"She really misses Miss Astra." or "Giving makes me feel better."

FV:Marketplace

This is probally one of the busy areas of Ferravale during mid-day as a couple shops are here selling there wares and an area set for fruits and veggies to be sold and other goods from carts and stands.Guards wander by many times to help keep the peace and make sure laws are not broken. The area is well kept and keep clean. You can stay a while or head back to the center of town.

Exits: [C]andle [M]aker [S]hop, [P]awnshop, [F]erravale [B]rewery, [P]ottery [S]hop, [Sh]oemaker, [B]akery, [S]eamstress [S]hop, [A]nise's [S]pices, [B]lacksmith [S]hop, [C]arpenter's [S]hop, [N]orth

Well, well, the marketplace is...not too full today! There are lots of beasts out in the nice weather, but they tend to migrate towards the tavern or pond. Fun areas like that. Derderin, however, has work to do! She is inside the brewery. The door is propped open, and from the marketplace you can, faintly, hear her whistling a rough tune.

Shaz walks in, he has his cloak on and hood up and dusty boots on, he is mainly walking slowly and seems to have no real plans today, it's a slow day maybe

Darkwatcher has his hood and cloak on too, as well as his facecloth. The weaponry he wears clinks ever so slightly as he approaches Shaz from the south at a quick stride, his cloak fluttering a bit in the wind of his passage. His expression reveals nothing, but he's making a beeline for the sniper.

Callie is still in Ferravale which is slightly surprising to her- usually she just wanders through a place. but she liked it here, so..here she is! She's calmed her jittery nerves a bit since she got here, and now she's not too aware of things around her as she hop-skips around the perimeter of the marketplace, not hearing the whistling from the brewery.

From the direction of the market place comes Ferdinand the ferret guard with a haversak on his back, a sad look in his eyes, and his little charge, Blisa the cat, in his arms. It looks like the kitten has been crying. They, too, does not hear the whistling.

If no one hears the gravely whistling, perhaps they will hear Derderin dropping a barrel by accident. It makes a huge crashing sound, and even louder than that is the sound of Derderin swearing vehemently. The sound carries through the open door, and faintly, inside the shadowy building, you can see her standing inside the rows of barrels with a particularly large one at her feet.

Shaz ears perk at a sound and he looks to see the direction of it, seeing the polecat he decides its not to note worthy, he then catches sight of Darkwatcher and stands up straighter as the fox nears him and waits to see what he wants.

"Shaz," Darkwatcher says flatly. "I need you to debrief on what's been going on around here for the past few weeks. /Now./"

Callie is suddenly a little less carefree! She takes a step towards the crying white kitten, hears the swearing from the brewery, and halts. And though she can't /really/ hear what Darkwatcher is saying from where he is, she knows that, in theory, he is supposed to be nice. But he sure doesn't seem happy! She runs over to Blisa, looking concerned, deciding to ignore the other events. "Uh...Hi. Are you..you ok?" She doesn't know the cat, but her guard has proved to be very nice! So why wouldn't Blisa be nice, too?

Ferdinand scowls in the brewer's general direction, then kneels down so Blisa can answer Callie a little more easily. The kitten shakes her head, hiccuping and wiping the tears off her cheeks.

Derderin stomps out of the brewery in a foul mood, muttering under her breath. She draws a sharp breath in as she realizes that, yes, there are creatures she knows out here that just her hear swear in every language she knows. And that includes two young ones. Three, if you include the ferret guard. She's wearing her heavy, canvas forge apron- the one that's studded with metal. The hem is torn slightly. She limps a bit as she dodges the fox and rat, giving them a curious look, paws behind her neck as she unties the apron, heading for the group of young beasts.

Shaz nods as he goes on with an update, "Last few...k, well thar was de monitor lizard worn fur of sum beasts, anyways de lizard had couple hamsters and a vole as captives, think he killed de hamsters and de vole got away sir, he also at one time had that Willowheart hare fer short while, but I managed ta help her, but de lizard about killed me and this with an arrow or two inn him and a gash on his shoulder, got me shoulder hurt too, anyways...the lizard is in de ditch and the hare on de road out cold, I got the hare to de abbey." He goes on, "I ta head back ere and de lizard is outta on de road, it tries ta slay me and thats when Oakenpaw, Rowan and someone else came and attacked the lizard..the lizard died"

Darkwatcher nods a few times as he listens to Shaz. "Sorted. You did well, Shaz. We don't want to make trouble with any factions in this region; that's what's kept us out of harm's way this long." He claps the sniper on the shoulder and stalks off, sitting on a crate nearby, a lot on his mind.

