Dance of the Thief;; [open]

[Cressida.]

Argyros Silverfur
^{_{-- Prince of Thieves}}

[/color]

The bees hummed lazily in a muffled tone as the trees swayed peacefully in the soft, summer breeze. Everyone felt oddly lethargic in the new heat that threatened to close their eyelids for an afternoon nap. The orchard seemed to be buzzing with drowsiness. Trees staggered back and forth slowly, making it seem as though the entire garden were dancing with branches and suspended leaves that didn't seem to belong to any of the limbs. In the midst of the glorious beauty, a sweet melody cut through the dim silence. The owner of the sounds.. Well, that could be decided easily enough. After all, all the other current inhabitants of the orchards were resting except for one twitching, silver snout that poked out from behind the thick trunk of an oak tree.

"Hm hm hmmm! Too dah loo![/b]" The cunning owner of the snout appeared after it, glancing left and right. He was a lean, but muscular silver-furred arctic fox clothed in an almost sparkly, silky argent tunic. His appearance was rather unusual today, for her wasn't wearing his black leather finger-gloves. Lithely twisting this way and that, Argy reached out with his lithium-colored paw and gently pulled on a rosy-colored orb hanging from a suspended branch. It came off with an easy pop! and he let his dark cerulean eyes examine it for a few more seconds before dropping it into a burlap sack. This was abruptly followed by a short thwump! as the apple landed among the others. With that, the arctic fox swung the bag back over his shoulder and continued with his little 'dance'.

Suddenly, he was spinning this way and that like a top, dancing almost dizzily. However, it appeared that he narrowly yet artistically missed each tree, coming within a hairsbreadth of skinning his forearm. Argy was still whistling his own, improvised tune and swinging back and forth pausing only to pick an apple now and then when ... FWUMP. He found himself staring into the thick, rough bark of a pear tree. Quickly withdrawing from his awkward pose lest anyone see his clumsy mistake, he rubbed at his snout ruefully and ignored the stinging splinters. "So much for my apple-picking. Karma must be out fer me now," he grimaced with a smirk on his face. Argyros was the last person to be perturbed by a bit of bad luck.

[[ Note: He's normally a good beast just stopping for a quick sack of provisions or two every month, and he's just having a bit of fun. Don't take his little charming self too seriously. ;3 ]][/size][/font][/blockquote]

[Kayla Starwave]

A bee hovered in mid-air, between two pear blossoms, its little antennae waving as it tried to decide in its small brain which blossom to pick. It never got the chance, however, as the next instant, it was sent spinning backwards by a gentle flick from a paw. The paw belonged to an ottermaid, and the ottermaid was currently perched high in the pear tree's branches, having nothing else to do on a day like this. She grinned slighlty as she watched the bee shake itself and buzz angrily off to another tree, one that didn't poke it at odd moments.

The ottermaid laid her weight carefully along a limb, which bent a little, even though the ottermaid didn't weigh that much. However, a pear tree wasn't the largest tree in the world, and its branches could only support so much. The ottermaid had been in this tree often, and knew exactly how much pressure she could put on the branch before it would snap. And she had to know this, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to climb the trees. If she snapped another branch, the elders were sure to be after her for ruining the orchard again. The ottermaid always did seem to be in some sort of trouble.

She had just closed her eyes, enjoying the heady smells from the trees, the buzzing of the bees, and the shafts of sunlight that poked through the leaves, when the pear tree shook slightly, as if something had struck it from further down the trunk. The ottermaid opened her eyes and sat up quickly -- much too quickly. The next instant, she had slipped sideways off the branch and was falling to the ground, shrieking at the top of her lungs. Such dramatics weren't really necessary. After all, the pear tree wasn't that far from the ground, yet the ottermaid shrieked as if she were falling from the top of the Abbey building, and her shrieks didn't stop until she landed with a thump in the grass below the tree.

