Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Yes, of course your mother and father count. But I really mean be careful, this isn't a toy. I didn't get a real blade until I was ten or eleven." Turan paused as if trying to remember for sure, but shook his head a little, as if at its unimportance. "But you are much better behaved and much more careful than I was when I was younger.

He held the scabbard, but turned the sword, presenting to Antoine hilt-first. "Tell me how that feels, how it balances in your paws." He continued to hold the scabbard, waiting for the young skunk to get the feel of the sword in his grasp.

~~~~~~~~~~

Eula's eyebrows drew together, frowning a little in disbelief. Seven years she'd been here. Seven years she'd been training, and most of that time as a Redwall fighter. And when had anyone spilled a bag full of ornate weapons before her, telling her to have at it? She shook her head, not believing her brother could possibly be so trustworthy in Kusaa, the eleven-year-old squirt that he was.

She was about to say as much when the little trouble-maker himself reappeared, looking as fresh as when he'd turned and darted off. Payton was fumbling with the strap at his chest, the sword on his back. He fumbled more from excitement than actual clumsiness, as Kusaa would know the young regiment hare was anything but clumsy.

"What took you so long?"

Payton turned to Eula long enough to send her an audacious grin, before turning back to Kusaa. Grey eyes landed on the array of blades before him, and he lost a step in his eager momentum. Eyebrows shot up as he looked back up at the bat. "What's all this?"

Turan paused, holding the blade up with his palm against the flat of the sword. He studied Antoine carefully. "Calm down, don't be so rigid. You have to be relaxed, just like you are with a wooden sword. You need to be focused, but composed." He waited another moment, then dropped his arm, to let the young skunk find how very light the sword was.

"It's larger, but wieldy. You'll find a lot of swords, even full-size ones, are surprisingly light, especially ones designed to be managed with one paw, like this one." He nodded a little, indicating Antoine should hold the sword with his dominant paw, stepping back a bit so the skunk didn't feel as if he was pointing the weapon at Turan.

"We can step outside for a bit and let you get a handle of it in your paws," he offered just lightly, waiting to see if Antoine was feeling comfortable.

~~~~~~~~~~

Eula listened to this explanation in silence, letting Kusaa talk herself out. But she was clearly opposed immediately. "Kusaa, Payton is well-trained, but he's only eleven. He doesn't even wield his own proper weapon yet."

Payton shot a look at Eula. "Hey, be quiet! I can handle it fine!" However, the young hare was clearly intimidated by the sudden need to make a decision. He'd been practicing with the large badger sword lately, but he was well-learned on how to distinguish when a weapon was well suited for you. There were much lighter, swifter weapons laying before him, much better suited for his small, agile frame. He wondered why Kusaa would have him prepare with one weapon, then offer him several other weapons that would work better for him. What was the trick here?

A frown line creased his forehead in concentration as he stared at the weapons.

Eula had been eyeing the sword on Payton's back, and decided to give her input. "Payton, go for the rapier, or that basket-hilt claymore."

"Claymores are kind of clumsy," Payton said thoughtfully.

Eula agreed, and the surprise showed on her face. She'd only really suggested it because of the protection the basket-hilt would offer.

Payton shook his head a little, looking at Kusaa, his eyes set in a calculative, questioning expression. "Are you expecting something from me? I mean, is there a right answer?"

(I am going to post. Soon. I'm so sorry, guys.)

“Seven years?” Shaftin reiterated, as he counted back in his mind. “Then you really came to Redwall around the same time as Eula?” He sounded a little surprised by that. He wasn’t sure why, but he’d always thought Donato had been at Redwall considerably longer than Eula.

He was out of questions, and just sat back in his seat, enjoying the rest of his meal. “Well, I can’t come up with any plausible reason to dislike you,” he started casually. “So I hope you’ll make an effort to come out and visit.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Turan watched Antoine, always keeping a close eye to see that the skunk didn’t hurt himself. He nodded, satisfied with Antoine’s ready reply. Beckoning his protégé over, he looped the thick straps of the scabbard about the belt on the skunk’s left hip, securing it. He stepped back momentarily to take a look at the length. It fit Antoine surprisingly well.

Turning, he looked back at Antoine. “You don’t have to wear the scabbard now if you don’t want to, I just wanted to see if it was too long. Will it bother you?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Payton looked rather offended, as he was wont to be. “I know what you said,” he said flatly. “I just thought if I gave up the sword I should probably choose a specific weapon to use. It’s sort of dumb to keep changing weapons in the middle of a battle. It messes up your concentration.” He sounded rather uppity and confident as he said this, but was clearly avoiding eye contact. He wouldn’t be able to be so cocky when looking straight at the intimidating bat.

Taking the large sword, he presented it to the bat, grey eyes falling on the array of weapons before him. “I’m gonna use that saber with the ringed hilt,” he said quietly to himself. He’d opted for the saber over the rapier purely for the stability, even though he’d wield a rapier easier. Also, he wasn’t a fan of cross hilts, given their awkward handling with his still comparably small paws.

As soon as Eula heard Payton say he’d take the saber, her mouth opened a little, in surprise. Not disapproval, just surprise.

Payton spared Eula the shortest glance, as if knowing that look would be on her face.

She closed her mouth, nodding a little. “All right, I guess Payton made his choice.”

Donato forced a grin. "Hm, I think I got here a little while before she did. But Eula and I've already made plans to come and visit, don't worry. Seeing you both again made her wish she had been visiting more." Again, he wondered when things would settle down so that they could make that trip.

