Panic at the Abbey

[Promatera]

Leander was feeling glum today. His birthday was growing closer and closer and soon he would be of age. He promised himself he would leave the abbey to find his parents once he came of age, but now that the time had almost come with each passing day he found himself more and more reluctant to leave his new home.

Even though he had plenty of work to do within the abbey his thoughts kept wandering back to his parents. Thinking of his parents made Leander feel miserable, but helping the other abbey dwellers brought Leander comfort. In between helping in the kitchens; sorting through the library; moving kegs full of ale, wine, and cordial in the cellars; and tidying up the great hall, however, he still had time to spare.

This free time tormented Leander. Where most other beasts enjoyed having time to themselves after finishing their chores, he dreaded every moment of it. He would even look for more work after he had finished his chores so that he could avoid idleness. Work provided Leander with focus and kept him firmly tied to the earth, but once his work was finished, his line was cut and to his dismay, his head would drift into the clouds. Most beasts would daydream when in thought, but instead of dreams, Leander found only worry.

"Is that a spot on my tunic?"

"Where are my parents?"

"Did I forget something this morning?"

"What's taking my parents so long?"

"I must look so stupid just sitting here..."

"Are my parents still alive?"

These thoughts pounded in his head building, thundering, and pounding. His soul was ablaze, ignited by worry, but when focused, the fire burning his life like wax was extinguished. To his benefit, he had eventually formed a schedule to keep himself busy and the daily rhythm it provided soothed him like a security blanket.

However; today the dread of coming of age had grown greater, in a few days time another birthday will come to pass and he will have to leave the safety of Redwall. Already he was almost done with his chores and he had only one more job left in the infirmary.

Inside the abbey everything seemed louder and chaotic to Leander. Beasts were preparing for dinner scurrying around all over the cavernous great hall. He felt lost amongst all the chaos around him and the dread quickly turned into panic. He was a nervous wreck, a terrible otter, and he knew it. Leander began to feel ill when he began to dash off for the infirmary.

As Leander grew closer and closer to the infirmary, his panic began to subside as did the noise of the abbey. He was sure he had found somewhere to work in peace and collect himself. He opened the door relieved, but only for a second as he discovered an otter lying quietly.

Leander stopped right at the doorway. His panic was returning. He had hoped for peace and quiet and he got it, but now Leander would have to share it. This thought was not appealing to him, he was never much for conversation and he always felt very self-conscious when he was with others. However, he was soon put at ease as he discovered the otter seemed to be sleeping. Slowly, Leander crept inside. Turning his gaze towards the otter he recognized him almost immediately, but could not recall the poor beast’s name. Wasn’t it something with a “T”? A few paces in and suddenly disaster struck. Keeping his head facing the other otter he did not notice that his right foot was on a course to hitting the leg of a bed. Ignorant of this fact, he walked on until his foot collided with the leg, tripping him up and sending him falling to the floor.

CRASH

He was sure he had never looked more ridiculous in all his life. He lifted himself up and turned towards the otter, desperately hoping he had not awoken him.

[Prankster101]

For once, in a long time, Travioso Trueflight was having a relatively nice day and a wonderful nap.

Travi's body had been slowly healing, and today was one of his better days. His migraines had gone down, the pain in his chest was less, and he has been able to switch from a crutch to a walking cane. And not only that but it was fairly nice outside. Sure it was a bit muggy, but a nice, long swim cleared that up.

After his swim, Travi had come back up to the infirmary because his head was starting to hurt again, but a quick dose of medicine and a quiet nap made it all the worth while.

The nap was great! The infirmary room was super quiet, and he had no nightmares, which, for Travi was the best part. No dreams, was like adding extra hotroot to his Shrimp and Hotroot soup. It meant a full, restful sleep. And he was enjoying it.

However, his peace was not to last...

