The Thief ((OPEN))

[Django]

"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."

Tru smirked. A hare? The Logalog had only met a pawful of hares in Mossflower, but he knew them to be an eccentric bunch. Was this Bon Vaygen as . . . outgoing as they were? When the weasel arrived, he seemed about to faint. Now he looked a little better. Sitting down for a minute may have helped.

Tru glanced past the weasel at the rest of the camp. It was a habit of his to check on the tribe, even when he was in a conversation with another beast. Nik was still on the other side of camp, talking to Ban. Tru couldn't resist a small smile. If those two had been born brothers, they couldn't have a closer bond. His attention drawn back to Bon Vaygen, the Logalog noted the weasel's bright red nose. Of course he had seen it when the creature first arrived, but Tru knew flaws like that were touchy subjects for any beast.

"I 'member a troupe passin' t'roo camp a few years back," the chieftain said. "Led by a hare. Oh, what were 'is name?" He looked up at the sky as he tried to recall the overdramatic hare. "Sir Worsentire, or somethin' I think. Long, ridiculous name. T'were back win Nik were jus' a liddle'un. I weren't e'en Logalog yet. But I 'member that ol' hare. Spoke wid a funny accent."

[Tulian Solum]

Reaching down to undo the rope loop from his ankle after it was cut Seig gave a last nod to the creatures before he spun on his heel and walked off into the forest.

He breathed the cool forest air deeply once he was clear of of the shrew camp. They seemed like nice enough creatures, as long as you didn't get on the bad side of one. He suspected they would just give you a rapier greeting if that was the case. Shrugging he adjusted his backpack as he reached back and grabbed some dried food from his backpack to munch on.

Beginning to hum again as he walked he thought of where he should go next. He should have really asked those shrews if they knew the way to Salmandrastron. He stopped and looked back as he chewed, considering going back to ask. But the way the shrews had been watching him, especially the betting ones, it probably wouldn't be very wise of him.

But then he felt something cool against his neck and glances down to see a glint. Immediately freezing as he realized it was a knife he listened carefully behind him. Once he stopped chewing he could tell that there was more then one beast behind him, and from the smell wafting over his nose he guessed it wasn't a friendly mouse.

"Turn 'round ferret." The voice commanded. Nodding a little Seig slowly turned around, gripping his halberd a little tighter when he was half turned so it wouldn't be spotted. Sure enough it was a rat and eight other assorted vermin. Not good odds at all. Taking a slight step back as the rat grinned evilly at him he spoke again.

"Nice stuffs ferret, gona hand it al ovah then come along to meet ta chief."

"No."

The rat grinned at this, raising the knife. "Then I just kill yeh th*crack*" Was as far as he got before Seig swung the underside of his halberd up hard into the rats chin. Of course during the strike he had completely forgotten about its weakened state and Seig soon found himself holding half of a halberd. Frowning as his weapon was reduced to a short two handed axe he glanced down at the rat laying unconscious on the forest floor and turned to his eight mates, swinging the axe at them dangerously as he edged back wards.

They looked surprised at the sudden attack, and the loud sounds of the rats skull and broken wood haft. And for now it seemed they weren't ready to tangle with this ferret. Taking this moment of confusion Seig quickly turned and sprinted back to the shrews camp. The sounds of pursuit soon in his ears as he spotted the light from the shrews fires.

"Incoming!" He shouted as he just reached the edge of the camp, near to the chieftain and the weasel. Turning he could just make out the vermin closing in. Gripping his axe he raised it over his head and took a stepping run forward to hurl his broken weapon at the lead fox. Unfortunately for the fox due to his run he was unable to side step as the haft of the axe smacked him hard in the face. He only shouted out as he fell to the forest floor, unconscious.

Dam, Seig thought as he quickly set his backpack down, reached in, and pulled out his gauntlets, missed. Drawing his sword as the vermin stopped after spotting all the shrews Seig quickly pulled his gauntlets on and stood ready. He knew that he wouldn't have time to get any more armor on when they were this close. But now hopefully he would have the advantage in numbers against this merry band of murderes...

(Hope thats alright :>)

[Django]

CRACK!!

