lean over the rail. Last night had not been a pleasant one for her either. Renny felt like practically everybeast was getting sick this trip but him! Heh, guess dat's w'y ah'm da 'ealer ah suppose..He thought to himself as he set down his dishes and headed over to the seasick squirrelqueen.

Grabbing the tonic that hung in a pouch on his belt(it was still there from when he used it last with Danju) Renny gently, but with a firm paw, helped Ambrr off the rail and on to a pile of extra rope that could be used as a chair. "Naw marm, ye dan't want ta be a leanin' o'er da edge unless ye be a gettin' sick. Dan't want ye ta fall o'er board naw."

Opening the small vile and peering in, Renny judged that their was just enough left in the bottle to do the trick. He handed the bottle to Ambrr, patting her gently. "If ye stomac' be a bot'ern' ye, finis' dis 'ere bottle off. T'will do ye good."

A large crashing sound took Renny's attention away from his patient. Spinning around, and realizing he left his blade in the cabin, Renny watched as the funny-looking squirrel crawled, then walked out from bellow deck. "W'at in da name o' da great sea?...' Renny muttered to himself.

What was he doing here? Probably stowed away. Heh, didn't know when enough was enough did he? Danju was still semi-frightened of the creature, and he wasn't sure how much Ambrr's views had changed, but as the thing wobbled around pathetically, Renny couldn't really hate him too bad. He was looking rather drunk, maybe even....But Renny didn't have enough time to come to a conclusion before the squirrel-thing reached the bow and collapsed.

Rushing over, Renny gave the creature a good look down, but it wasn't really necessary. One good sniff told him all he really need to know. The creature had been drinking and it smelled like he had been the culprit that had taken the food Renny had prepared for Danju. (Not like Danju would have held it in his stomach for long...) Renny rolled his eyes. Besides being intoxicated, the creature was just fine. Once the creature was awake, Renny could make a tonic that would help until the effects wore off.

Taking out a handkerchief, Renny asked the crew member who had finished moping the deck that was neer by if he could use the water bucket for a second. The otter, curious as to what Renny was doing agreed, and Renny dipped the cloth in the water and rung it out. Walking back over to the squirrel-thing he wet the creature's brow and nose. If he had wanted to be like his father, Renny would have tossed the whole bucket of water on him, but Renny knew that wasn't the best solution in the world. Haven been woken up from bed many a time by his brothers with the same method....



_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Rorgus]

It was a clear windy day and the waves tossed and crashed against the ship which was rocking furiosly trying to make headway. The waves were spashin up against the prow of the ship and spraying all on deck, Deyna stood on the prow looking out over the shoppy waves. He was glad of the wind, it would speed them along nicely, they were going to Green Isle and they had the High Rhulains son on board.


He turned and saw the squirrel queen sitting on a pile of rope with the otter named Renaud tending to her. He gave her some medicine from his bottle and tried to make her comfortable. Deyna walked over, he slapped the squirrel on the back and said.
" Harhar matey! How are ye handling the sea? Not to good I see, squirrels were never meant to sail the sea methinks." He chuckled and looked up as another squirrel stumbled out of the cabin and collapsed at the prow.

" Hoho what have we here? He watched as Renny went over to the creature and started tending to it.Deyna laughed and said,
" this one will be all right he's just drunk don't worry about him. The only thing he'll have is a whopping big headache when he wakes up. You needn't worry about him. This is the first time I have seen a drunk squirrel however, quite unique." He chuckled and moved off giving out orders as he went.

He went down below decks to check on the High Rhulains son. He was still in bed looking rather pale,
" here this will do you some good." He said handing Danju a mug of hot ale.
" It might not taste to good but it will help you get over your sickness.

[Grath]

"Naw marm, ye dan't want ta be a leanin' o'er da edge unless ye be a gettin' sick. Dan't want ye ta fall o'er board naw."

Ambrr allowed the otter to manoeuvre her over to a coil of rope, though she protested. “Never fall’n over anything in my life, not gonna start now…” She gathered her tail around her against the brisk breeze (she still only wore the sleeveless tunic she had worn when they met) and watched Renny looking through his medicine.

"If ye stomac' be a bot'ern' ye, finis' dis 'ere bottle off. T'will do ye good."

“Nay.” Ambrr tried for fortitude. “I won’t keep it down. Waste of good medicine.” She felt dizzy, so she leaned over and put her head between her knees. “Please just tell me the trip’s almost over…”

" Harhar matey! How are ye handling the sea? Not to good I see, squirrels were never meant to sail the sea methinks."

Ambrr growled and lurched to her feet. “Touch us again, waterdog, and seasickness or not we will…” She completely lost the effect by dropping back to the rope, head in paws. The lurching of the sea made her nauseas, the nausea made her dizzy. Ambrr was accustomed to being able to balance on a thin branch in a stiff wind, this rough jouncing shouldn’t be a problem, but it was.

“Oooh.” She placed her head between her knees again.

[Prankster101]

“Never fall’n over anything in my life, not gonna start now…”

"So e'erbeast says marm', den ah'm jumpin' in ta save ye w'en we gets a bad swell." Renny said as he settled her gently down on the rope.

“Nay.” Ambrr tried for fortitude. “I won’t keep it down. Waste of good medicine.” She felt dizzy, so she leaned over and put her head between her knees. “Please just tell me the trip’s almost over…”

Renaud sighed. "Actually marm', in yer condition, ye would probably keep it down...Bett'r dan Danju anyways. Poor mate keeps gettin' sick, an' 'e ain't e'en standin'!..."

Looking out to sea, Renny replied. "Aye marm' dey are a sayin' we a s'ould be seein' land anytime naw. It'll be o'er soon."