"Aw, what happened?" Callie speaks sympathetically, nervousness forgotten. She shuffles a footpaw along the ground, wondering what to say next. "Do you want a hug?" She says, looking up again.

Blisa nods and holds out her arms. "A...Astra left an...an...and d...d...didn't s...say g...good-bye!" except the 'bye' comes out more as 'bye-hi-hi' because the little cat breaks down in heart-rending sobs. She's very shaken up about it.

Shaz says, "Of course sir"

The slinking figure of a cat comes around one of the shops. In his right paw is a small, grey box and he is about to cross to the other side of the marketplace when the sizable group of beasts catch his eye. He recognizes a few of them, or more so two of them, Darkwatcher and Blisa. He makes his way over to stands near to his employer, glancing over and muttering, "Ello. Long time no see."

Darkwatcher nods to his associate and stands up. "Gildor! What's happenin', eh? Haven't seen you since...Ye gods, I don't even remember..."

Callie holds out her own arms and wraps the little cat in a hug. She sniffles. "I'm sorry! I don't know Astra but I'm sure she must be really nice and I hope she comes back and I don't think she meant anything by not saying goodbye! I'm sure she still likes you!" The words come out of the little otter in a rush.

Blisa nods, sobbing into the otter's shoulder. Ferdinand's brows start to draw together, and he, too, snifs.

Gildor seems a tad sulky, but he manages to squeeze out a grin. Something must have gone wrong with one of his experiments, "Aye, it has been awhile. I've had.../things/...to take care of and beasts to poison. Haven't had much time for a social life. How are things with you?" He says the part about poisoning beasts as kind of a joke...but with Gildor, you never can tell. He views Blisa's weeping with a frown, and he asks Darkwatcher, "What happened? Did someone die?"

Callie has to release the kitten with one paw to wipe her eyes. However nervous, Callie is typically a happy creature. (She's an otter!) Such a sad story! She doesn't take any notice of Gildor, and Darkwatcher is pretty much been forgotten.

Scioto is out doing a small check of the village and to check on various beasts in the village as he walks along the path towards the market area, he waves to a passing rat and proceeds to head on down the path.

Ferdinand hugs the dibbuns close, a pained expression in his golden eyes. Blisa's sobs, meanwhile, have quieted down some, but she is still crying.

Callie continues to hug Blisa, sniffling a lot more now. She'll probably stay with them for a bit- she doesn't know that the necomer, Scioto, is Blisa's dad, and that he, too, is bound to comfort her.

"Well, I dunno, mate." Darkwatcher shrugs. "Been hangin' about, makin' sure everything's all set to go for our next run. Debriefin' with Shaz just now."

Gildor raises an eyebrow, "What's our next run going to be? If you've told me, I've forgotten." He sees Scioto and offers a quick nod.

"I briefed you in the warehouse," Darkwatcher says. "Remember? You and that ferret?...We're going to Collinsel."

Ferdinand picks Blisa up again, stands, and makes his way over to Scioto. "Hello, Thir Thcioto." Blisa is still crying slightly.

Scioto looks up as te guard comes over to him, "Is Blisa ok?"

Gildor frowns, trying to remember. After a few seconds and thinking a light of recognition comes into his eyes and he snaps his fingers, "Oh! Yes, I remember now. We're going to kill someone off for something or other. He doesn't have all the bullet points, but he's got the main idea. Living alone it the woods will do that to you.

Blisa holds out her arms to her father as Ferdinand answers, saying, "The really mitheth Mith Athtra."

Scioto nods "I know, I miss her as well but Astra will be fine and she did have someoe going with her so all is well"

Gildor listens to the conversation going on between the family and guard and after a minuet he makes his way over to Ferdinand and taps him on the shoulder, "What exactly happened?" Pure curiosity is all.

Blisa sniffs as Ferdinand looks sharply at the mercenary cat. "Why do you want to know?" he asks, distrust written on his face like words, so to speak.

Ferdinand sighs. "There wath thith cat named Athtra. The and Blitha got very clothe, became very good friendth...at leatht, Blitha thinkth tho. Anyway, Mith Athtra hath left without thaying good-bye."

Gildor nods knowingly, "Ah, I see. Dibbuns always were the sentimental types. Do you have any idea if this Astra is coming back?"

