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 Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:34 pm
With the sinister voice accompanying her attention to the guardmouse, Eula’s mind played a trick on her just long enough for her to momentarily believe that Radaz’s voice was emanating from the dead mouse, making her stumble back in fear… right into the fox’s clutches. She sucked in a breath, her insides going cold with dread. Her initial reaction was terrified silence… screaming wasn’t in her nature at all.
She shut her eyes, turning her head from Radaz’s whispering, willing this all to be some horrible nightmare. But she knew it was real and her heart beat faster with each passing moment that she couldn’t think of what to do. She wasn’t at all prepared for this… where could he have possibly come from? Even as Radaz was holding her fast, she realized with dismay that she was unarmed, against Turan’s warning. She’d gone so long without a weapon being a necessary part of her attire, she just didn’t put it on her hip unless reminded.
Screaming… screaming? He wanted her to scream? Well… it seemed like a logical solution to her problem at the moment. But had he taken out all the guards that could help her? Was Jamie perhaps still awake? Any one? Breathing slowly, controlled, eyes still shut as she considered her possibilities, it occurred to her that the only ones she was sure were awake were Faith and Donato, neither of which she would dare put in danger.
She felt the unbidden tears sting the back of her throat, but refused to cry, only shook her head a little; her way of informing Radaz she wasn’t going to scream. She couldn’t put the others in danger like that…
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:55 am
Oh, by fang.... you Redwall lot certainly know how to spoil my fun, don't you? ::His voice reverted to the singsong madness, as Radaz's face withdrew behind her, where she couldn't see his expression, she couldn't tell what he was thinking...::
::The pitch black fox held her like a snake tightening around its prey, with every hot breath he made exaggerated upon the back of her neck
You tell a bunch of guards to keep their eye out for an army, and they can't even spot one little old fox like me!!!
You wouldn't believe how easy... no... how BORING this has been so far, my dear little longeared friend...
And frankly? ::He chuckled away, making no move to release that blade's grip against her neck:: If you don't scream?
::His voice suddenly reverted into that aggressive hiss once more:: I'm going to march into that abbey, find your friends and slit all of their throats in their sleep...
::And quickly, like the flip of a coin, he changed once more to his songsong voice:: Scream, shout, sing a song, I don't care what you do, I simply seek your mighty warrior's attention...
Do we have an understanding?
::There was no Jamie, there were no other guards, but there was a voice that suddenly cried out...::
Eula!!!!! ::The reaction was split second, the rush of air from wings dipping down, and a sound of fangs clamping down as Radaz's angered roar belied his size, and suddenly, she was freed from his arms!!!!::
Miserable winged vermin!!!!! ::They were needed elsewhere, and before Eula could even look back to see, there was a heavy cracking noise, as Radaz threw Gem's tiny body against the rampart stone, and grinned maliciously as he watched her body drop, and slump against the red sandstone...::
::He gripped his throat, where several puncture wounds had appeared, several fang marks now bleeding... even after all Eula had said... the bat had still followed her...believing Ura's prediction...::
Well... at least she'll make a good cape... ::He shone his fangs at Eula, the dagger raised once more...::
::And now she could see him, it suddenly could make sense how he'd got past the guards, once again, he'd went without clothing, only a small loin cloth enough to keep him decent, if there was ever such a thing for the beast, black fur against the night was something any scouting beast would have gave their hides for, and his blade, blackened too, and a strange, long object strapped to his waist, heavily bundled under a set of robes...:: Not what I had in mind... but... this should do me just as nicely...
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Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:55 pm
Eula held her jaw tight, not responding. She didn't give much validation to the fox's threats concerning slitting everyone's throats. Regardless of his ability to sneak into the abbey under the inexperienced watch of the guards, she knew there was still enough creatures awake and active even at this late hour... even if apparently none of them were up here to help her now. Or...
It felt like a lead ball had dropped into Eula's stomach as she realized whose voice had just called out to her. Before she could worry more over it though, she was suddenly free of Radaz's grasp. She hardly heard his "cape" threats as she was already lunging at him. It wasn't as if she had a lot of time to think about what she was doing.
