You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours

[fernleaf]

Yes, I'll skip my turn here.

[Caterpillar]

#OOC Okay - it took me little time, but here it is. Sorry for keeping you waiting. And I promise I'll never ever post anything this long again! #


Steck's ears jerked up both because of the closing footsteps and Baron's voice. The mouse, lying back on haystack, closed his eyes and took deep breath, cherishing the final moments of peace... If you learned appreciate something while you were jailed in some vermin warlord's dungeons, it was the precious moments of rest.

'All right, you can do this... One more show-night and then you'll get out of here. Just survive through this one and it'll be all right', he assured himself or at least he tried to. Self-deceit was lot of harder than deceiving others, it seemed. For the Baron he had acted self-assured like nothing could go wrong in this plan while, quite frankly, anything could go wrong...
'Don't think about it' Steck ordered himself, not sure if was talking about deception played on the fox or the doubts that tired to crept in his mind. Doubting was dangerous thing, it leaded to the uncertainty which so easily turned into a mistake. And mistakes could be fatal. So never doubt, newer have second thoughts... Just like back --
'No, you don't want to go there. The past is in the past. You need to focus. Take a deep breath and focus.'

There was a loud rattling noise and when Steck opening his eyes, the first thing he saw was a the guard's bludgeon pointing at him. He got up and caught a glimpse of Baro, as the fox looked his direction in pitiful face. Steck, on other hand tried to send fox a small encouraging smile, but vulpine was already pushed to the corridor.

He and Baro weren't the only ones who were brought out from the cells: captured warriors from the defeated tribe were hauled up by guards and then the wretched line moved up the stairs. That was the moment Steck lost the sight of Baro as he was surrounded much bigger and taller beast than he was. It almost felt like good opportunity to crouch and just sneak away. Almost -- the weight of shackles reminded him why this wasn't the good time try and run.

After some stairs and corridors guards brought the captives spacious hall lighted by torches and bonfires. Steck knew this place since he had been here many times before: it was the Torehall and as he had assumed, the feast had begun - only you would think there would be bore laughter and chatter in the air.

Baro was taken to where other captured enemies were rounded: around one of the pillars of Torehall. There was one big iron ring attacked on the side of the stone pillar and the prisoner where shackled to it with thick chain. One Redglaner stood as a guard, but he was more focused what happened in direction of Bloodring: what possibly thread could a group of defeated, bound and armless enemies posses in hall full of Redgladers?

Steck, on the other hand, was crabbed and parted from the rest of group. His shackles were opened but Steck didn't have time enjoy the new found freedom of his hand as his shoulders were captured in tight grip and he was forcibly dragged along. He stumbled few steps before managing to get his balance back but little did that help as he was soon shoved to the ground. He hit the soft sand with his hands and knees, but knew better than not even think up trying get up. Guards had released him so it could only mean they had reached the destination.

In his line of sight there were legs of sturdy chair. Steck lifted his eyes little more and saw Vermilion, the Leader of Redglade sitting on the chair, eating roasted sparrow. The Vermin Lord didn't even spare a glance at him, even thought Steck was sure the weasel was aware of his presence. Well, the bard took the opportunity to look around. One major thing had changed in Vermilion's table from the last time he had been in Torehall and it was a new chair on the right side of Warlord's seat. What Steck had heard, that was place of army's second-in-command... Steck stored this new piece of information - He always stored everything he heard or saw when he was brought out from the cell. Sometimes even the most insignificant detail could be use for you...

Vermilion continued ignore him and Steck decided to take a risk -- apparently it was what warlord expected him to do anyway.
"What kind of song you wish from me today, Lord?" the mouse asked in serene, politely tone. The sentence had barely the time leave from his tongue when Vermilion's hand shot towards him and grabbed painful grip from the base of mouse's ear, yanking him upwards. The Warlord's claws pierced through the skin, drawing out a blood
"Did I give you a permission to speak, Bard?", the Warlord asked, leaning back on his chair while licking grease from his fingertips. Finally his bright red eyes fell upon the bard, his claws curling deeper into the mouse's skin.

Steck, now just on his knees, winked for the pain and the prospect of losing that ear of his, but the bard kept perfectly still.
"You didn't, Lord. I took an inexcusable liberty. Shall I now pay it for my life?"
Vermilion really seemed like was considering it - he had this small nagging feeling like the bard was backtalking to him, even though the mouse was submissive as any slave, without even hint of fight in him.
The warlord narrowed his eyes. "Maybe later -- For now you're here to entertain me and my men. This is a feast and I want hear them laugh"
'Well, stop feeding your troops to your beast-eating-monster, for instance' Steck thought inwardly, but out aloud he said: "I have some good drinking song Lord--Gggah!
A twist in his already pained ear made Steck gasp.
"Not a drinking song", Vermilion emphasized. "I want it to be something different this time. Something funny. Or I'll chop off your fingers and make you eat them"

Steck was released and someone tossed his old lite on the ground in front of him.
"Undertood, Lord", was the only correct answer and Steck grabbed the lute, hurrying inside the table circle. Anybeast would frozen up with the terror when standing surrounded by cruel-mannered vermin horde but Steck had his talent for not to get nervous from anything. As long as it was a stage, he was right home, no matter the audience. His only concern was to think up a fitting song quickly as Vermilion didn't seem to have a patience for waiting... Drinking and feasting songs were put off question, since it had to be something different this time... something he hadn't yet played. That certainly narrowed down the possibilities as not just any "different" song would make these creatures laugh.

