Getting A Proper Goodbye
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A small Clearing in Mossflower Woods, Fairly close to the abbey
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The day started out sunny and not a cloud in the sky. Oz and Sister Jenny was taking the dibbuns out for berry picking in the woods and maybe a picnic as well. Also along for the trip was Tay and Jay, twin otters who were now novices and were to help that day keep an eye on the dibbuns.
The dibbuns giggled as they neared the berry bushes and looked to Sister Jenny as if asking of it was ok to start.
Oz smiles as they stop, “Well I will have to ask Sister Jenny if we are close to the berry bushes or not, I still do not know my way around in the woods as much as I would like too, I have made an effort to count paw steps to and from the gate a little ways, but never too far as one can get turned around in the woods at times.” He keeps his walking staff with him, more when he is outside the abbey, which is rare, due to his blindness.
Sister Jenny nods “Go ahead and start” The dibbuns giggle and start to pick the sweet berries, they have many baskets with them and should get enough for a good number of pies and maybe even some juice or other treats.
Oz smiles as he listens to them, they soon have about 10 baskets full of the late summer berries for the abbey. “Alright all, it’s time to have a small bit of lunch and then going back to the abbey.” Lunch is oatcakes with honey, some strawberry fizz, bread and cheese and some of the fruit, which means they have to end up refilling a basket that was half empty but the dibbuns don’t seem to mind as they giggle, run and play in the clearing.
Tay and Jay keep a good eye on them and yawns as they are a little tried “So we heading back soon, they would be finishing lunch at the abbey by now as well.”
Oz nods “Yes they would be, ok all let us head back.” A chorus of ahhhhhhhhs is heard but they do obey Papa Oz and get the baskets and start to head back to the abbey.
Tay and Jay stay close and make sure none of the dibbuns wander off as after about half an hour they get to the abbey gates and proceed to go on inside.
RW Abbey: Entry
You stand on a grassy sward between two cottages. To the south you see a small, calm pond. To the north lies an open space where the Abbey has its feasts in the warmer seasons. To the east is the Great Hall, a massive structure that rises far above the abbey walls and is completed with large towers that pierce upwards into the sky. The main building is completed with a large, iron banded door that would allow one into the Great Hall.
The blanket of snow is replaced with the vibrant greens of spring. Newly sprung flowers and young shoots dot the path. They hold a promise of color and enhancement. The earth is relatively dry here, and the soil rich for growing, but muddy patches of dirt still can be found. Many Abbey beasts can be seen tending to the gardens, though some are content with just being out and about, enjoying the warmth of the virgin sun and the pleasant weather. Dirt paw prints are tracked upon the clearing's surface, serving as witness to the fact that the majority of Abbey beasts are caught up in the "spring fever." Most will will do just about anything, or make any excuse to be outside, eager to watch as spring colors emerge in scraggly clumps.
Exits/Entrances:
[G]reat [H]all [C]limb to the [R]amparts [A]bbey [P]ond
[Ga]te [H]ouse [Leave] through the gates [Open] Ground
]
Leon had sort of been spaced out since being in the orchards, maybe still in some shock as he just wanted to head back to his home now, nap or something and not be bothered.
Oz has chosen this time, hey he is only late cause well..dibbuns make one lose track of time. Sister Jenny shakes her head and turns to the two rabbit novice, "You guys can help get the berries into the kitchens and make sure the dibbuns stay out of trouble." The two novices nod as Oz stays close by and tilts his head, seems too quiet for this time of day.
Leon frowns as he sees Oz, he walks past him and to Sister Jenny, but does speak to Oz "Hey...need to talk to the Sister a moment, but..stay there ok Oz?" He takes the Sister out of ear shot, well hopefully and whispers to her.."Zork is..d...dead."..He then clears his throat" Maybe take the dibbuns on..don’t know now..dibbun dorms?" He glances over at Oz and frowns, he is glad the badger can't see the frown.
Oz raises an eyebrow, Sister Jenny blinks and looks at Leon "Brother Leon whatever is the matter with you...." At the whisper she gasps and cups a paw over her mouth, she looks over at Oz and back to the healer. She then speaks to the dibbuns, “Go on to your room, I will be there..there soon.." The dibbuns obey and walk off, but something is off about her voice. She looks at the mouse "You..you have to tell him..." She whispers slightly." I..I refuse." She then quickly walks off letting a single tear go down her face, Oz meanwhile stands there , he can sense something is not right. “Tell me what Leon?"