" Harhar matey! How are ye handling the sea? Not to good I see, squirrels were never meant to sail the sea methinks."

Ambrr growled and lurched to her feet. “Touch us again, waterdog, and seasickness or not we will… [...]Oooh.”

"It'll be o'er soon marm'..." Renny repeated as he gently patted her back. He couldn't do much of anything if Ambrr didn't want to take the tonic. Renny knew that most squirrel's didn't have sea-legs, and if they did, they gained them over time. Renny never really felt sea sick, being a sea otter like he was so, he could only give out his sympathy and tonics.

....

" Hoho what have we here? [...] this one will be all right he's just drunk don't worry about him. The only thing he'll have is a whopping big headache when he wakes up. You needn't worry about him. This is the first time I have seen a drunk squirrel however, quite unique." He chuckled and moved off giving out orders as he went.

"Maybe Captain." Renny replied as he gently dabbed the creature's nose and forehead with his wet handkerchief. "'E also seems to 'ave taken some seasick-tonic dat ah 'as made fur Danju. Dependin' on 'ow 'e reacts, 'e mig't 'ave more dan just a 'eadake."

Renny watched as Denya walked off giving orders, and started to go bellow decks. No! Don't! Renny shouted in his mind. Not Danju! O well... Renny thought he had told everybeast last night that Danju shouldn't be having to many visitors while he was sick, but that didn't seem to be stopping the Captain...

.....

Danju blinked slowly as he looked up at the wooden ceiling of the cabin he was in. Ceilings weren't supposed to move, but this one was...It moved up and down and side to side, and up and down...

"Ugh..." Danju groaned as he rolled over in his cot and buried his face in the pillow. It smelled like salt. Everything smelled like salt. The bed was as hard as salt too.

Danju just wanted everything to stop moving. He wanted the ship to stop moving, and more importantly he wanted his stomach to stop moving. He felt so hungry, but at the same time so sick. He couldn't keep anything down.

He hated being on the ship. Danju didn't want to go on in the first place, but Renny convinced him that the ship would take him to his parents. But once the ship was out to sea, Danju got sick. Then when he tried to sleep, he kept dreaming of the ill-fated trip. And when he woke up, because he was so scared, Danju would get sick again. It was a continuous cycle.

Danju just wanted to be on dry land again. He wanted to be with his Mom and Dad again....

" here this will do you some good." He said handing Danju a mug of hot ale.

Danju looked up from his pillow to see the Captain of the ship handing him a drink. Still feeling sick, and drugged, Danju tried to slowly sit up, his face a mixture of pale and green. Taking the drink in shaking paws, Danju sipped a bit then spit it back out. YUCK! what was this stuff! It was very strong and it burned Danju's tongue.

" It might not taste to good but it will help you get over your sickness.

Danju looked between the drink and the Captain and slowly set the drink on the bedside table. Collapsing back onto the bed Danju groaned. When would he be home?.....

...

Mona Wildlough was extremely busy. Her day had been busy all day. First there was some letters she had to write up, a lunch she had to plan and a whole bunch of little ones who had decided that today was play day.

But her main problem, was the fact Mona had to do these things all at once...

Hustling around the throne room, Mona was trying to get everything done. "Meadow? Could you take this letter to Skipper Streambattle, it's very important....Defiantly the mini cakes, they are always so tasty.....No little one, that's not for eating....Oh, yes, the envelope is on my desk over there.....Um, the blackberries they are more in season.....Now, now, we don't touch that.....Um, the green ink, there's more of it......The shrimp? Oh, drat! I was supposed to get that from the docks this morning. I'll send for them straight away..."


_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Onyxwing]

Onyxwing woke up slowly feeling something wet on his forehead. His eyes slowly opened and he looked up at the otter. With the sun behind his head it silhouted the otter's head in light.
"Oh great I'm dead, and here I never got to apologize to Danju about trying to take his head off..." Onyxwing said to the otter whom he prosumed an angel. "So where do I go?" Onyxwing asked.

[Kenyon]

“The shrimp? Oh, drat! I was supposed to get that from the docks this morning. I'll send for them straight away..."

“I’ll get it.” Kenyon chuckled as he popped his head around the doorframe. He watched his wife bustle around, it was some sort of minor feast day and she certainly had her paws full. He ruffled her headfur on his way out the door.

“Oh, and Trickle is about to play in the laundry chutes!” He called back jovially over his shoulder. Passing a holt guard, he stopped to instruct him to round up the young otters and herd them back to where they belonged. Mona could use a break.

---


“There’s somebeast coming in off to port,” The tough wharvemaster motioned out to sea, where all that could be seen currently was white sails and the prow of the ship. Still, she was approaching fast, and within the half hour she would be close enough to slow down and dock. For it was apparent even at this distance whether ships intended to dock at Summerdell’s wharves.

“Anyways.” The otter motioned his king forward, heading down towards the fishing docks. The fishers were smaller boats, not built for extended sea travel. They docked in shallower water, closer to the market. “Borne has the shrimp Her Majesty asked for…”

---

Kenyon was passing the deep docks forty minutes later when he heard some young otter screaming. He turned automatically, as fathers and mothers will, even when the call is not coming from their own offspring.

[Prankster101]

((Ooc: In order to move this thread along, I have skimmed over a few characters, for that I apologize. If any of you whom I have skimmed over want to post, go right ahead.))

Mona was horribly flustered. The little ones were everywhere, getting into everything, Meadow was headed off with a letter, and she still needed to send somebeast to go get the shrimp. It was a feast day after all, but this was all too much.

“I’ll get it.” Kenyon chuckled as he popped his head around the doorframe.

"Oh Kenyon, thank you!" Mona thanked her mate as she picked up a little one off her desk. "I totally forgot about them, I've just had so much to do.."