The mouse took a deep breath.
'Alright, Steck, you slippery charmer', he thought. 'Time to take a leap of faith on your talent...'
Steck ran his fingers over lutes strings, creating a rapid melody that resound all over the Torehall.
"All right gents, let's get rid of this sour atmosphere", the bard grinned, spinning around his feet dancing.

"Too wit, too woo, a ding tom clom
Listen what I have to say
This is the Witty Quip Song
The easiest thing to play"

Some eyebrows around the tables. Play? As if in game? Was the bard going to throw in some kind of game?

"There's no rhymes and each every times
The song is wholly a new
Made of names, their looks, their fames,
Of any beast from your crew
So toss me a name, let's begin this game
Now don't go shy on me
For better or worse you get laughs, of course
The idea of game - you see!"

Nimble as a squirrel Steck jumped on the table pointing out one of the vermin.
"You, good sir - spare a name of your fellow for this song?"
The young stoat end of the mouse's finger blinked in surprise and unintentionally just blurted out the first one which came ocross his mind: "Wha? - Errh... Fishwisker?"
"Why, thank you", Steck smiled merrily and made a backflip, landing on the sand with his two feet, continuing the playing,

"Fishwisker, what a mister.
He's one smelly chap.
His aroma so strong and don't get me wrong
He would do a good fish-trap
'Cos as I told so, all he needs to
Is jump on the pod for a lap
The fish would flee, right from the sea
and jump on the shore in a zap"

There was a burst of laughter "Harrr! Dat's what would happen for sure! Hay Fishwisker, gonna go fishing anytime soon?"
"Baths ar' bad for the health", Fishwisker announced grinning as he scratched fleas and goodness knew what from his dirty fur. His mates burst into even louder laughter and it spread all over the Torehall.

"Too wit, too woo, a ding tom clom
This is how you play
the ol' Witty Quip Song
And another name you say!"

The vermin were getting more enthusiastic and names were randomly tossed and every time there wasn't even a pause of hesitation when bard burst into another rapid song, performing a dance or acrobatic number between them.

"Too wit, too woo, a ding tom clom
You gettin' a hang of 'is game
This is the Witty Quip Song
And I need from you an another name"

This time quite a lot names were shouted through the air, but one boomed over them . "Me - I gotta one! -- Shredear!"
In instant Steck spun out an another set of song lines:

"Shredear, oh my dear
have you seen his scalp?
It causes me fear, each day each year
And the nightmares just won't stop
Both ears gone and now there's none
taken with the fur atop of his head.
Now he's bald and it makes him galled
to know he'll never ever wed"

"Bhah! Who nee'ts that shackle on 'tis leg?" a big bald rat boomed with laughter and clanked his tankards together with his mateys, who agreed by yelling: "hear yah, hear yah, toast to that!"
Meanwhile Steck went on with the song:

"Too wit, too woo, a ding tom clom
Now fellows, don't go angry, this is just a game
It's just a Witty Quip Song
And you need to toss me another name"

Basically, the song was what its name implied: a witty quip song. The trick was to balance in between of humorous insults and witty quip. A song that most thick furred vermin find funny. But it required bard to be an expert in improvisation, since songs had to be created on the spot. And composer as nothing was saddening than poorly assembled song. Every song had to hit the mark and fittingly describe the beast who was target of quip. But the harder part was to never let it quips become seriously taken insults. That was dangerous for bard's health.


# OOC: Feel free toss in another name - a random minion's or your own character if you want to see what kind of song Steck spun from them. xD #

[coolcoyote]

Wolf let out a heavy chuckle at the names. He turn in his seat with his back against the table. He chewed at a sparrow bone in his free paw. It felt good to see the crew laughing again...especially after seeing one of their own dissembowed and eaten alive.

This like that could put a damper on ones spirits.

Cupping his paws together the fox shouted, "Hey Bard! Do Rose!" The pot bellied lizard in question nearly choked on her mead. She looked up nervously and shouted, "What?!"

Snivels snickered from where he stood, leaning against the pillar behind him. "Yeah! Do Redtail!" The lizard was now up on her feet, belly already swollen with food and drink. She pointed an accusitory claw at both fox and ferret who have seemingly put aside their differences to poke fun at her.

"Don't you dare! You little...little sneaks! Don't make me sick Zask on you!" The big monitor lizard behind her laughed actually. It was by far the most unjoyfull sound one would hardly ever associat with laughter. "I say go for it Bard." He said in a booming voice. Rose Redtail turned to the monitor and slapped him on the shoulder. "Traitor!"

In normal circomstances it aould have spelled a beasts doom but for right now Zask merely snickered.

While this played out Baro sat chained to the wall with other prisoners. He watched as Steck danced about nging and prancing from table to table like a court jester.

"Oh light..." his ears feel flat against his head. "I entrusted my life to an idiot."

[Caterpillar]

Ah, they were moving to the upper ranks now, Steck thought as he made sweeping bow in show that request had been heard and the bard would comply

"Oh the thorny Rose
all the tantrum she throws
'coz lowly beast like you and me
He mouths you badly
And most sadly
She has characteristic of the flea
'How you dare' and 'I don't care'
are the things she likes to shout
An' if you don't see her here
or not over there
She's lazing around no doubt"

There was a laughter and some of the beasts guffawed so hard they were beating the wooden planks of the tables.
"Snivels!", someone who trusted the anonymity of the crowd, dared to shout: "Do one from Snivels!"

