You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

[fernleaf]

Don't know what I'd do here until Pillar gets back, but maybe they could interact with Cayvear and his bats, though it may ignite Vermillion's wrath. Is Snivels afraid of bats? LOL

[coolcoyote]

Ooc lol he can be if the situation demands it ^^ and sure ill let you spoof where the bats would be or if you want to interact with wolf and rasilisk before they get to the feast that works too if you want to interact with rose she can appear almost anywhere but i imagine her to be getting a back message in a sana like place or near some hot springs XD

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: Back again and finally got time to finish this ^^ #


Orbweaver listened while staring at the smoke as it twisted and stirred while Zagred spoke. Then the old rat closed his eyes, tilting slightly his head as if thinking something very closely.
"I have heard that name before... Yes, I think it's coming back to me now.... By the sea a land far from here is called by that name... But that's all I know."
Orbweaver reopened his eyes, gazing through the smoke at his pupil.

"If those vision keep coming back to you again and again, they hold a great importance", he said out of aloud what both rat's knew. Visions never repeated themselves if they didn't carry some important meaning within them. But if that was all Zagred had seen, it was still very difficult to divine the message's content.
"Don't rush it. Everything tend to become clearer when given little bit time. But next time you feel like something is hindering your vision or you eye burns so you can't see... The close your inner Eye. It's said when losing one sense, it's counterpart becomes even sharper and the Sight is not an exception: when the sight betrays you, you must trust your hearing. So next time close your inner Eye and open your inner Ear: Visions have sounds and voices as they have images and shapes. If you can't see, you must listen and you might learn things you couldn't with only your Eye... Fate will never give its secrets easily and if you wish to be a true seer, you must learn to adapt in the nature of the visions, ready to read them in the way they expect to be readen"

"I have already heard the Sound and it has told me that tonight will be exceptional. This night is turning point when Chance is going to meddle and it will affect all things to come, may they be good or bad... Most surely it will affect in your visions too --", Orbweaver was interrupted as there was a honk of a horn echoing loudly through the cavern. A signal but it didn't mean an attack nor a danger.
"Ah, it seems they're now calling everybeast join the feat" Orbweaver mused. The he nodded to Zagred "We'll continue this later - You have an important task to take care of, so you go ahead..."

_______


No-one knew what kind of civilization ever had lived in Fangfort before Vermilion's group had settled in and what had happened to make previous dwellers abandon their home. Maybe some cataclysm had happened as there was signs of collapses all around Fangfort, so big that even with slavery it wasn't possible to restore the old fortress to its previous glory. The Fangfort was build on sides of three giant stalagmites and it's corridors and chambers drilled into the mountain's rock or climbed up inside the stalagmites like towers.

The feast was - as always -held in the Thronehall that was located between those three stalagmites. Nowdays it was called Torehall as it had crumbled down so badly that there were only ruins left. Apparently Thronehall had been located inside fourth, hallow and smaller stalagmite that was now been destroyed almost completely. There was no ceiling and only some pieces of the convex walls were still standing... And stone pillars, now holding up nothing, standing in even distance from each others, forming a large oval ring. White sand covered the floor everywhere as it covered the ground in the cave.

The tables in the Torehall were rounded up into a loose, large circle in middle of the Hall's sandy floor. And like every stage of entertainment, the Bloodring was a ring inside the table circle, lined out simply by burning torches.

As Snivels had promised, there was much delicious dishes loaded on top of the tables. Roasted birds and salmons, lake clams and river crabs either made into hot, fragrant soap or served just boiled from their vases. Scrambled bird's eggs and owl's egg-omelets with different kind of fillings like rise, beans, onions and much more. Hunter's stew was boiling in a big cauldron hanging atop of bonfire and there were also a hot root soup which flavoring would no doubt make smoke rise from any lesser beast's ears. Tables legs where shaking under the weight of different kinds of deliciousness like freshly baked breads and dried figs mixed up with nuts, almonds and honey. Sliced and salted eels were lying on their herb and nut berths with pickled raw fish while next to them roasted nuts, spiced potatoes and turnips steamed their aroma from their bowls. There was even baskets of some fresh apples. And the last but not the least, different kind of cheese laid on the servers: bars of herb cheese, blocks of different kind of nut cheeses and one brilliant wheel of creamy cheese. It truly was a magnificent supper to have. And let's not forget the best part, the drinks. There were barrels of ale, mead and strawberry cordial as well seaweed grog... It was going to be feast to remember.


