The Thief ((OPEN))

[Promatera]

"Depends, I s'pose," he replied. "Wot d'ye want t' be? My friend? Or my enemy?"

What did he want to be? Bon Vaygan had kept to himself for the last decade or so and it suited his occupations quite well. However, having spent so much time in seclusion, perhaps it was time he moved on.

"Well friends of course," he replied grabbing a pastie from the bag. It took him a moment to grasp what he had just stated. Friends? With a shrew? It was one of the last things he had ever thought he would say. Then again the shrew did save his life several times. At this point, Bon Vaygan did not really care what he was. Perhaps friendship just worked that way.

His dwellings on friendship did not last long, however, and soon his thoughts returned to his sorry state. Nik had thrashed him pretty well and his eyes were still swollen. Bon Vaygan also felt somewhat light headed after being suffocated by the snake. However, what had begun to worry Bon Vaygan the most was discovery. The shrew, Ban, had left and would probably try to have the two captured. His hopes rode on the slim chance Ban would forget where they were.

"You don't suppose Ban will forget where we are do you?" he asked glancing nervously at the burrow.

[Django]

"Well friends of course," he replied grabbing a pastie from the bag.

That was quick, Nik thought bemusedly. With a small smile, the shrew took another bite of bread. He'd never thought he'd be friends with a weasel. But his view of vermin had been turned upside-down, thrashed about, and maybe kicked a few times the night before.

"Arright, then," he murmured. "Friends it is, Vaygen." He smirked at the weasel, but the confident grin faded when he noticed his new friend's bruises. The shrew cursed below his breath. He'd have to help those wounds somehow.

His thoughts were diverted to other things when Bon Vaygen asked, "You don't suppose Ban will forget where we are do you?"

Nik nearly hit himself. He cursed aloud this time, springing to his feet. "Nay, Ban's got th' bes' mem'ry a' any Guosim shrew," he replied in sudden frustration. "D*mn, he's prolly got a patrol headed this way now!"

MEANWHILE

Tyro listened stoically to Ban's report of Nik's new affiliation with the strange weasel. The rest of the patrol was busy binding the ferret and going through his things. When Ban was given back his rapier, he finally finished his retelling of the morning's events.

"So, I's hopin' you'd come wid me back t' th' weasel's place so's we can talk some sense inta Nik," the young shrew concluded. Tyro nodded agreement.

"Yew don't want th' Logalog in this, eh?" he asked. Ban shook his head emphatically.

"Naw, mate, Nik's da don't need know 'bout this," he replied. "All's we gotta do's git Nik t' see sense." Tyro nodded again, thinking for a moment.

"An' if 'e don't?"

Ban hesitated. "Then, I guess we's tell 'is da if 'e don't." With a final nod, Tyro called to the patrol.

"Oi, lazy sack a' hammers," he barked. "I wants 'alf a' ye t' take yon ferret back t' camp, an' th' rest're comin' wid me'n Ban, hear?" The shrews obeyed quickly; half a dozen roughly hauled the ferret to his feet and marched back in the direction of camp. The remaining shrews fell in line behind Ban and Tyro as Ban led the way back to the weasel's burrow. He remembered exactly where it was.

When they arrived, Ban approached first, calling down into the ivy-covered tunnel, "Nik, can yew bring yore weasel friend up? I, uh, bin thinkin' 'bout wot yew said, an' I wanna talk wid ya."

Down in the burrow, Nik heard the call quite clearly. He turned to Bon Vaygen. "Ain't no doubt he's got a patrol wid him," the older shrew said. "Yew wanna take our chances?" After a pause, he added, "If'n we don't go up, they'll come down an' pull us out."

((Wow, I type too much. XD ))

[Tulian Solum]

Seig was forced to watch as the shrews rummaged through his things, cringing each time a piece of armor or other possession was tossed aside. One of the taller shrews seemed to take a liking to his short sword as strapped it to his own belt as they scoffed to each other about his things. Why would a vermin carry around all this armor, weapons, and traveling supplies, must'av stolen it off some beast. Such went back and fourth until most of the shrews had taken bits and pieces of his equipment for themselves.

Forcing himself to be silent lest he find himself silenced Seig was somewhat glad they hadn't searched him that well. At least he still had the small painting of his wife and daughter close to his chest not to mention his life. Doing his best to comply as he was dragged to his feet he only nodded as the shrews prodded him forward with sticks or blades. Standing straight as he walked he glanced back and was glad to see that they had at least picked all his things up, most likely to keep but at least it meant there was a chance for him to get it back later. But he held his tongue as he was marched through the forest, not even trying to remember the way, he would never remember it.