Who: Payton, Eula and Kusaa
What: Payton and Kusaa duel, sort of
Where: Abbey grounds

Payton: When Kusaa took the large sword away, Payton walked over to the pile of weapons nearby, stooping to slide his paw into the ringed hilt of the saber. Unlike before, the young hare opted immediately to use his right paw because of the build of the hilt. Hefting it lightly in his paw, he curled his left paw in a stretching motion before holding his free arm out in a duel stance, facing Kusaa.

Eula: Eula absentmindedly chewed on her bottom lip, watching Payton with a mixture of interest and surprise, but remained silent. She already knew, as well-trained as her brother was, he’d be sorely outmatched, but was curious to see how long he’d last out before she was forced to tug him out of the duel.

Payton: Payton was still for several long beats, as if awaiting Kusaa’s signal. When none came, he quickly put his right footpaw back, bowing his legs in a balanced stance as he brought the blade of the saber up to his left shoulder and slicing it back out horizontally quickly to the right, parallel to the ground in Kusaa’s direction.

Kusaa: ::Sudden as the hare came at her, the bat's paws clasped together, and mouth open, she cried out loud some battlecry, as the heavy blade barely lifted, trailing itself through the earth, but it met him, a heavy, jarring wall to meet his blade, so thick in fact it hid the bat from view behind itself!!!::

Payton: Payton already knew, before the battle ever started, that his biggest disadvantage in his weapon choice against Kusaa’s was the weight difference. He’d already experienced plenty of similar combat, as he often opted for the lighter blades, given his current build. So anticipating the jarring sensation that he’d meet with hitting the larger sword, he’d slowed his blade down before making contact, saving his paws and arms from the force of the impact. Just as quickly he turned the blade down and around in the same horizontal movement beneath the other sword, the saber moving like a thin silver blur in his paws.

Kusaa: ::But of course, there was no other below, unless Payton went into the dirt, Kusaa, a bat whose frame was built for the rapiers and daggers Whisper so often went into battle with, seemed the one at a disadvantage here, the blade still slightly submerged in the earth, and that, was when all of a sudden, from behind the blade, an angle Eula may have seen, as the bat grabbed one of the decorative orbs, clutching it tight, and then the handle, and pushed with all her might, her arms seemed strained beyond belief, but her face grit in determination as she roared again, and the blade finally was out of the dirt, but as she slammed down on the handle, the blade spun like a windmill, the initial force's momentum boosted for the moment it needed to use its force again to try and part Payton and his sword!!!::

Payton: Payton blinked a couple times in confusion as Kusaa got her blade stuck. He hadn’t thought quickly enough to use that moment of vulnerability, instead, he’d let his blade-arm fall to his side, giving the bat the opportunity to get back into dueling mode. While he’d sorely missed his chance, at least his moment of complacency saved his arm yet again from the larger sword spinning up in attack. He took a startled step back, holding his blade safely back from the spinning onslaught, the moment gave him some time to think of his next move. This also gave him a moment to realize that Kusaa was not so very handy with large blades either. Processing this as he stepped back, he moved his body at an angle to Kusaa, giving her a smaller available target on the side of his body. At the same time he swung his saber in an arc towards the bat’s upper-half, thinking it’d be harder for her to deflect a hit coming from a direction where she’d have to raise her sword rather than lower it.

Kusaa: ::The reaction was instantaneous, as the sword was not raised, but it fell instead, half submerged again into the ground, at an awkward angle it seemed, almost past 45 degrees as it lay there, and it seemed the bat had been forced to let go, as her wings flushed open, and she'd leapt back from the arc of his attack, now finding her perch, precariously on the dull side of the blade jutting out of the ground, and hear, unburdened, she spun round once, and in a flash of black rushing wings that could impress even the most weathered hare marcher, her leg came, hidden behind one of those leather flaps, to reach his back and try and send him down with his own attack!! Had any rules even been made about contact without the blades??!! She certainly seemed keen enough to dish it out... but the face only filled with determination lead nothing... exactly how driven the bat was to win this duel was uncertain... and how far she planned to take the hare...::

Payton: His triumph at seeing her drop her blade was immensely short-lived as he was met with an attack he’d never anticipated. He realized quickly enough that his saber had not made contact, and went to make a quick revision to his attack, but before he could pull back, he was attacked behind his right shoulder, his own momentum carrying him about to land on all fours with his back to Kusaa. Stunned, but driven, he used that same momentum and he rolled in an expert gymnastic move back to face Kusaa, strong leg coming out in a forceful kick at the bat, giving him a moment to clutch his saber back in his paw as it was loosed from him when he tumbled to the ground.

Kusaa:::Indeed, the kick met, but he didn't get anything that would have gave the satisfaction of even a grimace or wince, as the bat went back, wings already moving back for the distance to minimise any blows, and with his kick, the fight seemed to have become full on, as one of Kusaa's taloned feet grasped the sword with her trip backward, and using Payton's own movement to push her, pulled the sword back up with her, dropping down behind it again, wings tucked in, her defensive wall hiding the otherwise emaciated bat as the wings withdrew tightly, and he was left staring at the flat of the blade again...:: Warmed up yet? ::Came the simplistic reply behind the blade::

Eula: Eula almost called the fight straight then and there, outraged at Kusaa’s complete lack of respect for formal dueling. But Payton’s quick reaction left her shocked, and she held off just a put, to see if Payton would pull himself out of the mess before calling it quits.

Payton: Although the young hare never vocalized his displeasure at this new situation, his expression clearly indicated his unhappiness at how unfair it was that Kusaa had wings for further agility. However, the law of the land had clearly been set, and although angry, Payton had a surge of excitement that free run with paws and feet was not beyond the boundaries of this battle, a rare treat in friendly duels. Before Kusaa even had the opportunity to throw the antagonizing remark at him, Payton tried to throw her a move just as unexpected as her previous one. Acting as if he were about to draw his saber back up for a blade onslaught, he rather swung himself back up onto his footpaws, and kicked off the ground, launching himself over the blade she held like a wall, planning to take Kusaa down, away yet again from her large sword.