Lying upon the covers of the bed, Travi's green hat had fallen over his eyes. His paws were resting upon his chest, and his bandaged paw resting on it's own pillow at the foot of his bed. He was incredibly relaxed, but when a loud CRASH echoed through the room, Travi jerked up suddenly, his paw instinctively reaching for his knife which lay upon the small table next to him. The knife would have been on his belt, but the infirmary keeper wouldn't allow him sleeping with his blade on.

But when Travi saw who it was, Travi lay back in his bed with a light groan. It was just another Abbey otter. He didn't have a position, but did the odd job that needed done. Oh, what was his name... Lay...no..Lean..gur..Oh..Whatever his name is...He wasn't a threat.

The only thing he did do was ruin Travi's wonderful nap. Putting a paw over his eyes. Oh great his headache was coming back. Trying to be calm and relax, Travi spoke to the otter, who he assumed to be still in the room. "So mate...Ye needed som't'in' or ye just come in 'ere ta wake mea up because ye could."

[Promatera]

His fears had been realized. Horrified by the otter's sudden reaction Leander fell back against the wall and began to tremble with dread. Leander could feel his panic returning with a vengeance as he began to feel short of breath and somewhat dizzy.

"So mate...Ye needed som't'in' or ye just come in 'ere ta wake mea up because ye could."

"S-s-sorry..." he withered as he spoke and turned away from the otter. He knew he had angered him and Leander himself looked like an idiot. Ashamed he didn't dare look at the other otter. Slowly he lifted himself up again, he was visibly trembling now and had to place his hand on the wall for support. In his mind's eye the image of the knife flashing as being drawn slashed through his thoughts and shredded his restraint.

"Sorr-" he tried again, but his breath left him. Taking a deep breath Leander realized he had to keep himself calm. His panic was getting the best of him. Although it only happened rarely, Leander had begun to learn how to control himself during a panic attack. He took a deep breath and then paused. His heart began to beat slower and his trembling was more restrained, but he was still on edge.

"Sorry," he said as he lifted himself from the floor. He still could not bring himself to face the otter, but figured that after that spectacle he could not be any more ridiculous.

[Prankster101]

"S-s-sorry..."

Travi's ears twitched. Oh, great. He's freaking out. Travi took a deep breath. He wasn't angry, a bit annoyed and frustrated that his headache was coming back and his nap was interrupted, but not angry at the otter. It really wasn't his fault. Sure the otter made the noise, but he wasn't the one that had sleeping problems.

"Sorr-"

Sighing, Travi put his arm down. He groaned and pushed himself up. Looking over, the otter looked like he was having a panic attack or something.

"Sorry,"

"Mate," Travi cut the otter off. "It's fine. Stop apologisin'. Ah ain't angry ats ye. Mea 'ead makin' mea testy is all." Shaking his head, Travi rubbed his aching forehead. "Ye be a needin' som't'in' mate?"

[Promatera]

"Mate," Travi cut the otter off. "It's fine. Stop apologisin'. Ah ain't angry ats ye. Mea 'ead makin' mea testy is all." Shaking his head, Travi rubbed his aching forehead. "Ye be a needin' som't'in' mate?"

"N-no," he replied quickly stepping towards a washing basin slipping into slang, "A'll be fine." Reaching in he quickly splashed his face with water and felt his panic begin to recede. Able to think clearer now he focused on the job at hand. Leander was bestowed the vague task of keeping the infirmary organized so he was able to work even if the abbey healer was not in the infirmary. What struck Leander as odd, however, was that he had been working in the infirmary for some time and was familiar with every beast (at least what they looked like). Yet somehow this well-intentioned visit had gone sour.

Regardless Leander needed to start getting to work so without another word to the otter he began to check the healer’s cabinet of herbs and medicines, ensuring everything was in its place. An awkward silence came to pass and it made Leander quite uncomfortable. As he found an unnamed herb on the list it dawned on him that he had never properly introduced himself. Deciding the formality was a possible way to make him seem like less of an idiot he began.

“Mah name-“realizing he slipped into slang Leander caught himself and began again, “My name is Leander by the way.” Still facing the cabinet he stopped working for a moment to hear the other otter’s response.