It was nearing dusk when he heard the chattering and shouting of other shrews. He couldn't help himself looking over the ramshackle camp as he was lead through it. He was amazed how such a squabbling group could be an effective fighting force. But it was probably all down to leadership, he mused, and their massive hatred for 'vermin' probably did a lot in uniting them for a time. But he stopped looking when a taller shrew walked to meet the returning half patrol. Seig guessed from how the other shrews watched him, and from the many scars, hard look, and used rapier, that he was the leader.

"M'lord." He greeted with a bow of his head, keeping his head down as he waited for either that shrew to speak or for the shrews to begin speaking with each other.

(Hope the different time works. I'm assuming it will take awhile for your guys's convos to finish and then make it back to the camp. And the inclusion of dear old Dad. )

[Django]

Logalog Tru glared down at the ferret with a piercing gaze. "Yore lucky yew ain't ded yet," he acknowledged with a growl. The chief then turned to the patrol members. "Where's Tyro an' th' res'?"

"They went back t' a weasel's burrow, chief," one of the shrews answered. "Nik's gone mad, 'e 'as. Ban sed 'e's friends wid th' vermin. Saved the weasel's life win a snake tried a' maul 'im, yeh."

"Nik saved a weasel, eh?" the Logalog asked. "Well, 'f I know me son, 'e prolly 'ad good reason to. Don't ye think so?" The shrew who'd answered him suddenly got nervous. His eyes darted back and forth uneasily as he gave a hesitant shrug.

"Wull, I dunno, chief," he stammered. "Ban sed it weren't right fer a Guosim shrew t' be friend's wid a weasel. Ain't that right?" He looked to his companions for help. They nodded and murmured agreement, all of them avoiding eye contact with their Logalog. Tru snorted.

"Yew lot're thicker'n a wall a' bricks," he scoffed. "What's Ban plannin' t' do wid th' rest a' yon patrol once he gits t' th' burrow, eh? Talk some sense inta me son? Ain't nothin' can dissuade that boy once 'e sets 'is mind to it."

"Wull, maybe Ban thinks th' weasel'd kill Nik, or sommat," the patrol shrew offered lamely. Tru laughed scornfully.

"If'n th' weasel'd try t' kill me son, he'd be ded, ye daft bit a' dandelion fluff," the Logalog replied sharply. He then noticed the fancy new armor and weapons his shrews had acquired. "Oi, wot's wid th' fancy gear? I don't 'member issuing armor out t' me warriors." At this the patrol shrew straightened proudly, roughly tugging on the ferret's bindings.

"We got it from this'un, chief," he boasted. "'Is bag were fulla th' stuff. Gutted that thing right out--" He was cut short by his chieftain's look of pure anger.

"Yew stole from a prisoner, eh?" he yelled. "Thought since yew 'ad him outnumbered yew could take 'is shiny stuff, eh?" He looked to the ferret again. "I'd better see all 'is belongings in one pile inna nex' minnit or I'll pull it off ye myself. We're warriors, ya idjits, not thieves."

The shrews obeyed quickly, pulling out the weapons and armor they had looted from the ferret's bag. Tru watched as the pile grew considerably. "Nice collection, ferret," he remarked, obviously impressed. Turning back to the shrews, he barked, "Now, git th' anchors outta yore britches an' find someplace secure t' put this ferret until th' res' a' yon patrol gits back!"

The ferret was relieved of his bindings and hauled once again to his feet. Two burly shrews dropped him onto a boulder near a stand of trees and stood guard by him while three more shrews brought his gear over and piled it nearby, just out of reach. A single thick rope was tied around the ferret's ankle, and the other end was held in the iron grip of one of the guards.

((Sorry if that went a bit fast, Tul! The time change is fine. I'm sure Nik and Bon Vaygen are going to be awhile.))

[Promatera]

"Arright, then," he murmured. "Friends it is, Vaygen."

That was easy. Just like that nearly ten years of solitude had ended. He would have savored the experience had he not remember Ban.

Nik nearly hit himself. He cursed aloud this time, springing to his feet. "Nay, Ban's got th' bes' mem'ry a' any Guosim shrew," he replied in sudden frustration. "D*mn, he's prolly got a patrol headed this way now!"

Sure enough as soon as he finished speaking a voice called through the burrow.

"Nik, can yew bring yore weasel friend up? I, uh, bin thinkin' 'bout wot yew said, an' I wanna talk wid ya."

"That was fast," Bon Vaygan remarked.

Down in the burrow, Nik heard the call quite clearly. He turned to Bon Vaygen. "Ain't no doubt he's got a patrol wid him," the older shrew said. "Yew wanna take our chances?" After a pause, he added, "If'n we don't go up, they'll come down an' pull us out."

Bon Vaygan stared at the burrow in despair. Normally his mind would have concocted a grandiose scheme to escape, but his self-pity clouded his mind. He turned to Nik, his new friend. The safety of his home had already been destroyed and he had nothing else to offer him.

"I'm sorry," he sighed, "it looks like I could not offer much to help you."