# OOC: And I say: give those poor vermin a good feast too, it ain't only redwallers privilege! xD #

[coolcoyote]

And beasts wondered why Wolf was so fat? Truth be told after a meal like this the fox would not be the only one having trouble fitting into his armor the next morning...if the fox could still fit in his armor.

Beasts of all shapes and sizes filed in to the room. No force or ammount of disciplain could hope to prevent the beasts from digging into their meals so no one tried. Besides, it helped to encourage the warriors to be prompt when the feast came less they miss out.

Wolf almost imidietly noticed two beasts out of the crowd.Mostly do to the rarity of seeing them and because, quiet honestly the other scared the life out of him.

Rose, or as the warriors affectionetly nicknamed her, Redtail would never have a need to wear the color red to prove her loyalty to Vermillion. Her scales shined from the oils she used to keep them soft, like snake skin.

She stretched out across a seat of pillows like a dragon laying down on a bed of gold which was the color of her underbelly. For the party she wore a half tunic...or prehaps half vestment. The silk garment covered only the front of her chest leaving her belly and back exposed save for the leather straps holding it together. Her waist was adorned by a red cloth sash that was held up by an otter hide belt. On it she had several animal claws.

Wolf couldnt help but notice that the lizard was starting to put on some weight as well. It stood to reason really, the lizard's jobs were far and few inbetween and in her free time she would go laze about near the hot pools, usually with a beast to give her a back massage and another to serve her grapes. She was a far cry from the fox's level of obesity but Wolf had to admit she reminded him of a viper laying out in the sun swollen with some poor rat.

And then there was Zask.

Wolf considered Zask's admitence into the horde proof that Vermillion could still be recklass. No one would deny the monitor lizard's effectiveness on the battle field. It was how he had just as much chance to kill, destroy, and sometimes devour both enemies and allies that left others unhinged around him.

He was a large green scaled beast in both literal and metiphorical senses. The black spot pattern on his back could clearly be seen as he wore only a large badger skull for a shoulder pad. Its hide formed his greeves around his legs.

Wolf kept his distance as he paused to greet them both. "Rose! Didnt expect to see you hear in the land of the living." The redscaled lizard grins slyly as she works on a plate of fish, "And miss a party? Not a chance. About the only time I can stand you lot is when you are passed out with ale."

The fox places a paw over his wounded heart. Sarcastically he says, "Awwww, well no matter. I have Zask here to keep me company, isnt that right Zask."

The monitor lizard looked up from its meal and hissed loudly. Making the fox back away from him. "Alright, its cool. Its cool. No need to get your tail in a knot." Chuckling as he walked away the fox replied, "Ill just go over here...sit by the leader of the tribe. You feel free to sit here with the uncool warriors." Rose rolled her eyes but waved him off.

Ooc GAH! LONG POST. Sorry about that. Xp and yes! Vermin feasting! That explains why all your minions are so fat Feel free to feed unwanted minions to Zask if you so desire XD

[fernleaf]

Zagreb bowed to her master, gathered up the materials for the Sending, and left for the Feast. Taking up her staff, she proceeded to where it would be. She would be eating meagerly, turning down the delicacies, as she needed to be focused. After the Sending would be another matter. A great bonfire was built, and she knew it would be the place where the ceremony would be done at the proper time.

How, after tonight, would she face her lonely existence without Orbweaver, only the Fates would know. Most kept away from her. She looked at the newcomers. The lizard and Rose. They were indeed impressive, but there was still the matter of the vision. And she would take Orbweaver's advice in closing her inner eye when next the vision came about, and it would.

ooc: Sorry for the short post after your magnificent posts.

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: We need someone to anger Vermilion so he can put Zask in good use! xD #


Orbweaver looked as Zagred leaved and after that just sit there pondering his own thoughts. As his pupil had her troubling vision, the old rat too had seen his own omens that repeated themselves. After considering for a moment, Orbweaver reached for a pouch hanging on his pelt. He opened its leather strings and shook it, muttering a chant in soft voice, before he emptied the pouch's content on the carpet in front of him. Bones and polished pebbles clacked on the mat, rolling into their positions, and Orbweaver leaned closer to examine, looking if bones tried to tell him something more this time.