Tru was instantly alert at the sound. He turned to face the woods, his conversation with the weasel forgotten as he drew his blade. He heard the sounds of pursuit and yelled a command to the Guosim warriors nearby. They jumped to their feet just as the ferret burst from the trees, pursued by more vermin.

"Incoming!"

Nik had his weapon at the ready, sprinting across camp to his father's side. He noticed Bon Vaygen standing near the chief, right in the way of the oncoming vermin. Launching himself at the weasel, he tackled the creature out of the way just in time. They rolled to a stop at the edge of camp. "Stay down, mate," Nik ordered, handing a knife to his friend just in case.

Tru, meanwhile, stood before a line of his warriors, facing the remaining vermin, who had come to an abrupt halt at the sight of the shrews. Nik joined the ranks, growling at the intruders. The Logalog gave the vermin a venomous glare, boring holes into them with his eyes. "State your business," he said levelly, his voice cold as steel.

((Hey, guys, don't kill all the vermin yet. I PM'ed Prank about an idea I had for this scenario. I won't say anything about it yet, in case Prank doesn't approve. But if you could leave the gang alive for now until further notice, thanks!))

[Promatera]

"I 'member a troupe passin' t'roo camp a few years back," the chieftain said. "Led by a hare. Oh, what were 'is name?" He looked up at the sky as he tried to recall the overdramatic hare. "Sir Worsentire, or somethin' I think. Long, ridiculous name. T'were back win Nik were jus' a liddle'un. I weren't e'en Logalog yet. But I 'member that ol' hare. Spoke wid a funny accent."

Bon Vaygan stared at him slack jawed for a moment. Was that his father?

"S-sir Worstechire!" he exclaimed excitedly, as if by a miracle Bon Vaygan could feel life returning to him. "Was that the hare's name?"

Had Bon Vaygan heard right? His father had actually come through here? It may have been some time ago, but what if the shrew knew more! He had to know!

"Incoming!"

Ears perked, Bon Vaygan turned to see the ferret had returned, followed by a small band of vermin. Tru drew his blade and immediately began to take command.

No! He needed to know!

Bon Vaygan was about to pursue Tru when he felt somebeast ram into his side. In a heap they rolled to the edge of the camp. Sore from the blow Bon Vaygan groaned and lifted himself to his knees. It was Nik who tackled him. Who else?

"Stay down, mate," Nik ordered, handing a knife to his friend just in case.

It was a small knife, nothing special, but the blade looked sharp enough to cut through flesh and fur easily. Was this a regular shrew cooking knife? Quickly dismissing the ridiculous thought he nodded and turned his attention to Tru who had organized a few of his shrews into a deadly welcoming party.

"State your business," he said levelly, his voice cold as steel.

Bon Vaygan admired the shrew's diplomatic approach, even with such vile foebeasts, but unless treasure was involved, diplomacy was usually wasted on the vile creatures.

[Tulian Solum]

Watching the assembled foebeasts intently Seig edged himself and his backpack slowly toward the shrews. They were his only possible ally in this situation, and the chieftain hadn't called him out yet so he had to assume he was still on their side. Stopping just in front of the line of shrews he left his backpack there and stood ready facing the vermin. He may have had time to get more armor on but he couldn't now. He was responsible for the vermin coming to this camp so he wouldn't let them fight for him, he had to be ready.

Glancing at the unconscious fox and his weapon he mentally chided himself. Not only had he lost one of his weapons now but he had given the enemy another weapon to use against them. Another ferret confirmed his worry as he picked up the now two handed axe and stood with the rest. Glaring at the ferret he hope it would be he who could kill him for daring to take his weapon from him.

A rat stepped slightly forward from the group and glared at the shrews and ferret, not seeming to notice the weasel at first. Gesturing with his sword at the ferret he nodded to the chieftain. "Dat one is comin with us shrew, just let us take 'im and we'll leave all peaceful like and we won't bring the horde here to destroy the camp." He gave a wicked smile as he finished, seeming sure that his threat would make the shrews give up the ferret.