[Django]

"I'm sorry," he sighed, "it looks like I could not offer much to help you."

Nik snorted in disgust, grabbing the collar of Bon Vaygen's shirt. "Yore sadder'n a otter wot can't swim, weasel," he shouted. "Git outta yore blasted funk an' 'elp me think ovva way t' save both our 'ides, will yew?" Releasing his friend, he muttered an apology and backed away. Running a paw through his spiky headfur, the shrew let out a short, frustrated exhale.

"Ban, I'm comin' up," he yelled into the tunnel. "An' I'm bringin' Vaygen, too. But if yew or any a' them other thickheads hurt 'im, you'll answer t' me, that clear?"

Ban heard the older shrew's threats and rubbed his neck nervously. "Uh, uh, yeh, Nik, I hear ye," he called down.

With another snort, Nik offered his paw to the weasel. "They're gonna take us afore me da," he said, preparing his friend for what they would inevitably face in the next few minutes. "He's th' Logalog, th' chief. 'E's a no-nonsense type, an' he don't take kindly t' self-pity, either. Let me do th' talkin' 'less yew got sommat important t' say. If ye do, tap me shoulder."

He sighed. "Look, mate, I dunno what those block'eads might do t' yew," he went on. "They might kill ye jus' fer lookin' at 'em funny, an' there wouldn't be nothin' I nor me da could do 'bout it. I'm gonna talk to the chief 'bout all this, try to make 'im see how I sees it, but if can't . . ." He turned aside for a moment. "Then I'll figure somethin' out, arright? Yew with me?"

[Tulian Solum]

Keeping his head down as the shrews relayed their report and the chieftain replies he had very little idea on what was really going on. He had no idea who this Nik or weasel were. But from what the others shrews were saying he may soon find out. Whoever they were they were sure making a lot of problems for these shrews.

Falling flat on his tail as he was pulled back by the shrew holding him he looked up just as a look of rage spread over the chieftains face. He could only hope that it wasn't directed at him. For once he was pleasantly surprised when the chieftain came to his aid. So it wasn't all the shrews that were uncivil creatures, just some of the ground troops. Understandable, he mused over in his head again as the shrews began to returns his things and the chieftain complimenting on his belongings.

"Thank you My Lord, helps to remind me of home and make sure I'm ready." Bowing his head again as his bindings were removed he rubbed his arms a little as he was lead off, still with head bowed to the chieftain.

Soon finding himself sitting atop a rock with less security then last time he tried to resist the temptation to look over his armor and weapons to make sure they were undamaged but soon lost to his desire and grabbed the front part of his curaiss. Sighing a little as he spotted several dents and scuff marks on it from the shrews careless tossing he rummaged around in his open backpack until he found a small hammer and a treated cloth. Humming a old marching tune quietly to himself he set to work on his armor, not looking much at his shrew guards anymore to see if they even cared if he took some of his equipment or not. Nor looking around the camp much at all as he diligently worked on his armor.

[Promatera]

((Meanwhile back in the hallow))

Nik snorted in disgust, grabbing the collar of Bon Vaygen's shirt. "Yore sadder'n a otter wot can't swim, weasel," he shouted. "Git outta yore blasted funk an' 'elp me think ovva way t' save both our 'ides, will yew?" Releasing his friend, he muttered an apology and backed away.

Bon Vaygan was startled by Nik's sudden show of force, but knew the shrew was completely right. He needed to stop feeling sorry for himself, but he just could not get over it. All that he wanted to do was just hide in his bed and just let it all happen. He didn't really care.

After calling out to Ban and arranging some terms, Nik turned back to Bon Vaygan and offered his paw. As he took it, Nik began to warn him.

"They're gonna take us afore me da," "He's th' Logalog, th' chief. 'E's a no-nonsense type, an' he don't take kindly t' self-pity, either. Let me do th' talkin' 'less yew got sommat important t' say. If ye do, tap me shoulder."

Bon Vaygan nodded, but he doubted he would have anything to say at all. Hopefully the whole issue would just blow over.

"Look, mate, I dunno what those block'eads might do t' yew," "They might kill ye jus' fer lookin' at 'em funny, an' there wouldn't be nothin' I nor me da could do 'bout it. I'm gonna talk to the chief 'bout all this, try to make 'im see how I sees it, but if can't . . ." "Then I'll figure somethin' out, arright? Yew with me?"

"Of course," Bon Vaygan nodded again. Suddenly Bon Vaygan remembered something. The shrew rapier was still in his possession. "Hey Nik," he added removing his weapon, "we need to hide this." The shrews would recognize their blade and Bon Vaygan was sure he would be slain if they realized he, a weasel, carried it.

[Django]

"Of course," Bon Vaygan nodded again.

"Good, now let's--" Nik noticed the rapier at the exact moment Bon Vaygen did. Cursing again, he made to say something about it, but the weasel beat him.