On her way down, the ottermaid thought she had heard somebeast's voice. However, she had no time to look about her and see if her ears had heard correctly. As she started to pick herself up off the ground, her eyes drifted back up into the tree and she gasped. The branch she had been sitting on had cracked from her sudden weight when she had fallen, and was hanging by a few thin threads of bark.

"Oh great!" the ottermaid said as she got to her paws and brushed off her airy colored short sleeved dress. She put her paws on her hips and glared at the broken branch, as if it was its fault. "Now look what's happened. You're going to get me in trouble with the elders again, you know."

[[Saw this and decided to join in. Hope you don't mind. =)]]

[Cressida.]

Argyros Silverfur
^{_{-- Prince of Thieves}}

[/b]

"Oh great!" His ears seemed to buzz with electricity at the sounded of the ottermaid's voice. Even though he hadn't physically seen her yet, her obvious, surprised scent had hit him hard, just as if a Dibbun had dropped a sandstone brick on his head. With silver ears twitching curiously and almost apprehensively, the arctic fox felt his left paw stray instinctively towards Thornwort, his dagger. However, he restrained himself from actually laying paw on it; Redwallers were always cautious about vermin, even if they really weren't much of a threat at all. Yes, that's all true, but what would happen if a pompous old fishhead, such as an otter, dropped in? he thought to himself, still frozen anxiously as the ottermaid continued raving to herself.

Finally, Argy risked the cards and spun around with a charming smirk plastered smugly across his handsome face. He gave her a low, sweeping bow before straightening up and holding out his right paw. Unlike other warriors', it wasn't battle-scarred but perfectly smooth as if they had been spoiled all his life. The canine had an extra twinkle in his sapphire eyes as he greeted her rather enthusiastically. "Well 'lo there, miss! Pleased t'see you drop in, hehe. Get it? ... Oh, nevermind. Oh blimey, I do hope I didn't just knock you out of that there tree ... Bloody tree, eh? Just standin' right there in the middle of me blasted path[/b]." He made to scratch his chin as if making calculation in his head while furrowing his eyebrows. "Eheh, now, if it had only been a few inched to the right, I would've missed it[/b]."

Suddenly, his head twitched left to look directly at Kayla with calculating eyes as he took in her appearance. If he were an otter, he would certainly consider her attractive, but seeing as he was a fox, he simply found her appearance relatively normal. She seemed to be an over-dramatist (Like me, he thought with a look of satisfaction) and had to be light for the tree limb to have held her without snapping. However, she seemed to be nothing dangerous. After all, she seemed quite weaponless and if she ever decided to attack him first, he would make sure that the brouhaha would be ended in just a few moments.

Feigning a look of mock surprise as if he had just noticed her there again, he bent over quite flexibly, his elongated snout barely skimming the ground before straightening to finish his bow with a small flourish. "Name's Argyros Silverfur, miss, and don't yew pay attention to me being a fox. Truth is, I'm gentle when I'm not pinching anything[/b]," he grinned broadly with a mischeivous wink.[/size][/font][/blockquote]

[Kayla Starwave]

Kayla stood for a few seconds, continuing to glare at the broken branch, as though expecting it to answer for its "crime". However, her attention was quickly pulled away from the disaster in the pear tree, when a flash of silver came up in her side vision. Kayla twitched slightly sideways, her blue eyes moving from the tree to a silver furred fox, who seemed to be smirking at her. As her eyes landed on him, he bowed and held out a paw, his sapphire eyes twinkling.

"Well 'lo there, miss! Pleased t'see you drop in, hehe. Get it? ... Oh, nevermind. Oh blimey, I do hope I didn't just knock you out of that there tree ... Bloody tree, eh? Just standin' right there in the middle of me blasted path."

Before Kayla could consider shaking his paw, the fox had drawn it back to scratch reflexively at his chin, as if thinking deeply about something. She hadn't missed the joke about her "dropping in". However, the ottermaid wasn't one to take offense at such things. Instead, she found it a little amusing. It was certainly something she would've said to somebeast had they suddenly dropped from a tree.

