Along the Cost (Irvette, Open)

[Luna Broadblade]

Ash had walked for two hours, passing a couple sentry posts, lost in thought. It would take at least that long to get back, and while the sun was high now, Ash figured it’d probably be low if not gone by the time he got back to the mountain. Doubtless he’d be scolded when he returned home late for playing hookey from afternoon classes. Watching the waves come in and out, he was hard pressed to feel more than a passing twinge of guilt. The sound of crashing waves and smell of salt dampened his temper, and it ached more than burned in his chest. Ripley’s words still haunted him, but it was easier to let the ocean drown her out than try to argue in his head.

Absently he tossed a stone, watching it rise and fall against the horizon, before hitting the water.

Could I ever really leave this place…?

Ash didn’t think so. His whole life had been spent within the shadow of Salamandastron. Even now it was in his sight, as tall and proud as ever. Doubtless the Long Patrol was busying themselves with patrols. Then again, it was a beautiful day and perhaps they wouldn’t be quite as diligent…

Ash shook such thoughts from his head. The Long Patrol was the premier military force in the region: They had their act together. There was nothing for a cadet like him to do, but rest while he could and enjoy the sounds of the ocean. Or at least do his level best to take a break from all that thinking he'd been doing lately.

This was exactly what he was about to do, when a sudden noise drew his attention. Ears up, he listened carefully, paw going for the practice sword he had taken with him. Something was going on nearby…

[stranger]

Irvette stretched. Being on land was such a pain. The ground was hard, and the wind, was just not as friendly as it is at sea. Not as fresh. Though, being on the coast, helped with that feeling. They have landed on the coast a few days ago, and have now began to scout the area. There was a village to the south, some town east of here, and some direction up north. According to the latest, guest on their ship, there may be a few things to check out. And while, most captains didn't like stepping down from their ships, Irvette found it more fun to be hands on. After all, one must get acquainted with the merchandise before trying to sell it.

"Gentlemen, we'll continue North. If we're lucky, we'll have a few more wonderful guests on board. Spread out."

She found coverage is most effective in small groups. Wider area, less intimidating, more mobile. The two with her, were great and trusted companions. They had a keen eye for merchandise, had a decent talent for music, and a great taste in food.

"Mr. Jones, if you would indulge us, some flute, perhaps?"
"Of course Captain." The red furred squirrel grinned and pulled out the flute he carried with him everywhere. The crew always joked that he should have been born a bird for his love of music. Soon, the soothing sounds of flute accompanied their stroll through the spare woods along the shore. Soon, the second companion, a fox, touched Irvette's arm. He smelled another being. Silently he pointed towards the shore. Irvette nodded, as they continued their track as if nothing bothered them, stepping lightly in tune with the flute. Looks like a cute little bunny awaited for them ahead.
Perhaps he'd like some company.

[Luna Broadblade]

Was that… music?

Ash ears twitched as he followed the sound of the elusive flute. It took him further down the path from Salamandastron, toward the woodlands: farther than he’d intended to go. After a relatively short journey though, he was able to clearly see three figures making their way through the thinning tree line. For a moment, all he could do was stare.

A fox, a hedgehog and a squirrel walk into a tavern…

Of course, there wasn’t a tavern, but the sight was still an odd one. No one seemed to be screaming though, and most raiding parties didn’t have soothing music accompanying them. Erring on the side of politeness, Ash raised a paw and called out.

“Good day strangers. What brings you this way?”

Despite the overall peacefulness of the scene, something was making the hair stand up on the back of his neck. Like he was missing something, and was going to regret missing it for a long time…

[stranger]

Irvette, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Blackear, continued as they were, as the rabbit came to their view. A soldier... no a cadet. A cute little cadet bunny. He'll be a great addition to their party. She discreetly nodded for the squirrel to keep playing, as they approached him.

“Good day strangers. What brings you this way?” They heard the bunny call out. How cute, he's polite too! Irvette liked that. It's much simpler to communicate with polite individuals. Much more pleasant.