Kusaa: ::If he expected her to be standing and surprised for him, he was however, a little out of luck, as Kusaa could only be seen by looking back now laying flat against the flat of the blade behind her, and without waiting, pushed herself up as he was falling downward, her paws gripped onto the sword behind her, and pulling her legs in, kicked at her still airborne target to send him onward where the mid-air made it harder for a land-bound creature to block - and more importantly - before he could certainly see her coming, as she kept going, rolling with her movements, until she would finally be perched at the very tip of her upright blade's hilt there!::

Payton: Missing his target as he kicked on, the hit didn’t do much to keep him going, as he put his paws down and somersaulted once along the ground, throwing out a leg quickly to roll up to his footpaws his second time around. While he’d never be able to match Kusaa without weapons, he was clearly comfortable with the full-contact, being much like his sister in that his strengths lay in his own speed and agility, and being an accomplished gymnast with his lithe form. He still had his saber in his paw, and he spun around, wielding it. He faced Kusaa now, with her sitting atop her sword. He stopped, his grey eyes landing suspiciously on the bat, his narrow chest rising and falling with exertion and the energy he’d spent in his excitement. However, it looked as if he’d wait for Kusaa now.

Kusaa: ::And she did nothing, flapping her wings casually, as they folded in, relaxing as she seemed content to sit and wait up there on the hilt, her forever montonous expression gave nothing, her scant armor's rise and fall never seemed to betray a heartbeat, but her eyes, bleak and dark, held onto him, trained to every move, as her ears flickered every now and again notably... even the best warriors had their tells... and she was watching him with everything:: I take that as a yes? ::She finally added to her previous comment without any trouble... whether she wasn't actually exerting herself, or whether this was all part of the bat's infinite mask, he'd have to figure out a way to crack through that mask to get further at her...::

Payton: The young hare frowned at Kusaa, then just stopped, cocking his head. He decided he’d play her little waiting game. Payton didn’t want to be on the offensive anymore, so he stared at the bat with those childishly frantic grey eyes, and waited. The saber was still held in a vise grip in his paw, in a confident stance, long lanky legs slightly parted, waiting for Kusaa to decide how this duel would proceed.

Kusaa: ::Still nothing, it seemed like she was waiting for him to reply as she just kept staring... watching, listening with those cockleshell ears, just little movements that could have drawn his eyes in a second, ever waiting, ever watchful, for how long, it seemed she was just content making him endure a torture for when and where she might strike, but there was no hint, no instruction, no further comment as she just sat on her hilt, and waited... the question was how long he'd have to do the same, waiting under those dark eyes staring at him, seemingly unblinking, soullessly...::

Payton: Payton stared at her for a long time. Finally, he gave a shrug, and sticking the point of his saber in the ground, he dug into a pouch on his belt, withdrawing something. Opening, his paw, it showed to be a handful of candied chestnuts. He popped one into his mouth and chewed it carelessly.

Eula: Eula laughed out loud. “I’d tell Jude on you, but I think it’d be funnier to tell Donato you’re better at stealing than he ever was.”

Kusaa: ::Not even a crack in the face, as Kusaa sat there, still waiting upon him, and for whatever reason, she wasn't yet ready to reveal it appeared... possibly her next moves relied upon him, or she had indeed exhausted herself on her last attacks and was just stalling time to recuperate... but was that really her style? Regardless... nothing came from the bat, who could have been as easily sleeping with her eyes open, as all that came from her was more waiting...::

Payton:What Kusaa failed to know was that Payton, as a still young recruit of the Patrol, had learned primarily defensive maneuvers, as he is taught more to protect himself than to attack others. He didn’t really understand why Kusaa insisted on him being on the offensive, but he didn’t want to be duped into another stupid move again, so he just stood there, popping another chestnut into his mouth.

Kusaa: ::This was about to get very boring very quickly for any spectators, but nothing... until, finally, Kusaa's head cocked to the side a little, and a smirk cracked her face finally, but no more... was it possible, waiting was something she WANTED him to do?::

Payton: Payton was sure he’d never seen anything but a stoic expression on Kusaa’s features, so he was a little startled when her face changed to show a smirk. He lifted an eyebrow, watching her with suspicion, wondering why she was giving him that look. He took a slow breath, but to not seem perturbed, he ate another chestnut still resting at his elbow.

Kusaa: ::The smirk stayed, as stoic as she was before, it seemed just as loathe to vanish, and slowly, ever so slowly, Kusaa's head began to look up... but at nothing but sky it seemed... had she just lowered her guard on him!?!::

Eula: Even Eula was a little put-off by the sudden change from Kusaa, watching the bat carefully, concerned about what her plans were. At Kusaa’s smirk, she was almost prepared to call the battle as soon as the bat would move, but bit her tongue again for now.

Payton: Payton gave a frustrated sigh, as any eleven year old, no matter how well trained, had a very limited patience. But he still refused to move, even when Kusaa looked away. He’d been watching the bat before, and it seemed she used her ears for detection as much as any hair, and wouldn’t be fooled into thinking he could be pulled into a surprise attack.

Kusaa: You haven't worked it out yet, have you? ::The bat finally spoke::

Payton: Grey eyes flicked to Kusaa questioningly, confused. “Worked what out?” he queried, which should answer the bat’s question.