But not this time either, it seemed. The bones were spread out just like before, not offering any more clues than they already so many times had. And there it was again: bones and stones scattered in meaningless circle around only one object. As it was lying there in the centre of ring alone and without any other piece company it, it was impossible to divine what that singe thing meant. Something important, that was sure as this wasn't the first time his bones had acted like this. But single object alone meant nothing - and yet it could mean anything.
So Orbweaver reached his hand and with two fingers picked up this object that was puzzling him. Holding it up between his thumb and forefinger, old rat examined this little piece carefully, but it didn't whisper him any other secrets it held. It was just a small, simple feather which glowed green under the light of small fire.
Just a green feather.

_____


As Wolf made his way to the Vermilion table it was clear what was the hot topic among the Redglade warriors. Everyone had seen the second-in-command's seat in Vermilion's table and many were talking about it over their tankards:
"Did yah see they brought back Cutaway's ol' chair?"
"Lord Vermilion is goin' to name next second-beast ain't he? I bet it will be Sharpteeth"
"Dont'cha be ridiculous. It's gonna be Rasilisk - didn'cha see how he fought in last battle?"
"Yah both ar' dimwits and wrong: of course he'll pick Razork. He broke fox's skull with only one blow!"
"Don't make me laugh - Razork may have muscle but he wouldn't find his own ass even if he held onto it with both of his paws"
"Well me thinks I gonna chop off yur paws if yah don't keep them away from me plate..."
"Bah! I would like to see you try! Pass that bowl, bean-brain"
And went back and forth, turning into arguing and back to gossip. To vermin arguing was a crucial part of conservation and to them the most natural way to communicate. Sure they tossed insults and threats on each others, but usually in social events like this it was just little backtalk between buddies. Of course it could escalate something more dangerous if you said wrong word to wrong beast... But in their society that's how things were and it was in their natural surviving skill to learn fast what to say aloud and to whom. Those who didn't, ended up in big troubles.
When Wolf walked past, a rat tapped him to the shoulder, to get Quartermaster's attention
"Hay Wolf, do you have any inkling who the next General might be? You must have heard something...."

Vermilion walked in the Torehall with his guard escorts little bit later, after the majority of the Redgraders had arrived. The hall was crowded and there weren't enough place by the tables for all the beast sit at. So the latecomers had to lay down on the sand or under the pillars. Of course there was always room for the warlord in his own table where his seat was empty and waiting. Only the certain beasts were allowed to company him in that table, and usually they were high ranking captains... But sometimes Vermilion invited others to sit there, usually those who were commended from their services to warlord. It wssn't a bad reward to have since Vermilion's table served always the best foods and drinks - and sometimes treats that weren't server on other tables.

Vermilion took his seat but not before he had a quick look behind it. There, on the three-step pedestal stood his throne. He usually liked watch feasting up there, from that big stone seat, but for now he decided sit among his high ranking warriors. Sending would be before the feast and following the ritual would be more appropriate in this way. Vermilion sat down, marking that Cutaway's old chair was placed beside him. And his ordered wine bottle standing next to his silver goblet. Pleased he turned his red eyes forward. The bonfire for Sending was built in the center of the Bloodring and now rat Skinface was inflaming it with a torch.. As the flames spread along the dry wood, both chatter and laughter died down as everyone knew this marked the begin of the Sending. No-one dared disturb the ritual.

[coolcoyote]

Wolf grinned at the rat. He gestured for him to come near then whispered, "I find it more interesting if I don't tell you." With a chuckle he takes his place at the officers table with Fearless Leader. In truth the fox didn't know who would replace the last second in command.

He eyed the seat with a sorrowfull look. There was a time he was heading towards second in command. But someone needed to take over the administrative duties of the horde and Wolf was the only one who could count past the number of digits on his paw. As the work load increased the fox slowly felt his desire to lead burn out.

The moment though is fleating at best. The fox led a comfortable life as Quartermaster and resigned himself to feasting and drinking like a king with out actually endangering himself out on the battlefield. Rasilisk sat on the opposite end of the table. THe lieutenant in the horde made chatter where he needed too but mostly kept to himself. He was good at slaying beasts, but always felt uncomfortable around crowds.