"Snivels, what a fine lad
- oh sorry, my bad
Can't call him that, not anymore
Yesterday I knew him by another name
Today I know the name won't be the same
But don't say a thing or you're done for..."

Now he really would need to get out of here or his fate would be sealed. The bard had heard rumors from Snivels' reputation and if the ferret hasn't any qualms about making his own tribe-members suffer (without getting caught) there was little hope for him to survive from ferret's revenge.

"...But give the poor ferret a break
It's not easy to be a bit of snake
Changing name can't do same for the fame
We still all know
The low is as far the low go
He's toady, no matter how many times renamed"

Another boom of laughter echoed through the cavern and even Vermilion snickered behind his paw on which his chin was now resting. The Warlord was back in the better mood: The Torehall was again full of chatter and laughter, so the bard had succeeded fulfilling the order he had given him. So maybe he would let the mouse life yet another day. Maybe...


# OOC: yes, couldn't resist: I had to poke Snivels' pride xD ..Also, Vermilion is now in better mood so he might not bite of your hand anymore xDD #

[coolcoyote]

Redtail was blushing under her red scales by the end of the mouse's verse but it was nothing compared to the red hot anger Snivels displayed towards the bard. It was bad enough that he was insulting the ferret but publicly too? How DARE this woodland step on his honor so.

His eye began to twitch as the laughter echoed in his ears. The scrawny ferret turned tail and stalked away admist the laughter clutching the hilt of his blade tightly. He walked strait out of the room.

Wolf's laughter was indeed the loudest. "Bard! Tell us another tale about good old Snivels, then after that come sit sith us and fill your gullet. You can even have my share of the ale!" Either the fox was very tipsy now or else Steck really had earned his respect. After all, not even the hardened warriors would called the ferret Snivels to his face.

Plus with Darkclaw gone the air in the room seemed lighter for some reason. To be honest most beasts were hoping Snivels would have grown just enough spine to attack the bard...just so they could watch Vermillion sick Zask on his tail.

By then though the monitor lizard was already swollen with his meal. By this time in the feast most beasts were starting to get a little full and starting to slur their speech.

Chained to the pillar Baro smiled at the Bard's antics. He was starting to respect the mouse a little as well.

He was still going to kill him for getting him into this mess...but still.

[Caterpillar]

The red eyes were following very closely Snivels actions - but after the ferret stormed out off the Torehall, they averted immediately from the leaving beast, bored and somewhat disappointed. Vermilion had hoped the public humiliation would had given Snivels just the right nudge to find some fragments of his lost backbone. If the ferret would had acted upon his desire teach the insolent woodlander a lesson by giving the mouse a beating of his lifetime... Well, Vermilion wasn't interested in protecting mere slaves from whims of his tribe-members. Had Snivel attacked the bard, Vermilion would have allowed it -- but of course there was a certain limit. He was the one and only who gave the death sentences here, be it a captive, a slave or the tribe-member.

But yet again the ferret seemed to be afraid of the consequences and choose running over the acting. It was disappointing.

'Snivels, Snivels...' Vermilion mused inwardly. 'Always so afraid to take a direct action even if a great opportunity presents itself. How are you ever going to prove you have sharp teeth and claws defend your honor if you keep acting like this?... Haven't you already realized this is exactly why they laugh behind your back.'

Vermilion thoughts were interrupted by the Quartermaster's voice.
"Wolf, are you inviting a slave to share your meal? In my table?" Vermilion voice was calm, so it didn't hint if the Warlord was approving or desisting the idea. After all, Vermilion sometimes gave his troops fair chance explain themselves -- or dig their grave even deeper.


In the middle of table ring Steck had cased his dancing and singing - the audience had too much fun laughing their tails off because of the latest chapter of his song, so the bard used this opportunity for small break. He really could use one...

Setting his lute against the sandy ground, resting his other hand on its long wooden neck the mouse was breathing heavily as it would be expected after all that dancing, singing and overall jumping.

Gracious, he was still alive... Truth to be told he hadn't been all that sure if he was going to live till the end of his song after he had felt Snivels murderous glare between his shoulder bones. If looks could kill, one bard mouse would had been carried away from the Torehall in five different baskets, that was sure... No doubt Darkclaw was going to get his revenge, but Steck wasn't planning to stick around waiting for that fate befall on him. That's why he had gambled and made the last song more jeering than the rest had been. If his presumptions had hit the mark, the ferret was off to scheming some horribly payback for him. Trust him, he knew the type... And if he had any luck, Snivels would take his time and wouldn't jump on him right when guards were returning him back to his cell.
..Of course there was possibility that ferret would do just that. It wasn't the first time his own cleverness had come back to bite him. Only the time would tell.

Steck made a small bow to the Wolf's direction, as if the Quartermaster had just complimented him.
"I'd like to, but as it seems the good lieutenant has left our company, it's against any bard's firmly held beliefs to insult someone that isn't at the present. It's against good manners slander the one's name behind his back - Insults should be shoved to their faces or not sung at all."

Well, he had made a gamble and for now it looked like it had paid of: the atmosphere couldn't get any joyful than this. And maybe in same time he had made many believe he was either the bravest or the craziest beast at the present.