Scioto sighs. "Astra is not coming back, she went off with her tribe somewhere supposedly to be with here tribe" he gets up and walks off. "If anyone needs me" he says before he leaves. "I'll be in my office"

Blisa cries a little more loudly and buries her face in Ferdinand's shoulder. The ferret guard frowns, his golden eyes showing sorrow as he soothes her.

Gildor raises an eyebrow at the way Scioto says Astra wont be coming back. Its like he knows it for a fact. He shrugs to himself and stands there awkwardly for a minute, then takes a breath, saying, "You know, you could always go looking for Astra and then have her say a proper good-bye."

Ferdinand glares at the mercenary. "Don't go giving Blitha ideath, pleathe! The ethcapeth too much already!"

Gildor shrugs, muttering darkly, "I was just saying. I mean, it's not like she walked off the earth and is never coming back."

Ferdinand rolls his eyes and stokes the kitten, who is now peeking at the other cat. She whispers, "/Hi.../" as she vaugely recognizes him.

Gildor looks at Blisa and offers a half smile. Any tough face he might have been trying to put up melts. This is a dibbun we're talking about! "Hey. You okay?" She's obviously not really okay, but he can't really think what else to say.

Blisa shakes her head, digs in the top of the haversack on the ferret's back, digs out a sweet cake, and holds it out to the mercenary.

Gildor frowns sympathetically at Blisa, then smiles lightly as the sweet cake is offered, "Are you sure you don't want it? It might make you feel better."

Blisa nods and holds the cake out farther. "Giving makes me feel better." Ferdinand smiles at this piece of wisdom. Who says kids don't know anything?

Gildor smiles again. He's been doing a lot of that lately, "If you insist." He takes the cake and takes a small bite of it, for even if he isn't hungry, he doesn't want to kitten to think he doesn't like it or something. He chews slowly and nods in approval, "This is pretty good! Do you know who made it?"

Blisa shakes her head. "I think the baker might've, but I'm not sure." she digs in the pack again and this time brings out 2 more cakes. She hands one to Ferdinand, and they both begin to munch on them.

Gildor nods, "I might have to hire this baker if I ever have a party. Then again, I probably wouldn't have a party anytime soon..." He says this last part as a second thought and continues to eat his cake, any thought of not being hungry gone.

Blisa giggles, then asks, "Why won't you have a party any time soon?" She digs out an apple and holds it out to Gildor.

Gildor shrugs and finishes off his cake, "I'm not the kind of cat beasts want to hang out with for long periods of time. At least that's how most feel." He grins as the apple is offered, "If I'm not careful, I'm going to get fat!" But he ends up taking the apple, nodding his thanks. From around one of the shops comes a rather odd looking squirrel. His young frame is very thin and he looks perfect for slipping out of tight situations. He is not very tall and is definitely small for his age, which is about six seasons. He is wearing a dark blue tunic (which is belted with a black piece of cloth) that could actually be considered a dress for it goes down to his mid-calf. He makes his way nervously over to Gildor and tugs on his sleeve.

Blisa smiles a little more. "I like you." she says , then stares at the newcomer in shock. Ferdinand turns to see what in the world the kitten is stareing at, and then he, too, just stands there and stares.

Raymond walks in and sneezes as he glaces aroud and mutters to himself.

Ferdinand turns from stareing at the new creature to look at Raymond while Blisa keeps her gaze fixed on the squirrel...or whatever he is.

Gildor grins at Blisa, "Thanks." He looks down at the squirrel, who happens to be a flying squirrel, and raises an eyebrow, "You decided to leave the house? It must be something important. What happened?" The flying squirrel, Bellan in this case, looks nervously at Blisa and the ferret. Being stared at makes him a tad uncomfortable, but he should really be used to the odd looks by now. He looks back at Gildor and motions for the cat to lower his head. Gildor obliges and Bellan quickly whispers something in his ear, then takes a step back, looking tentatively at Gildor. Gildor in turn straightens up quickly, his eyes wide, "How in the world did /that/ happen?!" He shakes his head, "Never mind. Don't answer that." He quickly turns back to Blisa and Ferdinand, "If you'll both excuse me, I've got something very pressing to take care of." He quickly hands Bellan the apple, then rushes for the gates. Bellan just stands there awkwardly, his mouth open as if he wants to say something.

Raymond looks over confused, ok what's happening as he walks over closer.