Too easy for a beast to stab another in the back in his own opinion. Meanwhile the two lizards, who's table was only packed due to lack of space, watched the events with some interest. Rose was still an outside of sorts. She wasn't really a horde beast persay and these strange customs still boggled her mind. Zask simply didn't care. Such matters were for other people to worry about.

Snivels ate alone and by himself. Normally he ate very little but for feasts he decided to splurge. He chuckled as he ate in silence. Maybe if he grew big and fat and dimwitted he would get a nice comfortable job away from combat. He watched his advisary the bloated fox sit with the upper higher ups and their leader.

Wolf was...an annoyance at best. Dangerous at worst. Sivles advancement had been delayed more than once up the horde roster due to that fumbling idiot. Wolf knew the weasel Snivels was and wasn't afraid to call him out on it when it mattered. But truth be told, when the time came, the ferret would not stab Wolf in the back.

He would make sure the fox knew who planted the knife in his ribs.

[fernleaf]

Zagreb stepped up to the bonfire as Skinface lit it, and the flames licked the wood and arose to a great blaze. She was holding the parchment with the names of each of the honored dead to be Sent. She then began to chant:

"Let it go hence,
Let it go hence,
Dissolve, and be no body.
Drop it, release it,
drop it gently,
As a stone is released,
As a bird flies to the sky,
Let it fly away,
Release it, like sparks from a flame,
That shoot up to the sky
And dissolve, never to be seen again,
Let it go up!"

She then stepped round and round the flame, chanting each name in turn.

Zagreb then stopped, the recital of names complete.

"Let them go! Gone, except for memory!"

She cast the parchment into the flames, followed by a handful of powder. The flame blazed higher, and burned green. Sparks flew high into the air, then vanished as the flames died down.

"It is done!" She knew that her time had come, and Skinface would do his part. He would probably be the next meal for Zask when the deed was done, and she would be Master.

She bowed to Vermillion to complete the ceremony. It was now for him to speak.

[coolcoyote]

Ooc lol didnt see your ooc post XD Yes! Let Zask take care of your minion troubles! Wolf and Rose would probibly make a tasty meal, being so well fed XD

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: It would be sad kill off Rose and Wolf before "Cavern Crew" officially even started xD ...but we can, however kill some faceless minions... We just need a volunteer....#


Gone expect from memory... it wasn't the first time the warlord pondered those words and what their meant. In these lands, where tribes had no literature or written history, the only way for names and events to pass down through the generations was tales and songs. Yes, in the end their bodies would rot and their spirits perish into Nothingness, but as far as their names were to be remembered, part of them continued their existence in this word. Their spirits would live forever and be immortal...

Vermilion blinked his eye, returning from his thoughts to the present: Zagred bowed to him, which meant the ceremony was over. The warlord reached for the wine bottle - not the one he had especially ordered, but the other one - and filled his goblet. The he stood up and lifted his drink.
"Gone, expect for memory" the warlord said and emptied his goblet. His words echoed from mouths of all the warriors as they imitated they leader, rising their tankards and toasting in honor of the Sended Ones.

Vermilion filled his goblet once again. Speaks were necessity in events like this.
"Brothers and sisters of tribe. Another victory in the battle. Another battle from where Redglade's name will be remembered. We life in flash of steel and in glow of blood. That's what Redglade means"

"The world isn't never kind to our kin and we aren't kind to the world. We seize the pleasures of the live since we know that at the moments of our deaths, they are to be taken from us. So why wouldn't we savor the delights when we're still alive? Why wouldn't we seize what is in our reach to take? Oh yes, to many we're cut-throats of lot, despised in this land and far beyond it.... And yet our kin is the most honest with its nature and its desires. Taking what you want is what predators do. And if you ask me, I'll rather be predator than prey!"
The warriors cheered and rattled the tables. Vermilion made small wave with his pawn and the racket quiet down. His red eyes swept over the troops.
"Now, many of you have had their fair share of hardships and trials... But did they put you down? Apparently not since I see you here tonight. That's how I know you're the true Redglades, the predators. We are strong and we don't need the word's kindness nor its acceptance. We can shape the world with our own paws and steel. We will shape it. A toast to it!"
"A TOAST!" the Redglades repliet like ferom one mouth and emptiet their tankards. Vermilion drank too, but only sip. while giving small nod to the young fox-cub, who held out a tray. Slaves and sometimes tribe's cubs were put on work serving drinks and foods at the feats.