Steck smiled inwardly but that smile wasn't cheerful.
Nay, he wasn't brave at all, much the opposite he was a quite coward who just hided his cowardice extremely well. For example, if he were brave he would - instead of coming up with an excuse to decline the offer - answer the Wolf's invitation that not in the millions years he would sit on the same table with the beasts that cut off parts of others and then wore them like jewelry... If he was brave, he would try to think about how to help all the poor slaves in here to escape -- he wouldn't think only his own freedom... If he were brave -- there was lot of things he would do instead of doing otherwise.

'Bravery is what heroes do', Steck thought, 'And you, my dear singing friend, aren't hero. Bards and jesters never are...'

[coolcoyote]

The heavy set Wolf hesitated for a moment. The warlords frightening glare was enough to sober any beast, and the monitor lizard would always be willing to make room for a tasty looking beast like Wolf no matter how full he was.

The fox gave himself a moment to think up of a reply by stripping the meat off of a wood pidgeon leg and gulping it down loudly. "Er...I ment no disrespect m'lord. I just ment that he could sit next to me...on the floor, and sign balleds of your heroism to liven our spirits." He said with a smile.

"'Sides, it's only right to send him off with a propper last meal before a beast comes to tell him their opinion about all dem insults he threw around just now. If you catch my meaning."

The fox may look like an obese lazy slob, but there was a reason he survived this long in a horde while looking like an obese lazy slob. Snivels wasn't the only one who knew what to say and when to say it.

Baro watched all this unfold with a heavy hearted sigh. Watching the rat die was...quite honestly terrifying. He's lost cousins and brothers to horde beasts and monitor lizards...and the fox was surrounded by both.

He began to wonder what would happen to him if no one chose to fight him...


Meanwhile out side the room Snivels expressed his displeasure on a wooden post. His short sword left deep cuts in the wood. Oh that mouse was going to pay, and every beast that dared to laugh at him.

A plan was forming in his mind...a cruel plan he had been saving for Wolf...but maybe the time had come for the ferret to use it on the mouse. Oh yes, he probibly felt so safe and secure...being under Vermillion's care.

That was abojt to change though. All he needed was that young seer rat...

[Caterpillar]

# OOC: Oh, Snivels is out to schaming -- can't wait to see what he is planning! xD #


There was small upward curve in corner f the Wralord's mouth. A good save. Wolf might be one lazy guzzler, but he wasn't a stupid lazy guzzler. The fox had qualities besides that ridiculously fat belly of his. Many beast would have immediately backed away when sensing they might have stepped off their boundaries. Wolf on the other hand chose stay behind his words - of course soothing them to fit in his Lord's tastes, but at least Quartermaster didn't put his tail between his legs and turned into poor whining excuse of beast when doing so.

Vermilion looked at Wolf, just long enough to make sure the fox would understand that it wasn't the flattery that had worked on him.( Seriously, if it would only take a sweet talk to impress him, Snivels would be his right-hand-beast).

"I did promise you a tale, didn't I?" that question was mere rhetorical and the Warlord gave the fox small wave of the hand. That was a good as a verbal permission do as Wolf pleased. After all, he wasn't going to punish his Quartermaster because he had his own will. If he did, it wouldn't be long before his army was full of idiots who didn't have two independent thoughts to rub together.

The warlord rose from his seat and he didn't have to wait long before the whole Torehall had fell in silence.
"Enough of song for time being... Now the real entertainment", he said as he waved out his hand. "The Bloodring!"
The announcement was met with a loud cheer, as those who hadn't yet drank more than they could hold, were more than eager to show their skills in this tribal tradition.

The remains of ritual's bonfire were quickly cleared out and with small gesture the Warlord ordered the nearest guard fetch the bard out of the way. So Steck was brought out of his stage ans rough-handedly pushed to the ground next to the Wolf's seat, and he almost hit his head on the table's edge because of that. A sullen expression on his face, the bard switched into better sitting position, swiping the sand from his green tunic, looking around.

Well, this was rather humiliating, he would like to voice: sitting at the foot of the table like some kind of pet, waiting for the crumbs roll to the ground. He almost felt like he would prefer eating that horrible gruel in the dark gloomy cell than this...

Almost - his survivor instinct kicked in and told him hold his tongue. It wasn't a fear that nailed it down, but practical logic. Voicing out his opinion wouldn't change his position in any way, and would only reward him by the kick in the torso. Slaves didn't have the privilege of choosing, nor of complaining. As until to this point, his best interest was to act as harmless and tame as a good pet was.

Under the table, past the sitting beasts legs Steck gazed quickly towards the preparations of the Bloodring. It went as always: A tribe-member stepped in the Bloodring and pointed out the captive he wished to fight. That poor thing was then released from his shackles and guards brought - or in a few cases dragged - him into the ring. There the captive was given a weapon as his challenger had and the duel would begin, ending only to either one's death. In some cases the challenger allowed the captive choose the weapon, to show off how they could excel in any weapon, not only their own weapon of choice.

If the victor was the tribe-member, Vermilion would bestow him gifts fitting for winner's efforts in combat. However, if challenger was slain and the captive was victorious, he would be offered to take a dead beast's place in the tribe. There was a chance of winning your freedom too, or so Steck had heard... But you had to defeat all the willing challengers until there was no-one wanting to try the swordplay with you... And he had also heard that since monitor lizard Zask had joined in the Redglades, not many had managed to win that prize.