"Eheh, now, if it had only been a few inched to the right, I would've missed it."

"It seems the elders might not blame me, after all," Kayla said, grinning as she pictured marching the fox to the Abbey and proving that he was the one who had caused the pear tree's branch to break. She would get off the hook, after all.

The fox suddenly moved his head to stare intently at her, then blinked with a look of certainly mock surprise. This fox appeared to be as much of a joker as she was, and Kayla felt a little off put by this. Hopefully he wouldn't remain in the Abbey long enough to gain a reputation as to that point. Kayla considered her nickname of "mischief maker" as precious as did those beasts called warriors.

The fox quite suddenly bent over, until his nose brushed the ground, making another bow, ending with a flourish. Kayla was slightly impressed at his acrobatic skills, but not that impressed -- after all, she could do the same and more.

"Name's Argyros Silverfur, miss, and don't yew pay attention to me being a fox. Truth is, I'm gentle when I'm not pinching anything."

The fox ended his introduction with a grin and a wink, and Kayla couldn't help but return his grin. He had an infectuous personality, and Kayla wondered if perhaps she had found another creature who liked to get up to mischief as much as she did.

"Didn't even notice the fact," Kayla replied, referring to his species. "I'm Kayla, Kayla Starwave. What brings you to the Abbey?"

[Cressida.]

Argyros Silverfur
^{_{-- Prince of Thieves}}

[/sub][/color][/b]

The ottermaid seemed a little downcast by his mischeivous personality, but the arctic fox tried his best to pay no mind. Was she really that disappointed in his antics? After all, Argy had to admit that they were a bit old-fashioned, but they honestly couldn't be that bad. Mistaking Kayla's frown for a sign of displeasure, the canine immediately clamped his jaws shut and attempted to look serious while keeping the corners of his jaws still. It took all of his self-restraint not to break out laughing, but it seemed that Kayla wasn't enjoying his plays. He repressed a sigh befor leaning back against the accused pear tree.

"Kayla Starwave, eh? Sounds pretty interesting," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone. Most foxes like himself weren't exactly named with epithets such as 'Starwave' or even 'Kayla'. Those were reserved for the peaceful, feminine woodlanders who resided in the Redwall Abbey. Us fighters are given true names, he thought with a note of confidence, looking smug for a second before his arrogance vanished into thin air. Argy crossed his arms and looked thoughtful after she asked him his business in the great sandstone abbey.

It took him a while to respond. After all, the arctic fox really didn't have any business in Redwall except for restocking on provisions until Cressa decided they were fit enough to set off back into Mossflower. Then they would begin their vermin-hunting for a few months and return once vittles ran low. Normally their hunts didn't go as planned, but they always had those one or two times when the two were lucky. It wasn't as if they weren't talented (Ohoho! Argy thought to himself at this mental remark), it was simply that something went wrong every time they tried. He remembered that one time when the pair had been stalking three rather thick-headed stoats and they just happened to ... That was a story to think about another time.

"Can't tell that t'yeh, missy," he said, waggling one single paw in front of her brown nose. Although it was impossible for him to stay sober when unecessary, he resolved by toning down his trouble-making methods to something around ... over-friendly. "Because t'be honest, I don't know the h'answer to that meself[/b]," added Argyros.[/size][/blockquote][/font]

[//Ah-Dol]

((ooc: Hope you don't mind me dropping in, hm?))


Abandoning the hussle of the Pond, Abbess Gale took a stroll through the remainer of the grounds. All was in check. Everything was being or had been harvested for the coming winter, Dibbuns were at laughable play, creatures at ease. That ment she could relax too.
And what better way to relax than wander through the Abbey grounds, enjoying the outdoors before harsh blizzards came?

The corners of her mouth twitched as she bent down to inspect the gardens. Her Redwallers were very diligent; all ready preparing the ground here for future gardening. In the spring, sprouts would burst through the dirt, signalling a well-fed season for the Abbey. Pools of grey inspected the bare trees; fruit had been picked long ago, their leaves had left them to scatter on the ground. Now they were in rest until the snow melted. Life always continued at Redwall. She felt content for her Abbey.

