Chat in the Tavern

The tavern is not too busy this time of the day as its usually later when there is any crowds. A group of four rats play a card game over at a far table and a couple ferrets are having an ale. Scioto is sitting at one of the tables, one of the healers finishes with rebandageing his arm, and then heads off, but stays close though it’s clear Scioto is not too happy with the healer staying close as he mutters quietly to himself.

The door opens and someone walks in who makes the few beasts at the table stop and stare, in his deep brown robe, purple vestments it is hard to mistake Benar for anyone else. The Father Abbot of Redwall is in Ferravale and he isn't surrounded by umpteen guards. He smiles when he sees Scioto and starts to make his way over toward him with a friendly wave.

Scioto looks over as he sees Benar, he nods as he looks to see if anyone else is with him, he then speaks, "Hello Benar, it is good to see you. Is it just you or did someone else come as well?"

Benar says, "Oh there are some guards about, I told them not to follow me around town, I know I am safe here." He leans on a chair near the table and smiles at the feline, "I wanted to come and let you know personally that Redwall held a ceremony of remembrance for those we lost."

Scioto nods as he listens to Benar, "That is good, always good to have something like that. I have been told Muenster was dealed with. I had been...a bit, well in the infirm" He doesn't go into too much details on just how wounded he was.

Benar says, "Yes, Muenster is dead, he won't be plaguing our woodlands anymore hence why I was able to travel out here to visit in person. We also wanted to buy some spices and herbs if we can I've brought a wagon with me to make some purchases whilst I am here."

Scioto nods , "We do have a good supply of herbs here in the village, our spice merchant , Anise , got some not too long ago and we have herbs. Some we are low on but snow is starting to melt and we can get more, someone today was able to find mint leaves so we have some of those now."

Benar says, "Ah Mint, that does make me feel good for making the trip here, we've not had mint in some time, our gardens are still recovering from last year’s occupation."

Sarnith Forgoes his scrutiny of the cat and squirrel as his ale arrives, he promptly attends to it. After taking a hearty swig he sets the tankard back on the bar before taking a more thorough examination of the taverns occupants. That done and failing to find any other beast that piques his interest he resumes watching Scioto and Benar for the moment.

Scioto raises an eyebrow, "Occupation?" He seems curious of this and then asks, "What other herbs and spices did the abbey need right now?"

Benar says, ""Ah you might have missed that, for a short time last summer we were occupied by a Rat and his band, nasty time, they were intending to enslave us all but the Long Patrol was able to drive them out with help from Camp Willow." He settles down in a chair, "We need Oregano if you have any, Thyme and Nutmeg if at all possible."

Sarnith is fairly certain of where Benar is from but refrains from joining the conversation for the time being, he still has over half of his tankard to finish. He starts in on it with slow sips every now and again as he maintains his observation of the pair.

Scioto waits till Benar is finished, he has yet to see Sarnith, he says "We do have a large amount of oregano and nutmeg, and we have some thyme and you mentioned needing the mint so we can offer the mint as well. I am glad you were able to get help when the rat was around and if you ever did need help again from something such as that I will offer you aid from Ferravale as we do have a peace treaty with you and I am glad of this."

Lorimis enters into the Tavern looking around.

Benar says, "Oh I am very glad we have the treaty, there has been too much death and destruction surrounding our Abbey, I am glad for these times of peace they mean so much to us."

Sarnith Has eyes only for Benar and Scioto as he listens in on what they speak of. He misses Lorimis's entry as he focuses his attention on the aforementioned pair and his tankard of ale. While so far what he has heard isn't of much interest to him he still waits to hear what else may come up in their conversation.

Scioto nods "The peace treaty is good," He motions over a ferret, "Need you to get some items from the spice merchant, some Oregano, thyme, Mint leaves and basil" The ferret nods and heads off as the cat looks back to Benar.

Lorimis steps up to his old place as bartender leaning over to listen to Chieftain.

Benar smiles at the cat and nods his head, "Thank you, just tell me how much I owe you and the spice merchant and I'll pay the price now. It is good to be able to leave the abbey, to breathe the fresh air of Mossflower again."

Scioto catches sight of Lorimis as he looks for the ferret who went to the market place and looks back to Benar with a smile, "Well the abbey does get a discount of course, let’s see...4 spices, and enough to last your abbey couple seasons least, and you can always get more around late fall if like or early fall,..", He gets to thinking on right price."