He ruffled her headfur on his way out the door. “Oh, and Trickle is about to play in the laundry chutes!”

Smiling as she winced as Kenyon rubbed her headfur. Her mate was such a helpful beast, she depended on him so much..Wait...Trickle in the laundry chutes!?! "Trickle!!!! Get out of there right now!!" Mona yelled as she hurried down the hall, giggling babes following in her wake.

----

Renaud Wildroar continued to dab the squirrel-thing's forehead and nose with his wet rag. The creature seemed to slowly be coming to.

"Oh great I'm dead, and here I never got to apologize to Danju about trying to take his head off..." Onyxwing said to the otter whom he prosumed an angel. "So where do I go?" Onyxwing asked.

Renny rolled his eyes as he rang his handkerchief out over the water bucket and put it back into his pocket. "Ah'd send ye ta da brig till ye can gets a 'old o' yerself, buts dat ain't up ta mea. Da Captain gives da orders 'round 'ere." Standing up, Renny motioned to the crew member who was still mopping the deck. The otter, still curious about the squirrel creature, hurried over. "Matey, could ye be sa kind an' gets dis stow-away ta da Captain."

"Aye..sure thing!"

"Thank ye." Renny patted the brawny otter on the soldier and headed quickly bellow deck. He needed to check up on Danju and quick like. The Captain was a kind hearted beast, but Renaud really didn't want him feeding Danju that might make him even more sick.

Danju lay in his bed staring up at the ceiling as Renny hurried in. "'Ey mate. 'Ows ye fealin'?" Renny asked. Danju only hiccuped and groaned. Everything was so bouncy and shaky and he felt so miserable.

"Dat good eh?" Renny gave Danju a pitying smile. "So da Captain came ta visit ye? W'at was dis 'e was feedin' ye?" Renny picked up the cup that was still on the table. Sniffing it he took a quick sip and spit it out. Hot ale? Putting the cup back, Renny shook his head. It was a good suggestion, but with Danju's weak stomach and minor alcohol intake, it wouldn't help. "Aye..Danju, dan't drink any more o dat. Alrig't?"

Danju looked over at Renny, his eyes glossy with sea-sickness. "I don't like boats..."

Renaud sighed, "Ah know mate...We should be endin' dis rid soon..." But just as began to speak, a cry erupted from the deck. Hurrying to the door, Renny listened to the cries. "Land! Land! Matey!" Rushing over to Danju's cot, Renny had a big smile upon his face. "Danju! Dey've spotted land! Dey've spotted Green Ilse!"

Sitting straight up, Danju's eyes instantly cleared. "Green Isle? Home?" Bolting out of bed, Danju raced past Renny and thundered onto the deck.

Chuckling, Renny jogged after him. "Sea sick mea rudder.."

Once Danju's frantic eyes spotted the green mass of land that was looming forward, everything seemed to slow around him. All was quiet, even the waves seemed to be still in that moment. He saw home. It was just like it had been, so many years ago.

With a loud cry of joy Danju began leaping about, all sea-sickness gone from his mind. He was home! "ARRRROOOOOO!!! HOME!! I'M HOME!!!!"

Renny stood at the door to the cabin watching Danju's joy. It was such a sight to see. Renaud knew he was a softy, but this was just too much. As his eyes started to water, he wiped at his face. "Cuts it out mate." He berated himself. "Ye needs ta get packed up, you'll be dockin' soon." Heading back into the cabin, Renny let Danju dance about on deck, after all....

He was headed home...

...

The crew was having a rather hard time docking the ship with Danju aboard. Not only was he jumping about like squirrel in a tree, and racing about the edges, trying to get a view of the otters on the docks.

Renny tried to control him, but it was rather hard when he was trying to pack. Renny had all of his things packed, even his Marlfox cloak. It was far to hot for that. Belting his katana on, he packed Danju's things, along with his cloak as well. Picking up all of the sacks, Renny waited calmly for the ship to finish docking and for the gangplank to be lowered, watching Danju, while looking at Green Isle.

It was certainly green. It flourished with plants and more otters then Renny ever saw at the same time. It was so new and so different then anything he had ever seen.

Danju however, was not looking at the scenery. He was scanning the crowd of otters, searching. "Where's Dad? Where's Ma?" Danju's eyes flashed about. No, no, no. None of these otters were Momma, or Dad.

Wait....

Danju just saw a salute. One of the otters saluted the other. The otter in question was a tall male. He was broad shouldered, dark mahogany fur, and was wearing a russet tunic.

Just like Dad...

"DAD!!!!!" Danju cried! He knew! It had to be him! Racing over to the gangplank that the crew had just placed, Danju raced down the plank. He stumbled a bit, but kept on going, his white scarf dancing behind him in the breeze he created by his sprint. "DADDY!!!!"



_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Kenyon]

Kenyon walked back up the wharf at an easy pace, enjoying the day. He had paused to admire an old fishing boat and exchange salutes with the otter who repaired it. The boat had long, clean lines and had a trim look, even if her boards were warped and old and her mast stumpy. Yes, she would be a good boat once repaired.

"DAD!!!!!"

Kenyon turned out of instinct, for after nine years he certainly didn’t expect the young voice to belong to his child. It was the same with all parents, the instinctive need to check that it was not their child calling out across a distance, possibly in trouble.

"DADDY!!!!"

However, despite the years, there was no mistaking the young lad who was dashing towards him. He was older, certainly, but it was Danju. Partly it was a subconscious recognition of his offspring, partly it was because he resembled his family. These thoughts and more raced through Kenyon’s mind in mere seconds. Stunned, he dropped the net, which fell heavily to break open on the dock. He took a few steps forward, then he was running to sweep Danju into his arms.