The youngling put the stray in front of the warlord: on it there was three goblets. Molded from silver and crafted with ornaments. The reason Vermilion had arrived late was because of those as they were from his own treasure chambers. The warlord reached for the bottle he had especially ordered and filled the cups with red wine.
"Tonight many good warriors have parted from us... They lived wholly and they died as they had lived: fearless and seizing the moment. We'll remember their names, but also we ought to remember the names of beasts who excelled themselves in the battle. Tonight they are to be commended"
Impatient silent fell on the Torehall. It seemed Lord Vermilion was going to hand over rewards to soldiers he was pleased at. And there weren't many beast who wouldn't want that honor.

Vermilion red eyes searched and spotted what they were looking for: a ferret who had a long curved scar in mouth's right corner. It made him look like he was grinning manically. He was easy to spot.
"Grinwort.. You and your scouts did good for trapping the enemy who tried to escape. Thanks to you our warriors will have their tests of skills in Boodring tonight. A toast to you", raising his goblet towards the ferret, Vermilion took a sip. Grinwort, lifting himself off his seat, bowed grinning, which make his artificial smile look even more maniac. The ferret took the silver goblet a slave served to him and emptied it with one gulp. There was cheering which echoed around the Torehall. It quiet down only when he warlord opened his mouth again.

"Worra" Vermilion said suddenly, turning his head to another direction, and a young stoat flinched on his seat. Apparently he wouldn't have dreamed to ever hear Horde Lord call him by name (let alone know it!) and was now nervous down from his toes up his ears. Almost frozen he looked at the goblet young fox-cub brought him like he had hard time to figure out what he should to with it.
Vermilion smiled his crooked smile.
"You're young and yet there sits the beast who can clip away fly's wings with his bow... Six arrows in one row and each and every one of them pierced the victim's left eye. Let's cast away that unwitting name of yours: from this day forward, you'll be known as Killeye. Tonight, Killeye, I toast for your new name. ", Vermilion toasted and Worra - who from this night on would be called Killeye - stood so high and proud that he almost glowed. The stoat took the goblet and answered the warlord's gesture, before sitting back down while the crowd cheered.

Now the best part...
"Rasilisk", Vermilion said, turning his red eyes towards the otter. Now, Rasilisk wasn't the beast of crowd, Vermilion knew that, but now the otter needed to become one if he was going to be his General. General without ability inspire or lead his troops was sad excuse of General indeed. It would be interesting to see how the otter would wager...
"Now there's our Champion. Held his own against four opponents at same time and slew every one of them without giving them a chance even lay a scratch on him. Rampaging through the battlefield like whirlwind armed with the sword... And this isn't the first time I have witnessed your fearlessness in combat."
A slave was reaching for the goblet, ready to deliver it to otter, but shrank away immediately when warlord put his paw on the chalice. "Here", the weasel said as placing the goblet next to him, in front of the chair of second-in-command. "You can have your drink from here - As this will be your seat from now on"



# OOC; fernleaf, as I do not know what kind scheme Zagred is planning, I'm leaving Skinface's future to your hands. You can play him and perform the "accident" attempt he might have. (Orbweaver is in the feast, sitting - of course - in Vermilion's table) Let's see if rat manages take old seer down >x) ...In ether way I think ww just got our volunteer....#

You

[coolcoyote]

Ooc yay! At least the rat will have a last meal. Tastier that way XD

Many emotions went through Rasilisks face. First there was disbelief. No he couldn't have heard right. The otter had already had too much wine surely. Then shock. He really was promoting him! Then the panic set in.

He was a warrior, trained to fight battlea, slaughter beasts. There was nothing at all in his training for /this/. For a long moment Rasilisk just stood there slack jawed. After wolf got over his own heart attack the heavy fox had to encourage him to take the seat.

Some beast started clapping and the noise grew louder and louder until it filled the whole cavern. "Rasilisk! Rasilisk! Rasilisk!" They cheered, whether they agreed or not. At least one beast didn't. Snivels scowled deeply. He turned away, not baring to watch the otter take his seat as second in command.