Lorimis's ears perk as he gets himself an ale "Well well, that’s a familiar voice”, He walks over to Benar and Scioto, “Aren’t you a friar or some such?" .He smiles good naturedly

Benar shakes his head, "Oh we only need enough to last us until summer when we should have our herb beds back up and running again." He glances at Lorimis and shakes his head, "You know very well what rank I hold Lorimis, I believe its Father Abbot, you dropped it in my lap then skipped off to play happy doctor in Ferravale."

Scioto chuckles and nods, "Alright then enough to last till say...mid-summer works, just to make sure." He writes down a price and shows it to Benar, "This price be ok?"

Lorimis smiles, "Well it was either drop it to you Father, or work forever" he smiles "Nice to see ya out....How are things back at Redwall?"

Benar reads the piece of paper and nods to Scioto, "That is fine, here" he hands over a pouch of coins and settles back, "Peaceful though I have decided there will be no spring feast for at least another month. Not until the wounds of the recent bad times have had time to fade."

Jaggedfang is nearby, at a table. He looks over at Scioto and Benar. "What's that all about?"

Scioto gets the coin pouch as the ferret comes back, Scioto speaks with him and he nods, he looks to Benar , "The herbs will be in a cart soon, they will be safe at the shop if you like to stay the night and travel back in the morning. “He nods a hello to Jaggedfang, “Hello Jaggedfang"

Jaggedfang nods. " 'Ey, Chief."

Lorimis asks, "Perhaps we could have a feast Here Chieftain? To celebrate the birth of yer Dibbun?"

Benar tilts his head and looks out the window, "I could head back tomorrow I guess, I left Father Oz in charge whilst I am away so things should be ok until I return home tomorrow." He glances at Lorimis and smiles, "If you wanted to combine our seasonal feast with a celebration here in Ferravale Scioto I'd be happy to make arrangements for us to bring food and drink here."

The faded Juska tattoos on Jaggedfang's face ripple as he grins. "A feast'd be nice, after wot's been goin' on in da past few weeks..."

Scioto listens as they talk, "It is an idea, both Ferravale and the abbey were involved in the recent events, but as Benar said it is at least couple weeks away, when perhaps next month. Early or in the middle of the month?"

Lorimis Lists his mug of ale in greeting to Jaggedfang, "Good day to you" He smiles to Benar and Scioto "Well that does some distressingly reasonable.

Jaggedfang nods to Lorimis. "Evenin', lorimis."

Benar turns to regard the ferret and inclines his head, "Good day to you sir, a pleasure to meet you I do not think I have had the pleasure of your company before." He holds out a paw to him, "Benar, Abbot of Redwall."

Scioto smiles, he is glad everyone is getting along and beasts in the tavern are behaving while a guest is here, he looks to Benar on the answer to when for feast.

Jaggedfang takes Benar's paw, and shakes it heartily. "Nice ta meet yew, Benar. I'm Jaggedfang, Carpenter's Apprentice."

Feisty strides into the tavern, looking around, his sword swinging at his side.

Lorimis smiles "Have you learned anything new from Sarn, Jaggedfang?”

Benar smiles and inclines his head, "Pleasure is all mine Jaggedfang and ah the feast I'd say 3nd Monday of April perhaps? It is a good date deep into spring."

Jaggedfang grins at Lorimis' question. "I bin learning' ta make furniture...ta make bits o' houses...."

Feisty looks around. He's used to being in taverns, and wouldn't mind a good bar fight right about now.

Scioto listens to Jaggedfang slightly as he looks to Benar, " Around last week in April then thinking?"

Lorimis Raises a Stine to Feisty, "Ho Feisty, come meat my peer, Father Benar is here from the abbey”

Feisty grins. "Ello, mate. Ah've actually met Benar befores, but thank ye."

Benar says, "So third Friday 20th April then we’ll have a weekend long feast here in Ferravale then,"

Jaggedfang laughs. "The longer tha better, eh?"

Scioto smiles and nods, "I say yes, let’s do that, my village will offer some items and your abbey can as well, there is a large dining room in our town hall"

Benar says, "We'll bring the alcohol. We have plenty to share for everyone after all though I can't guarantee to keep my Friar out of your kitchens, Zoomy loves to help.""

Lorimis asks, "Feisty have you ever had the ABBY's October ale?"