“DANJUU!”

[Prankster101]

As far as Danju Wildlough could remember, he had never sprinted as fast as he was that moment then he ever had in his entire life. Tears of joy flooded his baby blue eyes. It was Daddy! It was Daddy! Daddy had turned around and was now running toward him.

“DANJUU!”

"DADDY!!!" Danju cried as he lept into his father's out stretched arms, who swept him up in a tight hug. Danju hugged his father tightly. He was home. He was safe tightly wrapped within his father's arms. Tears of joy streamed down his whiskers, as Danju buried his head in his father's chest. "Daddy, oh Daddy..."


++

Once Danju raced off the ship, a slightly startled Renaud was quick to catch up with him. Unsure of whether the otter that Danju was about to tackle was actually his father or not, Renny was not sure, but it didn't hurt to be careful.

However, Renny slowed his steps down as he watched an otter respond to Danju's cries calling him by name. As the father and son collided in embrace, Renny stood off the the side, a respectable distance away.

It was such a touching moment. Although, Renny wasn't sure he could admit it, he knew that during their time together, Renny developed a soft spot for Danju. Renny knew a enough about being gone from your family for a long time to almost understand Danju's pain. He always had to go home every now and then to see his father, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in laws, grandparents, great grandparents, and so on and so on. Danju hadn't been able to do that, and now that he was reunited with his father, Renny couldn't help the tear of emotion that came to his eye.

"O', ye big softy ye." Renny muttered as he wiped at his eyes with the back of his paw. When he tried to dry his whiskers with the back of his paw, Renny only then looked around enough to notice that every otter, male, female, old and young within view had stopped and was staring at either him or Danju.

Renaud suddenly felt rather nervous. Everybeast was staring at him. Wait a minute...If Danju was supposedly the Prince...then his Dad must be the...OH!

His eyes widening, Renny quickly knelt on one knee and bowed his head, the medium sized packs still upon his shoulders. You did kneel in front of the Otter King, Right?....


_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Kenyon]

Kenyon and Danju met, Kenyon sweeping up his son into a tight embrace. He bent his head over his son‘s, tears of joy streaming from his eyes. He felt Danju’s grip tighten, and knew he was just as glad to be home. After a long while, Kenyon pulled back slightly, disentangling Danju’s stranglehold on his neck with a laugh.

“’Ey lad. All grown up.” He smiled, producing a large red hankerchief to wipe the boy’s face. He dried his own with a swift swipe of the side of his arm. Only then did he notice the large otter kneeling at his feet. He blinked, looking at Danju as if for confirmation of his sight, then back at the other otter.

“So.” He cleared his throat. “An’ wot are ye kneeling for, lad?”

It could lead to misunderstandings, his being married to Mona. He wasn’t a king, he didn’t rule. He was a simple commoner who had gotten lucky enough to marry the prettiest girl on the Isle. He was saluted as a courtesy for his rank as Armsmaster and Colonel. But sometimes new otters fresh from the sea would bow or curtsy-- even kneel. It made him feel awkward.

“Get up.” He commanded as he would have one of his soldiers. “I’m going to guess Mona would like to meet ye, since I suppose ye are the one who brought my son back to us.”

“Come then.” He didn’t wait, but headed off the docks with a more purposeful stride, still carrying Danju who had scrambled around to ride pick-a-back. At the pace he set, they were soon approaching the Holt.

[Prankster101]

Danju was swept off his feet by his father's powerful arms. Gripping his father in the tightest hug he could give, Danju's tears of joy stained his father's jerkin. "Oh Daddy I've missed you.."

Feeling his dad pull away a bit, Danju loosed his grip as his father adjusted his grip.

“’Ey lad. All grown up.”

Smiling as his dad wiped his eyes with a red handkerchief, Danju chuckled. "Nah...I'm not as big as your or Renny." It as only after mentioning his name that Danju realized he had forgotten all about Renny!

Renny, still kneeling on the ground heard his name mentioned, dared to look up. Which, probably wasn't the best idea, especially realizing the look he was getting from Danju's father.

“So.” He cleared his throat. “An’ wot are ye kneeling for, lad?”

"Uhhh..Uh..Sarry, Ah uh...." Renaud's face beneath his fur blushed furiously and his ears twitched nervously. Apparently you weren't supposed to bow. Now everybeast was defiantly looking at him. Renny felt very, very awkward.

“Get up.” He commanded as he would have one of his soldiers.

Jumping to his footpaws, Renny replied as he would have if his father had given him an order. "Yes sira'. Sarry sira' Ah..."

“I’m going to guess Mona would like to meet ye, since I suppose ye are the one who brought my son back to us.”

"Momma!?!" Danju's eyes lit up as he scrambled around his father to ride on his back, leaned forward. "We are gonna see Momma!?!"

Renny smiled at Danju's eager expression. He was so child-like, yet so innocent.

“Come then.”

Danju laughed aloud as his father started off at a quick pace. Renny, however, wasn't as happy. Most assuredly he was very, very happy that Danju was home and that he had his father. The one thing he wasn't appreciating was Danju's father's chosen walking pace. Burdened with not only his pack but Danju's the pace was rather tiring. But Renny still kept pace behind them.

------

Mona was tired.

After finishing all the letters, making all arrangements with the chefs, and sending all the little ones of to play, she finally got some time to herself.

Stepping outside the Castle, she sat down a stone bench just outside the door with a deep breath. Today was so calm, yet so busy. The sun was shining, but not too harshly. A gentle breeze was blowing from the sea across Green Isle, rustling all the leaves on the trees. Otters laughed and played in the sun, all preparing for the party later that night.

Leaning back against the cool stone wall of the Castle, Mona sighed.

"Marm? Is everything all right?"