[coolcoyote]

Rasilisk turned his head away from his wood pidgeon and leaned against his chair to watch the contestents battle it out. His head was swimming with wine and his belly felled stretched and bloated with food. He decided to hold off on more food, saving room for desert.

The otter had no wish to become as plump as Wolf, forever doomed to some desk job and away from the front lines. Rasilisk paused at the though as he picked food from his filed down teeth. Now that he thought about it maybe there was a method to the fox's inactive life style...

Speaking of heavy fox's.

Baro cringed as the drunken horde beasts started to leave their seats and choose their opponants. His heart skipped a beat when a burly stoat stumble towards him.

Ok, time to put into effect what the mouse told him. The fox had to look weak enough to appear like he wasnt worth the effort to fight. But if he appeared too weak then the stoat might fight him just to be cruel...or worse feed him to the monitor lizard.

All those teeth...those claws. The fox began to panic at the thought. The fox's panic and pitiful whimper made the stoat roll his eyes. No way he was going to get stuck fighting such a pathetic besst. Instead he grabbed the squirrel next to baro by the ear and dragged him out into the arena.

Baro sighed in relief. At least until he watched the two beasts battle. The scrawny little beast fought bravely, flailing his knife towards the stoat as he was brutally defeated so quickly it doesn't even bare mentioning.

A loud roar of applause rose among the vermin ranks as the body of the squirrel was hauled away by slaves.

As another battle began Zask idly examined the stock of fighting beasts today. A few looked like formidable beasts worth his time, others not so much.

The monitor's eye locked on Baro for a long moment. The fox didn't look like much of a fighter, his clothes were too clean and his paws too soft. He did have a fleshy, plump look to him though.

The lizard licked his chops, still undecided if he was going to challenge the fox just to make a meal out of him...

[Caterpillar]

Vermilion sat down and leaned back on his chair, while enjoying the show. His troops were eager to pick their opponents and were fierce combatants in the Bloodring.It was a enjoyable sight to behold. The line of captives grew shorter and shorter after every challenger and until now none from the enemy-tribe had managed to best any Redglade-warrior. The note made ehe Warlord smile sharply. This proved that his warriors truly were the best in the Northen Lands.

So far so good -- no-one among the challengers were interested in pathetic and whining fox... Baro indeed put up a good show and not all of it might be just acting. But it didn't matter as long as the plan worked... As Steck really didn't have any clue how on the earth he was going to interfere if someone really decided to pick Baron. He might have lied liiiittle bit back there in the cell - and he was feeling sorry for it! - about that "diversion" he had promised to arrange if fox was caught in tight spot.

Well, of course there was plenty of things he could do... For example flip this table, that sure would caught their attention... But that would lead to his own demise and of course he didn't want that to happen. He appreciated more the option of staying alive as dying went pretty much against his whole plan of get out of here.

So, the problem was: there were many things to avert others attention from Bloodring, but all of them included him to do something that would put him on the harm's way. And while he could take hits and kicks, he didn't wish to be gutted. Don't get him wrong, of course he wanted to help Baron get out of this feast alive and all live-essential things intact! ...But he didn't want to get gutted - or killed in any other form either.

Of course... Steck thought, as his yes looked imperceptibly but attentively around him and up beast sitting besides the table. Of course he could try to make someone else to take the blame - Make it look like the whole stunt was someone else's fault.

[coolcoyote]

Indeed, quite the perplexing problem to say the least. Baro is most thankfull the mouse hasn't had the need to make a distraction. Truth be told Baro didn't know if he was capable of surviving a fight.

He was always a softer breed of fox who among all his brothers and sisters bruised the easiest. It was ironic that such appearent weakness was the reason he was still alive.

Admitedly the fox didnt know what would happen after the fight ended. Would he be turned into a slave? Executed? Or worse...Baro turned to the monitor lizard who noisily feasting on some wood pidgeon.

He had watched Zask devour the poor rat with pure terror. It was like watching his cousin Jacob eaten alive again...and his sister Nora...and Bob his uncle...no wait, he was devoured by rabid shrews.

Baro didn't like the look the lizard was passing him either. He was just waiting for a moment to devour him, he was sure!

No, thought Baro shaking his head. He is just being parinoid he was sure.


"I think I am going to eat that fox..." said Zask said while picking his teeth clean of wood pidgeon.

"Seriously?" Redtail said while gulping down a mug of wine. Despite her claims at being a 'civilized' beast her table mannors are about as bad as the monitor next to her. "After all the food you packed away I'm surprised you havn't burst. Save room for desert you know."

Zask just chuckled, "Fox will be desert. Save him for later."

"Monitor lizard will like Wolf." The smaller lizard mocked. "I swear you two are going to meet your end of gluttony." Redtail then proceded to stuff her maw with several pastries.

Rolling his eyes Zask stood from the table. Adjusting his belt over his currently swollen waist he began to stride over towards the ring.

Said fox immidietly catches sight of the scaley monster lumbering toward him. His ears shoot up in panic. Frantically his head turns left and right for an escape rout. This was it. He was going to end up in the belly of some monster, it was true! All his family were eaten in some way or form.

Then salvation comes in the form of a one eared stoat. The black and brown furred beast wears an hide vest made from several different mice. He has a belt of small knives about his chest. He is near by about to choose some poor rat for his contestant.

