And The Evening Takes An Odd Turn-Redwall Log

Redwall Log:

Leon-Brothr and Master Healer Of Redwall

Lacota-Frair Of Redwall

Flicktail-Resident of Redwall

RW Abbey: Great Hall

The Great Hall of Redwall Abbey. Countless paw falls have echoed from these stones, and untold numbers of feasts and merry gatherings have been held here. A table, not nearly so grand or large as its predecessors, but quite functional for mealtimes, rests near the center of the hall. Chairs exist here aplenty, and they are all of a matching set. High above, the stain glass windows give the Great Hall a beautiful appearance. The glasswork is exceptionally done, crafted by a skilled artist. The floor is clean and swept. A fire is kept burning in the fireplace at almost all times of the day and night, and there are several more comfortable chairs and cushions set up here, of varying sizes. One looks large enough to easily accommodate a badger.

The Tapestry hangs proud and tall, and while the rest of Redwall may still bear the scars of natural disaster, this most famous of Redwall's relics remains unharmed by beast, time, or the elements. The figure of Martin the Warrior seems to be watching over his own with an unchanging, kindly gaze.

Soft light is slowly beginning to filter in through the stained glass windows high above your head.

Exits: Abbey's [Li]brary, [K]itchen, [C]avern [H]ole, [B]reezeway, [En]try, [Stairs]

Leon is looking over some papers, they are reports of inventory of the infirmary and whats there, including what he has in his surcoat and bag, whats needed and how much of each item he has or needs.

Lacota pads down the steps quietly, and crosses the hall towards one of the chairs near the fireplace. "Evening, Brother Leon. Busy, I take it?"

Leon looks up "Inventory, don't worry I didn't leave de infirm without a healer on duty. Just seeing whats needed and not needed to last till spring time, some I can collect in the woods and some we grow, some may need to be found in the market or...well Ferravale if we still can go there"

Lacota nods his head, as he sits, heavily. "Good, good. Good work, my boy." He sighs, staring off into the unlit fireplace. "This has been a trying day indeed."

Leon nods as he looks over at the Friar" Did you need any spices for the kitchens Lacota, I could get some, I know I got hot root last week for you, so should be good on that now "'

Lacota seems lost a moment, then jerks, and peers over at the mouse. "Hmm, wha...? Oh, er, yes... Thank you again for the hot root. More spices are always good, yes..."

Leon smiles and then notices the jerk of movement "You ok? Been getting enough sleep?"

"I have been getting plenty enough sleep!" Lacota snaps... And then he sighs again. "Sorry, Leon... My apologies... Just... A lot on my mind lately... I upset my daughter earlier, when I mentioned Krystal, and then had to save her from a tree..."

Leon blinks and frowns “A tree? And a lot miss Krystal, her and you more so"

Lacota nods his head. "Yes, a tree. In the orchard. Cynthia climbed it, in her anger, then fell from a weak branch and had to cling to another branch until Elmef brought a ladder..." He sighs, leaning back in his chair, and closes his eyes. "Yes, I miss Krystal more than you know... If only she'd come back already... Doesn't she know I miss her?"

Leon blinks as he hears this, and folds his papers "Lacota.....I know you miss her, but you and I both know she won't be back, I mean I wish she could be also but she is gone"

Lacota opens his eyes, frowning. "There you lot go again. Telling me she's dead. She is NOT dead, Leon. I WON'T BELIEVE IT!" His shout echoes throughout the room, causing several beasts to stop and stare. "She's not dead, Leon... Just away. She'll be back, I know it."

Leon frowns, "But she is dead, she was brought into the infirm that day but...it was too late for me to do anything, and she had been dead maybe a couple hours I don't know....I am sorry" He seems surprised as he knows the Friar was told of this...right?

Lacota looks at the healer with sad eyes. He had been told... He'd held his wife's lifeless paw, and cried. He'd gone to the small funeral. But since then, the Friar had... Snapped, a bit. "No... No... Leon, she's out there. She'll come back, when she's ready."

Leon is not sure what to say, "Lacota..did you happen to fall from a tree today?" He does, if allowed, will examine the Friar closely, if not he will back away, “I do remember, one of the healers told you and I thought you were in the infirm that day"

Lacota doesn't offer any resistance. He doesn't move at all. He just stares into the fireplace again. He looks perfectly fine, though, no bumps or bruises. "I've been told it a million times, Leon... It still isn't true."

Leon stays beside the Friar and frowns, “Lacota....."He is unsure what to say, this is new to him as some beasts stare at them he speaks quietly, "Its ok to..wish a beast was still around after they died, but you can't pretend she is alive beast may...start to wonder if you’re ok"

Lacota looks up at Leon, frowning again. "Of course I'm ok. I'm... I'm not pretending... I'm not pretending..."