"Good Day to you too, good man!" Irvette smiled with a nod, stepping slightly forward of the group, and stopping a bit of a distance in front of the rabbit. "We're just out for a stroll. The weather's far too lovely, and the sea shore is simply hypnotizing today. I'm sure you are out for the same reason, it would be a shame not to enjoy such a day!"  She motioned around her. By this time, the squirrel stopped his playing, but kept the flute out, ready to continue playing.

Her eyes widened a bit, as if she remembered something. Quickly, with a shy smile, she extended her paw. "Pardon my manners! My name is Winifred! This is Jones and Blackear. With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking?" Her companions nodded politely at their introduction, keeping quiet in the background, letting their captain do the talking for now. The set up was pretty simple. She lures them in, disarms with charm... and just when the ignorant creature is oblivious... well, they go in, and the creature stands no chance. This one's a trained soldier, so they'll have to make sure to approach carefully.
He may have back up near by.

[Luna Broadblade]

"We're just out for a stroll. The weather's far too lovely, and the sea shore is simply hypnotizing today. I'm sure you are out for the same reason, it would be a shame not to enjoy such a day!"

Ugh, did everyone have to go on about how great a day it was? Sure the sun was out, and the weather nice, but did that mean everyone had to decide today was the perfect day to vacation? There would be plenty of other nice days after all. There had to be other people with things to do besides taking it easy.

The music had stopped while Ash had thought bitter thoughts about the day. Why had the squirrel stopped playing? Ash squinted his eyes at the trio, still a little wary. Members of the Long Patrol had to be suspicious of newcomers. Polite, but suspicious. Suspiciously polite…?

"Pardon my manners! My name is Winifred! This is Jones and Blackear. With whom do we have the pleasure of speaking?"

So the hedgehog was Winifred, the squirrel was Jones and the fox Blackear. At least Ash knew what to call them.

Ash elected not to cross the distance between them to shake paws. Instincts and training told him not to get in close just yet: Especially when they outnumbered him by two. Politeness was good and all, but it didn’t really signal intent.

Instead he bowed, though his eyes never left them.

“Ash Fleetfoot, cadet of the Long Patrol at your service ma’am.”

What was it they wanted?

[stranger]

Cautious little bunny, as bunnies should be, Irvette acknowledged internally. Perhaps he was trained well. All the more fun to join them. Granted, that would take more steps then anticipated. All a game they liked to play. It was entertaining, sometimes more, sometimes less! This one seemed annoyed, perhaps a long shift?
That didn't excuse his lack of manners though. One should always shake hands.
It's a sign of peace. Unarmed. Tradition of nothing up the sleeve if you will.
Irvette made a note to remind him of proper manners when meeting someone else.

"Pleasure making your acquaintance Cadet Fleetfoot." Winifred bowed her head, the other two followed suite with a smile. 

"What brings the Long Patrol out here? I thought that we were far from any town or post... less we got churned around in the forest." Blackear frowned, looking around rather perplexed. "I could have swore we were heading in the right direction...."

It was rather easy to churn around with so few roads out there, towns and villages far apart, and half of the markers worn down by the elements.

Jones, bored by the intros, wondered away towards the water, and began playing again. They'll call him back once... it's "resolved." Raid or not, the day was great, and playing in the gentle wind was something he was genuinely found of. On the other hand, that minimized the assumption of threat that the bunny could be feeling. After all, if they had ill intentions, they wouldn't be this distracted. Raiding parties couldn't' afford one member going off to do his own thing.

[Luna Broadblade]

With introductions and acknowledgements made, protocol had been followed. At least, what protocol Ash knew. He hadn’t actually memorized any guides of what to do when stumbling on a strange group of travelers. Did he take them back to the mountain? Hadn’t that ended badly several times in stories? But wasn’t it rude and unacceptable to just leave them out here? Why hadn’t he paid closer attention in class…

"What brings the Long Patrol out here? I thought that we were far from any town or post... less we got churned around in the forest… I could have swore we were heading in the right direction...."