Jumping at him, both her paws went for the wrist holding the dagger, forcing him away from Gem. At the same time she jumped at him, she raised a leg and tried to knee him in the stomach to force him down... at least get him a safer distance from Gem. She wasn't even sure if the bat was concious or not... but she was working on the assumption here that Gem wasn't going to get up and get away.
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 2:09 am
::There was one mistake in Eula's thinking - not that she'd had the time to think things through of course - but when she struck at the fox, he wasn't aiming for the helpless bat, it was at her!::
::And with her coming at him, he reacted just as suddenly, abandoning the dagger, as he began to suddenly fall backwards!!!::
::He was rolling downwards as she came in jumping, meeting his knee with hers, and grabbing the arms above him now, the momentum of them both sending them rolling forward!!!::
::And Radaz was laughing his head off!!::
Now, isn't this much more fun?!
I've decided!! ::He suddenly gripped tighter for a moment more, and then, with all his might, flung her too against the unforgiving ramparts, exiting the roll!::
I'm taking you with me!
::He didn't aim for injury, only unconsciousness, as he rose up, dusting himself off, as the other walls guards bells began ringing out the warning, and the Abbey below began buzzing with noise... and Radaz let a grin spread over his face so wide it threatened to split his head::
::He kept his eye on Eula, his prize as it were, wanting to make sure he hadn't done too much damage, nor too little...:: Unfortunately... for this part of the plan, that mouth of yours I love so much... has to stay shut, just for a little while...
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Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 1:12 pm
Had Eula been armed at all, she may have stood at least some kind of chance against Radaz. But as it were, she hadn’t a weapon on her, and when it came down to brute strength, she would frankly lose almost every time. Given the chance, she would have bolted, outrunning the fox was something she was sure she could do… but she never would have left Gem up there alone with him.
She hit the wall, the recognizable sound of her clipping the wall was uncomfortably loud, and then she was still on the ground, out cold. There was soon blood on the stone beneath her temple, but head wounds bled easily, so it was difficult to tell if she was badly hurt. Either way, it certainly appeared she wouldn’t be getting up from that blow any time soon.
It would be a wonder if every single creature in the abbey wasn’t stirred awake by the alarms. Barely anyone was sleeping well anyway, so on edge with the danger lurking in Mossflower. Many Redwallers were peeking their heads out of their rooms, only a few bold enough to filter out onto the grounds, most of whom were fighters that were clutching some manner of deadly weapon.
It was because of this nervous energy and stress that Turan was out so quickly, fully dressed and armed, he was running past the curious bystanders - many of whom he insisted lock themselves in their rooms - out to the grounds, quickly taking stock of the situation, looking up to see some of his wall guards moving hesitantly toward the north wall. Jogging across the dark, cold, grassy courtyard, he looked up to see the black fox like a shadow before a flickering torch on the wall. Sword in paw, he didn’t waste his breath to shout a threat, but instead was already running for the stairs to head up and meet the fox straight away.
Jamie hadn’t yet gone to bed when the warning bells rang out. Still dressed when he heard the alarm, he had grabbed his saber and was out in the blink of an eye, pushing past the crowding Redwallers in the corridor. “Move, move it! Get out o’ the way!” He ran out onto the grounds, pawing his saber, and looking around for the source of the danger. He saw Turan then running up the stairs, and his eyes glanced up to see Radaz there. His breath catching on the crisp night air, he jogged in a wide arc down the west side of the abbey, hoping to make sure Radaz wasn’t some kind of diversion for a bigger plot.
He was back quickly before the north wall… it appeared Radaz was the only one here… so he would leave Turan to it unless there arose some further need. Of course, had he been able to see Gem or Eula, slumped unconscious in the dark shadows of the rampart, he would’ve been up there in a heartbeat regardless, but the two were nearly impossible to see from the grounds.