Leon frowns, "Its..just.." And words fail him again, he shakes his head as silent tears come but he controls his voice, " It be best....if someone else told you." Yes he will fail and fail badly at even speech if he tries right now.
Oz tilts his head, "Brother Leon.." He rarely as a title before a name, but it's clear he wants to know whats going on, "What is it that it be best if some beast else told me? It’s also fairly quiet this afternoon, which is odd...why it is so quiet." He thinks "Then again I did have most of the dibbuns with me, but still there is usually talking and such and beasts doing things and didn’t the orchard picking start today?"
Leon frowns and looks down, not that it would make a difference, he shakes his head trying to find his voice and control it again, "I am..am sorry...." He holds back a sob and quickly changes the subject, and this is true at least, he also wants to leave "I..have to go get inventory of the infirm, you can speak to Benar...ok" He then walks off and just..well he walks off, besides the abbot is best for this...right?
RW Abbey: Bookbinding Room
This is a moderately sized room with a table that runs the full length of the
wall. It's rather stuffy, as there are no windows and only one door. The table
is neatly arranged with all the tools necessary for binding books, stacks of
spare parchment and spools of thread, as well as several clay ink pots and
quills made of pigeon feathers. There are some books set at one end in a neat
stack, all of which seem to be damaged in some way. A stack of scrolls, barely
readable do to water stains, are on a shelf near the door. A chair is sat by
the table and a small desk close to the doorway.
Exits: [B]ack
Oz had decided to go find Zinnia, he wasn't sure why but the abbot wasn’t in his room like Leon had mentioned. He tilts his head and knocks on the doorway as a novice had mumbled how she was there.
Zinnia stays in the room, it's locked so it's not like he can open the door and being tried is not helping her, "Go..Go away" She gets out and coughs, her throat hurts still. So she won't be speaking much if she can help, she doesn't care who it is at the door.
Oz frowns “Zinnia why is the door locked? Whats the matter?" Something is wrong he can sense that he just doesn’t know what.
Zinnia blinks from her corner and frowns, she stands and goes to unlock the door, Oz is probably one of two beasts she would open the door to right now," Cause...my world is chaos right now...who send you..you up here?" She sounds tried and looks tried, well if he could see anyways.
Oz steps back and is concern "Chaos?..What happen, something happen while I was out with the dibbuns today and I only got back an hour ago." He goes to lay a paw on her shoulder.
Zinnia frowns, she allows the paw on her shoulder, "No one..told you?" She asks quietly, her voice sounds sore and lost.
Oz asks, "Told me what Zinnia? Brother Leon mentioned Benar had something to tell me but I couldn’t find him.."
Zinnia just leans forwards and starts sobbing onto his tunic and hugs him tightly.
Oz holds her close and frowns, he is concern and suddenly a little more worried than he was before,"Zinnia...tell me right now, what happen while I was out of the abbey." He can tell first the voice tone, 2nd she is usually happy and talkative, and also isn’t she usually talking to her father....come to think of it he hasn't heard Zork since he been back, he wasn't reminded of the dibbuns making a pie, unless that was forgotten but knowing his brother it wouldn’t of been. He can also tell from her breathing, sobbing..something is wrong here, but he waits on a reply.
Zinnia just feels lost and alone, "He..he died, he's..g...gone." And the sobbing is back, and after she had just managed to stop it, it’s back and her throat is hurting again and this time worse.
Oz tenses and fear creeps in, he frowns. "Who? Died? “ He is afraid of the answer but he has to ask.
Zinnia answers, even though her throat hurts badly and tears going down her face, “Papa...."She hugs him tighter and shivers some.
Oz almost falls backwards at that reply, his own tears now starting.."What?...No he...."He goes silent now and just holds her closer and tries to not lose it. Many questions go through his head but he can ask later.
Tessa comes stepping in to room just at the tail end of the conversation, she blinks and then blushes, feeling she may have come in at a bad time"O umm, ....."
Zinnia just sniffs and then just stays hugging Oz, she is not in the mood to talk.
Oz sighs, he tilts his head as he hears a voice and footpaws he doesn’t know, "W..whom is there?" He asks softly, he clears his throat and rubs Zinnia's back and if she allows led her to a chair nearby so she can sit.
Zinnia decides to sit in the chair, but she eyes the book binding room as if she rather just locks herself in there again.
Tessa bows to both of you "My name is Tessa, I am new here, only been here a couple of days" She says "I am sorry for intruding"
Zinnia frowns and looks ready to cry and quickly goes and...yes she locks the book binding room after she shuts the door leaving the two in the main library.