"Hm?" the ancient fox straightened up at the sounds of conversation nearby. She had been so absorbed that she hadn't realized what was going on around her. Searching, she saw Kayla Starwave, a young ottermaid. With her was a white fox in which she couldn't recall meeting before. Perhaps a traveler.

Abbess Gale walked slowly over to the two, then stopped behind the ottermaid, eyes twinkling. "What a lovely day we are blessed with" she paused, turning to the traveler with a quick nod and friendly look. "are you and your friend hungry, Miss Starwave? The kitchens are still open, if it is still to my understanding."

[Kayla Starwave]

OOC: Reserving a post here, will answer soon. =)

[Kayla Starwave]

OOC: Finally answering, sorry for the delay. And sorry for the post; my muse is missing.

"Can't tell that t'yeh, missy."

The fox waggled a paw in front of the ottermaid's nose as he replied to her earlier question. Kayla eyed his paw for a moment, but since he was a stranger, and not a friend, Kayla didn't do as she usually did, and snap at the offending paw. She never liked it when beasts waved their paws at her. It almost always meant she was in trouble in some way.

"Because t'be honest, I don't know the h'answer to that meself," the fox added.

"I see," said Kayla. "So, you're one of those wandering types, aren't you?"

As she waited for the fox to reply, Kayla suddenly spotted an apple lying on the ground a few feet away from her, underneath the tree it used to be a part of. She quickly moved to pick it up, then was back in front of the fox in a twinkling, grinning as she dusted off the apple and prepared to sink her teeth into it.

"What a lovely day we are blessed with."

The voice coming from behind her startled Kayla and she gave what sounded something like a squeal, and dropped her apple. She whirled around, ready to give a tongue lashing to whatever creature had thought to sneak up and scare her, but the withering words she had prepared melted from her tongue as she saw who was standing behind her. The Abbess.

"Are you and your friend hungry, Miss Starwave? The kitchens are still open, if it is still to my understanding."

The Abbess was smiling at her, and had extended a nod of welcome to the fox as well. What was his name again? Oh yes -- Argyros. It was an odd name, to be sure.

"I'm always hungry, Miss Abbess, you know that," said Kayla with a grin, which was somehow lacking a bit of the warmth it usually held. She had suddenly remembered the state of the pear tree Argyros was leaning against, and was in a hurry to get the Abbess away from it before she noticed. "What about you, Argyros?"

[//Ah-Dol]

She had also noted the state of the tree, but dismissed it. The Abbey's Orchards where there to give a pretty landscape, food and occasional shelter. If these young creatures had not picked it clean...the fruits would have been wasted. She bent down slowly, picking up the apple that fell from the ottermaid's grasp. The ancient fox cleaned it quickly on her robe front then extended it in one frail limb to Kayla. "I believe this got away from you. Huh...hungry indeed; I am amazed you young beasts always have room for more food after you just ate." the corners of her mouth twitched as she spoke those words.

But for all the amusement of the situation...the Abbess could not identify the other fox. Argyros, did Kayla say? Yes, that was it. Ah. Good. Abbess Gale had never encountered him before; nothing awkward by not knowing his name.

"So. Argyros, is it?" Abbess Gale turned to look at the young fox. "well, Argyros, you may follow your friend to the kitchens. I am sure Miss Starwave will gladly show you the way..." she broke off, eyes twinkling. "but before all that...you shall have to grace an old fool with your full name." She had great trust in the Gatekeepers. They wouldn't allow just any beast into the Abbey. This fox ment no harm at all. He was a traveler. But she would like to know his name for the future. Incase he visited again.