Leon gets a look of concern, "Lacota....ok let’s ask this what was you doing the last time you saw Krystal?"

Lacota crosses his arms. "I was in our room, downstairs... Krystal put on her travelling cape... She said she was going out to the forest for some fresh air... I hugged her... She told me... I told her to be careful, and she told me not to worry, she'd only be out for a few hours... And she never came back, Leon... That was weeks ago..."

Leon nods "I know, I think she..saw something that day but we will never know or some random...."He sighs, “I also know she was....with dibbun and " He shakes his head.

Lacota sighs heavily. "Our dibbun. It's due this winter, did you know? Everything will be better then..."

Leon says, "I had not known when it was to be born...I am sorry Lacota this must be a hard time for you, let me help you or talk to Benar, Dorarose...someone. How is Cynthia by the way?"

Lacota folds his paws. "She is resting. Worked herself into a state earlier, and passed out in the orchard. I carried her back to her room. I've been neglecting her, I'm afraid, but that will change now..."

Leon nods "Yes she needs you right now, that’s true and you need her as well. But you also need your friends"

Lacota stares at the fireplace. "I'd get along with my friends a lot better if they'd quit telling me my wife is dead..."

Leon sighs, “Then, what will help you Lacota..what do you want to hear from your friends?"

Lacota is maintaining his composure quite well. "Just... I don't know, Leon... She will be back, I'm sure of it..." He sighs. "I need some solidarity right now. Elmef told me earlier that we'd talk about sending out a search party for my wife... That is the most help I've gotten in weeks..."

Leon frowns, he knows that will come of nothing and was probably said to calm Lacota down, "Well....that’s interesting, but.." He starts to say he has no clue what they will find, bit maybe a killer who knows, he sighs "Ok solidarity?"

Lacota sighs, his shoulders slumping. "I just... You all act like I'm crazy. Can't anyone be on my side?"

Leon frowns "No one thinks your....crazy we are just trying to help you, we all want you to be ok, that’s all. I mean your needed here and you’re going through a hard time, seemly alone"

Lacota beats his paws on the armrests of the chair. "Of *course* I'm alone... Krystal is out there, somewhere." He sighs again. "Sorry, sorry... Ugh..." He shakes his head. "I appreciate that you're trying to help, at least."

Leon frowns, he is not saying much as he knows she is dead and is unsure why Lacota is saying she is not “I am..yes trying it’s just hard"

"Very hard," the squirrel agrees. "You cherish your wife, Leon... Don't let her go. Once gone... That's a terrible pain."

Leon frowns "I most likely would go insane, but I would also know my children needed me and the abbey needed me, my friends would help I am sure of it. I have heard others talk of losing...a mate or loved one, it’s not always a good story. Oz could tell you a tale....I know an otter that came here after the camp willow thing, had to keep a close eye on him when his mate died.....he got better but was still sad"

Lacota frowns. "She's just... gone." He doesn't have the will to argue about it again, so leaves it at that. "Terribly sad, though... Terribly sad. Camp Willow's attack was a great shock..."

Leon says, "Yes it was, a lot has happen since then, that Ferravale take over, least that’s over and it happen at the worse time. And Camp Willow is recovering slowly now, so that’s good"

Lacota shakes his head. "I'm glad to hear it. The road wasn't safe during that ordeal..."

Leon says, "no" He frowns" One reason me and others worried when Sister Zinnia left at around then, wish she had stayed but she...had her reasons guess"

Lacota sighs. "Her son Xander, the poor lad... Still lost, I suppose..."

Leon says, "I know searches were called off, he was never found and the one who..least the one that had him..was killed, he didn’t have him anymore"

Lacota rubs his temples, a headache forming. "Who was that? Zurgg?"

Leon nods “Yes...that was the name, are you ok?"

Lacota shakes his head. "No, I'm not okay, Leon. I'm getting a headache..."

Leon frowns and stands "I could get you something for it if you want, headaches are not always good and maybe this one is from stress"

Lacota nods slowly. "Probably so. I'm under quite a lot of stress. I'm trying to get ready for the harvest feast, you know, and trying to watch out for my daughter, and other things... Please, do get something for me."

Leon nods as he gets something from his surcoat and mixes it in water, he knows where everything in that coat is based on colored strings and how many knots ect...he hands it to the Friar “Drink slowly and you can ask for help you know. I am sure Caleb be glad to help, he could even help make sure Cynthia is not alone if your busy, him and her are good friends after all"

Lacota takes a slow sip, mmming. "Yes, I know. I approve of it, too. Your son is a fine lad, Leon. Very fine."