[Prankster101]

"N-no," he replied quickly stepping towards a washing basin slipping into slang, "A'll be fine."

Travioso shrugged and settled back down on his cot as the otter washed his face and went about cleaning and organizing. As Travi watched the otter fritter about in the medicine cabinet, he remembered that not only had he seen this otter around the Abbey, but he was sure he had seen this otter around the infirmary. He would occasionally come in and clean, but Travi had always been doing something else so he never really noticed the otter.

This made Travi think even harder. He had to know this otter's name! Oh, what was it.....

As he thought to himself, Travi had propped himself up with his pillow, so that he was lying down, but still sitting up. Travioso knew that now sense he was awake he should lie down if he wasn't going to be sleeping again for a while.

“Mah name-“realizing he slipped into slang Leander caught himself and began again, “My name is Leander by the way.” Still facing the cabinet he stopped working for a moment to hear the other otter’s response.

Leander! That was it! Of course he had to be told, but that was beside the point. Travi replied. "Aye...Ah'm Travi."

Putting his paws behind his head, Travi looked over at Leander. He seemed like a very skittish otter. Well, ye did just spook 'im good mate. Travi berated himself.

Ignoring the slight throbbing in his head, Travi tried to strike up a conversation with Leander. "Sorry if ah spooked ye back dere mate. Instinct reac'tion, esphecially from dese past days." He sighed at the memories and pushed them out of his mind. No, not now.

[Promatera]

"Aye...Ah'm Travi."

"Eh?" he turned in surprise. "Travi...you wouldn't 'appen t'be Travioso Trueflight mate?" he gaped in surprise, not realizing he had again slipped into slang. All of his embarresment was replaced with admiration as he realized he was speaking to Travioso Trueflight, a hero who had travelled far beyond the walls of the abbey and had come back alive. Of course Leander had heard of him, but he never realized who exactly he was. To think he had been helping him all this time.

"Sorry if ah spooked ye back dere mate. Instinct reac'tion, esphecially from dese past days."

"Naw, think nuthin' of it mate," Leander replied, "ah jus' can't believe ah'd been 'elpin yah dis 'ole time!" He began to laugh nervously, but he felt better as he relieved some tension. As he calmed down questions began to flood his brain, but he remembered that he had just disrupted Travi's nap.

"Feelin' alright mate?" he asked. Leander decided it best to ask if Travi was well enough for conversation before continuing. Travi seemed to have something on his mind.

[Promatera]

"Aye...Ah'm Travi."

"Eh?" he turned in surprise. "Travi...you wouldn't 'appen t'be Travioso Trueflight mate?" he gaped in surprise, not realizing he had again slipped into slang. All of his embarrassment was replaced with admiration as he realized he was speaking to Travioso Trueflight, a hero who had travelled far beyond the walls of the abbey and had come back alive. Of course Leander had heard of him, but he never realized who exactly he was. To think he had been helping him all this time.

"Sorry if ah spooked ye back dere mate. Instinct reac'tion, esphecially from dese past days."

"Naw, think nuthin' of it mate," Leander replied, "ah jus' can't believe ah'd been 'elpin yah dis 'ole time!" He began to laugh nervously, but he felt better as he relieved some tension. As he calmed down questions began to flood his brain, but he remembered that he had just disrupted Travi's nap.

"Feelin' alright mate?" he asked. Leander decided it best to ask if Travi was well enough for conversation before continuing. Travi seemed to have something on his mind.

[Prankster101]

"Eh?" he turned in surprise. "Travi...you wouldn't 'appen t'be Travioso Trueflight mate?" he gaped in surprise, not realizing he had again slipped into slang.

Travioso looked confused. "Uh...yeah. W'at did ah do dis time?..." He asked. Travi was very puzzled. Why was Leander so...suprised? To Travi it looked like Leander had just met his hero. Travi didn't think he was a hero. He was a prankster, and a monster. So what was Leander getting all excited about?