"What are you?" blurts out the kitten, who is promptly shushed by her guard, who turns back to Bellan. "I'm thorry. We've jutht...never theen a...ah...uh...creature like you before. I'm Ferdinand, thith ith Blitha. May I athk your name?"

Bellan blushes as Blisa speaks and closes his mouth with a shrug, not answering the question in his embarrassment. He frowns on the inside when he's known as a creature. That just wont do! He keeps his voice quiet as he says, "I'm a squirrel and my names Bellan. I'm Gildor's apprentice." He keeps his explanation brief and clasps his paws in front of him, holding the apple in between them.

Ferdinand sets the shamefaced Blisa on the ground and holds his paw out to Bellan. "It's nice to meet you, Thir Bellan. I am thorry if I hurt you. That wath not my intent." he glares at Blisa until she holds her paw out and says, "Sorry..."

Bellan looks at the ferrets offered paw for a second, not quite sure what to do. It's been awhile since he's met someone formally. Then it clicks. Right! He's supposed to shake it! He takes Ferdinand's paw in his own, though really it's quite engulfed, and shakes, smiling weakly at the apology, "No need for the sir. Just Bellan is fine. And I wasn't hurt. I should have announced myself as a squirrel in the first place." When Blisa also apologizes, he cant help but smile a little more, "You're forgiven." He takes her paw in his own and shakes then returns his paw to the clasped position. He's about half a head shorter then Blisa, but he tries his best to seem taller by walking with his shoulders straight back.

Blisa scuffs the ground with her foot. "Are you OK? You look kinda thin. Are you hungry?" she asks, trying to remedy the situation and probably making it worse.

Bellan blushes again, but he can't get angry at such an innocent question, "I'm fine, thanks. I've got my apple." He holds up the apple Gildor gave him. He takes a small nibble of it, deciding he might as well eat. After swallowing he asks, "Do you both live here?"

Blisa nods eagerly, wanting ever so much to be friends with the funny-lookin' squirrel. "Yes, we do. My Daddy is the Cheiftan, and Ferdy is my bodyguard and friend. Do you live here? Have you seen the pond? It's really pretty."

Bellan feels slightly intimidated by Blisa's eagerness, but he tells himself to shush. He wants a friend and this kitten is very nice, "Why do you need a bodyguard? And no, I live with Gildor by the river. We used to live in a hut, but...well it was burning last I knew and that's why Gildor had to go. I havn't seen the pond. Where is it?"

"Becasue I'm Scioto's daughter. Daddy wants me to be safe --" "And the liketh to ethcape." Inturrupts Ferdinand, making the kitten blush. "Yeah, OK, so I do. I get bored here! I don't have any friends my age or size!" she protests, forgetting the question of where the pond is.

Bellan can't help but chuckle, "I think escaping would be fun. It sounds like an adventure. It must be really lonely to not have anyone around to play with. What do you do all day?"

Blisa chuckles too. "It is. I draw, Ferdy plays with me, and sometimes we go to the market. And I play with my toys. What do you do? And don't worry," she adds, lookign sly and dropping her voice down to a whisper. "I know Gildor is a poisoner."

At first when Blisa reveals that she knows about Gildors profession, Bellan looks kind of nervous. Why would beasts want to be friends with a poisoners apprentice? But then he pushes it off. It doesn't seem to be stopping Blisa! He shrugs, "I gather herbs, cut wood, get water, make the meals, listen to Gildor lecture on this plant and that poison and I like to read. Sometimes I wander off into the woods alone without telling Gildor, but he never gets mad."

Blisa smiles brightly. "Do you have fun? What do you like to read? What kind of plants do you collect? Do you think I could visit you is Daddy says I can?"

Bellan is almost overwhelmed by the flood of questions, but he getting used to Blisa's upbeat attitude, "/I/ think it's fun. Sometimes I get bored, but not often. Gildor keeps me busy. And I collet whatever Gildor tells me to. Sometimes he'll come with me to make sure I get the right thing. Once he had to go himself because the plant was too dangerous for me to handle. I think it was some kind of fungus. And I'd have to ask Gildor if you could come. I think it would be really fun, though."

Blisa jumps up and down excitedly. "Yay, oh goody goody! Let's go ask Daddy now!" digging in her personal bag, the kitten brings out a woven grass bracelet and hands it to the squirrel. "Bye!" she grabs Ferdinands' paw and dashes off.

Thanks for reading!

Groups:

• Ferravale