Leon nods “I don’t think he knows about the tree, but then if no one was hurt bad, that’s good to know. I am sure your, get over this"Or he hopes so anyways.

Lacota looks hard at the mouse. "Get over what?" He takes another sip, his headache already starting to feel better.

Leon sighs, he starts to say your wife's death but holds that in “Your headache" He says instead, he leans back in his chair and watches Lacota now quietly, he has his inventory done for the infirm for now, it will be updated in a week or so.

Lacota continues sipping. "Oh, that. Yes, I feel better already. What is this, anyway?"

Leon says, " it’s something called feverfew, a little helps headaches, not as strong as willow bark but willow bark is more for...well more serious pain and was one thing I added to someone’s tea for heart problems""

Lacota nods a bit. "It's certainly helpful... I may actually sleep peacefully tonight for a change... I've had trouble sleeping for some time now."

Leon nods "Yes a peaceful night’s sleep will be good, maybe help you feel better"

Lacota frowns. "That would be nice. I need to be my best self for when Krystal finally comes home..."

Leon frowns, but says nothing for now, he stays quiet and just nods slowly, he needs Lacota to stay calm and relaxed.

Lacota stares into the fireplace. "Have you had a good day, at least?"

Leon blinks "I..yeah, it's been a good day. No injuries so that’s good and I was able to get inventory done and will give it to Abbot Benar in the morning"

Lacota nods again. "Good to hear. I was trying to make an inventory earlier today with Sister Violet, but got... Interrupted..."

Leon nods "Maybe you can try again tomorrow or the next day or see if she might do it instead"

Lacota hmms. "Perhaps... The harvest feast will be here before you know it, though, so I need to be prepared well ahead of it."

Leon says, "Of course, there is a lot to do, a lot of beasts here in fact. I wonder if they will be able to do anything fun this season, or maybe still some contest maybe"

Lacota shrugs. "Cynthia will probably sing again... I hope so..."

Leon says, "She sings very well. She has a gift and she is a novice now also"

Lacota says, "Yes, and I am extremely proud of her."

Leon smiles, he has him talking about something else and that’s good" I am sure she will do well, Caleb is almost rank 2..if he isn’t already, gets harder then but not too hard if one sticks with it"

Lacota nods. "I'm glad to hear that. He's a good lad. Good in the kitchen. You should be proud, Leon..."

Leon chuckles, "I know, he is turning out to be a good cook, he may even want to spend more time in the kitchens, he has good ideas for recipes as well"

Lacota adjusts his glasses. "Yes, he does. Smart lad, he is. I like him. How is his sister, though?"

Leon says, "Lilymoore is doing well, still bell ringer for now ad as far as I know she will stay with that."

Lacota nods his head. "I hope she is well, then. I remember she and Cynthia were not getting along... I hope that has gotten better..."

Leon says, "I am not sure, so far there has been no problems that I know of anyways"

Lacota says, "I do hope so... It worried Krystal and me to no end..."

Leon says, "I remember, it was when Caleb and Cynthia had that ray problem, least they escaped and got back safely, I think they started being friends then"

Lacota nods. "Well, that make Krystal happy when she returns..."

Leon frowns a little but nods" Yeah" He says quietly, go along with it for now he decides, just go along with it,"Any ways all seems well and that’s good."

Lacota crosses his arms. "For now, at least for now... One never knows when something new comes up."

Flicktail walks over from the steps with a wide smile making a direct path to Leon, but not interrupting his conversation with the Friar

Leon nods, he keeps an eye on Lacota, "True"He says quietly

Lacota seems not to notice the fox. "Did you hear about that awful shrew that attacked several beasts here?"

Flicktail shakes his head to Lacota "No I did not What happened?" He attempts to take Leon's paw "I want to thank you for saving my dibbun's life healer"

Leon nods "Yes, I was there at the pond, he also tried to kill Thorn but that’s the only two he tried to kill...though he did almost punch Benar but he was stopped by an otter." He looks over at Flicktail and nods, but he keeps his paw on the table as he speaks "The shrew was escorted out by a couple otters and no idea where he is...he is..well he almost got strangled by someone, trust me he has the sore neck to prove it still most likely"

Lacota frowns with concern. "I... I hope he doesn't try to hurt Krystal..."

Leon frowns, well least he is telling the truth when he speaks "No worries, he can't hurt her, don't worry Lacota...she is safe." Well it’s the truth

Flicktail looks at Leon first "Why do you not wish me to take your paw?" Then he looks at Lacota "I will watch Krystal closer if it helps... I have something important I would like to ask the 2 of you, if I may”

Lacota looks up at the fox. "You know where she is? Why haven't you told me?"