"Vermillion...I don't know what to say..." Rasilisk said as he got comfortable in the seat. It really was quite comefy.

[fernleaf]

ooc: I don't know if Orbweaver is at the feast. If he isn't, please ignore this post.

ic: Zagreb thumped her staff, as she joined in the chant. "Rasilisk! Rasilisk! Rasilisk!" She threw another powder in the fire, which blazed red now.

Skinface joined in the celebration, grabbing a torch and dancing around with it, twirling it over his head, unaware of what was about to happen. A torch with a green feather attatched to it. As he was in the frenzy of celebration, his paw slipped, and the torch left his grip, flying directly at Orbweaver. Zagreb screamed. Two burly stoat guards rushed to grab the rat and bring him before Vermillion for judgement. It was an accident,but still against the law of the feast.

ooc: Pillar, the results are up to you. Make me proud.

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: Okay -- after pondering it for a while I decided that I'm not killing Orbweaver off just yet. I want him to be there when we get "Cavern Crew" started, as I maybe have some use for old rat before Zagred ends his days.

Plus this was such a good opportunity present Vermilions reflexes and marksmanship (: The green feather was nice touch - gives Orbweaver something to think about! xD #


The expression in Rasilisk face was truly worth of not telling the otter his coming promotion beforehand... Vermilion chuckled. Surely this wasn't that big surprise - It wasn't the first time he had complimented otters actions or skills.
"Then better not to say anything -- just seize the moment", Vermilion laughed almost friendly - but just almost. Vermilion skill laugh friendly was as good as shark's attempt smile kindly.
"Toast to you, Rasilisk, General of Redglade!" the warlord announced, raising his goblet as did the horde.

It was time of closing ritual of the Sending and rat Skinface was performing it best he could. But his movements were little bit sloppy like the rat was stressed about something: his mind wasn't wholly in what he was doing, so maybe that was the reason he stumbled and...
...And then, suddenly the torch he was swinging, slipped from his paws and flied towards Orbweaver who was sitting on his seat in Vermilion's tablet. Zagred screamed and Orbweaver only managed to lift his skinny arm, in poor attempt cover his head from upcoming danger.
In the flash of moment three throwing knives hit the whirling torch handle, sinking in its wood side-by-side, knocking the burning piece of wood off its course. Instead of landing on the old rat it fell sideways on the table, rolling forwards and knocking down bowls and cups. It stopped in front of other rat who shrieking swept the torch on the ground and stomped its flames out.

Vermilion straightened himself, flexing his finger which had sent those knives flying. Usually his well-known accuracy meant imminent death to anyone his knives were pointed at - in this rare occasion they had, however, saved a life. But let's not celebrate it just yet as it was clear the warlord deadly intentions were about to be unleashed in different directions.
"You...", the warlord voice was trembling with anger the weasel was holding inside. Slowly he turned his head towards Skinface, his red eyes burning fiercer that fire. "You dare...?"
Skinface was shaking in the hold of guards. "M-my Lord... I'm so sorry -- it was an accident, I swear --"
"Silence!", Vermilion yelled and his shout echoed through the cavern like honk of horn. The rat dropped dead silent. Vermilion pointed at him with his finger.
"You ruined the end of Sending, messed my table and on top of everything else almost harmed my seer... One of those alone would be enough reason to have you skinned alive!", Vermilion took a deep breath and almost looked as calm and collected as usually. But the look could be deceiving as when Vermilion was furious but rational, he usually came up the most horrible ways to make others suffer.
"...Lucky for you I'm, not in the mood... Guards, release him", the warlord said a, little bit calmer tone.
Puzzled guard led go off Skinface, backing away from the rat. It was rare to Vermilion show such mercy - he had killed a beast for lesser insult. A tiny spark of hope flashed over Skinface's features.
But regardless was he shouting or not, Vermilion was, always, without mercy.
"Zask", Vermilion called calmly, his voice ans smile full of ice cold cruelty. "Maul him"
Skinface face was mask of horror. That was practically a death sentence. Zask was like Vermilion personal executor: a lizard strong enough take down any beast, armed or not. Zask could crush beast with only his bare hands.
"N-n-no my Lord! Ple-please forgive me!"
"And someone toss that sniveling idiot a sword! Let's give a sporting chance - see how well he swings things when his life depend on it!"