Looking over the shrew line he titled his head a little as he spotted the weasel, then shrugged as he nodded to his own side as they all pulled out their weapons, including Seigs as he tried to look threatening. Trying to make the rats threat seem more real. Not knowing these shrews that well Seig glanced to Tru to see if he would so casually toss him out. He didn't seem like a fan of vermin so there was a possibility, but would he just throw him under the badger like that?

(Hope that goes with your plan, ill mod if need be.)

[Django]

"Dat one is comin with us shrew, just let us take 'im and we'll leave all peaceful like and we won't bring the horde here to destroy the camp."

Tru glanced back at the ferret in question, who was looking increasingly worried. The other Guosim shrews were waiting for a command from the chief as a few of them eyed the ferret curiously. Turning back to the intruders, the Logalog replied levelly, "Don't look much like 'e wants to come wid yew. So ye'd best be on yore way afore my boys git enny more antsy."

Nik stood by his father, his rapier held out before him, anger blazing in his eyes. He glanced to the edge of the camp where Bon Vaygen stood, knife in paw. Good, the weasel was safe enough for now. Looking to his other side, Nik saw a wall of Guosim warriors protecting the women, children, and elderly. Good, they were protected. This checking on the tribe was a habit he had developed after growing up with a watchful and responsible father. Every beast had to be checked on, no matter if you thought they were fine or not.

"Can we kill 'em, chief?" one of the Guosim shouted, an eager grin on his face.

"Yeh, I jus' ran outta rat pelt blankets fer me liddle'uns," another called.

"An' fall's jus' 'round the corner!"

"Fox pelts're better."

"Naw, weasel's fur's the best!"

The shrews began laughing amongst themselves, their eyes and weapons still trained on the vermin gang before them. They loved angering the enemy. Tru let them have their banter, awaiting the lead rat's reply to his refusal to give up the ferret.

[Promatera]

Keeping low and silent, Bon Vaygan did his best to disappear from all the action. As much as he wanted to ask Tru about his father, it would have to wait. Anticipating the worst, Bon Vaygan kept his knife at the ready. If these vermin belonged to some horde then they would be brutal.

As the vermin made their demands and the shrews boasted, Bon Vaygan kept a close eye on the foebeasts. He was sure they would be the ones to make the first move; they were savage, but clever. Bon Vaygan glanced at Nik who was glancing in his direction as well. He gave him a nod and held up his knife to show he was ready.

Now it was only a matter of time.

[Tulian Solum]

Luckily Tru dispelled his fears and Seig gave a sigh of relief and turned back to the foebeasts. Their weapons didn't seem that high quality and none of them wore any sort of armor so it should be easy. But, he reminded himself as the shrews began their banter, that meant they wouldn't be slowed down, have to watch for that. Making sure his gauntlets were snugly on he dropped down into a fighting stance, gripping his sword ready.

He was somewhat glad the shrews didn't include ferrets in their pelt chiding as he was sure they were not joking from what he had seen of them so far of their ways. But it wasn't his place to try and judge their customs and prejudices, especially when he was counting on them to cover his back.

The vermin seemed to be getting quiet miffed as the shrews started their chant, the rat himself looking very angry that the shrew would so casually just turn aside his demand. After the shrews began laughing that seemed to be the last straw as the rat pointed his curved blade forward and gave a hoarse shout of charge. The vermin yelling and whooping assorted crys for death and blood as they ran forward.

Seig was actually surprised they would attack a larger force then they. But they seemed quiet angry, would have to be careful. Taking a few deep breaths he prepared for the coming battle, making sure he had shrews on either side of him to cover his side as he covered theirs.

The vermin closed the gap fast, soon upon the shrews. The battle had begun!

(Short sorry didn't have much time . )

[Django]

Tru didn't even have to shout a command. The Guosim attacked as the rat yelled for the vermin to charge. Blood and fur flew as the two forces met. The shrews made the most noise, and not just because of their larger numbers. Their battle cry could be heard for miles around Mossflower. "LOGALOGALOGALOOOOOOOOOG!!!" they yelled, barreling into their enemies with vigor.