Leon frowns and gives the fox a please don't encourage him look and looks at Flicktail "Ask what?"

Lacota waits on a reply.

Leon says, "Flicktail please...don't start" He whispers "I just calmed him down and I rather not...start something again"

Lacota sighs. "Flicktail, my wife has been missing for several weeks... And... And... Most everybeast... Hell, even my own daughter tell me she's dead... She's not dead. She left the Abbey..."

Flicktail looks back "I was wondering if the two of you would...sponsor me to become an abbey Brother..." He looks at Lacota "I would not think her dead...I understand that”.

Lacota looks at Leon. "See? I'm not losing my mind." He sighs. "Sure, I'd sponsor you... I'll have to talk to Benar first, though."

Leon sighs, "Let’s talk of something else please" He shakes his head at Flicktail and frowns "And you don’t sponsor someone to be an abbey Brother Flicktail, it is not something that happens overnight, you have to be a novice, go through the novice training and the ranks just as all do before you become a Brother..tests and such to do, novices has tests and two ranks, and then the abbot decides if you’re a Brother"

Flicktail nods to Leon "I know I am asking for your help....you know I don’t always get things just right..." He looks at Lacota and gives a firm nod, he is on Lacota's side

Leon says, "And Lacota....please, just understand and Flicktail should also.....Krystal isn’t coming back, she dead. It’s what we been trying to tell you"

Flicktail says, "Leon, that is a very cold thing to say. You may be true but until there be proof beyond a doubt, I would not give up if it were Rayen"

Leon says, "There was proof, she was brought in, he SEEN her and she is BURIED in the graveyard Flicktail, ok she is dead and he wants to believe she is not dead, that she is alive and it’s not healthy"

Lacota shakes his head. "No, Leon... No. No." He stares into the fireplace again. "No.... I cannot believe it, no."

Flicktail says, "Then perhaps he saw her like I sometimes saw Martin...even so" He says gently "If it is what our Friar chooses...then he is a good enough beast for me to believe him..."

Leon sighs, ok he is getting mad “Just go to another room Flicktail your making matters worse please, LEAVE the room, he..he has to know the truth, it will hurt yes but he has to know or he will think this forever and get worse in another way" He lays a paw on the Friar" Lacota...your friends are here to help you though this, please let us help you my friend, its ok to be sad, to mourn to cry"

Lacota looks down. "It's not fair, Leon. She's the love of my life. Why'd she leave the abbey?" He's not quite ready to face the truth, but he's at least listening to Leon.

Flicktail looks to Leon and speaks softly and gently "Leon, you are me friend, and the healer that saved my first dibbun’s life , but I will not be dismissed as a dibbun, but I know you are trying hard to help beasts, we just have a different way." He looks at Lacota "Your right Lacota, it not be fair...That doesn't make it not true. Do you really want to see her as alive? Is that wot you think will be....best?”

Lacota sighs. "It's not about whether it's best or not. She *has* to be alive, out there... We're expectin' our first dibbun together... We haven't even come up with a name yet. It's due this winter, Flicktail..."

Leon sighs "I am...sorry just trying to...help him, ok I don't want to see him get worse Flicktail..I saw how Zinnia got and she knew her father was dead and closed herself off for a long..long time, it took the badger lord of Salamandstron to snap her out of it and..badger script or something or other. I also know a story Oz told me when his mate died....he almost ended his life and only stopped cause a dibbun cry in the distance stopped him"

Flicktail says, "I understand Leon, but I just think that sometimes, a friend needs you to believe him. Even when it doesn't seem right"

Leon he looks at Lacota "Its...I don't know why things happen Lacota, no one does and we try to figure it out and sometimes we never do, but know this...Krystal loved you very much, you were her life I am very sure of it" He wants to help, "Would she want you like this?"

Lacota sighs, heavily. "I have to be ready for her. But... I have to take care of Cynthia, for now... I can't neglect her any longer." He looks up.

Flicktail offers a paw to Lacota "I will do whatever you need.”

Leon breaths in and out and nods, "Yes Cynthia, she needs your attention. She is ok correct I can look in on her if needed"

Lacota squeezes the fox's paw, and nods at Leon. "Yes... You probably ought to look in on her... I imagine she is probably avoiding me right now..."

Flicktail says, "Just remember Lacota, we all still love and care bout you"

Leon says, "Well I would not know I was not in the orchard earlier”

Lacota sighs. "She was angry at me, Leon. I wish she wasn't... It wounds me so."