Kusaa: This isn't just a duel of swords, it's a test of a warrior's intuition. ::She replied simply, looking up still:: And you haven't realised I'm your only enemy in this duel. ::Her eyes finally slid back to him again as she sat there, her smirk finally fading off::

Payton: Payton blinked a couple times, then slid a glance to Eula, as if he thought Kusaa was just a LITTLE crazy. He looked back at the bat with a look on his face as if he were going to humor her. “What are you talking about? I’m not fighting anyone else, I know.”

Kusaa: Not someone else, something. ::The bat replied, completely stoic as before:: Time. ::Simple and to the point, she waited for it to sink in and see if he could realise it fully, not a single movement was added, or needed but to wait and see, as before...::

Payton: Whatever deeper lesson Kusaa was trying to teach him was completely lost on Payton. Trying to teach anything but functionary battle tactics to an impatient young hare was a trying process, the bat would probably realize. He slid a narrow, impatient look at Kusaa, barely staving off another sigh of frustration. “What are you talking about?”

Kusaa: When in battle, you take into account your surroundings, do you not? Things that can be used to your advantage, or your opponent's disadvantage, correct?

Payton: “All right,” Payton agreed sullenly, obviously still not terribly interested in wherever this conversation was going.

Kusaa: The terms of my contest are that to win, either you must make me admit you are my better... or your sister deems one of us far outmatches the other to the point it is no longer safe... think about that for a moment more... there is more to take into consideration in battle than just your physical surroundings.

Payton: Payton nodded along, dully, still not understanding whatever point was being made. “Well, I know I don’t outmatch you at all, so that doesn’t end it, and you haven’t put me in any real danger yet, so Eula isn’t going to stop it.” He let out a breath, shaking his head with a bored roll of his eyes. “What am I supposed to take into consideration that I haven’t?”

Kusaa: You leave today, upon what time? ::She finally came out with in her tone, be it bluntly accepted or not, hoping it might trigger him into thinking...::

Payton: The young hare’s eyes swung up to take a glance at the sky, and he sighed. “In a few hours I suppose. Late afternoon probably,” he replied glumly. Kusaa was accomplishing little in getting Payton to see any bigger picture, only reminding him that he’d be leaving soon and killing his mood.

Kusaa: Therefore, you have a timeframe to your match. ::Kusaa concluded:: I have time to draw upon as I will, you however, have not. ::Her smirk however, did not return there...:: Therefore... if you wish to win this duel, you are forced to be the one who MUST attack if you hope to win, and having tested your sister... ::Her eyes finally fell on Eula, sliding there to her now:: When we exchanged blows... perhaps not a foul move, but still objectionable, your sister said nothing, so it may be hard to see a clear outmatching decree… So in the end, the only way you may now win this duel, is to make me declare you have bested me. ::She drew eyes back upon Payton:: And you won't do that chewing chestnuts. ::Her small smirk returned, and stayed there::

Payton: Payton shook his head, looking at Kusaa with impatience. “I’m not stupid, I know you aren’t fighting even nearly as good as you really can. If you say I’ve bested you, then you’d be lying. So what’s really your point here? And Eula knows you’re better than me too, that’s why she almost stopped you when you kicked at me, but you didn’t see that. She knows how you fight and that’s why she’s there watching you.” He spared his older sister a brief glance before looking back at Kusaa. “So the only point would be fighting until YOU bested me, only I won’t attack you because you already showed to be better at defense than I am at offense. Defense is an advantage I KNOW, and you’re telling me to not do that.”

Kusaa: Then use your imagination. ::Kusaa finally split her smirk, as it turned into a smile... creepy as it was, it was intended with best meanings... :: Imagine the sword a vermin's fort walls... you and your fellow forces must recover their hostage... and you know that these vermin are fast sending for reinforcements... in the heat of battle, it's being able to take into mind the factors that swing the battle... and then finding a way to turn it to your favor. Your imagination, and your adaptability and determination, these are what I am to test you for. ::Kusaa finalised, as she finally stood, instead of sitting any longer::

Payton: Payton rolled his eyes, still frustrated with this whole situation, his patience all but sapped. “Imagination is for kids who aren’t in the Long Patrol,” he replied flatly. “Making something up in my mind doesn’t make me better at offense or able to beat you.”

Eula: Eula said nothing, just watching the exchange, wondering in some amusement how Kusaa thought she was going to handle Payton’s stubbornness. It occurred to her that while Kusaa had kept company with Dibbuns frequently enough, it wasn’t with any that were as hardheaded or military-driven as Payton was.

Kusaa: But it shows me you are willing to try, and not just to throw yourself with a blade and a beaker of thought. ::She put forward:: Name any great warrior you know, and tell me they have never had to fight their way through a situation like I described, without first having to come up with a way to fight against it. A and B to the C of D, I believe? ::She looked back to Eula there for confirmation::

Payton: “Fight or flight,” Payton answered flatly. “Facing danger like that forces you to make a decision, and those great warriors you mention are just the ones who chose fight because they stood a chance, or had no other choice… but that doesn’t mean their choice was the right one, it just worked out.” He shook his head a little, plucking the saber from the ground, curling his paw about the hilt in the protection of the ring. “In this case, you’re giving me a choice by just standing there staring at me, and because of that I don’t do anything, because I’d have to win. You fight to win or survive, not to lose.”

Kusaa: ::Slowly, Kusaa's smile turned back to a smirk, as she began to point slowly aside, at the pile of blades laying in the earth:: Now, why do you think I gave you so many blades to use?

Payton: He shook his head, shrugging. “I don’t know, why?”

Kusaa: ::She tapped the side of her head with her smirk still there:: To use your imagination.