Nik never felt more alive than when in battle. He loved the feeling of pure adrenaline coursing through his veins, the thrill of dispatching an enemy. But all too soon, it was over. The scant group of vermin lay scattered around the small portion of camp. No shrews had been killed, but a few had been wounded. These warriors were immediately seen to as Tru took a head count and then ordered sentries to be posted around the edges of camp.

As the sentries took up their posts, Nik located first Ban, who hadn't even been in the battle. He had protected the non-fighters and was indignant that he hadn't gotten a piece of the action. Otherwise, though, he was fine. Next Nik went to Bon Vaygen. Again, his friend was fine, having stayed at the edge of camp. Nik had known the fight wouldn't last long, and he was actually glad it was over. The camp was safe.

But no beast remembered, or even knew of, the rat Seig had knocked unconscious in the woods. He had witnessed the battle and the fall of his comrades. Anger (and possibly some fear) adding speed to his limbs, the rat sprinted back to the horde's base.

((Hope that wasn't power playing, Tul. You said reinforcements, and besides there was only seven or eight vermin to deal with. The real battle is yet to come, right? ))

[Promatera]

"LOGALOGALOGALOOOOOOOOOG!!!"

In all his years, Bon Vaygan had never seen such a well-coordinated attack. Even in the horde, nothing was ever very organized. However, the shrews were veterans to combat. They all easily repelled the vermin. Bon Vaygan was glad he was not one of them.

Turning to Nik, Bon Vaygan noticed that he was checking on everybeast's situation. Meanwhile, Nik's father, Tru, was taking a headcount of the shrews. The similarity was somewhat touching, in fact Bon Vaygan was reminded of his own father.

Just then he remembered that Tru had mentioned a hare that sounded like his father. He darted straight towards the shrew intent to discover if it was really his father.

"Tru!" he called halting just beside him, "the hare you mentioned, was his name Sir Worstechire?"

[Django]

"Tru!" he called halting just beside him, "the hare you mentioned, was his name Sir Worstechire?"

Tru finished the head count and turned to Bon Vaygen. "Eh? What hare?" he asked, his mind still in battle mode. After a moment, he recalled their earlier conversation. "Oh, right, uh, yeh, I think that were 'is name." He nodded as if confirming it to himself. "'At sounds about right."

Nik meanwhile was wondering what all the fuss was about over the ferret. The vermin gang had wanted him to come with them, and Nik's father had refused. The ferret must be important, somehow.

Walking up to the creature, Nik gave a simple nod in greeting. "Nik Lagdo," he said. "Yew friends with me dad?" The irony amused him. Here he was getting chewed out by the other Guosim because he had befriended Bon Vaygen. And yet his father had just saved this ferret's life (or at least his freedom) and no beast was questioning it. Well not openly, anyway.

((Sorry that was a little scattered. Want to keep things rolling.))

[Tulian Solum]

Cleaning his blade off on one of the dead vermin after the short battle Seig sheathed it and walked over to the dead ferret to retrieve his broken weapon, Cleaning that as well just to be sure he left it by his backpack as he walked over to the unconscious fox. Checking his pulse to be sure he was still alive he quickly removed the foxes weapons and then set to work.

Pulling off the foxes belt Seig dragged him into a sitting position. Grabbing his wrists he bought his paws securely together with the belt before grabbing the back of the foxes shirt collar and dragging him back towards the other shrews. It was when he was dragging the fox that he remembered the other rat he had knocked out. Sighing and muttering a few swears he dropped the fox near some shrews and went back to his backpack.

Dragging that over to near the fox he began to strap the rest of his armor on. If those vermin were indeed part of a horde then the rat would surly come back with more. He should probably warn the shrews. Luckily one came up to him just after he had finished putting his curaiss on and was picking up his helmet. He shook his head as he slipped his helmet on and tighten the strap. "No sir, just a traveler who got swept up in all this. I suggest you tell your warriors to be ready. There was another rat in the forest who I can only assume as gone to get more horde members."

After he had finished speaking he turned to begin getting his boots on when the fox stirred. Grabbing the front of his shirt with both paws Seig grunted slightly as he hauled him to his feet. Standing at the same height as the fox but holding him slightly low to make him seem more intimidating. But before he could even ask his question the fox had already spit on his helmet and began shouting for help and horde. Shrugging slightly he tilted back his head then slammed his metal reinforced skull hard into the foxes face.