Feisty shakes his head. "Never 'ad it yet, but Ah always have wanted tae."

Scioto shakes his head and chuckles "Hey, bring the good abbey food as well Benar"

Benar laughs softly, "I can transport the ingredients and more solid items but some of it might have to be made here in your kitchens."

Scioto nods, "Well your abbey cooks can bring items here, that is alright, it will be a very good day and I will even have the guards around to make sure all goes well and may be able to provide extra carts too for transport"

Lorimis says, "We have an excellent Bakery here, but we need some poppy seeds for the rolls"

Feisty laughs. "Dinnae firget beer. 'S the stuff wot makes braw good times happen, mae old fathair allus used tae say."

Scioto says, "I know one thing that would be good, some honey comb, we ran out of it here, may have to find some wild honey in the woods...carefully of course"

Benar says, "Don't look at me for Poppy Seeds, we don't stock them, we've never grown poppy's in the abbey ourselves, we don't have the space for them, as for Honey Comb we may have some now, we have our Apiary working again.""

Lorimis blink blinks "Father you have been studying, I do not believe I know that word, Apiary”

Jaggedfang laughs. "Don't worry bout it, Lorimis..I don't either."

Feisty says, "Faer ta record, I dinnae, either."

Scioto says, "I am not sure where poppy seeds would be, maybe the spice merchant can ger some...not many around dont think"

Benar laughs softly, "Studying? No I've known that word for a long time, Apiary is what you call well bee hives, a collection of beehives like we have in the abbey is called an Apiary."

Jaggedfang looks surprised. "Yew keep buzzers wid dem stingers in yer abbey?"

Scioto nods, "Ahh someone has helped you with bees again, you have a bee keeper living in the abbey now then?"

Lorimis says, "Of course Jaggedfang, how else do you think we keep evil beasts away" He chuckles "Thank you for teaching me a new word Father"

Benar says, "We have had a fox coming to visit us a few times a week to look in on them, he has not yet taken up permanent residence but I have hope that he will do so.""

Feisty is restless...He spots the fighting pit in the tavern and jumps in, looking for a challenger.

Lorimis chuckles watching Feisty, "I must say Benar, the abbey has become attractive to foxes, a pleasant surprise, just do not rename it to Redwall Den"

Scioto nods "Perhaps the Bee keeper will stay, the village here and Redwall could both have honey perhaps that way, I say talk to him next time you see them"

Feisty scans the room, impatiently awaiting an opponent. "COME ON YE COWARDS! Ah'm Feisty MacPunchles, ta braw Highlander! Ah've been through hell n' high waters, n'ice, too, an' most o' all, bloodshed so deep ye could swim in it!"

Benar says, "I have been trying to talk him into staying, he appears to have not made up his name yet" He gives Lormis a look and shakes his head, "No fear of... ah... Feisty is that really necessary? Really now... I would expect better from you then such language."

Lorimis says, "It does take some gettin used to here Benar, but..the beasts here mean well even if they are a little harder on the ears then what were used to"

Feisty scowls fiercely. "Is this nae a tavern, Benar?"

Jaggedfang laughs. "Ar, he's got a good point thar."

Scioto frowns at Feisty now, "Sir...please, no fighting in the tavern and..the language, please not right now, I know some times it will get..somewhat rough in here sometimes but like to keep it...not so much for couple days, please"

Feisty sighs. "Aye...But if ye dinnae want beasts ta fight, why is there a fight pit?"

Lorimis says, "I think whatthey are sating, Feisty, is the bout is off till later tonight...as for myself, I am afraid I am a beast of Peace, so I can't help you there, but after my healers DO need the practice"

Benar shakes his head, "Yes it is a tavern, a place of congregation and conversation, of trade and rest, you do not need to use such language Feisty and if Scioto doesn't want the ah... pit used it would be well to respect his wishes."

Feisty sighs, and gracefully jumps the side of the ring. "As ye wish..."

Scioto looks to Benar, "They are nights it’s used,...but not while anything important is going on and no it won’t be used next month during the feast time either, that is my rule.", He smiles at Benar, "You and the guards with you can spend the night for free in the Inn tonight, you are guests"

Jaggedfang is whittling a small piece of wood with his pocketknife

Lorimis speaks, “I tend the bar here sometimes.”

Benar says, "Ah... well tending bar is an interesting job I am sure Lorimis, not quite my cup of tea and heh thank you Scioto that is very kind of you.""