Oz nods "It is..." He frowns at the sound of the door locking and, then replies "I am...sorry, and welcome to...to the abbey. I am Oz.." He leaves it at that for now.
Tessa nods to you and leaves it alone, obviously none of her business as she says "It is a pleasure"
Oz nods, he looks a little unsteady on his footpaws and reaches out for a chair to steady himself, "Sorry for the...the.." He frowns, " Just need to deal with something, it can wait..did you need anything Miss...Tessa was it?"
"I was just exploring this place, still not sure where everything is actually" Tessa says.
Oz nods “This is the library...I am normally in the great hall drinking mint tea this time of day."
Tessa nods to you "I see"she says as she looks at all the books "Nice size library"
Oz nods, he tries to smile but right now he can't "Yes..Zinnia takes good..care of it...would you like to have some tea in the...great hall?" He asks quietly, he walks slowly towards the Great hall, sort of looking suddenly tried and a little sad maybe even.
"Sure, I’d love too" Tessa says as she walks with you
Oz nods and heads to the great hall
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]
Contents:
a message (board) with notes tacked to it
Oz walks into the kitchens and returns with tea, he sits down two mugs of the mint tea and some honey and sits down, he slowly sips his own tea.
Tessa sits next to you and sips her Tea, smiling at you as she relaxes
Oz is quiet, he sips his tea some more and wipes away a tear that threatens to go down his cheek, but he does talk as he is always polite to guests, "So..what brings you to our abbey Tessa?" He doesn't look right at her but he is clearly speaking to her.
"Was just passing through Mossflower, was guarding a caravan from the north, my job was done and I heard about your Abby, thought I'd see it for myself" Tessa answers as she smiles at you.
Oz nods, “You are welcome to..to stay, gain friends maybe. there is a white fox here, but he is good trust me." He tilts his head, listening to her for a reply. He is blind so he can’t see the smile.
Tessa nods "I have met him actually, and a couple of others, all seem good decent sorts" She says as her tail flicks some, she does notice but doesn’t say anything
Oz nods "Yes, all here are friends..Brothers..." He frowns and grows quiet, then goes on "Sisters..novice and just beasts who live here or visit"
Tessa nods some as she smiles "I look forward to meeting them all" She says as she smile “Think I'll be staying here for a bit anyway"
Oz nods, he quickly finishes his tea as he stands and gets the walking staff, he uses it sometimes and tonight he uses it, "I..n..need to go, I am sorry I don't feel too well." He smiles weakly and walks off before she can see the fact, well looks like he is about to cry and has kept it in while he talked but he knows it won’t last.."g..g..goodnight..miss T..Tessa" He then walks off to his room.
RW Abbey: Badger Mother's Room
The room you enter is rather neat and almost spartanly furnished, quite a visual contrast if you entered from the cluttered Dibbun's room adjacent. The warm red of the sandstone walls is the primary motif, broken in only a few places. There's a small leaded glass window for light, a bed (rather massive, which might give one a hint at it's occupant) with a coverlet of brightly dyed and woven cloth and a small table with a chair; this is holding a small pile of books and papers, a candle in it's holder and a couple odd Dibbun toys that ended up there somehow. The only real ornament in the room is a middle sized, carefully framed parchment: a charcoal and ink drawing of some group or family of badgers.
Exits: [Hall]way, [D]ibbuns' [A]rea
Once to his room he collapse onto his bed and starts sobbing loudly, he is surprised he had keep it together as long as he did,”W…Why…” He sobs uncontrolled and pulls the blanket over his head. He has not felt like this in a long while.” Why d..did you take him! WHY!” Right now he could care less who hears him, of course he has known Zork a LOT longer than Zinnia and maybe it hurts more, he isn’t sure. He sniffs and coughs, “I..I can’t even.s…say goodbye correctly, it was bad enough with Lorimis..it’s wo..worse now.”
A knock is at the door, “Oz?” Its Leon, he goes to open the door, unless its locked and come in.
The door is not locked and he let’s out a choked sob, “I learn from Zinnia…from Zinnia!” He sits up and speaks to him “How could you let HER TELL ME!!” He is angry and depressed both.
Leon steps back and frowns “ I am s..sorry, I couldn’t get it out, I couldn’t with Zinnia either, but she knew..she was there when he..he…when he died. He died in the orchards a couple hours before you came back, I didn’t mean for you to find out from Zinnia, I had hoped Benar would of told you.” He frowns “I can take you to where they have Zork”
Oz shivers and just lays there, ”I..can’t even.say goodbye like I want to.” He points to the door”Leave..now!!!”