"Hey Nik," he added removing his weapon, "we need to hide this."

"Aye," Nik nodded, taking the rapier and dropping the weasel's paw. He glanced around the more or less scantly-furnished burrow and scowled. Gripping the naked blade, he decided it would be best to bury it. Flipping the weapon around so his grip was around the hilt, he drove it low into the earthen wall until the pommel disappeared, kicking it once or twice for good measure. "There, now let's go."

It took less than two minutes to get both Bon Vaygen and Nik out of the tunnel. Immediately the patrol shrews surrounded the weasel, their blades at his throat. Nik shoved his way into the crowd, his teeth bared savagely at the Guosim.

"Get. Back. All a' yew." he snarled. He was not in the mood to deal with the prejudice of his tribesmen. The shrews looked to each other in confusion, but, since Nik was the chief's son, they obeyed. Nik growled again, turning to Ban. "Wot did yew wanna talk about?"

Ban was visibly nervous. He couldn't look Nik in the eye, but he spoke clearly. "Yore not seein' clearly, mate," he began. "Yore allied wid a weasel, an' it ain't right. Weasels're vermin, and vermin are the enemy a' th' Guosim. Yore actin' like a traitor, befriendin' this vermin."

"What if I ain't befreindin' no vermin, eh?" Nik challenged, taking full advantage of his taller stature over his younger friend. "What if I say Bon Vaygen proved hisself worthy t' be called a good beast, eh? What then?"

"He's cheatin' ye, Nik," Ban argued. "Nex' time yew turn 'round, he'll 'ave a blade in yore back! What'll yew say then?"

"I'd say 'e should gimme some good reason t' even dare," the older shrew snapped. "I pummeled 'im up right an' good las' night. 'E knows 'e can't win agin me. 'Sides, even if 'e tried, 'e knows 'e'd 'ave th' 'ole Guosim tribe t' answer to."

"Yore not seein' sense, Nik!" Ban yelled, exasperated. "That weasel's a vermin, an' no Guosim warrior aligns hisself wid a vermin!"

"I know wot I'm doin', Ban," Nik retorted. "Bon Vaygen 'as given me ample reason t' trust 'im. An' 'e ain't no threat t' the tribe, so wot're ya gettin' yore 'eadband inna twist fore?"

"Because yore actin' like yew don't even know wot vermin do!" Ban shouted. "Aint ya still sore 'bout what 'appened t' yore tail? Don't yew remember 'ow many good warriors we've lost on patrols? Don't yew mourn for them innocent shrews wot got murdered win a big gang attacked camp?" He paused, his gaze going solemn. "Don't yew remember wot they did t' Mira?"

Nik's demeanor suddenly went stiff. His paws clenched into fists, and his arms began to tremble. His ears lay back flat against his skull as he murmured, "Don't. Mention. That. NAME!!" With his last word, he lashed out at Ban, backhanding the younger shrew viciously. Ban fell back hard with a loud, "Oof!" Nik swore vehemently, standing over the younger shrew with his eyes ablaze.

"I still 'ave nightmares 'bout that day," he roared. "How dare ye bring it up jus' t' make a point! That has nothing to do with this!"

"It's got everything to do with this," Ban shot, rubbing his throbbing face. Nik nearly hit him again.

"I died the day she did!" he yelled. "Don't mention it again, Ban! Yore goin' too far with this! Don't test me!"

"Fine, then jus' deal wid th' weasel like a Guosim warrior would!" Ban snapped, getting to his feet. "He's a vermin. A lyin', cheatin' vermin, Nik! The same kind wot we've bin arter since th' Guosim were first made! Kill 'im, d*mmit!"

"No!" Nik bellowed. "Bon Vaygen ain't a vermin!"

"Enough!" the leader of the patrol, Tyro, stepped forward, placing his own bulk between Ban and Nik. "We'll take this afore th' chief. I 'ope ye both act yore age win we get there!"

-Later-

Nik stormed into camp, the patrol following at a safe distance. Bon Vaygen, Ban, and Tyro were the only ones brave or mad enough to walk beside the son of the chief. Logalog Tru noticed the returning shrews and stood from his place by a campfire. Dusk had fallen, and dinner was being cooked.

"This better be good, Nik," Tru said, walking up and embracing his son. It was then he saw the weasel, who was hard to miss, considering his height and all. "'Oo's this?"

"Me new friend Bon Vaygen," Nik answered curtly. "Only Ban an' th' res' don't think I should be allied wid 'im." Tru gave the weasel a once-over.

"Is 'e honest?" the chieftain asked. Nik shrugged.

"Honest as weasels can come, I s'pose."

"Proven hisself?"

"To me."

"Looks like sommat beat 'im up good."

"I found somethin' 'e stole an' got mad."

"Oh, so 'e's a thief, eh?"