"Naw, think nuthin' of it mate," Leander replied, "ah jus' can't believe ah'd been 'elpin yah dis 'ole time!"

Now Travi was really confused. "W'at are y talkin' about mate?" Travioso questioned. This Leander was a very confusing fellow. Travi didn't know that much about him. He knew a bit about what happened to the otter. Something about a vermin raid killing his entire tribe. He remembered that practically all of the Abbey's warriors went out in search parties, including Travi, and found nothing. Other than that, Travi didn't know much. But this sudden admiration was confusing Travioso.

"Feelin' alright mate?" he asked.

Travi shook his head, pushing his thoughts out. No, not now. He would not start thinking about that now. Because if he did, his mind would simply go down a self-pity bunny trail and now was not the time for that. He was having a good day, and was not willing to wallow in self-pity.

Putting a paw to his head, and rubbing it a bit, Travi replied. "Alrig't be a relative term matey.....Ah'm alrig't'...But dat don't mean ah ain't good...But dan't worry. Ah'll be fine..."

[Promatera]

Putting a paw to his head, and rubbing it a bit, Travi replied. "Alrig't be a relative term matey.....Ah'm alrig't'...But dat don't mean ah ain't good...But dan't worry. Ah'll be fine..."

Leander paused as he noticed Travi's discomfort and realized he might have been too forward with him. He started to feel embarrassed again, Leander should not have said anything. He could not have helped himself though. Here was somebeast that had left the abbey, found his answers, and returned to the abbey alive! In a few days, Leander promised himself that he would do the same, but he doubted he would last long outside the abbey walls. Leander had so many questions for him, but most of all he wanted to know what convinced him to leave the safety of the abbey.

However, Travi looked far too uncomfortable to really discuss anything at this point. Disappointed he let out a small sigh and returned to organizing the cabinet. He quickly thought of something to say to avoid another lull in conversation.

“So…er…how old are you again?” he spoke dropping his slang now that he had calmed down.

[Prankster101]

((Ooc: Age...oh Travi's been 16 for a while...I think by now... he should at least be 18..I think... ))


Travioso was now horribly confused. At first, he was nervous, then he was super excited, and now he was disappointed. What was up the Leander? What did Travi say? Travi didn't think he said anything that would upset him.

But Leander was.

Leander had sighed and went back to organizing the cabinet. Sitting up a little higher, but still lying down, Travi shook his head. Okay, he had to ask what was up with Leander??

“So…er…how old are you again?” he spoke dropping his slang now that he had calmed down.

The question took Travi by surprise. His age? Why did that matter? "Uuhhh...18..Why mate? W'at are y gettin' afta'? Just spit it out mate. Ah'm fine. Sure mea head hurts, but dat's old news...Yer afta' somet'in'..Just tell mea mate."

[Promatera]

((OOC: Sorry this post is way overdue xp Also two belated happy birthdays to Travi XD))

"Uuhhh...18..Why mate? W'at are y gettin' afta'? Just spit it out mate. Ah'm fine. Sure mea head hurts, but dat's old news...Yer afta' somet'in'..Just tell mea mate."

Leander was stunned Travi was so forward about this, but felt bad about sharing his burden with some beast who had quite a load himself. Though deeply personal, Leander finally decided to confide in Travi. Taking a deep breath he began reluctantly.

"I'm almost 18," he responded, "I made a promise that when I came of age I would look for my parents. I had hoped my parents my parents would be back by now, but they are still out there. I need to find them, but..."he paused. He was embarrassed, but he needed to continue, he was committed now.

"I-I don't think I can do this," he sighed, "b-but you! You've already been to Salamandastron and back! How did you do it? How did you live?" Leander had grown excited once more as he spoke. He hoped that maybe Travi could reveal to him what he needed to do to be ready.