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:29 am
::Indeed as it appeared, there were no other vermin here in the abbey... and no hoardes waiting to bash down the gates it seemed, Radaz stood alone, with an insanity beyond bounds, did the beast believe he could honest take on the entire abbey?::
::It certainly seemed that way, as the fox wouldn't even attempt to run or move an inch... instead as Turan would rise the stairs, and find the fox, grinning to him, je would find Radaz his arm out, dangling Eula's unconscious form over the edge of the wall by a single paw::
There you are! ::He barked happily and uproarously, broadcasting his voice loud and clear for the benefit of all below it seemed:: It's been positively boring fighting children and novices...
I do hope... you came with that sacred sword?
~~~~~~~
::The abbey a buzz, of course Faith wasn't going to sit in the Hall, as she was already trying to get a clear view:: Excuse me, excuse me please!
::For a cub who relied on a staff to aid her footpaws, she was surprisingly fast when she wanted to be, as she looked up, to see the figure lit by torchlight... she didn't know what to do... or who to call to.... but luckily she was saved that::
Stay back. ::Came the firm instruction from Sideswipe, the massive badger's paw covering the fox entirely in front of her and blocking any movement forward::
Oui, madamouselle... we must protect you. ::Antoine stepped forward, his own practise blade laughable in the situation, but still, held just as ready::
Turan knows how to deal with vermin like this... ::The badger's voice found a rolling rumble beneath it, narrowed upon the fox... of course, if he could have seen Gem... or even Eula now... he might have had a very different tone...::
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Jen the Quiet Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:26 am
Donato had gone from slouching over the table and staring at the riddle to sitting up with a start as he heard Gem's cry coming from outside. He was already rising from his seat when his mind finished piecing the sound into Eula's name. But by the time he could say, "Faith, please, stay here," the vixen had already passed him.
He hurried after her, not to detain her - his preoccupation had only barely left him attention to tell her to stay behind the once - but because he shared her curiosity, and even more, her anxiety. From the point where Faith was stopped by Sideswipe, all Donato could see was Radaz and Turan standing on the wall. What's he doing? Where's Eula? And Gem? His mind racing too fast from one thought to another, Donato had no chance of hitting upon the true explanation for what was going on. All the same, he found himself trembling slightly from sheer adrenaline, if from no definite fear. He skirted his way around the group in front of him, trying to find a better angle and see what was happening.
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2008 2:55 pm
Turan approached Radaz, gripping the sword tight in his paw. At first, he didn't give much thought to the fox's statement about "children and novices" and then it occurred to him how odd it was how the fox kept his arm hanging out over the rampart, and apparently gripping something tightly. He realized what... or rather who... was now being dangled dangerously over the edge. He couldn't help but wonder how Eula had gone and gotten herself into so much trouble.
He froze almost immediately though, unsure of what to do. There was no big attack happening here, no major overthrow... Radaz had come alone with some objective in mind and was probably going to use Eula now to get his way. Was it the sword he wanted? Really? Well, he was certain he'd give it up in a heartbeat if it meant keeping Eula safe...
He took another tentative step, sword lowered, his other paw raised disarmingly. "What do you want?"
Jamie was still trying to get a decent look at what was going on. Something had stopped Turan in his tracks and he had no idea what it was. Walking around in the shadows of the main abbey, he went by Donato, frowning. "Does it look like the scum is holding something t'you? looks like he's got somethin' hangin' over the rampart..." Rather then wait for Donato's response - it wasn't as if he really cared for it - Jamie decided he wanted a better look.
He crept in the shadows and, staying stooped, moved silently up the east-side staircase to the north wall, from the opposite direction Turan had approached. Keeping his saber out and ready, he made his way up, straining to get a decent look.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:02 am
What do I want? ::He asked, in a bemused, mocking tone, as he laughed, and raised Eula, just an inch or two, until her unsconscious form could be seen by the hare:: I just want your attention!