Looking over at the door, Mona saw Autumn Streamrunner, one of Mona's runners, stood by the door. Mona sighed again, and waved her paw in dismissal. "I'm fine Autumn. I just need a moment alone."

"Yes marm." The tall, dark furred otter replied with a curtsy and went back inside. Mona buried her face in her paws. Sometimes, being the High Rhulain was just so tiring....

Danju, still riding upon his father back, saw the Castle and began waving furiously with his right paw, yelling happily. "I'm home! I'm home!!!!!"

Hearing a shout, Mona looked up. Who was that and why were they yelling? Standing, Mona could see that Kenyon was coming, but who was that with him? Mona couldn't recall a tall otter like that ever living on Green Isle, but wait. Did Kenyon have three arms? No, of course he didn't!

Then who?....No...It couldn't be...

Could it?

Mona took a few steps forward. Kenyon was caring some one on his back. Someone who was small, and looked a lot like him who was waving.....

"Danju?" Mona's eyes widened as she said her son's name to herself. "Danju?" Repeating the name, Mona's steps became long strides, each stride longer and faster then the next until she was running. Racing with all her might toward her mate.

It had to be....



((Ooc: Hey Grath! Do you think after we have the huggy moment that is soon to follow that we could skip ahead to the after-party? ( I can do that, I had an idea for the skip) I was really interested in what Kenyon's reaction is going to be to Danju's tale of what happened... And sorry about the quality of the post...My brain feels scrambled instead of sunny side up.))


_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Kenyon]

“I'm home! I'm home!!!!!"

Kenyon chuckled, laughing aloud as Danju waved and shouted. Although he longed to take Danju and run towards the castle, he knew he couldn’t carry a thirteen-year old otter and run. Especially not if that otterlad was waving and setting them both of balance.

He looked up towards the castle, spying Mona on her favorite bench. Probably trying to escape the inner chaos of the Castle. He left the shouting to his son, instead his eyes followed Mona as she saw them and stood.

“Get down,” he brought Danju down from his high perch. He glanced at Renny, amused. “If ye’ve of a mind to bow to anybeast, lad, at the least let it wait until she’s met our son.” The older otter winked and turned in time to catch both Mona and Danju as Mona nearly tumbled them all over.


((Sounds good. Feel free to timeskip whenever, marm))

[Prankster101]

Danju's eyes lit up as he continued to wave vigorously. The Castle looked litter than he remember, but that was okay. It was his home! He was back! He was back! He was riding upon his father's strong arms, his home as in sight and he was happy. So, so very happy!

There was one thing missing...

Where was Momma?

“Get down,” he brought Danju down from his high perch.

"Huh? Oh!" Danju helped his father by gently climbing down. He thought he saw someone running toward them. Now extremely curious, Danju peeped around his father. That otter running toward them looked familiar, wait.... "Momma?" Danju said as he stepped forward. "Momma!"

Mona pumped harder and harder. There was no doubting it. Before her stood her son. He looked exactly like Kenyon, save for his eyes, his happy baby blue eyes. It was her son. Her motherly instincts kicked in and her body went into overdrive.

"DANJU!!!" She cried with joy, tears racing down her cheeks as she rushed to Danju, gripping him in her arms, knees buckling and nearly tumbling over.

He glanced at Renny, amused. “If ye’ve of a mind to bow to anybeast, lad, at the least let it wait until she’s met our son.” The older otter winked and turned in time to catch both Mona and Danju as Mona nearly tumbled them all over.

Renny flushed as Danju's father spoke. He was never going to live that down, not here at least. As another otter can running, calling Danju's name, Renny guessed this must be Danju's mother the High Rhulain.

He stood silently off to the side as he watched the family come together. It was such a precious moment, and Renny could keep the stray tear from falling down his face. Sure, every otter with in hearing range of the High Rhulain's cry had stopped and was now watching with extreme curiosity, but this was just too happy, and Renny was sappy.

Mona could do nothing but hug and cry. Her baby was home. Her baby was home! Her Danju was home! She could feel his soft fur beneath her paws as they embraced. It was just like his fur when he was little. Her son was home. Trembling, only being able to stand by her mate's strength, tears streamed down Mona's cheeks. Mona pulled back a bit to look her son in the face. "Oh my baby. Oh Danju...We've missed you so much!"

Danju, hugging his mother, also had tears streaming down his face as he looked up at his mother. "I've missed you too Momma," he replied hugging his mother's shaking body tight.

"Just look at you! You've grown so big!" Mona smiled, stroking her son's dark head fur. "And you look just like your Daddy you do." Looking up at Kenyon, Mona smiled. Her smile was not a it's-not-looking-good-but-i'll-get-through-it smile, nor was it a i'm-happy-for-you-but-not-on-the-inside smile. This smile was a true smile. She was happy, so very happy. "Oh Danju." she said as Danju hugged her tight. "Danju.."

Danju sniffed his nose as he continued to hug his momma. No other thoughts entered his mind. He was home. Everything was going to be okay now. He was home.

After a moment of standing there, Mona cleared her throat and brought a paw up to wipe her eyes as she spoke."My..Where has my head gone!"

Danju looked up questioningly at his Momma and loosened his death grip hug a bit, but still attached to her, never wanting to let go. "You haven't lost your head! It's on your shoulders Momma!"

Mona laughed aloud. "Oh Danju, you're right. I've not lost my head. It's still here. I was just thinking, you look very tired! You must have had a long trip! You must be starving too!" Mona's mothering instinct began to slowly kick in as she began fretting over Danju. "And who is your friend, Danju?"

Renny, realizing that he was being talked about, knelt (again). "Renaud o' 'Olt Wildroar from da Nort'ern Mossflower sea border meh lady."