[Prankster101]

"I'm almost 18," he responded, "I made a promise that when I came of age I would look for my parents. I had hoped my parents my parents would be back by now, but they are still out there. I need to find them, but..."he paused. He was embarrassed, but he needed to continue, he was committed now.

"I-I don't think I can do this," he sighed, "b-but you! You've already been to Salamandastron and back! How did you do it? How did you live?" Leander had grown excited once more as he spoke.

Travi shook his head, sighing gently. This otter must not have heard the whole story. Sure Travioso had gone and come back, but he also had suffered greatly. More than anybeast could every know...

"Mate..ye see...ah almost didn't..." Pulling down the collar of his jerkin, Travi showed Leander the scar above his heart on his left shoulder.

Putting his shirt back, Travioso continued to talk. "Also did nay 'elp dat....dat ah'm cursed. "

He sighed. "Mate, ah'm nay all dat. Ah made it, cause ah 'ad 'elp. Ah 'ad lots o' 'elp. But, o' course, ah wasn't lookin' fur somebeast. Ah knew w'ere dat beast was. Ah was fig'tin' a war...an' from da rumors, be soundin' like anot'er be on it's way..." Wavin' his paw, Travi tried to shrug his thoughts away. "But rig't naw, dats not important...Really mate, ain't sure w'ats ta tell ye. Ah mean..ah could tell ye w'at ah did, but not sure 'ow dat would 'elp..."

[Promatera]

A heatwave passed through Leander's body, he realized that his confession left him feeling quite embarrassed and exposed. He felt slightly relieved as Travi sighed.

"Mate..ye see...ah almost didn't..." Pulling down the collar of his jerkin, Travi showed Leander the scar above his heart on his left shoulder.

At the sight of the scar Leander swooned backwards and almost lost his balance, but he recovered just in time. For some reason Leander would always feel odd whenever he saw someone injured, but he could never figure out why. Leander did feel pity for Travi despite his repulsion. He finally realized why Travi was in the infirmary.

"Also did nay 'elp dat....dat ah'm cursed. "

"Cursed?" Leander asked confused. He had never heard of Travi being cursed and in fact was not really superstitious either.

He sighed. "Mate, ah'm nay all dat. Ah made it, cause ah 'ad 'elp. Ah 'ad lots o' 'elp. But, o' course, ah wasn't lookin' fur somebeast. Ah knew w'ere dat beast was. Ah was fig'tin' a war...an' from da rumors, be soundin' like anot'er be on it's way..."

Leander looked away for a moment as he remembered whispers he had heard in the abbey of a looming threat. Putting himself back on track his thoughts drifted back to Travi. Was he just being modest? Or perhaps this beast before him had felt a little like he did before the journey?

Wavin' his paw, Travi tried to shrug his thoughts away. "But rig't naw, dats not important...Really mate, ain't sure w'ats ta tell ye. Ah mean..ah could tell ye w'at ah did, but not sure 'ow dat would 'elp..."

Leander returned his gaze and gave a weak smile. Even though Travi could not answer his question he appreciated him for trying. He thought about it for a moment and realized that if Travi could not answer his question then he doubted many others would be able to. Perhaps what Leander sought could not be answered by others?

"I-it's fine," Leander replied anchoring himself once more. He started to feel guilty again for discussing this topic with Travi because it obviously caused him discomfort.

"T-thanks anyway, though," Leander added sheepishly. He had just about finished his work in the infirmary, but thought it would not hurt to see if Travi needed anything.

"So...would you like something from the kitchens?" Leander asked. He had recently been given a new position in the kitchens so he could bring something up easily.

[Prankster101]

"Cursed?" Leander asked confused.

Travioso looked away, his eyes downcast and ashamed. "Aye..Cursed....Wit' a BadgerLord's Bane..." A shutter ran down Travi's spine as the memories resurfaced of all the times he experienced it. No, no, not now please. Travi pleaded with his mind. No...not now....

"I-it's fine," [...]"T-thanks anyway, though," Leander added sheepishly.