The back and forth went on for another few minutes before the Logalog seemed satisfied. He turned to Bon Vaygen. "So, wot d'yew think a' me son, eh? Can't control 'is temper, that one."

"Yore tellin' me," Ban muttered darkly, rubbing his aching face.

[Promatera]

The next few hours went by in a complete blur to Bon Vaygan. First they hid his rapier, then Nik and Ban started to fight, then they had to walk from his home to the shrew camp. Bon Vaygan's attention had begun to drift elsewhere until Nik's father Tru had welcomed them.

After a quick exchange of words between father and son, Tru looked to Bon Vaygan with interest.

"So, wot d'yew think a' me son, eh? Can't control 'is temper, that one."

Beside him Ban muttered something, but Bon Vaygan failed to hear it.

Rubbing his swollen eyes Bon Vaygan replied, "Yes, he has quite a temper," he responded, "I learned that the hard way, but I may have deserved it. You raised him well."

Bon Vaygan was honest in what he said, but his mind had began to grow weary. Already he was wishing he was back home so he could rest, but for some reason something would not allow that. Ever since he had stepped foot in that barn his slumber had been tormented by nightmares. Normally his dreams were never so severe.

"Is there anything else you would like to know, sir?"

[Tulian Solum]

Continuing to work on his armor as the days time slowly passed Seig had moved onto all main pieces of his armor and was busying himself with the most fiddly bits of his armor, the gauntlets. Luckily they sustained the least amount of damage but it still took him a long time to clean and make sure each part of the articulated fingers were in working order. He was just taking them off his paws after making sure they were working when a commotion took his attention from his work. Setting his gauntlets down carefully beside his other armor on the rock he got off his backpack seat, as a boulder is not a soft place to sit, and stood up to see what the commotion is.

Watching the exchange between the shrews he assumed this was what the shrews had been talking about. Then he spotted the weasel with them. Giving the weasel a little wave, though he doubted he saw him, he tried to listen to what was being said. He could only catch snippets of what was being said but it wasn't enough to understand what was going on. Shrugging he sat back down on is seat and dragged his short sword over to make sure it was alright.

He thought about trying to go over and see what was happening but the rope around his ankles dissuaded him as he pulled out his sword and looked down its edge. It seemed alright, apparently the shrew had been so happy with his loot that he didn't even draw it. Sheathing it it set it beside himself as he pulled the final piece of equipment toward him. His halberd.

He had secretly been dreading this step, as he could have sword when the stuff was piled next to him that he saw his cuirass crack his halberd. And so it turned out to be. Sighing loudly he shrugged and flipped it around so the head was in his paws, fishing around in his backpack he frowned when he could not find his small pliers to undo the screws in the weapon. Humming he looked at the shrews around him and opened his mouth to ask if they had something similar, but then he thought against it. He would ask later.

Setting that on the other side of him so he remembered something was wrong he looked back at the middle of the camp where the exchange was going on, resting his paws on his knees as he watched.

[Django]

"Yes, he has quite a temper," he responded, "I learned that the hard way, but I may have deserved it. You raised him well."

"Never mind 'ow I raised 'im, weasel," Logalog Tru replied. "It's wot 'e does wid th' things I teach 'im. I could raise 'im t' be the most kind'hearted beast inna world, an' 'e could disregard me teachin's an' go live as a murderer." He flicked an ear back. "But I digress, eh?"

"Is there anything else you would like to know, sir?"

"Yeh, I think there is," Tru said. "Yew say ye think ye deserved 'im beatin' ye t' a pulp?" He looked over the weasel's bruises, cuts, and scrapes again. "Tell me more 'bout that."

The two shrews guarding the ferret were paying much attention to the conversation happening between their chief and the weasel. They continued to murmur to each other.

"Win d'ye think the chief's gonna kill 'im?"

"Don't look much like th' chief wants t' kill 'im, mate. I 'eard sommat 'bout th' weasel bein' Nik's new friend."

"Friend? Ain't no Guosim friends wid a vermin."

"Jus' wot I heard, mate. I bet Nik don't want 'is da t' kill th' weasel."

"Bet, huh? I bet ye me bes' sling 'e kills 'im."

"Yore on, thick'ead. I'll enjoy me new sling win th' Logalog don't kill 'im."

"Ah, yore puffed up. What'll ye bet the chief kills this'un?" He tugged on the ferret's rope.

"Bet 'e lets that'un live, too."

"Bet me blade 'e won't!"

"Yew were allas bad at gamblin', mate."

((Sorry if this isn't the best post ever. I just didn't want to have a super short one.))

[Promatera]

"Yeh, I think there is," Tru said. "Yew say ye think ye deserved 'im beatin' ye t' a pulp?" He looked over the weasel's bruises, cuts, and scrapes again. "Tell me more 'bout that."