Payton: Payton just stared flatly at Kusaa, and shook his head. “I’m not in the mood to play some game. I get you’re trying to set up a scene, but those situations are for the field commanders. How can you possibly think I could do that when I’m not even allowed to wield my own weapon in the Patrol yet? I practice with close-ranging dueling for a reason. So that in a year or two I can actually be a runner.”

Kusaa: A field commander is no-one without good, reliable soldiers to commend. ::She responded, finally dismounting the blade, landing on the ground, and standing before him now, suddenly a little more solemn looking again:: It's important you start learning lessons like these while you are young, and you DO have imagination to use, like your reckless jump over the blade earlier. ::She crossed her arms::

Payton: “Well,” Payton laughed. “That’s because I was mad at you for not letting me know the duel was free-moving. If you pulled a move like that on another Long Patroller in a friendly duel they’d’a skinned you.”

Kusaa: ::She looked back at the blade behind her, and laid a palm over it's flat, drawing it slowly down:: Sometimes... learning the best lessons are the most unorthodox, you know yourself, the battles you'll fight later, they'll be far from friendly.

Payton: Payton stared at Kusaa for a few moments, mouth open a little as if he had something to say. Eyebrows drawn together, he frowned. “I know,” was his clipped reply.

Kusaa: ::She moved, leaving her large sword, on to the pile, and picked up one blade that lay there, holding it by the handle downward, it was a curious blade... slim and straight... with no hilt guard, and three holes in the handle of the hilt, where the blade could  be clearly seen within:: Any thoughts on this blade I created?

Payton: Payton’s eyes followed the bat curiously. He blinked a couple times at the odd question. “Well, all your weapons are very well made… I did not think there were any kind of talented smiths at Redwall.” He lifted his eyebrows a bit. “That one? Well, it looks very basic compared to your others. It’s weird to have a thin blade without a basket, ringed or swept hilt.”

Kusaa: ::She took hold of the hilt, very careful to grip it tight, and swung experimentally in the mid-air, and slowly, gained speed, when suddenly, after several different moves, took a quick step back, and stabbed the hilt backwards, when the blade suddenly disappeared from one side, and stabbed in the direction she had pointed behind her!!! And as she stabbed forward, again, the blade switched sides through the hilt, as she spun it around, her fingers moving in a quick and complex manner over the hilt as the blade constantly switched sides, until finally she stopped, half a blade upon each side, and she held it out there, to remain visible:: This one... is fairly dangerous blade.

Payton: Payton blinked a couple times in quick succession and shook his head a little. He’d seen double-sided spears and lances, but… sword? And that one gave him an uneasy feeling. Not only would he be uncomfortable with the idea of one of those in battle against him, he was sure he could never get himself to wield one in battle. There was something… tricky in an unfavorable way about having it. He raised his eyes back up to look at Kusaa. “What were your plans with all these weapons?”

Kusaa” Like playing a flute, the three reeds control the movement of the blade through this hollow hilt... ::She demonstrated as she lifted and replaced each claw in turn, sliding the hilt gently this way and that, as it would either shift or hold with each different position she held it with:: But with training, it can be used with great potential... like all of the weapons... ::She looked behind her now, planting the blade she held down, picking up a dagger, which seemed to have several holes through it's width, as she picked it up, and without second thought, began to play it like a harmonica:: ...I do it, as I need something like this... Asides watching over Faith, I am not entrusted any chores except guard duty... as such, I have a lot of free time... and I fill it trying to create these blades... ::She selected a larger broadsword, that had a strange ball shape as a hilt:: ...It gives me something I can contribute.

Payton: “Well, it’s better than Eula’s boring job,” Payton smirked as he lifted the saber he was holding, wondering if there was some odd trait to it he had missed. “Where do you make all these? I didn’t know about any metal reserves in Mossflower.”

Kusaa: Whisper gathers me metal scraps, I resmolt them as she taught me how to. ::She pointed up at the Abbey Roof:: And I work on them up there ::She left the large blade as she had it, in the dirt, and begun turning blade, so they would all line up, point down in the ground, getting ready to gather them up it seemed::

Payton: “Oh,” Payton said blankly, watching Kusaa starting to gather up her weapons. “Oh, er, guess we’re done?” he stated, a little caught off guard, but understanding anyway. He turned the hilt of the saber a little to hand it back to the bat. “Here.”

Kusaa: ::She gently took it back, lining it up with the others now:: For the moment anyway. ::She nodded, as her wings spread open::

Payton: “Well,” Payton cleared his throat a bit. “Bye then? I’ll be leaving before much longer I think,” he said absently, wiping the paw that had been holding the saber lightly on his tunic.

Kusaa: I can't offer you much of a parting gift... but, whether you're a runner, or a field commander, I only hope you'll remember what I said applies to any warrior.. That... and of course, the blade to be delivered to the badger lord. ::She inclined at the behemoth blade::

Payton: “Oh, you don’t -huh? Oh. Right.” He blinked a couple times again, scratching his arm. “Yeah, it’ll get to him fine,” Payton said absently, without anything else to say.

Kusaa: Safe journey. ::And with a flap of wings, she was up to the Abbey lofts with the first of many trips retrieving her swords... leaving the two of them alone::

Who: Everyone
Where: Everywhere
What: Payton and Shaftin leave; Woodlanders arrive; Eula and Donato tell Jude to cook; Jen plays three characters at once

Eula: When Gem had finally left the trio alone at lunch, Eula had talked and talked and talked until she couldn't think of anything else to say. But she still felt like there was no way to catch up on past events. Oh well, hopefully she'd be able to go to Salamandstron soon. Now she stood facing her too-tall younger brother. She was idly checking the sword strap on his chest, smirking just a little. "Hey, want to race now?" she joked, receiving the dutiful returned smirk. "Don't get too arrogant if you want to be front runner, all right? And don't get any taller before I see you again."