Dropping the unconscious creature to the forest floor he turned to the shrew. Only able to see the shrews face through the slit in his helmet as he gave a small bow as he wiped off the spit with his sleeve.

"Pleasure to meet you by the way sir."

(Gota stop writing these so late >.<)

[Django]

"No sir, just a traveler who got swept up in all this. I suggest you tell your warriors to be ready. There was another rat in the forest who I can only assume as gone to get more horde members."

Nik was immediately on alert. He turned to the Guosim force, which was still gathered, more or less, near one end of camp. "Oi, Guosim!" he shouted, unsheathing his weapon again. "Th' ferret says there be more vermin comin' soon!"

Tru's every muscle was tensed at the warning. He called for the troops to reassemble, rushing over to Seig and Nik. "Git th' wives, children, an' ol' ones inna protected ring," he ordered. "Keep th' wounded in it, too. Let the younger warriors git some a' th' action this time." He gave Seig a serious look. "'Ow many d' they number? Ye know?"

Nik set off to fulfill his father's orders, calling to other warrior shrews to come help him. The non-warriors were soon behind another wall of Guosim fighters, and the rest of the forces were gathering at the edges of camp, bows, slings, and other weapons trained on the tree line. The chieftain's son found Bon Vaygen again, saying, "Watch yore back, mate. Yew can git inside the ring if ye want, but if not--" He handed the weasel an extra blade he had gotten off a wounded warrior. With a final nod, the shrew dashed off to join the forces.

((Feel free to bring in the horde in your next post, Tul. That battle will last a lot longer, I promise.))

[Promatera]

"Oh, right, uh, yeh, I think that were 'is name." He nodded as if confirming it to himself. "'At sounds about right."

Bon Vaygan was nearly elated. Even though it had been years ago, to hear some news about his father was uplifting somehow. He nodded and was about to ask if the shrew knew where his father had gone, but Nik let out an alarm.

"Oi, Guosim!" he shouted, unsheathing his weapon again. "Th' ferret says there be more vermin comin' soon!"

It was too late. Tru tensed up and began to call all the shrews to action.

"Watch yore back, mate. Yew can git inside the ring if ye want, but if not--" He handed the weasel an extra blade he had gotten off a wounded warrior. With a final nod, the shrew dashed off to join the forces.

Bon Vaygan looked at the rapier, it reminded him of the one he had left in his hollow. With the blade in his right paw and the knife in his left, he prepared himself mentally for another invasion. He had survived the last one easily enough, but if more horde members charged in it could become very dangerous.

The possibility of leaving provided a possible idea to Bon Vaygan, but it would also mean the abandoning of his shrew protection and his new friend. Sighing he chose to stay put.

[Tulian Solum]

Seig nodded in approval as the shrew dashed off the rouse the troops. At least they were willing to listen to him and not immediately assume he was trying to trick them. Kicking off his boots he then slipped his footpaws into his armored boots and made sure they were strapped on tight. Nodding as he gave them both a few kicks he checked each piece of his armor to make sure it was all on securely before looking up as the chieftain walked forward. Giving a little salute he shook his head at the question.

"No my lord, but if the rat saw your camp I would assume he would return with a raiding part at least. So you should suspect 30-40 to arrive ready for battle."

Turning after he finished speaking he walked to the bodies of the fallen horde beasts and began to drag them into the forest. He had seen many of his own comrades trip over the bodies of the fallen to then join them. Although he knew that this battlefield would soon be littered with more, as bloodshed would be inevitable, he wanted it to start without a hitch.

It was during this grim necessity that he remember that his main weapon was broken. Sifting through the weapons the horde brought with them the closest he could find was a rusty spear. But it would do better then his short sword in the coming skirmish. Standing a little ways off from the shrews he made sure his sword was sheathed and tied to him before he began his drills.