# OOC: You wanted a battle? Heeere we have battle! Skinface is all yours coolcoyote xD I just sit back and enjoy the show....#

[coolcoyote]

ooc : Yay! Zasks first meal. I take it that it's ok to take some liberties and spoof poor SKinface? :3

The large monitor lizard blinked at the weasel lord while stripping the flesh from wood pidgeon. After a moments pause he gulped down the meat in his maw. Using a napkin to wipe off his muzzle Zask stood from his chair, "Pardon me." He said to Rose.

Wolf cringed. He almost felt sorry for the rat. A few other beasts took off their hats in respect for the about to be recently departed. Snivels was surprisingly the first to take mercy on Skinface. He drew his short sword and tossed it to the rat. It slid across the sand for a brief moment before stopping at his feet.

Skinface looked at the blade like it was his death warrent. He looked up to see the large reptile slowly making his way towards him. He didn't seem like he was in a large hury which was even more worrying.

It was do or die thought the rat. He bent down to pick up the blade, watching his target advance. As he rose to his feet his free paw launched out a throwing knife. A cheap shot to be sure, but when facing a monster like Zask one was allowed certain liberties like that.

The small flat blade struck true, hitting the lizard directly in the chest. Zask paused in step, looking down at the knife having enough force to stick into his chest but not enough to peirce him past the bone. THe lizard turned his gaze back to the rat and tilted his head to the side. The glare he gives Skinface chills him to the bone.

In terriefed panic Skinface lets out a yell and charges the lizard, seeking to run the blade through the lizards belly. At the last moment Zask simply steps to the side letting the rat dash by him. How can a beast so large move so fast?

The lizard reachs out, grasping the rat firmly by the paw and hoisting him into the air. Skinface, feet dangling in the air, kicks at the lizard until Zask brings him closer, eye to eye, and begins to squeeze his grip on the rats paw.

He makes a terrifed yelp as his paw is crushed, the sword falling uselessly to the ground. "No! Please! Vermillion! Please! Call him off! Vermilliooooooooon!" Zask thrusts his free paw towards the helpless rats abdomin, his claws peircing deep into the flesh of his stomach before he rakes them upwards towards his chest.

Skinface gasps in shock and pain as he is, in effect, gutted like a fish. Fortunetly this is not a mortal blow.

Unfortunetly, this is not a mortal blow, as shortly there after, Zask begins to devour him...

Hardened warrior beasts of all calibure turn away from the grizzly sight and gasp. Wolf simply turns back to his food. "Oh light! No! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAh!" The rat screams as Wolf finishes off his plate. The beast next to his left at the table is distracted by the fiight and so the fox reaches over and quietly dumps the contents of the beasts plate onto his own. Sounds of the rats dying screams are gradually overshadowed by the sounds of chomping, tearing and chewing.

"So, good party yeah?" Wolf offers to any beast around him as Skinface takes his last dying breath.

Eventually Zask returns to his seat, his belly swollen and with a content grin on his face as he strips the last of the meat from one of the rats ribs. Rose shoots him a half terrified, half mortified look. With a nervous gulp the thief points to Zask's chest, "Um, you know you have a knife in your shoulder, right?"

Still knawing on the rib Zask peers at the knife still stickin in his flesh. He shrugs, "Meh, not fatal. Healer will take care of it in a moment."

ooc mwahhahahahha! poor skin face. I decided to change the last part as it was a little too morbid and didnt fit quite right. Let me know if zask's mauling of the rat was too grizzly, I tried not to make it too gory but I don't mind having to change it up ^^ Also made some spelling corrections to make it flow smoother.

[fernleaf]

Zagreb didn't know whether to be disappointed or relieved. Secretly disappointed that the plan failed, and relieved that Orbweaver survived, and she was spared the lonely existence of becoming Master. And she now understood what her master Orbweaver was talking about with Chance and Fate. Fate was working,but Chance was in Orbweaver's favor. She worked her way to Orbweaver, turning her face away from the spectacle of Lask devouring Skinface

"Are you all right, Master?" she said. "I understand now what you were talking about, of Fate and Chance, and how Chance can avert Fate. And I'm glad Chance was on your side."