Already things felt as though they were quickly going south for Bon Vaygan. He was tired and just wanted to return home, but these shrews did not know if he was a threat or not. Bon Vaygan had also hoped Nik would be able to handle most of the questioning, but already he was presented with a difficult choice.

Should Bon Vaygan lie? If he revealed that he had stolen a shrew rapier then surely it would mean death for him, especially since he did not plan on returning it anytime soon. However, was he willing to risk lying to the shrew chieftain? Normally the tension of the moment would galvanize Bon Vaygan, but right now it just deluded his thoughts.

"N-no it was only over some food I had stolen," he replied rubbing his temples. "Crops are hard to maintain, so when my crop died I turned to some other means of procuring food."

Bon Vaygan was so tired all the surrounding shrews seemed to blend together in one massive mob of beasts. This legion of shrews was unsettling. He could hear excited murmurs and what sounded like bets being placed. Disrupted by the whispers echoing from the crowd, Bon Vaygan nearly lost his train of thought, but quickly pulled himself together.

"Nik found out about my scheme when he noticed the bulging food bag I was carrying when we first met."

[Django]

"N-no it was only over some food I had stolen," he replied rubbing his temples. "Crops are hard to maintain, so when my crop died I turned to some other means of procuring food."

Tru crossed his arms, clearly unsatisfied with the answer. He glanced at his son, who was doing his best to bite his tongue. Nik was struggling with whether to tell his father the truth, as well. Bon Vaygen was dead the minute a stolen rapier was mentioned, but lying got him no high standing with the Logalog. So the shrew warrior nodded stiffly when his father raised an inquiring brow.

"Nik found out about my scheme when he noticed the bulging food bag I was carrying when we first met."

"Did yew now?" Tru continued to scrutinize his son, who nodded again.

"Aye, chief," Nik replied. "Weren't no way one weasel could git all that food honestly."

"Food thieves ain't taken to kindly 'ere inna Guosim," Tru remarked. "Nor are vermin, usually. But ye say yew trust 'im, Nik?"

"Aye," the younger shrew replied. He noticed the way Bon Vaygen seemed to be on the verge of fainting and shoved some of the other shrews away. "Give the beast some air, will ye? Bad 'nuff yew lot act like ye wanna kill 'im."

"Well, Nik, what else 'as 'e stolen, eh?" Tru asked after a moment's pause. "Yew know 'im so well. Tell me 'is other secrets."

"I ain't learnt all 'is secrets, chief," Nik replied, unable to look his father in the eyes. "He ain't tol' me yet." He helped the weasel to a log and stood before him, the shrew's gaze daring any others to come near and lay a paw on Bon Vaygen. "But I do know 'e's worth trustin'."

"E'en if 'e 'as secrets?" Tru challenged. Nik hesitated, but then he nodded.

"Aye," he said. "A beast can 'ave 'is secrets. I can trust Vaygen despite 'em." Father and son stood silent for a long time, facing each other stoically. An unspoken word seemed to pass between them, and Tru nodded.

"Yew make a good argument, boy," Tru smiled. "But e'en though ye've convinced me, it'll take no less'n a miracle t' convince th' res'. But there is one thin' I can do." He looked around at the crowd of shrews. "Lissen up, ye daft river-mice! This weasel, Bon Vaygen, is 'ereby under my protection an' th' protection a' me son an' heir. One a' yew so much as draws a blade in 'is presence an' ye best brace yoreself fer th' beatin' a' yore life. That clear?"

Nik perked up as the shrews grudgingly agreed. He turned to Bon Vaygen with an excited smile. It had really been that simple! All that worrying for nothing. Nik should have known. His father was a lot more openminded than the rest of the Guosim. Tru came up to his son then and took him aside.

"I know yore not tellin' me everythin', Nik," he murmured. "But I'm only allowin' this 'cause yew trust 'im an' 'e ain't no real threat t' th' tribe. Izzat clear?" Nik nodded, exhaling through his teeth. Tru slapped him on the back heartily and winked. "Don't fret, boy. At leas' they won't kill 'im now."

"Yeh, thanks," Nik replied, smiling ruefully. "Dad."

Across camp, one of the shrews guarding the ferret was admiring his new sling, while the other stood in utter, slack-jawed shock.

"Yew c'n still take back yore bet 'bout the ferret mate," the shrew with the new sling said.

"Nay, I'm winnin' that'un!" the other shouted, recovering from his stupor. He yanked harshly on the ferret's ankle binding. "An' if the chief don't kill this'un, I may kill 'im meself!"

"That weren't part a' th' bet, mate."

"Yore fulla-"

"Boys, what's goin' on, 'ere?" the Logalog had shown up then, ready to deal with the other vermin now.

The shrew with a new sling answered, "This block'ead thinks yore gonna kill yon ferret. Willin' t' bet 'is own blade, too."