Stabbing, blocking, slashing. Steadily getting faster until the sounds of armor clanking and ffft of the spear blade could be heard over Seigs steady breathing. It may have seemed odd for him to tire himself out before the battle but he had been trained to get his body on high alert before a fight so he could immediately be on form without a slow start. Narrowing his eyes through the slit in his he continued. The sight of the shrews soon all but lost to the ferret as he practiced, moving in a steady circle as he imagined the moves the vermin would be making. They would likely fight like the raiders from back home, dirty and fast. They would take any advantage they could in this fight, no single combat and no backstabbing. Breathing deeper as his drill neared its end he suddenly stopped just after a powerful thrust. Leaving the spear point quivering in the air as he turned his head toward the forest. They were coming...

It was another two minutes before the enemy party finally came into view. It consisted of 38 assorted vermin, most with melee weapons but a few short bows and slings could be spotted aswell. Seig stood with the shrews, spear held tightly and pointed at the vermin, still worked up from his earlier drills but he had given himself enough time to get his breath back.

The vermin slowly began to spread out until they formed a semi circle around the defending shrews. Nodding to the shrews around him he spoke up as the vermin began to get themselves into a right frenzy with shouting and banging of weapons. "Watch each others sides and don't let them get behind you. They will show you no mercy and allow no mistakes. Strike swiftly then look to the next, never let your ally go off by himself. We fight as a team, not as single fools."

The vermin all let out a loud scream of their warlord as they charged forward, projectiles flew from both sides as the bands clashed for the second time that night.

[Django]

The shrews bellowed their own war cry and charged the vermin. Weapons, fangs, and claws flashed in the light of the dying sun. Blood and fur flew once more as the two sides collided with the force of a hurricane. The cries of the dying and the fighting rang out in the once peaceful woods.

Nik reveled in the pure adrenaline pumping through his veins, letting the Guosim battle cry tear form his throat with the rest. "LOGALOGALOGALOGALOOOOG!!" As enemies fell before the son of the chief, the blood of the vermin splattered across his fur and clothing. Raw ecstasy filled him as he drove his blade clean through a rat, and then through a fox. This was what he lived for.

Tru engaged a particular rat in combat. The rat wore a sash darker than the night over his crude armor. He must be the leader. Tru grinned, dancing around the vermin with ease. The rat was ungainly with his armor, and his sword was much too big for him. But he stumbled after the lithe shrew, swinging the large blade with all his might. Tru mostly dodged the weapon, but he blocked it a few times, just to test the rat's real strength. He didn't have much. The blade was doing all the work.

Chancing a quick glance at the troops, the Logalog saw them doing the name of Guosim proud. Smiling, he returned his attention to the rat. The chieftain had already taken out six vermin. Seven was a lucky number. Locked in combat, the battle became distant noise to the two leaders as each aimed to end the other. Tru was light and fast, but he had less protection. The rat was well-covered in his armor, but he was heavy and slow.

Their fight raged all across the battlefield, neither gaining any advantage over the other for nearly fifteen minutes. When Tru's back was turned to the rest of the battle, a fox noticed his leader struggling to keep up with the shrew. Avoiding a swipe from a Guosim rapier, the fox threw his dagger. It buried itself dead center in Tru's back.

Nik heard the cry of a familiar voice. His father! Quickly dispatching of the stoat he was fighting, the shrew turned to see Tru on his knees, a knife in his back. "Dad!!" he yelled. He jumped back into the fray, making his way towards the chief.

Tru looked up at the rat leader, blood spilling from the side of his mouth as well as the wound in his back. The rat cackled, and Tru noticed a convenient gap in the suit of armor. He stabbed his rapier into the rat's gut up to its hilt, and the cackling ceased. Nik rushed up, then, kneeling beside his father. "Dad," he cried again. The old leader smiled up at his son in satisfaction, his paw still on the hilt of the rapier in the dead rat.

"Ye do me proud, Nik," Tru said simply. "I don't rightly think no beast could'a done me prouder." He slumped over, but his son caught him quickly. "Don't . . . Don't forget me, eh? I really did . . . did love ye, boy." Nik shook his head, indignant tears flooding his eyes.

"No, n-no, Dad, yew gonna make it!" he shouted. "Th' tribe needs ya, Dad!"