Faith: I hope nothing here's scared you off visiting our Abbey again... ::Faith came forward, staff always a step in front, faithful Kusaa a step backk, with head bowed, it seemed the bat didn't have much to say herself for goodbyes.... but judging by the small gathering, there were a few good beasts who did, as Faith stopped, just before the hares there:: I know we've gave you a large weight to travel with already... ::She tried NOT to laugh at the size comparison of hare and blade before her, when she looked to Shaftin:: But would you also take a message to his Lord for me, sir? ::She asked, including her full curtsy there, smile wide::

Shaftin: Shaftin had been watching the exchange between the siblings without a word when the young fox abbess came up. He smiled, giving a glance to Payton, then back to Faith. “Of course, anything you want.”

Faith: Please let  him know, Redwall's Abbess still strives to be a better leader every day, and that I hope he, and all his honored friends will visit us, anytime the need, or want arises. ::She spoke, carefully and clearly, it seemed thinking everyword before finally adding...:: ...and I hope to meet him myself one day, too. And a moment after that:: ...Did that sound all okay? ::She asked, a little embarrassed to do so::

Donato: Donato came jogging up at that moment, having lost track of the time, and relieved to see the cluster of beasts standing before him. Good, they hadn't left yet. He came up beside Eula and Payton. "Hullo. Glad you're still here."

Shaftin: “Sounds fine to me,” Shaftin replied with a little laugh, amused by how flustered Faith seemed to be. “And I’ll be sure to pass on the message.” He glanced over at Donato as he hurried up. “Oh, don’t worry about it, I’m glad you made it.” He nodded. “It was good to see you again and I’m glad everything is going well between you and Eula.” He held out his paw. “And I do hope you see through on your promise to come visit. Hopefully it’ll be a nicer trip to the mountain than your last.”

Gem: I'll come too, make sure they get their safely!!! ::An excited little bat-ling cried from a new perch acquired on the side of the abbey, looking down::

Donato: Wonderful. Without a verbal comment on Gem's outburst, he took Shaftin's paw with a smile. "Oh, don't worry, we will." He decided this was not the place for more sardonic comments at Salamandastron's expense.

ShaftinL “Well,” Shaftin started with a note of finality in his voice as he turned to Payton. “We better get going, eh?” With the nod of approval from Payton he turned back to Eula.

Eula Eula nodded and stepped up, getting on tip-toe and hugging him, taking a breath and shaking her head a little as she held there for a few moments. “I’ll really miss you,” she said quietly.

Shaftin: Shaftin returned the hug, wrapping his arms around his baby girl and kidding the top of her head. “I love you. Take care of yourself, okay?” When Eula nodded and pulled away, he gave another nod at everyone around. “Hope to see you all again. Stay safe.”

Whisper: Is that before or after the Skipper's hotroot soup? ::Another bat called out, snirking as many chose the time to yell out many several goodbyes and well-wishes this way and that, as Faith signaled only the main gates to open, doors wide open to the woods again and the path straight on to Salamandastron there, as she only bowed her head low in a nod::

Faith: Take care, and well wishes... and we'll make sure Gem doesn't follow.

Donato: Donato did indeed breathe a sigh of relief. Now he looked at Eula with an expression of sympathy. "Take care," he said with a bit of a smile, offering Payton his hand before the two left.

Payton: Payton glanced up at Donato, then took the older hare’s paw and shook enthusiastically. “Bye! Don’t let Eula drive you crazy.”

Shaftin: He smiled and with a last wave, he beckoned Payton before him, leading the young hare out of the gates before him. Without another word the two set off down the sand path away from Redwall.

Gem: Only one I can remember... ::The bat-ling looked thoughtful, and then grinned:: It's mushy though... so cover your ears... ::Taking a breath, Gem opened her wings, rising up just high enough, with the two hares leaving, they had one last whisper from Redwall, a song just enough to carry itself over the Abbey and them as they walked... whether or not they'd recognise the one who owned the voice later... that was arguable, as always, Gem seemed to change completely in song::

Eula: Eula watched them leave, but dropped her gaze momentarily, feeling the familiar stinging of tears in her throat, but she held them off. Not homesickness… Salamandastron hadn’t been “home” for awhile now, and she knew this feeling would pass. She always forgot how much family really meant, and seeing them again brought it all back again. Ears tilted back, she didn’t say anything glad for Gem taking the center of attention at the moment.

Gem: Is it because I love you so much, it hurts to say goodbye?
If I love you so much I can never tell, how will you see
I want to say the words, I want to see you by my side
I give everything, but it's never enough
Hold me close, give me your warm heart
This hand, so small, I want to give to you
These fingers cling until they hurt
So let me be the one to say
Sayonara soldier
Until we meet again...

Faith: ::As Gem slowly landed back on the ramparts, sitting once again, Faith's smile was still there:: It's a good song... I feel a little like that every time a beast leaves us...

Gem: Good thing we got lotsa beasts coming, huh? ::Gem giggled:: Your 'mothership'...

Faith: Well... I doubt that... Autumn... busier shifts for a lot of animals getting themselves ready for winter and-

Gem: Nuh-uh... ::Gem giggled again, pointing, for Faith, and every other Redwaller to see beyond the gates. It seemed as Shaftin and Payton were leaving, they had PLENTY of other beasts to see them off, as several small families of creatures, from mice to voles, as well as an assorted squirrel or hedgehog were making their way to theAbbey, stocked and ready:: They must've REALLY liked my singing!!!