Lorimis says, "Well You see Benar, beasts will tell their bar tender things they won'ttell their healer"

Scioto nods and looks to Lorimis and back to Benar, "You are welcome, just a warning a head of time, the Inn keeper Wildfire can be a bit...short tempered, her name fits her well if ask me"

Benar says, "I shall endeavor not to get on her bad side then, thank you for the heads up though Scioto."

Lorimis says, "U had a beast ask me about you Scioto, wants ta be a Shoe maker here", He looks overdo Jaggedfang "your quiet"

Jaggedfang nods. "Aye." He's intensely focused on the small piece of wood he's carving. "Sarn taught me not to get distracted."

Benar says, "The art of not getting distracted whilst working is a great skill to hone, it took me some time to learn it in the kiln back in Redwall.""

Scioto nods to Lorimis "I had a short meeting with him and his mate...a Jet and, forgot the mates name....yes will need to speak with Sarnith on a shoe maker shop, more a leather worker shop as he makes belts as well, they is already a house they can use since my one guard Drake left to go who knows where" ,He sounds slightly annoyed at this fact.

Jaggedfang keeps carving away, intensely locked in to what he is doing.

Lorimis sighs, "I like this peacefulness”

Benar says, "You and me both Brother Lorimis, you and me both, it is good to be able to sit here surrounded by friends and not have to worry."

Feisty tosses his claymore up in the air and catches it by the basket hilt skillfully. "Aye, but ye gots tae be ready...learned that tae hard way in tae far Naerthlands."

Jaggedfang keeps carving, then he stops, blowing wood shavings off of his work. Some of them end up in his whiskers. "There! Done."

Lorimis asks, "What did you make there Fang?"

Scioto smiles, he decides to get an ale, "Peace is good"

Benar says, "Being worried I all well and good but we wish to try and live our lives of peace as long as we can Feisty."

Jaggedfang gently holds up what he carved. It's a small piece of maple wood, carved delicately to look like a leaf.

Lorimis says, "This has been a good place, Father Benar, I have been able to study wildcat claws, so they can be fixed if hurt"

Feisty sighs. "Aye, but here's some advice mah auld fathaer used tae say. Once every few seasons, there comes a time o'trouble. 'S then, he said, that ye must rise up, faer ye may be the last hope o'beasts not as strong as ye."

Scioto sips his ale after it arrives, he looks to Lorimis "Just be careful who's claws you look at Lorimis, not all are friendly here"

Feisty continues. "So mah point is, that ye gots to stick up faer yaerself, and more so faer those around ye."

Lorimis asks, "Speaking of Claws, when will Dazzle be back? “He looks at the maple leaf, "Fine work there JF...may I call you JF?"

Jaggedfang blows a bit of sawdust off his creation. "Thanks, mate! And sure, ye kin call me JF."

Benar sits quietly, listening to the conversation around him as he watches .

Scioto smiles "Dazzle has been back Lorimis" He looks to Benar "Was there anything else you needed Benar or wished to discuss?"

Lorimis asks, "And I have not seen her? how did that happen"

Benar says, "No I think we have concluded our discussions Scioto, I cannot think of anything else that we need to talk about."

Scioto nods, he looks at Lorimis "She and the dibbun have rested a lot at our home"

Lorimis says, "I see your getting along well as well Chieftain"

Scioto nods "I am slowly recovering, I am lucky in a way could of turned out a lot worse if I had not been found"

Benar says, "Well I for one am glad Peace has been restored to Mossflower in time for spring, it has been a difficult winter for us all.""

Lorimis asks, "Will you have a Naming of the Season Father?"

Scioto listens, “naming a season? sounds interesting"

Benar says, "For spring yes at the Feast I will name it." He looks at Scioto. "It is tradition that each season the Abbot Names the Season""

Lorimis says, "But we take suggestions"

Scioto nods "Interesting, any ideas on this year?

Lorimis says, "I rather fancy, the Year of the peaceful flower"

Benar says, "Ah.... no Lorimis, that is Year not season, I will decide on a name when I see what sort of Spring we are to have."

Lorimis Chuckles "Yes Benar, that is your preview, but I still like the Season of the Peaceful Flower”

Benar says, "Well Lorimis Peaceful Flower has no real meaning on the spring we are about to have yet, I will wait and watch to see what Spring brings to us" He stands up and smiles "Now I will see you all later""