“The mountain is about two hours in that direction,” Ash replied waving from where he’d come from. “There are a few sentry posts nearby, but there aren’t many villages out this way. Redwall Abbey is a couple weeks journey, and that’s the closest settlement I know of. Probably a few farms here and there…”

Was that too much information? Ash wasn’t the best at talking to strangers, so he didn’t really know when to stop. What would anyone else do? What would his brothers say? What was he doing when they went over this in class!?

The squirrel had wandered off, but Ash could hear him playing his pipe. It would be hard to sneak up on someone while playing. For the moment he focused on the two still in front of him, though one of his ears twitched in the direction of the music. It really was quite soothing.

“I could escort you ba- to one of the sentry posts if you’d like,” Ash offered. A sentry would know what to do. It was part of the job after all.

[stranger]

Blackear raised an eyebrow as he looked around, following Ash's instruction. At least someone knew the land. He would definitely be useful to have in these new parts. They had a map, but from what he remembered hearing it was out of date.

"Weren't there a little village near by here? What's it called... River Run? UpCreek? Pond...something? Seaside..." Blackear frowned scratching his ear, trying to remember the town name. "We were told that it's on the way to the Mountain, but not that far."

Irvette nodded. The last guest mentioned a small village near by. Nothing too special, but had an interesting supply of amber. Worth checking out. Presuming that it was near by, and they didn't head in the opposite direction. All those little creatures and their little towns were so alike.

"Seaside Run." She supplied glancing up at Blackear. "We were told that they sell amber, and were interested in looking into that." She did always find it better to speak the truth. Better for the mind, better for the heart... and no chance of being caught in a lie. Never-mind the stretchable definition of truth.

They caught his slip. Looks like he's unsure. Weary.. very well. How to pacify the worries of a little bunny, alone, and far from home?

"A friend of mine, brought the most beautiful amber necklace, with a tiny flower encased in the golden shell." Irvette smiled dreamily, her eyes loosing focus as if reminiscing about the jewel, before looking up at Ash with a small smile, before her eyes fell, and the smile wavered. Notes of sadness touching her words. "I'm sorry, she used to tell such good stories about there."

"We couldn't possibly! It would be far too much of a hassle!" Blackear shook his head, laying a comforting paw on Irvette's shoulder, who sighed heavily in rechurn. "Besides, she'll be far too tired soon, we'll need to break camp. But you are more then welcome to join us! We have some provisions we'll be happy to share." 

[Luna Broadblade]

Ash listened as they chattered back and forth about River Runs and Creeks. His brow furrowed slightly as the conversation went on and on, drifting into talks about amber and trade.

The blazes are they talking about? I’ve never heard of Seaside Run. Or of any villages trading heavily in amber. Maybe it was mentioned in map class… No, pretty sure we would have covered nearby villages extensively.

“Listen Miss,” Ash said. “I think you may have landed on the wrong continent or somethin’. There isn’t any village called Seaside Run in these parts. An’ while I don’t claim to be an expert, I’m pretty sure I’d remember such a place…”

He watched the interplay between the hedgehog and the fox with growing befuddlement. What on earth were they going on about? There was something fishy going on here. Maybe he should be making a run for it.

… we'll need to break camp. But you are more then welcome to join us! We have some provisions we'll be happy to share."

Well crap. Ash felt himself freeze internally. Did he go with them, did he turn them down, did he take them to Salamandstron?

“I’m sorry…” He began to stammer out, though sorry for what he wasn’t sure yet. “I’m not-“
He stomach growled loudly, and he winced.

“I wouldn’t want to intrude…”

A quick snack wouldn’t hurt. Maybe he could find out more about these strangers and report better information than three people on the edge of the territory who weirded him out.

[stranger]

Irvette blinked up at Ash, before looking back at Blackear accusingly.
"I believe your contact lied to you then, less we got churned around so severely." Irvette shook her head looking defeated. "Guess we'll need to go back home then. Mother will be so disappointing." With a heavy sigh she looked back at Ash. "I only wish we met you sooner to avoid traveling so far! But, I guess it can't be helped. At least the scenery's nice..." She smiled weakly.

Looks like the little bunny's so lost! Far away from his patrol... so far from the road... all alone at the shore, with not a single other soul.
He must be tired, and oh, so hungry. But polite. That's always nice. Irvette always appreciated that.