Leon nods "Who...else was in the orchards, maybe they could talk to her unless she is upset with them also"

Flicktail looks up "I must go help with Juliana. Lacota if you need anything I am ALWAYS there for you.” He then leaves the room.

Lacota shrugs. "Oz, Elmef... She was upset at Oz, too, though. Oh well... I'm sure I can talk to her tomorrow."

Leon nods "Ok....wonder why upset with Oz for, oh well it may be best you speak to her anyways Lacota, you are her father after all"

Lacota nods. "If only her mother were here... I can't do this alone, Leon..."

Leon nods “Your do fine Lacota, your see..ask for help, its fine to ask for help. You’re not alone you have me..Oz..Benar and...well guess Flicktail in his own odd ways helps..sometimes “He wonders, "Anyways..friends, you have friends who care, ok?"

Lacota nods, hmming. "Yes. Thanks. I won't forget, Leon."

Leon nods as he stands "it’s ok to wake me up and I am sure Dorarose wouldn’t get upset, if I am not in the infirm, probably in the gatehouse . Oz may be good to speak to and Benar also...get some sleep, ok?"

Lacota nods. "Goodnight, Leon... I'll be heading to bed here myself directly..."

Leon nods, and if allowed gives the Friar a quick hug and then heads off to bed also, it’s fairly late and they both most likely needs sleep.

In the morning on the wall tops =

• • This has

Caleb-Novice

Cynthia-Novice

Lacota-Redwall Frair

Caleb is up early, then of course he is as he is a novice, and he helped set the breakfast tables and helped clean up afterwards before taking a small break to walk around.

Cynthia is up on the walltops, the palms of both paws are bandaged from her, what do you call in tree burn? Friction burn, either way they hurt as she sits up her by herself, she was up early but she has an excuse to not be helpful today at least.

Caleb walks over and frowns "What happen to your paws? Are you ok?" He sounds concerned and worried.

Cynthia frowns, she says nothing and then goes to hug him, she careful of her bandaged paws and just stays quiet not saying anything.

Caleb places his arms around her and just holds her, he is still worried "Did I miss something? I was worried when didn’t see you at breakfast or even afterwards and I think you were up before me"

Cynthia is silent till she starts crying, yeah she missed breakfast but she doesn’t seem to care and she didn’t sleep well so she walked around the abbey grounds of all places, she looks tried and most likely is.

Caleb is now more confused, "Cynthia? Why are you crying, what happen you’re not saying anything to me...please say something"

Cynthia finally speaks as she steps back, "I..am fine and I wasn't hungry earlier ok, and I can't very well do much with hurt paws so....yeah" She goes to sit down her back against one of the towers.

Caleb says, "You should go eat something, I am sure they would understand as it’s not been too long after breakfast"

Cynthia shakes her head "No, it would just go to waste and...and I want left alone so don't follow me" With that she stands and after she is down the stairs she races off to somewhere in the abbey that’s least likely to have company.

Caleb reaches out a paw"WA...." He sighs and sits on the steps just stareing down at the steps as a couple ants walk along the edge

Lacota comes slowly across the open ground, seeming as if he'd aged dramatically of late. "Caleb, you there," he calls up from the foot of the steps, "Perhaps you can help me, lad..."

Caleb looks up "Hello sir, I can try but I am unsure if I can but I'll do my best" He stands slowly and waits to see what is needed

Lacota sighs, and shades his eyes with a paw as he peers upward. "Yes, I, err... I was hoping you might have seen Cynthia. She wasn't in her room this morning, she didn't come to breakfast... I'm afraid I upset her yesterday, and she's probably avoiding me..."

Caleb says, "She was up here a little while ago, but she ran off. Her paws were bandaged some, she admitted to not eating this morning but that’s all, and she was crying some."

Lacota nods his head sadly. "Yes, she almost fell out of a tree yesterday... Skin up her paws quite a bit." He turns. "Thank you for telling me, though. I'm afraid I've been a poor father... If you... If you happen to see her again, could you tell her that her father is sorry... And that he'd like to be able to tell her that himself?"

Caleb nods "If I see her later, I don’t know where she ran off to and...I am worried sir I..."He stops there unsure of the next words and just goes silent

Lacota sighs. "As am I, Lad, as am I... And I'm afraid I only made matters worse with my actions yesterday, but hopefully I can patch it up with her soon... She's all I have left, with Krystal being..." He gulps, not continuing, his mind still not willing to handle the truth. "Anyway, thank you, Caleb. I... I must get back inside, now. Remember what I said, now."

Caleb nods, "Alright" Then he goes back inside also.