"Gonna need . . . yew, now, son," Tru said quietly. "Do me proud as . . . Logalog . . . eh?"

"I will, Dad," Nik sobbed, closing his eyes. "I love ye, too." Logalog Tru died with his gaze on the setting sun, and a smug smile on his old, scarred face. Nik laid his father on the edge of camp, wiling his eyes as he turned back to face the battle. Mourning had to wait. There was a battle to fight. With renewed vigor and righteous fury fueling him, the son of the chief charged back into the fray.

((Sorry for a long one. I didn't want to end the battle here, either. Feel free, Pro and Tul, to keep it going for as long as you want.))

[Promatera]

As the opposing vermin appeared Bon Vaygan could feel himself trembling. Not in fear, but in excitement. He hadn't felt like this since the night in the barn. Of course, he was also glad he had not stayed with the shrews to be surrounded. It occurred to him that in the chaos of the moment, he could be struck down by accident. He was also no fighter so Nik may need to save his life once more. Instead he had concealed himself behind a conveniently placed boulder, which allowed him to keep an eye on the fighters.

"Watch each others sides and don't let them get behind you. They will show you no mercy and allow no mistakes. Strike swiftly then look to the next, never let your ally go off by himself. We fight as a team, not as single fools."

It wasn't long before the two sides advanced on each other.

"LOGALOGALOGALOGALOOOOG!!"

Crashing into each other, the opposing forces began fighting screaming and tearing into each other. It was absolute chaos. From where he hid, Bon Vaygan could see Nik and Tru both fighting brutally, but Tru had soon fallen. Enraged, Nik began to fight even more fervently than before. Bon Vaygan was also indignant. Tru may have known something more about his father, but now he would never know. Nik had grown reckless now and any vermin could get lucky and strike him down. Now was Bon Vaygan's chance to keep his friend alive and repay him for what he had done for him.

Drawing his weapons, Bon Vaygan snuck down into the fray. He had to be very careful right now, anybeast could mistake him for an enemy. At the fringe of the melee, a rat was about to strike down a shrew. Bon Vaygan kicked up a rock at the rat to get his attention, which gave the shrew ample time to strike down his former aggressor.

It had been a while since Bon Vaygan had seen a living creature die and even though it was an enemy, it still had an effect on him. Clutching his head he swooned for a moment, but quickly caught himself. He needed to focus on keeping himself and Nik alive. The latter was harder to do as he remained in the center of the conflict.

Bon Vaygan figured it would be best to remain at the edge of the conflict where he could at least keep an eye on his friend. To keep himself busy Bon Vaygan could help some of the injured shrews out of combat to recover. Just before his footpaws was a shrew who was just barely alive despite his injuries. Bon Vaygan swiftly pulled him back towards the rock he had hidden himself behind.

[Tulian Solum]

The ferret was oddly quiet as the enemy vermin got within range. Only speaking his cry once he made the first stab. Spearing the shocked looking weasel in the chest as he kicked his foot out to knock the rat off his weapon.

"North winds take you!" He cried out as he took a step back and stabbed forward again as he jabbed a rat in the leg. As the creature fell onto one knee he was silenced by a spear stab through the throat as Seig looked to his allys and then went to work protecting them.

Using his spear as a wooden arm he would reach out to stop enemy swings before they collided with the shrews around him, only stabbing when his allys were not in danger. But the shrews were not used to fighting in formation and soon broke to chase after individual enemies that struck down their friends.

Seig soon found himself alone both in terms of allys and enemies. Taking a quick look around the battlefield he just had time to see a dagger land into the chieftains back and a fox look triumph at his throw. Not caring much in the midst of battle he looked back again as his son ran over, leaving himself exposed. Quickly running to his side he had to give a stoat a quick metal kick to the stomach as he ran past but soon found himself standing with his back facing the shrews, protecting the mourning shrew as they spoke.

Narrowing his eyes as the fox ran forward to try and finish the job he leaned back then stabbed forward full force, his spear sliding right through the foxes body. letting go of the weapon as he knew he couldn't get it out he drew his sword and reached back to grabs Nik's shoulder but didn't say anything. There were not threats assaulting them at the moment, he just wanted the shrew to know that he had his back.