Faith: ::And Faith palmed her own forehead, suddenly looking ready to run over the ramparts if it would get her downstairs quicker, as she called down, half excited, half about to be sick from the former excitement:: Everyone!!!!! It's the new villagers, they're arriving!!!!

Eula: Eula blinked a couple times, looking from Gem, to Faith, back to Gem, then out at the sudden surge of creatures making their way to Redwall. Her eyebrows drew together, deciding not to follow the overly excited little vixen. She blew out in exhaustion, trying not to be overwhelmed by the sudden change of events, and pushing off that dreadful responsibility of… what? Something. She was responsible for something. She got this bad feeling, a knot turning in her stomach, but she pushed herself up from the wall, making her way after the others reluctantly. “Guess I should go help.”

Donato: Donato shook his head. "I think I missed an important part of this whole plan."

Faith: ::Faith seemed to have a pause where she expected other abbeybeasts to step in, but only when she saw Eula moving forward there, took an initiative herself:: Some beast, can you please tell Jude to whip up the kitchen?!?! I don't know if he'll be too happy with this!!! ::She laughed, making her way back down::

Eula: "I think we all missed an important part of this plan," Eula replied.
~~~~~

Eula: Eula stopped, drumming her fingers on her leg for a few moments. She looked over at Donato. "Well... you want to go with me and tell Jude? Unless you want to greet the Woodlanders, that's okay too." Eula added that last part as if she was afraid of being misconstrued as bossy.

Donato: Running a paw through his headfur, Donato blew out his breath. "I think I'll come with you. I wouldn't even know where to start out here."

Eula: Eula gave out a sigh she'd been holding back earlier and nodded. "All right, come on." The very idea of all these creatures here made her tired. Last night had been a long night... today was becoming increasingly more emotionally stressful, but she felt too much a sense of responsibility. There was a strong sense of foreboding, too pressing for her to bring herself to just lock herself in her room for awhile and take a nap. She walked down and around to the Great Hall before the Woodlanders could beat them in. She walked through and slipped into the kitchens, looking around for the mousecook.

Jude: Jude was sweeping up the kitchen floor, while a tall young hedgehog sat on one of the countertops chattering away gaily. "Hello there, you two." Jude greeted them, looking up from his broom without stopping his work.

Julia: "Hullo!"

Donato: "Hey, Jude. Julia." With a forced grin.

Eula: "Clearly he's thrilled to see us," Eula said, loud enough for Jude to hear. "Hi you two." Eula rubbed her paws together, then took a seat at a small dining table in the corner. She rested her elbow on the table, setting her chin in her paw as she watched the mouse. "So... you busy today?"

Jude: Believe it or not, Jude was actually in a reasonably good mood at the moment, because he had nothing more pressing to do than sweep the floor. "No, not really. Why?"

Eula: Eula slid a glance to Donato, which would probably tip Jude off almost immediately that some less-than-desirable news was at hand. "Well," she started, clearing her throat. "We have a few guests..."

Jude: If Eula's glance hadn't tipped Jude off, Donato's pointedly looking at anything but the cook definitely had. He stopped sweeping. "'A few guests'...?"

Eula: "Since you were probably as ill-informed as us as to the workings of this... village..." Eula shook her head a little. She was so tired. "They all just showed up at the gate."

Jude: "At the- wow. Wow. I don't suppose they all packed picnic lunches, did they?" He bowed his head in despair for a moment, then put the broom in a corner. "A whole village, I'm cooking for." So much for that good mood.

Eula: Great vibe. This was a great vibe. Imagine those Woodlanders all excited, knowing how much stress they were throwing on several Redwallers. She smiled just a little at the thought. "I'm really sorry. I'll help." Anything to keep her from having to fake a smile, be falsely cheerful to all the newcomers.

Jude: "Thank you." Came the emphatic reply. "Let me think of something easy to make right now."

Eula: Eula sat there, still with her chin resting in her palm, letting her eyes rove about the kitchen. Plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. "I'd say just chop up some vegetables and make a stew. Granted, it's not the best thing for a hot day." She made a face. "You could get some cold meadowcream and smear it over some chopped fruits and have a fruit salad too, for more warm-weather food?"

Jude: Jude grimaced at the thought of stew on a day like this - or rather at the thought of making said stew in a kitchen already made ridiculously hot by the heat of the ovens.

Julia: "I vote for fruit salad!" Came Julia's cheerful input. She seemed unfazed by the sudden arrival of a slew of strange creatures on their doorstep.

Donato: "Well, come make room for us to cut up the fruit then," Donato said, lifting her off the counter. Oof. She was getting to big for that.

Eula: Eula pushed herself up from the table, going over to wash her paws up. She then selected some apples and rinsed them clean. After a short period of difficulty in which she refused to ask for help, she managed to hunt up a knife, and set to work slicing up the apples. "Oh, Donato! I forgot to tell you something!" she announced, as she kept working.

Donato: Donato, meanwhile, had taken a knife out of a drawer and set to halving a watermelon. "What was that?"

Julia: "Donato! Washyourhands!" This from Julia, who was pulling grapes from their stems.

Eula: Eula looked over at Julia, grinned, and flicked her gaze back to Donato. "Yeah Donato, gosh. What's wrong with you?" She set aside some apple pieces, starting on another apple. "Anyway, you know Rosa's baby? She named her Azrielle and..." she paused as she concentrated on cutting the fruit up neatly. "She named me godmother."

Donato: Donato rolled his eyes as Jude shoved him toward the washbasin. "Oh, really? That's really nice. Bet you're thrilled."