::And as Jamie did his best to try and get a glimpse, that was all he'd get, because as Turan was finally offered the chance to confirm his suspicions, the fox let go!!!::
Ooops. ::He said in a stale and spiteful tone, his face splitting into a fanged grin as he instantly took the empty paw to the wrapped item at his waist...::
::Either two things were about to happen, Turan was going to try and look over the ramparts for Eula, or he was about to be attacked, and frankly, in his head, either was just as good, as all his senses seemed alive, the adrenaline building, he was going to enjoy this!!!::
~~~~~~~
Oooof!!!! : biggrin own below the ramparts, right at the very wall, Eula was spared hitting the ground it seemed, but other than that, the situation still didn't look good, as the five rats blinked in unison, looking to the unconscious form in the middle of the tarp they'd stretched out to catch her and break the fall::
::Suffice to say it took the wind out of them, but that didn't stop one rat looking incredulously to the other:: THIS is why we came here for?
::Hissing, another silenced him:: Idiot, don't quesstion Radazz, just grab her and run for camp, whatever he wantsss, he doess!!!
::And making sure to give a dark look, reluctantly picking up the hare, the rat snuck into the shadows against the wall, running as fast as he could with the hare over shoulder!::
::He didn't care what Radaz wanted with her, but whatever it was, he could only hope it was worth all this effort!::
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:54 pm
...Or both things would happen.
Turan's breath caught as Radaz lifted Eula, then simply let her go, to plummet to her death... if she was even still alive? Throwing himself against the rampart without thinking much of the consequences with Radaz nearby, he looked over the edge, and was able to make out so movement, but it was far too dark and too far down to be able to make out exactly what was going on.
What would've seemed like a good time to catch Turan unprepared would actually be a missed opportunity as Jamie was upon Radaz a half-second later from behind. He'd seen the murderous act too, and now meant to throw the fox to the stone below them while he pulled his saber out for a killing blow, caring nothing about all the spectators on the grounds.
This hare was a lot stronger than Eula and wouldn't be thrown as easily as she. Coupled with his furious energy, it looked very much like Jamie intended on killing Radaz right here and now.
Eula was still out cold. It was probably for the best... the terror of being dangled over the ramparts alone may have been the death of her.
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Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 2:48 pm
((I'll let Eula see where she's woken up when this lil bit resolves :3))
::Jamie certainly had the right idea, but as it was, perhaps the young hare's fury overtook his judgment; Radaz's every sense held taut as the young hare rushed from the shadows he'd watched from, and in an instant he turned!::
::Although Jamie was stronger, a much more seasoned long patrol hare than Eula, it didn't seem to matter for a fox who had outfoxed six of the abbey's best, there lay a gap between their fighting experience, and their speed!::
::Against any other fox, Jamie would have slew him in a second, but, as Radaz vagrantly showed off, he wasn't just any other fox!::
::The flash of fangs, the red eyed leer, just a glimpse back at Jamie before suddenly he wielded the hidden object at his side like a stave, aiming to repeat his previous performances and smack the hare against the rampart wall and pin him from attacking!::
I don't think you heard me right, I said I'm tired of fighting cubs!! ::For some reason... the fox didn't seem to be aiming for killing blows, yet... as that dagger still held true in the other paw!::
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Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:17 pm
In the sudden struggle, Jamie had lost his weapon, but even as he was tossed up against the wall, he had leaned forward and grabbed at Radaz's neck. At the same time he had reached up to kick out at the fox's legs. The hare didn't seem to stay still long enough to be pinned, and even in his fury, he'd had the presence of mind to adjust so his head hadn't smacked up against the wall.
Although his saber had fallen somewhere at his feet, the Long Patrol hare didn't seem to really notice. Clearly he was a skilled boxer and was now exerting all of that energy on fighting back against the fox. Well, there had to be some kind fo consequence to so thoroughly angering a Long Patroller.
Turan didn't realize Jamie had attacked Radaz until he heard the two scuffling. Torn between running down to find what had come of Eula and of helping Jamie now, he finally choce the latter. Was there really anything he could do for Eula now anyway? Turan ran up, sword in paw and used his free paw to try to yank the two of them roughly apart.
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Jen the Quiet Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 10:59 pm
As Jamie passed, Donato opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but the other hare spoke first. With a sick feeling in his stomach, Donato followed Jamie nearer to the wall, hoping to see what was going on and still looking around for Eula.