Danju, a big smile lighting his face, interjected happily. "But everyone calls him Renny!"

Hugging her son with one arm, Mona turned her attention to Renny. "Rise Renaud of Holt Wildroar. The rescuer of my son shall not kneel in my presence. He is an honored guest."

Standing up, Renny replied. "T'ank ye marm, buts ah'm nay t'e only one dat 'elped. Da crew on da Sea Lilly 'elped get us 'ere..." But Renny stopped his explanation as Mona held up a paw.

"I'm sure they did Renaud, and they will see their reward in due time. But you are tired, I see it in your eyes. You both have had a long journey and deserve a time of rest." Looking about, Mona noticed that many of the otters that had been hanging around the castle where now looking at Danju in amazement or running off to tell their friends and family that the Prince had returned.

But they were not who she was looking for.

Finally, Mona saw who she was looking for. Autumn, who had hurried out of the Castle after she heard Mona racing off, hurried behind and now stood off to the side. "Autumn?" Mona called, turned back to Renny.

Autumn stepped forward and curtsied. "Yes marm'?"

Mona motioned to Renny with a paw. "Would you be so kind as to helping our guest to the Castle? He can stay in the guest room."

"Of course marm'." Autumn replied. "This way sir." Motioning gently with her paw, Autumn headed back to the Castle. Adjusting the packs upon his back, Renny thought he'd better follow this 'Autumn'. To tell the truth, he was very tired and a bit of rest would be great. Plus, he figured Danju and his family could use some time alone.

Grabbing her son's paw, Mona began to walk slowly behind Autumn and Renny back to the Castle. Danju, taking his mother's paw also grabbed his father's paw and skipped happily along between the two. Mona laughed and swung her paw along to Danju's skipping. "Oh Danju, you have no idea how much we've missed you."

Danju grinned as he skipped, his voice going as fast as a bubbling brook. "I've missed you too! In fact, when Renny and I were.."

Mona chuckled as she gently shushed her son. "I know baby. We can talk all of your adventures later. You need to get some rest for the party tonight!"

"Party?!?!" Danju asked, his eyes shinning and his rudder twitching in excitement. "There's going to be a party?!?!"

Smiling, Mona replied. "Yes Danju. There's going to be a party. A big party. You're home! Why should there be a party?"

Renaud smiled to himself as he heard Danju's happy voice squeal in excitement. Surely all the time and energy he put into helping Danju get home was worth it. It was all worth it, if just for this moment. To see the joy on a little otter's face and the tears in his parent's eyes.

Oh yes. it was worth it....

________________________________________________

Mona spoke the truth when she said the party was going to be a big party. All of the otters who lived or worked near the Castle were already preparing for a party, but when they heard that Danju had returned home, they rejuvenated their party efforts. Messengers were sent out across the isle for everyone to know that the Prince was home, and all those who lived nearby came to the party to see the young otter who everyone had believed to be dead.

The Party was held in the courtyard of the Castle at dusk. The large wooden tables were not nearly enough seating to fit all of the otters who attended the party, so the cooks set up the tables buffet style and the otters found seats on stumps, benches, chairs they brought from home, blankets, or they just sat on the grass. A large bonfire was lit in the fire pit as the sun slowly set in the West and the courtyard was full of laughter, song, and excellent food.

Danju couldn't ever recall ever being at a party of this magnitude and was leaping about with joy. After having a pleasant nap and a sweet smelling bath, Danju chowed down on the wonderful food, blissfully happy. Dressed in an over sided light blue jerkin, (seeing as the only clothing that Mona still had for Danju was now FAR too small, she borrowed a jerkin from Kenyon's closet. It was too small for Kenyon and he never wore blue anyways), his white scarf, his medallion, and his belt with the squirrel symbol woven into it, Danju knew that he would remember this night for the rest of his life!

Mona smiled as she watched the happiness all around her. Sitting upon a blanket that they had brought out of the Castle with Danju seated between Kenyon and herself, Mona watched the festivities. Some otters had started a reel off to the side with a lively tune being played on a fiddle. Others were eating in small groups listening to elder otters tell of the parties of their childhoods, but most of the little ones were gathered around that new otter, Renaud. Mona had to admit, Renaud was a very lovable character, and those tricks he could do? Astounding!

Renny hadn't planned on being the center of attention. He simply planned on having a seat in a quite corner and watching the festivities, but when Danju rushed up with a few little ones begging that he preform, Renny just couldn't say no. Soon Renaud had a small crowd of children gathered at his feet as he pulled candied chestnuts out of their ears, read their minds with cards, and made small toys disappear only to reappear in other somebeast's pocket.

Thankfully as the party went on into the night, the parents of the little ones slowly took their little ones home to bed and Renny was able to take a break.

It was a relatively cool, clear night for Green Isle. The moon was a beautiful crescent and the stars shone with all their might upon the happy otters, not a cloud in sight. To Renny's thick Northern fur, it was a bit warm and muggy, but he wasn't going to complain. Sitting down, his back against a tree nearby the High Rhulain's blanket, he watched as young Danju yawning big and wide, rested his head on his mother's lap. "I love parties," he said, watching the bonfire flicker with reds, oranges, and yellows.

Mona chuckled as she stroked her son's head. "I do too Danju..."Stopping her stroking, Mona looked curiously at Danju's scarf. Why was he even wearing one? It was a bit warm for one, but it hadn't fazed Mona until she saw what she thought was the beginning of a scar under the lip of the scarf. Danju hadn't had scars when he disappeared...."Danju?" She questioned as she started to peel back his scarf. What's under your scarf?"

Danju jerked up quickly, his eyes wide with fear. Danju's paws shot to his throat and pulled his scarf up higher. Mona, shocked by Danju's reaction, shot a concerned glance at Kenyon, but continued to question Danju. "Danju? What's wrong? What's under your scarf?"