Black ear shrugged at Irvette, muttering something about dealing with his friend later, and getting those beads for her mom one of these days, before calling over to the third member of their group.

"Oi, Jones! Come on back, let's break camp." He grinned looking back at the bunny, as he started forward, putting a friendly paw on the bunny's shoulder. "Nonsence. As my good old dad used to say, it's not an intrusion if there's an invitation! Come, you can help me light a fire. I can never get the blasted stone to work properly" With that he headed towards some log an twigs he spotted off to the side. The hedgehog too, began fussing around getting twigs before heading over to them.

A minute later, the squirrel joined in too, as he plopped on the sand, and began pulling out a couple of jugs, and a couple satchels of dried goods. "I'm not sure what you'd like, but we've got some dried fruits, bread, and carrot cakes, and I think cherry and oatmeal biscuits" The squirrel rummaged in the bags. "Oh and some tree nuts if you're interested."

Irvette walked up to the group. "I have the tea! Mint and current tea my favorite!" She smiled brightly. "Goes great with the biscuits! If anyone's interested. Blackear should have some black tea."

The fox's ears perked up at his name, before he nugged the rabbit and added in a whisper. "This is the part she'll really kill me for... I forgot the tea!" He paused before adding in a louder tone. "I have some apples and honey in my bag, we can bake them."

[Luna Broadblade]

Ash watched, a bit at a loss as they started setting up for lunch. So much food, and it all looked tasty too! His stomach growled. How long had it been since he had a slice of carrot cake? It was usually gone by the time he sat down in the mess hall, the older cadets and members of the Long Patrol exercising their right to first pick. Sometimes Ash even suspected his fellow cadets of grabbing extra and hiding it before he could get one. Of course, that was probably just paranoia. His fellow cadets couldn’t be that spiteful.

"This is the part she'll really kill me for... I forgot the tea!"

Ash glanced at the fox, and felt a bit of concern. Not really worry though, as he doubted the little hedgehog maid would actually kill anyone. Still…

“I’d like some mint tea,” Ash told the group, though in truth he didn’t particularly fancy tea in general. Though it did go well with carrot cake. “Black isn’t, er, to my taste. I think mints much better.”

And so it was that the group set up for lunch. As they were going about it, Ash eagerly awaiting his chance to snag a carrot cake, he tried to continue his inquiries.

“So how is it you three came to travel together? You seem like a motely crew, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

[stranger]

The fox chuckled shaking his head a bit as he got the small fire lit. After some fussing and blowing, it finally stayed.
"Don't worry officer, she's far too much of a sweetheart for that. But the woman is serious about her tea!... Hand me some of those bigger sticks, would'ya officer?" With that he set up a crude hanger for the kettle.

Irvette, on the other hand, began getting some of the leaves from the bag and putting them in the tin kettle the squirrel filed with water earlier. "Here we go." She passed the kettle over to the Fox. The sight in itself rather comedic as the pot was out of proportion bigger then the hedgehog herself. "I think so too. Black is far too harsh for me. Can't drink it with lot's of sugar and lemon!"

This time the squirrel spoke up, allowing the other two to fuss around setting everything up. He cleared his throat, shifting in his seat as he prepared for a story telling.
"Believe it or not, once upon a time, Blackear and I grew up together! In a small village down south, on the very tip of the peninsula. Warm days, blue sea, and the most wonderful sunsets! Our parents were the greatest of  friends the village has ever known! Between the feasts, celebrations, and the daily chores, we became the bestest of friends. Bound for life, my pops used to joke!" He paused, taking a deep breath as he touched a fist to his heart in respect.

"One day, when we were young men, we decided that tis time for us to go forth into the world, and learn the ways of this land! The vast beyond our small village. We packed our bags, and set out. Up the coast, then into the woods. Many villages we have seen, and many people we have met! As we traveled North, we began hearing more and more about the Abbey up North. One day, we came upon some tucked away, sleepy town. That's when we met... Wini. Sorry, I meant Winifred. Her parents ran the local tavern, and well... one drink after another... and we gained a new friend! Been traveling ever since!" He paused before grinning widely, leaning closer to the bunny. "She knows all the secrets on getting great discounts at inns!"