Near the stairs, Donato hung back behind Jamie, but standing on his toes he was just able to see Eula for that split second before he felt his heart literally skip a beat. He cried out, horrified, but didn't move for an instant. His first instinct was to run out the of gate to find her. But that would be silly, she must be- wait. What? His thoughts, of their own accord, shied away from the final word.
Still staring up at the wall, Donato suddenly realized what was going on up there. Still not thinking, (and in much the same way he had thoughtlessly followed Eula out to meet Radaz...how long ago was that?) he scrambled up the steps to the walltop. Only as he mounted the last few steps did he remember that he had no weapon. Idiot, idiot, idiot! What did you come up here for? You're only in the way! Hopelessly, he saw Jamie's saber fallen on the floor. It must have been at least six years since he'd held a sword, but oddly enough, when he came to Redwall he'd worn a saber at his side. Trying to still the shaking of his paws, he reached out and drew the weapon toward him.
Now he stood armed for the first time in years, and it seemed his paw remembered how to hold a sword. Now if he could just bring himself to use it. He tore his eyes away from the unaccustomed sight of the sword hilt in his hand and looked at the combat happening mere feet away. He took a deep breath and aimed a slashing stroke at Radaz's wrist of the paw holding the dagger.
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Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:08 am
((X3 Donato going wild, whoo!))
::Turan reacted at just the right moment, as Radaz looked at the younger Long Patrol hare, and his struggling's his energy threatening to burst out and explode his rage against the fox, he still held the dagger, even as the hare kicked and struck at him, he had to be quick!::
::Although he knew it would be hard to secure the battle he wanted, it was going to be trickier if they all came at him like this, moreso on the ramparts where there was less room than the Great Hall...::
::He had to take careful track of them all, of every weapon... weapon... the saber! The fox sent his eye to the stone, where had that pesky saber gone?::
::...Oh, there it was: in the hands of another enraged hare who came bearing down upon him!::
::And that was when Turan came between Radaz and pushed them apart, leaving Donato's swing to strike down and hit the thin air... but Radaz didn't have time to spend about wondering what would have happened if the elder warrior hadn't intervened, as he quickly pulled back, almost performing a balancing act as he was standing on the very edge of the ramparts overlooking the orchards now!!::
::But he had to be quick still, even quicker, to use the edge and rush past Turan, until he was past them all now, and he had a breathing space to assess the situation::
::Scornfully, he spat, and tossed the dagger down into the ground below::
Perhaps it's time to be more serious... ::He growled, reaching into the bundled cloth at his side, and grabbing hold of whatever he held inside there...::
I'd strongly advise the cubs to leave... I want to fight the Abbey Warrior, and he alone...
And I know you know I have no qualms about going through a few sacks of fur and meat to do it!!
::And right where he'd ended up, was right beside the unconscious Gem!!::
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Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:09 am
Though perhaps not as distraught as Donato at this point, Jamie was peeved when Turan yanked the fox off of him. He hadn't even noticed Donato, not until a flash of metal whipped before his eyes as Radaz was thrown back. At first confused and thinking the fox had slashed a weapon at him, he blinked and brought Donato into focus. What? The hare had a sword and - oh wait, that was his saber. At first a little ticked, he let it pass... at least Donato had not just rushed in foolishly unarmed.
Not caring much for Radaz's trying to reason with them, Jamie was about to launch himself at the fox again when Turan reached out and grabbed him and turned him back. About to round on Turan to ask what his problem was, he finally saw what the older hare had seen first; the unconscious young bat slumped against the ramparts. Damn, does that bat follow Eula everywhere? Holding his arms controlled, but paws fisted angrily at his side, he looked to Turan then, deferring the decision-making to him.
Turan watched Radaz carefully for a moment, but made a quick decision. "Move back to the west wall. Get away from her and these other two will leave. It'll just be me, but you have to get away from her." Turan waited, sword in paw, for the fox to make his decision. Unless Radaz moved back to the west wall, Turan would not call off the other two. Perhaps under any other circumstance, Turan would've made Donato leave immediately... but now Turan couldn't even turn to look at Donato... not now.
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