"An' 'e will!" the betting shrew snapped. "Won't ye, chief?"

"I ain't 'eard this'un's story yet, dandelion fluff," Tru retorted, stepping past the guards. He then addressed the ferret. "So, where d'yew come in, eh? Were ye friends wid th' weasel o'er yonder? Or were ye jus' out fer an arternoon stroll? These idjits want me t' do 'way wid ye, but I won't do that 'less I got good reason to." He leaned one foot against the boulder the ferret sat on, bracing one paw on his knee. "Tell me yore story, ferret."

[Tulian Solum]

Doing his best to ignore the shrews betting blow him Seig tries to distract himself with watching the interactions with the shrews and the weasel. If the weasel emerged still alive then he had a good chance of also living, but if he was cut down in the middle of camp then chances would be slim.

Gasping in surprise as the shrews tugged on his ankle bindings he started to slide down the rock but managed to swing his arms back and dig his claws in enough to stop his descent. Rolling his eyes a little as they continued to speak he clambered back to his backpack seat and continued to watch.

Thankfully it seemed the weasel was being spared, but the chieftain took, who Seig guessed to be his son from the shrews guards talking, aside and talked with him about something. Hopefully not about how they would kill the 'vermin' later. Quickly pushing that thought from his mind he smiled as the chieftain walked toward him.

Getting up on his feet on the boulder he stood to attention and gave him a sharp salute as the chieftain got closer. He frowned slightly as he stood there at the shrews guards words, then shouted out in surprise as they yanked his feet out from under him. Windmilling his arms a little as he fell backwards hard onto the rock.

Groaning a little he placed a paw over his eyes and the back of his head as he waited to stop seeing stars. Only catching the tail end of what the chieftain asked. Slowly rising up into a sitting position, not wanting to risk standing again with those two in control of his feet, he cleared his throat before beginning.

"Seig Averi, infantryman of Fortress Taruli Sir, where I was trained all my life to be a spear beast. I won't bore you with a story of my life, Sir. But certain...events took place and I left of my own accord." He touched his chest lightly as he said this, paw right over the small painting as he then let his paw fall and continue. "I've since been wandering for the past eight seasons(two years if you prefer), slowly heading toward your land Sir. Once I got closer many creatures on the way spoke of this land with awe. Telling me tales of places like Redwall Abbey and Salmandrastron over the fire and some food. Of course back then I had no idea of the...uhh...'mistrust' of my kind here so I thought it would be a great place to travel too. I am sorry for landing on one of your own and I hope to have peaceful relations with your Company if you would allow it, Sir."

Seig fell silent after this, ready to answer any other questions the chieftain had and hoping that he wouldn't be swayed by the shrews betting. He did however notice they both of the shrews were watching him and the chieftain intently, silently cheering on their own side of the bet.

[Django]

Tru listened politely to the ferret's tale. When Seig finished, the shrew chieftain remained silent, his green eyes unreadable. Finally, he stepped back and beckoned for the rope tied to the ferret's ankle. The shrew handed it to the chief, and Tru nodded thanks, roughly kicking the shrew in the side.

"T'were nay need fore yankin' on 'is footpaw, idjit," the Logalog said. The shrew guard rubbed his flank and nodded, hanging his head. The other shrew chuckled lightly as the Logalog took out a short knife and held it over the rope, but he didn't cut it just yet.

"I can see yore not involved in enny a' this, Averi, was it?" he didn't wait for an answer. "Yore free t' go, but I'm givin' ye a warnin'. Yore free game now. Ain't nothin' I can do if'n one a' these warriors catches up wid ye. I'll let ye take time t' gather yore things if ye haven't already, an' then yore on yore own. Am I makin' meself clear?"

It wasn't a threat, just a fact. Seig knew nothing about the situation with the weasel, and as far as Tru could tell, had just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Logalog found no reason to kill Seig, which further dampened the spirits of the betting shrew, who was reluctantly handing his blade to his comrade.

((I hope I've given both of you enough to work with from my last two posts. If not, let me know.))

[Promatera]

Tru seemed uncertain of Bon Vaygan's honesty; however, after speaking with his son for a moment, it seemed the shrew had come to a decision.

"Lissen up, ye daft river-mice! This weasel, Bon Vaygen, is 'ereby under my protection an' th' protection a' me son an' heir. One a' yew so much as draws a blade in 'is presence an' ye best brace yoreself fer th' beatin' a' yore life. That clear?"

And just like that, he was free. Bon Vaygan was surprised the process was so simple. Dumbfounded he turned to Nik to see he was relieved. Letting out a relieved sigh, Bon Vaygan relaxed on the log. This was the best he had felt since he went into that forsaken barn. Now that this business was over with Bon Vaygan should soon be heading home. However, he was interested when he noticed Tru walking over to what appeared to be some sort of ferret.