Leon frowns and backs out of the room, he heads to the infirm anyways as he has some inventory to finish and maybe he should give Angela a break from watching over Zork’s body.
Oz sobs loudly as Leon leaves, he closes his eyes and just lets it all out and his body shakes with each sob.
An armored figure appears in the room, one seen in times of trouble and times of need, but he isn’t alone as he speaks, “You have 5 minutes, no more no less. He will be able to see you but only 5 minutes.”
The other figure lays a paw on top of Oz’s head,”Ozzy..” He says softly, his deep voice as he waits on a reply, he had wished for more than 5 minutes, heck even 5 minutes with everyone but this is what he chooses to do with a free 5 minutes of time he had.
Oz opens his eyes, that voice..wait, his eyes widen, maybe it’s a dream but he is SEEING his room. His eyes blink and then focus on who just spoke and tears form, a mix of sad and happy and he just sits up and hugs him tightly, a good long minute before he lets go..”But..” He looks him over, ”You..look younger…”
Zork grins, he looks like he did when he first came to the abbey, but it’s clearly him, he points over at Martin and remembers, oh yeah limited time like 4 minutes now, “Hey Ozzy..” Tears go down his own face. ”I..got permission to let you say a proper goodbye little bro.”
Oz smiles he hasn’t looked at his brother in almost 6 seasons, it’s been so long to him....Spring…Summer…Fall…Winter..Spring..Summer and soon it’s going to be Fall again. ”Zork…I am so glad to See you and truly mean SEE you, I love you and I am gonna miss you terribly, you were always there for me..and now you won’t be.” Tears go down his face.
Zork frowns, He lays a paw on Oz’s shoulder, and places a paw on his chest where his heart is and then on his forehead “I will always be here and here little bro, in your heart and mind, memories and things keeps loved ones who have gone to the Dark Forest from never fading. And I will always be watching over you and Zinnia and even Uncle Zee…who will be a lot of watching over, and Zinnia as well.” He sighs, gee one can say a lot in a short time sometimes and he gets serious now “Oz..” Yep not saying Ozzy so it’s serious, “I want you to take care of Zinnia fer me, make sure she knows I love her very much and that she has friends, and that I will always watch over her from afar. And to keep memories of me alive, she has taken this so very hard, as I know she would and it pains me not to be able to see her..but I knew you would feel even more lost without me and I didn’t want you to end up harming yourself…” Yes he clearly remembers what happen after Northstar and Cole, and how they both felt when their parents died and now Oz is losing him as well. “Promise me you won’t do it..”
Oz listens carefully, how could Zork know his thoughts, how he did plan to quietly leave the abbey in the next day or two and not come back, he sniffs and hugs Zork tightly, he knows he is needed and he can’t leave the abbey, he is the dibbun caretaker and he has Zinnia to watch over, “I promise Zork..I won’t. I wish you didn’t have to leave, but it’s…I will get through this and help Zinnia as well.” A question forms, he has to know, “Were you in any pain when…”
Zork listens and smiles, he knows Oz will be fine, with help from the abbey beasts and that he and Zinnia can help one another, he then shakes his head .”No..I wasn’t in pain. Earlier in the day some off and on, but mild, and it stopped. I saw Martin Ozzy and then just got tried like when you need sleep, I know I fell to the ground but it didn’t hurt. I felt safe, I had no pain..I just felt like tried and that it was ok to just go to sleep, I knew I wasn’t going to wake up, least outside the dark forest, I knew somehow I would wake in the dark forest and I did..I saw Martin and even grumpy old Uncle Soot.” He then chuckles and ruffles Oz’s head fur.
Oz glares at the messed up head fur and smooths it out, but then he smiles as tears go down his face and he hugs Zork again “I love you Zork…” He looks over at Martin whom is still standing there. “Thank you..thank you for letting me be able to say good bye like this.”
Martin simply nods and looks at Zork, “It’s time to go..”
Oz blinks and frowns, his vision once more gone. He is still sad but not as sad, and lays down. He still has tears under his eyes and ends up near falling asleep, but he will clearly remember this.
Zork sighs and nods “I understand Martin..” He goes to cover up Oz mid chest and kisses his forehead, “Goodbye Ozzy…” He then steps back and fades away with Martin.
Oz smiles a little, Yes he is still sad, but being able to say goodbye has helped a lot “Goodbye..Zork.” He then let’s sleep overtake him, the fur under his eyes still wet.