Shaking his head Travi, knew that everything was not fine. Leander was disappointed and obviously upset. Travi didn't know how to help the mate though. He really didn't.

"So...would you like something from the kitchens?" Leander asked.

"Uh?" Travi looked up from his thoughts. "Uh nah. Nah ah dan't need not'in'....but ye do..." Travi replied, his eyes sparkling with the idea that suddenly popped into his head. Sitting up, Travi spun his legs around and reached for his cane. "Actually..dere be somet'in' ye can be a doin' fur mea." He said to Leander as he limped over to one of the cupboards and opened it.

Taking out two towels, Travi gently tossed one over to Leander. "Ye be a needin' a break mate. Ye t'inkin' to 'ard 'bouts dis. Ifn ye just relax, ye can t'ink clearly 'bouts w'at ye be a needin' ta do is all. An' da best way Ah know ta 'elp a beast t'ink clearly be ta take a good swim! Gonna join mea mate?" Travi asked, his roguish smile inviting Leander to the fun.

[Promatera]

Travioso looked away, his eyes downcast and ashamed."Aye..Cursed....Wit' a BadgerLord's Bane..."

Leander had never heard of "BadgerLord's Bane" but seeing the shame on Travi's face he decided not to press the issue.

As Leander waited to hear if Travi wanted something from the kitchens he noticed his eyes light up and his shame seemed to vanish.

"Uh nah. Nah ah dan't need not'in'....but ye do..." Travi replied, his eyes sparkling with the idea that suddenly popped into his head. Sitting up, Travi spun his legs around and reached for his cane. "Actually..dere be somet'in' ye can be a doin' fur mea." He said to Leander as he limped over to one of the cupboards and opened it.

"Y-yeah?" he asked surprised by Travi's enthusiasm. Leander was happy he could help Travi in some way and seeing as Leander had nothing left to do that day, it would keep him busy.

Taking out two towels, Travi gently tossed one over to Leander. "Ye be a needin' a break mate. Ye t'inkin' to 'ard 'bouts dis. Ifn ye just relax, ye can t'ink clearly 'bouts w'at ye be a needin' ta do is all. An' da best way Ah know ta 'elp a beast t'ink clearly be ta take a good swim! Gonna join mea mate?" Travi asked, his roguish smile inviting Leander to the fun.

Leander was overjoyed. Excited he quickly slipped into otter slang, "Aye, matey!" he shouted. For some reason he had not thought of going to the abbey pond, he knew it made him feel better. Perhaps he had been thinking too hard for a solution to his problems when the simplest one was right in front of him? It no longer mattered though, the pond would be more fun with another beast anyway.

"Let's shove off afore-er..." catching himself he took a breath and began again, "let's go to the pond."

(OOC: Well at about this point we can either stop or continue the thread! It's up to you xD Though if we do continue would we just start posting in the abbey pond section or do we continue to post here?))

[Prankster101]

Travioso noticed that Leander didn't understand his indirect wording of bloodwrath. Ignoring it, Travi figured that it would most likely be better that way. If Leander knew, he would be terrified.

Excited he quickly slipped into otter slang, "Aye, matey!" he shouted.

Travi smiled. He didn't know why Leander kept switching between accent, and no, but that really didn't matter, he could ask him in the pond when the mate was more relaxed. But it was good that Leander wanted to come. He needed to de-stress.

"Let's shove off afore-er..." catching himself he took a breath and began again, "let's go to the pond."

"Aye." Travi nodded. "Let's go mate." Throwing the towel over his shoulder, Travi limped to the door and started down the stairs. He couldn't wait for a go swim.


((Ooc: If you want to continue this thread, I would suggest moving it to the pond yes. I left it off so you could do so. I supposed I could start it if you wish, just post here and tell me. If you want to start it, go right ahead. ))

[Promatera]

((OOC: Hey Prank! Just letting you know I've continued this thread in the pond section of the abbey, so feel free to continue it from there! I guess this means this part of the thread is officially CLOSED! XD))