What was a ferret doing here? Had they both been captured by the shrews? Roused by curiosity, Bon Vaygan moved towards this development. Shrews all around eyed him curiously, but he ignored them now that he knew they could not harm him under Tru's watch.

As he arrived he managed to hear what sounded like an ultimatum.

"Yore free t' go, but I'm givin' ye a warnin'. Yore free game now. Ain't nothin' I can do if'n one a' these warriors catches up wid ye. I'll let ye take time t' gather yore things if ye haven't already, an' then yore on yore own. Am I makin' meself clear?"

Bon Vaygan was surprised this ferret was not being executed. After being shown Tru's mercy it made sense, but death usually awaited captured vermin.

After Tru passed his verdict Bon Vaygan approached the ferret. "Barely escaped yourself eh?"

[Tulian Solum]

Seig was silent as he listened to the chieftains proposition, only nodding at certain points until he was finished. His expression was neutral as he gave his reply. "Very clear sir, and I understand. I just hope that it doesn't come to that, but if it does I will try and show the same mercy you have shown me. One fair turn deserves another after all." He then gave a little smile to the shrew guards, one who returned the smile and who who looked like he was really trying to kill him with his look alone.

Reaching back he began to gather his belongings together into his backpack, but with a footpaw sticking out that was still attached to the rope. The chieftain had asked him and question and it was only right to give a truthful answer, even if it was completly off for a vermin to offer a deal like that, not that he would know. Fitting the front of his curaiss into the back he placed it at the front of his backpack then his boots and gauntlets in front of that. He frowned a little as his cracked halberd and left it on the rock, he would have to carry that so it wouldn't be jostled around and possible damaged more. Taking his short sword he slid it through his belt until it was in a good drawing position, just in case the shrew decided to take a swing at him. Clipping on the last of the small pots and utensils to the outside he tossed it over his shoulders and tightened the straps. he looked down as the weasel that had caused all the commotion walked forward and smiled a little. "Seems so, looks like we both got lucky today."

Sliding down the rock with halberd in paw he landed at the shrews level. He moved toward the outlying forest until he was just at the end of the ropes length and turned back to the shrews. Nodding to the guards he snapped to attention and gave the chieftain a salute, holding his helberd vertical beside him. "I wish you all warm days and sharp blades." He gave a little nod to the weasel as he let his arm fall back to his side, waiting to be released from his shrew captors so he could continue on his way.

(If its alright with you Django I'll put the plan into action next post )

[Django]

(No worries, Tul)

Tru sliced through the rope as the ferret made his farewells. "Warm days an' sharp blades t' yew too, Averi," the Logalog said, twirling his knife deftly. He turned to the two shrew guards and dismissed them. They left arguing over the new ownership of the gambling one's rapier. The Logalog rolled his eyes and glanced over at Bon Vaygen.

"Seems I've bin meetin' lots'a strange vermin t'day," he remarked with a raised brow. Crossing his arms, he leaned back against the big boulder, regarding the weasel with an unreadable expression. Tru was an expert at hiding his emotions when he wanted to. "Vaygen, ye sed, eh?" He didn't let the weasel reply. "Would ye oblige an ol' river mouse some answers?"

Again, Tru continued before giving Bon Vaygen a chance to speak. "I'd like t' know wot izzit ye do normally. Yore dressed awful nice fer a beast livin' in Mossflower. Come from a rich family, did ye? Or do ye steal more than food?" They were all honest questions. There was no threatening undertone to the chieftain's voice. He really just wanted to know.

((Bleh, short.))

[Promatera]

"Seems so, looks like we both got lucky today."

Bon Vaygan watched as the ferret was freed and hauled his large weapon along with him as he left. The ferret must have been somewhat decent to survive the shrews. Most of the other vermin he had known would not be able to walk away from this situation.

Nik's father relaxed against a boulder and looked inquisitively at Bon Vaygan.

"Seems I've bin meetin' lots'a strange vermin t'day," "Vaygen, ye sed, eh?" "Would ye oblige an ol' river mouse some answers?"

Bon Vaygan suddenly felt somewhat anxious again. Was he truly free? He was about to oblige when Tru continued anyway.

"I'd like t' know wot izzit ye do normally. Yore dressed awful nice fer a beast livin' in Mossflower. Come from a rich family, did ye? Or do ye steal more than food?"

That question was easy enough. He could be entirely honest with it as well.

"I am an actor actually," he professed, "also, while I may have stolen a few times, I can assure you that food is as far as it went. The clothing suits my trade, but I did not come from a well off family. I didn't even know my parents aside from a hare who took me in. He raised me along with his performing troupe."

Bon Vaygan was more than happy than to comply with the shrew. After all he did just spare his life and grant him protection, but it was a little more than that. Tru had hardly looked at his nose and did not even bring it up. He was glad to have finally met somebeast sensible enough to understand the pain of a red nose.