"I heard that!" Irvette looked up with a grin. "Oh, and Tea's ready!"
She's been observing them from the corner of her eye. Her fingers working swiftly and cleanly to get everything set up. Careful to pull up the guest cup out of her bag, and setting everything up just right as she poured the tea. Couple little tricks...to put the right cakes and cups before the guest, so they choose the one that's expected. Slight of hand, trickery, and side-show tricks. Cheap, but effective. Of course, but there is always a back up or two, to make sure it's done. The important part was that the Fox, the Squirrel and herself, take the antidotes. While the bunny was distracted she took hers, the fox and the other should have too. She'd count on that.

[beregond]

Athani breathed deeply. The smell of the sea was something new to him. All his life, he had lived in the forest, filled with a symphony of smells: old rotting leaves, new leaves just unfolding, leaves in the height of summer; dew on the leaves, dew on rough bark, dew on spiderwebs; countless flowers, and more often than not, some hungry beast cooking up a tasty snack for himself. That was the forest. Even Redwall Abbey was in the forest, and had all those smells; though the smell of cooking predominated most of the time. But here, on the shore, where larger rocks lay scattered in the sliding sand, and loose shrubs clung wherever they could, one smell predominated everything: the sea!

Smell was not all, either. The sight of it was equally striking. The sun glittered invitingly on the gentle waves, almost playfully. Athani felt a shout of joy welling up inside him, a shout he quickly suppressed. This scene had to be taken in without emotions, at least for a short while. As his eyes roamed the coastland, he noticed the small woodland. A piece of home in this beautiful, unimaginable place.

He breathed deeply again, but any of the familiar forest smells were drowned out by the salt air. Intrigued, Athani turned toward the woods. Finally experiencing the sea was highly different from reading about the sea in a book. No book, no words, no drawing could fully relay standing there in person, hearing the call of the sea. A woodland so close to the sea must be highly different than any inland forest. Such differences would be worth recording, for others to know.

Personally, Athani rather hoped that should anyone care to read his writings, they would be inspired to follow his travels. He had been in places where history lay as deep as the loam in Mossflower, and that fact was something that--like the sea, he now realized--could only be experienced. He wanted to share his knowledge with others, but at the same time... Athani sighed. Who would understand everything that went on in his mind? Abbot Ignatius did. And Brother Jerome. It seemed to him that those kind mice knew him better than he knew himself. And when with such people like that, there was no point in holding anything back. But Abbot Ignatius and Brother Jerome were dead, and his own brother would not agree with him. Being alone was a hard way to be, but Athani had determined that it was best for him. That was why he hoped others would read his books; at least his books would not be as lonely as he was.

A host of new smells roused Athani from his self-pitying. All the old, familiar woodland smells bombarded him again, but subtly changed by the salt of the sea. The leaves were salt-leaves, the bark was salt-bark, the flowers were salt-flowers, and the afternoon tea was--

Afternoon tea? Athani sniffed again. Yes, faint, but distinctly there. Someone was brewing mint tea, and setting out carrot cake, and maybe a few other such comfort foods. Was there a village nearby? Farther up the coast, it looked like there were some mountains, but Athani couldn't really see or smell any other signs of habitation. Perhaps there were some fellow travelers, far too used to the comforts of home to adventuring, even on a beautiful day like this. Even so, they would probably have some interesting stories to tell, and Athani's own satchel was feeling quite light. He checked it briefly. Yes, only a few berries and his writings materials. As he thought. The shore may be beautiful, but there wasn't much to eat.

Quickening his pace, Athani let his nose lead the way. A small camp came into sight, four creatures sitting around a fire: a young hare, a female hedgehog, a simple-looking fox, and a red squirrel like himself. The squirrel appeared to be telling something to the hare, as the hedgehog set the dishes out. Athani slowed down, realizing that the odd group would probably be equally able to see him. Quickly assuming a more natural pace, he came to the edges of camp just as the hedgehog took the kettle off of the fire. "I heard that! Oh, and Tea's ready!"