[Cressida.]

ooc;; shame on ye, Rush.
Posting without me now, are you? xD
V Blaaah? D:

ic;;

Argyros Silverfur
^{_{-- Prince of Thieves}}

[/sub][/color][/b]

During his time socializing and worrying over Kayla's reaction, his sharp silver snout had failed to notice a new scent approaching them rather quickly - a fox. Hearing the cracked, wheezy old voice made him whirl around attentively, his silver paw already on Thornwort's hilt before a creature could blink. The arctic fox had to admit he was extremely surprised to see a frail, thin canine standing before him and his paw slipped off of his dagger when he recognized that Gale meant no harm at all. Huh, what a way to scare a pore creature like me, he thought dramatically, eyeing her for a split second before making another charming bow.

"G'day to you, ma'am[/b]," Argy grinned nonchalantly, saluting obediantly to the ancient Abbess with his slim paw. He was hardly surprised that Abbess Gale knew Kayla's name; after all, the two lived in the exact same Abbey every single day. He temporarily zoned away from the conversation until his ears pricked up erect, quivering at the sound of that lovely word - 'Kitchens'. Winking at the ottermaid before turning to the wisened fox, he nodded sagely, folding his arms at her remark. "Aye, a poor fox like me hasn't got anything t'eat 'round here 'cept for the few roots and herbs me mate and I manage to find[/b]," he murmured, trying his best to keep the corners of his muzzle from twitching. "'Course, I'm always open to a light snack in the Kitchen, right, Miz Starwave?" He rubbed his lithium-colored paws together. No food was safe when Argyros was around.

He watched curiously as Kayla juggled the apple temporarily in her paws before it landed up on the ground a few tail-lengths away and as the Abbess bent over to pick it up. Argy could've sworn he heard something creaking as she straightened to hand the fruit back to the otter. There was something unique about 'Miz Starwave' that made him feel much more comfortable around her. Perhaps it was the fact that she was a mischeif-maker similar to him, or if it was just her friendly, accepting attitude that made him feel at ease. Either way, Silverfur could tell that he would be begging Cressie to stay longer at Redwall.

"Argyros Silverfur's the name, pinching's my game[/b]," he replied in a singsong voice, winking pompously at the elder.[/size][/blockquote][/font]

[Kayla Starwave]

OOC: Sorry again about the post. >.<

Kayla's apple was quickly returned to her by the Abbess, and the ottermaid didn't hesitate in taking a rather large bite from it. The apple was crunchy and delicious, a simple treat that the ottermaid always enjoyed whenever she was feeling a bit peckish. The Abbess mention of the kitchens and food had gotten her stomach rumbling, reminding her of the tiny breakfast she had eaten hours ago.

She grinned at the Abbess's words on hungry young creatures, but didn't respond. She continued to eat her apple, for the moment content to observe the conversation between Argyros and the Abbess.

"Well, Argyros, you may follow your friend to the kitchens. I am sure Miss Starwave will gladly show you the way..."

"But of course," Kayla said, bowing slightly at the waist, and winking at Argyros. The fox murmured something under his breath about roots and herbs, which the ottermaid didn't quite catch, but she dismissed it as the fox spoke louder.

"'Course, I'm always open to a light snack in the Kitchen, right, Miz Starwave?"

"Always," Kayla said, taking another bite from her apple.

Redwall's food was known across the land for its lengendary deliciousness, and Kayla was eager to share the food with Argyros. He had probably already eaten here before, she was sure, but this time would be different. She wondered if the fox had ever tried watershrimp'n'hotroot soup. Her grin widened slightly around another portion of the apple before she bit down. The kitchens might seem like a dull place to some beasts, but for Kayla, there was always some fun to be found there.

"Argyros Silverfur's the name, pinching's my game."

The fox replied to the Abbess's question in a singsong voice, and he even winked at the old fox. Kayla was growing to like Argyros a little more, and wasn't resenting him nearly as much for his mischievious side. Who knew what stuff they could get up to.

[Kayla Starwave]

OOC: Are we just waiting on Ah-Dol to reply?

[Cressida.]

ooc;; I'd prefer if we had Ah-Dol to seperate our posts so she's not left behind ... but if Rush is having a bit of trouble, then I suppose I'll post soon. ;3