'Act now or die fox!' Thinks Baro. A surge of adrenoline pouring through his body the fox leaps up to the extent his bonds allow him and bite the stoat in the leg.

The poor stoat lets loose prehaps the most unmanly squeek a horde beast could make.

"You little..." Baro is rewarded with swift kick to the chest for his trouble. Predicably the stoat cuts his bonds and drags the poor fox to the center of the ring.

Ooc feel free to control the stoat if you want ^^

[Caterpillar]

When you thought that things went actually pretty well - considering the situation - something bad always tended to happen, ryining the whole thing. It was like some kind of unwritten, worldwide rule which lurked patiently its opportunity strike in the most unappreciated moment.

This was one of those moments,

Steck suppressed the urge slam his paw on his forehead. He couldn't believe this! All the fox had needed to do - all he had needed to do was behave like gutless wimp and what have he gone and done? He had bitten one of the warriors! That was like invatation to be dragged into the Bloodring! What part of the plan 'stay hea dlow", didnät that fox understand?

...But right now the bard didn't have time to be amazed by Baron's total lack of tactical sense - The fox was being dragged to the Bloodring and nothing could save the vulpine's sorry hide if he didn't think up something. And fast!

Steck eyes dashed side to side, looking for something - anything, that could be used in turning the situation around. But there simply WASN'T much he could do! Did - did he really have to flip the table?
Steck swallowed

[coolcoyote]

Zask looked rather dissapointed. His shoulder sagged and his tail drooped. It was probbibly for the best the stoat didn't see the lizards bitter glare.

He was not one to be denied a prize. Grumbling Zask returned to his seat, plopping himself down and crossing his arms as he watched the stoat drag the plump vulpine out into the middle of the ring.

"Defend yourself!" The stoat snarled as he tossed Baro one of his many knives, sinking the blade between his legs in the sand.

The fox yelped, backing away from the knife. Prehaps his pan had a few flaws to it, namely trading one villain for another. It was like tossing yourself off a fifty foot cliff instead of a hundred foot cliff.

The end result was the same.

"Come on bushtail. Die with some honor you yellow bellied varment!"

The brown furred vulpine blinked once. He looked down and peered at his yellow furred stomach. "But...I am yellow bellied."

Baro let out a yipe as the stoat leaped at the fox. Rolling to the side he got up to his feet as the stoat scrambled on all fours after him, slicing and cutting the air right behind the fox as he ran in circles around the ring.

A few of the horde beasts got a good laugh out of the sight.

[fernleaf]

Zagreb left the festivities, her duty finished. It seemed her master Orbweaver lived a charmed life, and survived no matter how she plotted his demise, as tradition dictated.

She heard the bats wheeling above, they were good spies for Vermillion and in a way, for her, they knew what was going on everywhere in this cavern. Then, before her was that creature they called Snivels, but not to his face. She paused as she saw the ferret taking out his anger on a post. "A rather futile way to take out your frustrations, dearie." she said.

[Caterpillar]

Baron had a natural talent for jumping, sprinting and dashing when trying to dodge the dagger-sharp death with skin of his teeth. But in the end it was just delaying the inevitable as there was no way Baron could avoid that blade forever... Or that was what other beasts thought. However it was an unexpected twist in fates and fortunes that saved Baro's live - or at least prolonged his existence if nothing else.

"Enough!", the stoat cried out in frustration, managing to tackle the Baro in the sand, standing over the vulpine like looming doom. He licked his dagger's blade "Now you die..."

...A next challenger, a brown-red fox, had already dragged his chosen opponent inside the table ring. Apparently he didn't expect the Baro last long like the rest. But while the redglader was distracted by the entertaining sign in the Bloodring, the captured stoat suddenly dropped down, freeing himself from the vulpine's hold. The fox didn't have time to react as the stoat had already grabbed the dagger (which was tugged under vulpine's red cloth-belt) by its handle. And in a eye blink stoat yanked the weapon free from its scabbard and buried it handle-deep in the fox's stomach.

Avoiding narrowly an alerted guard's spear, rolling back on his feet and freeing his hand with the dagger, the stoat dashed forward, landing on the Bloodring and with savage cry jumped on the Baro's opponent. The poor redglader had only a snip of time to prepare, and that wasn't clearly enough as the captive-beast slashed and stabbed him like he was insane, not even caring if the redglader managed land a cut or two. After all, nothing drove beast madder than witnessing a destruction of his own tribe, home and family.

A sudden escape of the captive had put the guards into action as they surrounded the Bloodring their weapons ready. Of course by then it was too late for their tribe-member (who now lied as bloody carcass on the sand), so they just prepared to kill the escaped captive where he stood.

"Hold it" Those two words from the Warlord were enough to halt the guards's spears. Vermilion rested his chin on his palm while leaning over the table. The warlord didn't sound at least vexed by the demise of couple of his warriors but then again, with Vermilion you never knew what would erupt his displeasure.

"He's in Bloodring. so remember rules: only one challenger at the time" There was a clear order in Weasel Lord's voice and the guards just looked at each others, before lowered their weapons, taking a couple step aback. But they still had the Bloodring surrounded.
"And technically", the Warlord, continued, leaning back on his chair, "he has beaten one of my warriors while inside the Ring -- so that makes him a winner."
Of course it was a win gained by surprise... but what use he had for a warrior who got defeated that easily? Same thing with the fool who had given the captive a chance to escape. If you forgot to stay always alert - if you forgot look out for your back in the real battlefield, you were as good as dead.