Eula: Finished with the apples, Eula had started to try and hunt down some large bowls to toss the fruit in, completely lost in the kitchen. "Well, it was unexpected. I went and saw her late last night, she told me then... how do you find anything in here?" Eula whined, opening and closing cabinets everywhere. "I mean, most wouldn't even want me having much to do with their children, much less name me a godmother," she laughed. She supposed... she deserved it? She wasn't sure what the title meant for her... but it was still surprised that Rosa would do that.

Donato: "Well, you know, delivering the baby and all... Plus your naturally winning personality."

Jude: Jude, meantime, nudged Julia out of the way and produced some bowls from a cupboard under the countertop. "Here we go."

Eula: "Oh, thanks," Eula said to Jude while turning to Donato and very maturely sticking her tongue out at him. "Don't be so saucy just because you're jealous," Eula said jokingly as she took her apples and separated them throughout the bowls. "Besides, you could be named godmother to someone, don't worry."

Jude: Jude snickered as he began whipping cream in another bowl - a task best not left to Julia and Donato, he reflected, as either would make a mess of it.

Julia: Julia giggled. "Donato would make a very nice godmother, wouldn't he?"

Donato: "Very funny, very funny everyone. Let's be fair, though. Jude would make a good godmother, too."

Jude: A glare of death from the mouse.

Eula: Eula laughed, thoroughly amused that Donato chose to attack the one creature in the room who had not actually alienated him in the joke. She scooted her way around Julia, collecting her plucked grapes and separating them into the bowls. "Is there anything else?" she asked, looking around. "Cantaloupe, melon, honeydew? Ooh, strawberries!" Eula said in delight as she came across the store of small red fruits. She took them out and rinsed them before cutting off their stems and cutting them in half. "So what have you been up to lately Julia? I haven't talked to you awhile."

Julia: She scrunched her face in disgust as she replied, "Abbey School." Then, "And other stuff." Suffice to say, Eula would have had more strawberries to cut, and she more grapes to pluck, if Julia spent less time in the orchard and gardens.

Eula: "Ah," Eula replied, at a loss from Julia's decidedly vague response. "Is there anything in particular you like learning in Abbey School?" she queried.

Julia: She sighed. "Stuff I already know, like writing! I can already write! And I don't need to know algebra!" Another sigh.

Jude: "I thought you liked learning about the Abbey history, though?"

Julia: "Yeah, but I don't like spending all day doing the other stuff."

Eula: "I like history and writing too," Eula replied. "I liked school.... but my school was a lot different than yours." She turned and looked over at Jude as she tossed her finished strawberries into the bowls. "Anything else I can do?"

Jude: "Send everyone home?" He suggested hopefully. He shook his head and started taking some baskets down from a shelf. "I could use a hand getting some bread and cheese together. Donato, you up for lugging some cheese up the stairs?"

Donato: "On it," he replied, heading for the cellar.

Eula: Eula watched Donato disappear down the stairs. She waited a beat, then turned to Jude with a big smile on her face. "Wouldn't you know I have such a craving for candied chestnuts. I don't suppose you'd tell me where they're kept?" She tried with her eyes wide and innocent.

Julia: Before Jude could respond, Julia had opened a cabinet, pushed aside some jars of herbs, and taken a bag of the sweets out from underneath a bowl. "Here ya go."

Jude: "...Why do I even try to hide them?"

Eula: "I'm not entirely sure," Eula replied with a grin as she made her way around the counter to dip her paw into the bag of sweets. "Don't really see any reason to hide them from us anyway," she said, popping a chestnut into her mouth and chewing slowly, waiting for Donato to return.

Donato: Donato came up laden with a few wheels of cheese, which he promptly set down on the table. "Hey, candied chestnuts. Been hiding the stash, Jude?"

Jude: "Whatever would give you that idea?"

Eula: Eula laughed, shaking her head as she turned back around to Donato. She leaned over the counter and held a pawful of chestnuts she'd taken, offering them to Donato. "Do you plan on helping with the building? I didn't realize they were all coming to work on it, but I suppose I'll still help. Give me something to keep my mind on."

Donato: "If I can foist the Dibbuns off on old Sister Ernestine for a while, sure."

Eula: "Well, just mix that cream up with the fruit, and that's done. I'll do that and you two can slice the cheese and bread," Eula said, finding a large spoon. "Huh, apple, strawberry, grape..." Eula said quietly, doing odd gestures with her paws. "Don't know how she remembers them all." Eula looked up at Donato. She turned to Julia. "Hey, look what I learned." She did a quick series of signs, having no idea if Donato would know them. 'Eula' and 'Julia she spelled out 'are much more intelligent than Donato.' Thank-you Turan!

Donato: Donato shook his head, bewildered. He only caught his own and Eula's names. "Nope, sorry. Don't know those ones."

::Grey, that seemed the only shade left to her dreams of late, no images of forgotten warriors, or forests or abbeys... it seemed so strangely quiet in her dreams nowadays...::

::But there was a sound, an incessant sound, somewhere beyond her, much like a dripping, yet distant, and something that beckoned to be fixed, but was beyond her reach to do so...::

::For she was asleep, and this noise was not in the waking world... and grey mists began to part... revealing a dark and decrepit gate set before her, with nary a beast in sight, no kind fox, or sagely hare, or even brave mouse to give an explanation... it seemed for once... she was just dreaming...::

::But dreams were just things that you saw in your sleep and could do nothing in, she was standing there, and nothing more happened or came but that incessant, infernal noise!!!::

::To stand there forever could drive a beast insane, but to walk away from it, or towards it... that was for her to decide now it seemed...::