Finally Nik left his fathers body and rejoined the battle with Seig as his side. The two falling into the vermin, whoes numbers had been greatly recuded by now.

[Django]

The shrew Bon Vaygen had pulled out of battle was Tyro, mortally wounded, and knowing he was about to die. He looked up at the weasel and gave a small nod, removing his bright red headband with much effort. "Tell Nik t'give this t'me wife," he strained. "An' . . . an' thanks." With a final shudder, Tyro shut his eyes for the last time.

-----

Nik stood over a pile of dead vermin, breathing hard. The battle had lasted an hour and a half total, but it felt like a lifetime. He watched as the remaining Guosim got to their feet, or, if they couldn't, leaned on another. He had to say something to them. Technically, he was the new chief. He didn't want to be, but they had to know. "Guosim!" Nik called, his voice breaking over the words. "Logalog Tru is no more."

Gasps of shock and shouts of outrage rippled through the assembled shrews. Nik waited for them to settle down before continuing. "He died protectin' this tribe, somethin' I know every one a' yew would do, and what some a' us have done today." He bowed his head, trying to keep himself under control. "Ain't nothin' I can say 'bout me da that would do 'im justice 'cept that 'e were the finest leader the Guosim ever saw."

Every shrew in the crowd wholeheartedly agreed.

----- ((Sorry for so many time skips, I'm a little low on inspiration tonight.))

The shrews who weren't wounded busied themselves with disposing of the bodies of the vermin, and giving proper burials to the dead Guosim. Nik stood with the elders of the tribe, his arms folded across his bloody, scarred chest as he tried to make his point.

"I ain't reddy fer this," he said firmly. "I can't lead this tribe like me da did. No beast can. But gimme some time to learn th' ropes, an' then I'll take th' position."

"Nik Lagdo, yew allas did try me patience," one of the elders, a shrew named Kora, said irritably. "Why cain't ye see yore tribe needs yew now?"

"I do see," Nik replied. "I see they need me da. I see they need a better leader 'n I can be right now. Jus' gimme 'til I turn twenny-one. I want t' lead this tribe like me da, an' I don't know 'ow, yet. I 'ave t' know 'ow this works, an' since 'e's gone, 'e can't teach me."

"Yore still entitled to a position of authority, Lagdo," another elder, Cicero, piped up. "Yore da wanted th' Guosim t' join th' Mossguard, remember?"

"I can do captain," Nik said. "I jus' don't want th' tribe t' be inna ruin if I mess up as Logalog jus' 'cause I dunno what t' do."

Their debate lasted for at least another ten minutes before the elders acquiesced. Nik was nearly twenty-one, anyway. They wouldn't have long to wait. Thanking the elders, Nik hurried off to oversee the battle clean-up. He offered his thanks to Seig the ferret and quickly found Bon Vaygen. The weasel sat next to a fallen warrior, and Nik recognized him immediately.

"Tyro," the shrew breathed, falling to his knees. It took him a moment to compose himself, but he finally worked up enough courage to ask, "Wot happened?"

[Promatera]

"Tell Nik t'give this t'me wife," he strained. "An' . . . an' thanks."

Bon Vaygan nodded as he accepted the memento from the dying shrew. Then when the poor creature stopped breathing he returned to the fringe of the battle to help other injured shrews.

After sometime had passed, the battle was finally over. They were victorious! However, the victory was cut short with the discovery that the shrew leader was killed. Nik was now there leader. In a passionate speech, Nik managed to gain the approval of the shrews and honor his father's memory. He would make a great leader.

Bon Vaygan returned to helping the wounded and dying as Nik spoke with the elders. It was a tough task tending to the wounded, but at least he was helping in someway. And still alive for that matter.

Nik approached him with a serious look on his face, he wonder what had happened with the elders.

"Tyro," "Wot happened?"

"Not sure, but I found him just at the edge of the battle, he was hurt really bad so I got him as far away from combat as I could. He died peacefully."

Taking out a red bandanna, Bon Vaygan presented it to Nik.

"He told me to give this to his wife; do you know her?"