Eyes darting from his father to his mother to the otters that were partying around them, Danju shrunk away, his paws instinctively protecting his neck, not saying a word. Renny, who had seem Danju's reaction leaned forward and spoke. "Uh marm'? Iffen ah can be interruptin' ye, ah t'ink dat now be dat time ye were talkin' about. Da 'tellin' o' 'is adventures'..." Renny's eyes motioned toward the rest of the otters. "...Buts Ah don't t'ink Danju's ready ta be tellin' e'erybeast yet...It'd be better done alone.."

Mona, now thoroughly concerned, nodded slowly. "All right then." Looking over at Kenyon, even more concerned then she was before, then back down at Danju she replied. "We'll head inside and talk. It's getting late anyways."

As Mona stood up and dusted off her plaid scarf, Danju looked up at his mother, a bit of a whimper to his voice. "Am I in trouble Momma?"

Mona reached down and held out her paw, gently helping Danju to his footpaws. "Of course now sweetie! Momma just wants to know what happened okay?"

Danju nodded, with a quiet murmur. "Okay." Danju's happy demeanor changed rather suddenly. Instead of being all happy and bouncy, Danju stood awkwardly, his rudder twitching nervously and his eyes downcast like a little child who knew he was going to be punished.

Mona noticed this change. Something was wrong. This was a new side of Danju she had never recalled. What happened that would cause her child to go from joy to fear so quickly?

"Leaving the party m'lady?" Mona turned to address the voice. One of the head chefs was standing politely off to the side, a smile upon his face.

"Uhmmm, yes. It is getting late and we need to talk...as a family.."Her eyes flashed to Kenyon as she spoke. Mona was sure he was an concerned as she was.

"Of course m'lady." The short, and a tad bit portly otter replied. "Shall I announce that the festivities have finished?"

Mona shook her head, her thoughts else where. "No, no. Everyone can stay for a while...Just don't refill any of the dishes and stop stoking the fire."

The otter, noticing his queen's distress, bowed slightly. "It will be done marm'."

"Thank you Caleb." Mona replied as the otter wandered off to tell his fellow chefs the new orders. Looking over at Renaud who was still seated under the tree, Mona nodded toward him. "And you shall come as well Renaud, I want to hear your side of the story as well."

Renny nodded as he rose to his footpaws. "If ye wish marm'."

Mona, once more looking over at her mate, gently held Danju's hand and led the small party into the Castle. Apparently Caleb had alerted one of the other Castle helpers, for in the room that Mona led the group to, a small fire was starting to burn.

The room was Mona's private office. It was a cozy place with a large desk, a tall chair behind it, and a small fire place. Around the fire place was a small cough to seat three, and a warm colored rug. Upon the wall was a large window through which the moon shone through and a large bookshelf covered the far wall with a small stool for reaching the higher shelves. Above the mantle of the fire place was a painting of Mona, Kenyon and Danju when he was a little babe. Behind the desk was a similar painting, but that one was of Mona's mother, her father, and herself in her mother's arms.

Mona led Danju to the couch and sat down. Renny, gently picked up the little step stool and set it by the fire. Sitting down he watched as Mona looked Danju in the eye. "Danju, we are alone, and nobody here wants to hurt you. Can you show Momma what's under your scarf?"

Danju looked from his mother, to his father, to Renny. Renny nodded at Danju, and Danju gulped silently. "I won't get in trouble?" He asked nervously as he looked back at his mother.

"No. You won't get in trouble." Mona replied putting her paw on her son's which lay in his lap.

Danju's rudder twitched slightly, eyes down cast, but he took a deep breath and slowly undid his scarf. As the white fabric fell from his neck, his scars could easily be seen by all in the room. Mona gasped, her paws flying to her mouth, and her eyes flashing at Kenyon.

The scars on Danju's neck...

Looked just like the scars that Kenyon received on his face....

From a wildcat slaver......


_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Kenyon]

Kenyon sat beside Mona, watching as she spoke to Danju in gentle tones. Earlier, outside, he had been drowsing, content to lay on the blanket with his family as the night ran down. Now, however, with Danju’s fear and anxiety, he had a sense of unease inside him, he watched his family and stroked the bridge of his nose, following the lines of the scars there in unconscious habit.

"No. You won't get in trouble."

As the scarf fell away, his hand dropped, his eyes flashed from his son to meet Mona’s eyes. His fists clenched, his short claws pricking his pads, and his eyes burned with suddenly revived hatred. He saw the encounter like it was yesterday, and not nearly four years ago. He felt again the pain as claws raked across his face and then his chest and shoulder, and he felt sick that his son had had to go through it too.

Kenyon opened his paws, pulling Danju gently into his lap. “Its alright…” He soothed his child, rubbing circles on his back as he pulled him close. “He won’t hurt you any more.”

[Prankster101]

Danju felt absolutely horrible. Tears started rushing down his face. He was in trouble. He was in so much trouble. Momma was upset and Daddy was angry. Sure Momma said that he wasn't, but he knew better. And as he was 'taught', from his causing trouble comes his receiving pain. Pain just like his neck. He didn't want to get hurt again. He didn't want it to hurt. Because it hurt so bad....

Covering his face in his paws, Danju just started to sob. Feeling his father's arms wrap around him, Danju let his father pick him gently up as he cried.

Kenyon opened his paws, pulling Danju gently into his lap. “Its alright…” He soothed his child, rubbing circles on his back as he pulled him close. “He won’t hurt you any more.”

Tucking his head into his father's chest, Danju continued to cry. "It hurt....so bad!.."