Her role in the Sending was complete. It was spectacular. And it was really the answer to what a few asked her, if she was a shaman or a showman. She usually responded "Yes." A good shaman was also a showman, and it made the rituals more convincing.

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: I have to say I loved your post coolcoyote. Cool and disturbing in same time. And Wolf! Stop stealing others food! There is plenty on the tablet for goodness sake! >XD #

The end of Skinface was short but gruesome. Everybody knew the rat didn't stand any chance against Zask and probably Skinface knew that too. In a few quick moments his resistance was overpowered and Zask didn't even have to try hard.

Many turned their eyes away when lizard started devour still alive rat, but not Vermilion. He watched until the end as if he had an obligation to do so, ruthless expression in his red eyes. When Skinface's dying screams died down and Zask ripped last remains what was left of the rat, the warlord sat down on his seat.

There was no doubt about a fact the feast's atmosphere had just dramatically dropped. Truthfully that shouldn't be a surprise as nothing flattened the feasting mood or ruined the appetite more efficiently than witnessing when giant lizard ate someone alive. And there was also one more thing - a reminder. Vermilion could be generous when handing out gifts to the ones he favored... But recent event had reminded how unforgiving the warlord was to his subject who disappointed him.

Even thought the justice had served, Vermilion still felt himself irritated - he was always irritated when things weren't by his liking. And tension on the air wasn't in his liking. Curse that fool rat for ruining the start of feast! However, the harm was salvable... The fest just needed something to lift the mood.
"Bring out the prisoners from the dungeon", Vermilion ordered the guards with a nasty sneer that suggested the guard was better hurry."And get that bard!"



The green feather from the torch had fallen off because of the impact and was now laying on the table right in front of Orbweaver. The old rat stared the feather like its existence was a great mystery he was obligated to solve. This omen just kept coming back to him. Was it trying to tell him it would be the sign of his demise? Or would it mean something more bigger? The seer stared at the feather and felt like it was mocking him.
"Yes, yes", Orbweaver answered to his pupils words absent-minded, not letting his eyes avert from the feather. "Small things can alter the course of Fate - that's the power of Change"
Slowly the old seer picked up the feather.


# OOC: And that is a clue our charming duo to enter back to the stage ^^ Do you coolcoyote want to do the honor and drag them out their nice and comfy cell? #

[coolcoyote]

Baro Ermile whined softly in the darkness of his cell with his long bushy tail spread out across his lap. He put up a good show but truth be told he had never been more terrified in his life.

He have expected to die, probibly horribly, with out a last propper last meal. And all his hopes were placed in some random mouse he had so happened to share a cell with.

The fox sighed heavily. It was times like this that he missed having a home to long for, people to long for. If he died, who would mourn his loss?

His ears twitch at the sound of footsteps the mouse no doubt hears as well. "Steck, somone's coming."

A pair of guards, two scrawny looking ermine who were dissapointed about having guard duty during a feast right up until Zask's dinner, came to open the cell. The beast in the lead hit his bludgeon across the cell bars making a horrible rattling noise. "Get up."

The door opened and the second ermine picked the fox up roughly by the scuff of his neck. He shoved him towards the hallway causing Baro to trip with a yelp. The ermine laughed coldly, "Hey, how much fight do you think this one will put up."

"Hopefully more than Skinface." his companion replied before pointing his bludgeon at the mouse, "Come along Bard. Vermillion is in a 'special' mood. You better play good tonight."

The other guard chuckle, "Yeah, we wouldn't want him to feed another poor soul to Zask. Ruin his diet!" Baro looked up nervously before getting to his feet. He passed steck a desperate glance before both beasts led them off in seperate directions.

ooc glad you liked it ^^ Everyone has their own personal writing skills, rping monsters and pg ish death scenes are things I like to do. I will let you spoof where baro ends up Cat

[fernleaf]

ooc: I'm kind of stuck. Nothing for Zagreb to do, and my bat dares not interrupt while Vermillion is in his mood. He doesn't want to be eaten, LOL

[coolcoyote]

Feel free to take over the ermine guard leading steck down the hallway. Or something simular ^^ or your bat or rat can talk with my npcs up there ^^

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: or do you fernleaf want to skip your turn in this round? #