Tilting his head to the side, Vermilion looked at the stoat, an interest in his eyes.
"So how about it stoat? Want to join my tribe?"

The stoat spat on the sand in a clear evidence what he thought about the offer. "I would rather stab my own belly open than join you, frigging murderer!"

The guards looked at the warlord, as if asking permission to impale the insolent wreck. Vermilion in his part signed faintly, suddenly feeling bored already. It was always boring when stubborn beast refused his good-will and instead chose the futile death. Their pride made them so predictable.
"So you want your freedom then? I must say that's one --"

"Slag the freedom!", the stoat shouted, hatred flaming in his eyes, as he swung the dagger . "What use do I have for it when my tribe and my kin, is gone, you bastard!"

Vermilion lifted his eyebrow even so slightly. Maybe this particular beast wasn't that predictable after all...?
"Oh? So what is it you want then, o warrior of devastated tribe?" the warlord asked almost in politely tone which didn't match with the look of his red eyes.

The stoat pointed the blooded dagger at the direction of the Weasel Lord. "Fight me, you son of a punk alley harlot!"

Suddenly no-one was anymore interested about Baro

[coolcoyote]

Even Baro seemed interested in this battle about to happen. The stoat of course had just saved his life. But of course the fox also realized that he had NOT defeated his own opponant, in the ring or otherwise. He doubted very much he would get a second chance.

Rising up to his feet the fox scurred away, trying very hard not to draw too much attention to himself. His only hope now was to find a an exit and sneak out of this place.

He would have gone back to save the beast that helped him if he were brave enough. Unfortunetly Baro was too smart for such bravery. He already knew how that fight would end...

---

The ferret spun on his heal to glare at the rat in a most hatefull way. Little did he know what was going on in the room he had just left. "Oh? I wonder how YOU deal with frustration."

The ferret sheathed his blade. "How do YOU deal with standing in the shadow of an incompetent fox? How do YOU deal with being dishonored by the lowest of beasts slandering your name?" The ferret was seething with anger now, his normal composure lost, "How do you deal with the knowlage that no matter how high you climb the ladder you can't get one scrap of respect."

Snivels shook his head. He would never appologize for it but he knew he was acting foolishly.

Paws on his hips the ferret asked in a calmer but still obviously annoyed tone. "So why are you out here missing the feast? Don't tell me you can't handle your ale?" The ferret smiled at his own jest. How ever slight the insult may be it still brought him a measure of joy to ruin anothers day, even if only slightly.

[fernleaf]

Zagreb only laughed quietly, leaning on her staff, the laugh that made many faint dead away. "Now, you need not worry about me." she said. "You have worries enough. And you know by now that respect is earned. You don't earn it by running away from your troubles, but standing up to your foes. In that, we can help each other, I think."

She looked up, checking the air. "We need to be quiet and not be seen." she said. "The Master has many eyes and ears up there. The bats have a habit of listening in and reporting everything to the Lord." Seeing nothing, the bats were elsewhere, she said "Now what need to you have for me, and what's in it, dearie, what can you do for me in return?"

[coolcoyote]

(Going to post here for the villains npcs here so next post i can focus on Baro XD)

Snivels leaned back as the rat laughed. He also narrowed his eyes at the last remark. Was she...making an offer to him?

It was the ferret's turn to laugh. His laughter was not quite so intimidating though. "Need? What I need is to see everyone who wronged me in there taught a leathal lesson in humility."

The mental image of Wolf pleading for mercy as Vermillion tossed him to the, ironically, proverbial wolf brought a smile to Snivel's face. Long had the ferret waited for Wolf to be...dispatched, even more so than his other enemies.

Snivels always wondered what would have happened if he had just out right challenged the foc to a duel. He thought he could probbibly take him, but then he would be expected to duel ALL his enemies and that was more work than it was worth.

So instead he resigned himself to patiently waiting for his advisary to either meet his end due to his diet, or slip up and find himself on the wrong side of Vermillions wrath.

Given how the fox had been at his job for years, chances of that happening anytime soon were growing ever distant. About the only thing that would remove the troublesom vulpine now was a miracle.

And it was here that Snivels realized he was talking to a seer. The ferret never beleived in seers...but his master did...

The ferrets laughter wasn't much to brag about, but his smile could turn the stomach of a cheshire cat. "You know...I take it back. I don't need ALL my enemies killed, just put in their place. A good, strong example would do just nicely."

The ferret drummed his claws together as he continued, "I see no reason to beat around the bush. Vermillion listens to you seer types, yes? Well what would it take to have you convince him that 'Wolf' pelts make the greatest boots? Maybe a little fox hunt for good measure..."

The ferret managed another chuckle. Imagining Wolf being turning into a rug always made his day, imagining it actually happening, it was almost as good as imagiing what would happen to that little pip squeek mouse...

"Oh!" Said the ferret as he snapped his claws. "Why stop with just one enemy. There is also this little troublesome mouse. I'm rather torn on what to do with him. Tell me, how baddly does a bard need both paws to play a lute? I also wonder how hard it would be to sing when one is being stuffed full of cheese before being thrown to Zask..." Snivels was practically giddy now. "I may not be able to see the future but I must say, it's looking brighter now...for me at least."