"Smells wonderful," said Athani as he approached, "Is there room around the fire for a hungry squirrel? I've been wandering along the shorelands for a while now, and there's not much to eat there. Athani Treefur, at your service." Athani made a small bow as he finished his introduction.

[Luna Broadblade]

"Don't worry officer, she's far too much of a sweetheart for that. But the woman is serious about her tea!... Hand me some of those bigger sticks, would'ya officer?"

Well that was a bit of a relief. Not that Ash had actually been worried. Winifred seemed like a nice hedgehog lady. Besides, Blackear was a fox, and they would hardly be threatened by such a dainty creature.

Politely, Ash passed over what the fox had requested. Even more politely he listened to the squirrel’s story. It sounded strange, a life without the day to day chores of a cadet. The Long Patrol did have feasts and celebrations, but there was something idyllic about the scene Jones described. He took the tea offered to him, patiently waiting for the others to be served as well. Etiquette was to observed at all times after all. He snagged a carrot cake, eager for the first bite.

"Smells wonderful…Is there room around the fire for a hungry squirrel? I've been wandering along the shorelands for a while now, and there's not much to eat there. Athani Treefur, at your service."

The voice nearly startled him into dropping his cup.

The instructor’s would have my head for not minding my surroundings better.

Or maybe only one would. Or maybe none. Did any of the instructors actually care if they minded their surroundings, or did they just enjoy making cadets jump?

Quickly banishing the distracting thoughts, Ash set down his tea, and cake, and stood to attention as the newcomer approached.

“Well met Mr. Treefur,” he greeted, slightly stiffer in his delivery than he’d intended. “Cadet Ash Fleetfoot, at your service.”

So many people coming to Salamandstron’s borders today: And only a lone cadet to play greeting party. Ash hoped his discomfort didn’t show on his face.

“Why don’t you join us? If Lady Winifred does not object, of course.”

Ash shot the hedgehog a sheepish look. It wasn’t very polite to invite someone to someone else’s tea party.

[stranger]

The fox twitched.... there was another scent. Discreetly he glanced toward the direction the smell was coming from. Stranger wasn't part of the plan, and Irvette wouldn't be happy, but it should be alright... they got enough resources for both, at least he hoped. He made a clicking noise with his tongue, hiding it with how he stirred the fire. Irvette's ears twitched aware that there's now a newcomer coming up behind her.

She wasn't thrilled, but then, unless he's a large badger or something they should be able to take care of the intruder easy enough. And who knows... perhaps he's in need of a happy new home as well.  Though both aught to be taught manners! Intruding on a existing affair? Inviting strangers to the fire? But that's a conversation for another day, they'll have plenty of them.

"Welcome Mr. Treefur! The more the merrier!" Irvette smiled sweetly motioning to their fire. Nicely dressed, at least knows how to rudely politely introduce himself and invite himself in. A traveler, perhaps a scholar? Or even one of those... monk types? How different... the land always held so many curiosities. So many varieties of critters, so many varieties of trade. It was always ever so fun! So many toys to play! "My name is Lady Winifred, and that's Jones and that's Blackear." She motioned to her companions, both nodded in acknowledgement.  "Would you like some tea as well? It's freshly made, and I think we may have a spare cup."  With that she set her own cup down, and began rustling about the bag before throwing the other two a questioning look. With a quick shrug, both looked into their satchels too.  Jones finally pulling one out and setting it before the lady.

"These should be ready in a couple minutes. So, what brings you to our fire Mr. Treefur?" Blackear inquired, as he set a few apples covered in honey by the fire. Off to the side, Winifred silently poured the tea into the spare cup before passing it over to the newcomer, as well as motioning to the few things they had out, bit of the cakes, biscuits, and a variety of nuts.

The spiking in the food and drink should be enough to take both out. At least sedate enough to administer the rest of the tranquilizers. With enough rope and the satchels, they should be able to transport them easily enough. The rest of the crew would be able to help soon enough. Just need to hold on a bit longer... just a bit longer.