Mona sat there in shock, unable to move, and could barely breathe. It couldn't. No. Not her baby. Shaking her head, she turned and looked at her child sobbing in her mate's arms. It had happened. There was no denying it. The question was, what had happened?

Renny sat quietly on his stool by the fire. The reaction of Danju's parents was drastic, but that was to be expected. How would he have reacted if he saw one of his brother's or sister's with a nasty scar like that? Probably worse.

Standing up, trying his best not to be in the way, picked up a few pieces of wood from the small pile by the fireplace and placed them by the edge of the fire. Picking up the iron poker, Renaud pushed the logs into the flames and continued to poke at the logs.

Mona's brain was racing. How could this have happened? How did Danju get these injuries? It was then it hit her. What was it that Kenyon had said? 'He won't hurt you anymore?' He?? Wait a minute! Eyes revealing her panic, Mona put her paw on Kenyon's shoulder as he rubbed Danju's back. "Kenyon...You said he....Could it be...him?"

Turning to Renaud, Mona was still shocked and confused. "Renaud, do you know about this?"

Renny set the poker down and sat back on his stool with a sigh. "Weel Marm', ta be tru'tful, ah dan't know much. Ah met Danju nay long ago an' just 'elped 'im get 'ere. Buts iffen ye want ta know, ah t'ink ah know a way ta gets da w'ole story...."

Glancing at Kenyon and then at her trembling son. Danju Wasn't really paying any attention to what anybeast was saying. All he knew was he didn't want his father to let go, as he trembled.

Nodding Mona replied. "Continue Renaud. We will comply." They all needed to know just what happened.

Renny nodded back. "Alrig't den. It would be a 'elpin us iffen ye start marm' wit' tellin' us all w'at 'appened just before Danju disappeared..."

Mona took a deep breath. This was not going to be easy. Sliding over and putting her paw on Kenyon's that was rubbing Danju's back, Mona locked eyes with Kenyon as she recalled what happened.

"Well, about ten years ago, I found out that I had relations of my mother's on a neighboring isle. Excited at the possibility of finding family, the three of us along with a fair company set out on a ship to go and visit." Mona took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check as she continued. "The ship was called the Voyager and...and...we never made it."

Tears started streaking down Mona's face, collecting in her whiskers. "A storm came up, almost blowing the ship apart! We were all struggling to keep the ship alive, Danju was below deck, and then there was a cry from the crows nest. A ship had appeared. I couldn't tell any description, it was too dark and the lighting was too few to tell."

Mona rubbed a paw over her whiskers, but the tears kept coming. "We were attacked. There were vermin everywhere, it was hard to tell who was who and if you were fight friend or foe." Her lip began to tremble. "Then I heard Danju calling...Screaming..I couldn't reach him. I couldn't find..."

Holding back a sob, she struggled to continue. "I tried...but then the vermin were retreating...sailed off...Kenyon was hurt..Danju...Danju was gone...We had to sail home..." Mona finally couldn't take it and covered her face in her paws. It was just too much. It was a horrible memory, one she had tried to suppress, but couldn't. Now that the memory was back, so came with it the feelings of hopelessness, sorrow, and guilt. NO! DANJU IS BACK!

Uncovering her face, Mona took a deep breath. It was going to be okay. She looked back up at Kenyon, eyes red and glistening from tears. "I think that's all...Unless I'm forgetting something..."


_{Posted while still a member of this site.}

[Onyxwing]

(((OOC: Is anything more Onyxwing then this? )))

Onyxwing was rushed down into the brig by several burly sea otters. He tripped on the last step and landed on the floor. He got up and continued on to the cell. The otters shoved him in and locked the large iron bar door. Onyxwing sat down on the hammock and curled up with his back facing the door. He spat out a nail that he had deftly collected when he tripped and tied several strands of jute to it. He then ripped out several more strands from his ghillie suit and bundled them up. He still had a small flask of grog concealed in his belt which he poured onto the jute and a nearby blanket. He saved a hefty sum of it and took the bundle of jute into his paw. He stood up and trailed it out to a nearby candle. It quickly caught fire and he stuffed it into his blanket. The blanket smoldered before growing into flame.

"FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!" Onyxwing yelled when two otters ran in and saw the blaze.

The blanket was positioned just right and Onyxwing took a swig from the flask and spat it through the flames at the otters. It was mostly harmless, though their fur did smolder. The two otters covered their faces with their arms and Onyxwing made his move.

He rammed the nail into the key hole and slammed it through the lock. The entire mechanism was destroyed and he twisted the nail so the door would open. He kicked the bar as hard as he could and the door swung open.

And put two otters out cold. He bundled the otters into his old cell, twisted the mechanism back in and shoved one of the otter's knives through the slot and bent it over with a hammer .

"Not so bad! Pops would be proud!"

Onyxwing grabbed his weapons and slunk up to the crows nest. It was unocuppied and made the perfect spot to fly from. Onyxwing jumped from the mast and tighened his wings. The flying squirrel cast barely a shadow as he glided from the mast down to the middle of the dockyard and made his way to the castle with redemption in mind.

[Kenyon]

Kenyon tightened his hold on Danju reassuringly, comforting the teenager as if he were a child again. That was something he had noticed, Danju tended to act younger than his years. Kenyon put that away to worry about at another time, it wasn’t important now. He closed his eyes, slipping an arm around Mona as she started relating the story.

It was terrible, but she was the only one who remembered. He woke up shaking and angry, but she remembered. Kenyon drew her closer with a shrug of his arm, planting a gentle kiss on her head he wiped away the tears that fell from her eyes as he murmured reassurances to his family. As Mona’s shaking quieted he looked at Renny, his eyes solemn.

“I don’t recall the end of the battle.” He moved his scarred ear by way of indication, his arms full. “What can ye tell us, lad?”