[Caterpillar]

Baron's attempt get away unnoticed didn't went quite as planned: one of the guards stopped the fox on his tracks, tackling him on the ground with his spear before the unfortunate fox could go three steps further.
"Don't get any funny ideas", the guard warned, as the tip of the spear poked once Baros chest.


.....


Vermilio'sn red eyes flashed at the challenge like they were pair of rubies.
"Interesting..." the white weasel smirked, dragging the word while he rose from his seat. "Very well, as a winner of a match, I grand you that fight..."

Warlord's words caused a murmur among the tables. It had been many moons since the last time when Vermilion had fought in Bloodring. The white weasel excelled in the battlefields, where death could strike from any directions - so many tribe-members had concluded Warlord viewed the ring's duels a bit dull, letting his warriors have the fun.

"You may choose the weapon", Vermilion continued and shot an arrogant smirk at his challenger, like he was purposely trying to get rise out of the stoat by giving him the advantage decide the weapon.

And stoat's eyes indeed narrowed - he was feeling like he was looked down.
"Spear", there wasn't even a moment of hesitation in his voice.

That caused another wave of murmur among the horde. A spear was the trickiest weapon use in Bloodring and usually it was never called out. The Bloodring's diameter was about thirty steps, which normally meant a plenty of room for duels. But spears were long weapons and they increased considerably the opponent's range of attack. Meaning, with spears, you suddenly had a very little room to move around in the circle. Which in turn meant there was no room for mistakes either.

Vermilion however laughed.
"Spear it is", he confirmed, still smirking, swinging himself over the table. Casually he removed his belts of throwing knives and his sword, placing them on the table.


....


Steck let out a faint sigh of relief. That had been unexpected stroke of luck... For Baro at least. Had that stoat freed himself few minutes later and the poor fox would have been done for... Ouch, not he was tackled on the ground by a guard, that must have hurt. But did that fox really think that he could just slip away past the circle of guards?

Steck shook his head and returned his attention to the events that started to unfold, but the most closely he focused his eyes on the weapons Vermilion left behind on the table. The bard looked carefully around. Oh, the throwing knives were so close... and everybeast's eyes were focused on the Bloodring. So this was a golden opportunity...

Steck moved a bit as if only trying to get a better view at the Bloodring like everybody else, getting more closer and closer...


.....


Meanwhile the duel between Vermilion and the stoat was taking its place. The corpse was dragged out (and Baro was dragged back where the rest of the captives were) and both the combatants were given a spear, provided by the guards, before they withdrew from surrounding the Bloodring. The stoat gave the weapon a try-out, making a few skilful swings. Vermilion, on his own end, just took the weapon and turned toward his opponent.

Two beast started to circle each other, looking for the opening. And in the end it was the stoat who t made the first move as he suddenly charged at Vermilion, letting out a barbaric yell.

It was over in flash of the moments that it almost looked unreal. At the first struck Vermilion swung the opponent's offending weapon out of the way, next swing strived to the stoat's legs and on the third one Vermilion's weapon thrust through the stoad's back at the same time when tackled beast's belly hit the sand, spear nailing him like needle would nail a bug.
There was a moment of awestruck silence before it boomed into cheering and loud chanting of Warlord's name. But Vermilion didn't heed the cheering. To him this wasn't even a victory - or would you ¨feel triumph when you had squashed a mere beetle?
"Pathetic", Vermilion spat out. After such a disappointment, he didn't smile anymore, and was now staring scornfully down the stoat. Puddle of blood started form under the impaled beast, soaking into the dry sand.

"Shouldn't have bothered", he added, twisting the spear he was holding and making its head rotate inside the wound, tearing the stoat's innards even more. The poor beast's whole body jerked and probably he tried scream out in pain, but all that came out was disgusting gurgling sound as the blood started to flow from his mouth.

Vermilion wasn't merciful enough to grand the his opponent a quick death - the white weasel let the stoat suffer until the final, painful rasping sound of dying left from the stoats' blood-filled mouth. With growl Vermilion yanked the spear free more blood spilled out.

"Clean this poor excuse of beast right out of my sight", Vermilion snarled, as he struck the spear into the sand. He was in his foul mood again and it showed. Clearly Warlord had been expected more but had wound up with disappointment instead. And it really got him vexed. He had got his hopes up for nothing -- that stoat hadn't proven to be a challenge at all! Boring, boring, BORING! He wasn't anymore in mood of watching the duels. The Bloodring was over!

"Enough of the games!", Warlord declared, returning towards his table, seat and weapons. "Let's drink! Let's eat!... Where's that damn bard?"

[coolcoyote]

"I second that motion." Wolf gave a hearty laugh and guzzled down his ale. There was never any doubt in his mind who would win. He was also saddly dissapointed the stoat didnt put up a fight as well. The last time the fleshy fox had seen a truely good fight he was still able to participate in them.

Rasilisk nodded his head to his lord and master's return but said little else. It didn't take a catapult scientist to figure out the warlord was in a poor mood. And Rasil would have liked to enjoy the promotion longer than one night...

Zask and Rose returned to their feasting and merryment like the other warriors. A loud din echoed through out the room as the party commenced.

Baro however was completely misserable. He slumped against the wall, waiting for his eventual slaughter...or worse for failure to win at the bloodring.

Assuming he didn't have a heart attack here and now. He could still hear his own heart beating loudly in his chest where the spear had scratched him.

The fox whined most pitifully as the party continued. Worse yet he could smell all the wonderfull food but could eat none of it...