I Need Ta Talk To Zinnia, Oh And Other Possible News Is Heard

RW Abbey: First Orchard

You stand in a sort of verdant sanctuary where the sun is filtered through leaves and thus comes out to be a much softer light, one that's a little more manageable. At least, more manageable than the comparatively harsh light of the more open entryway and a pond area almost completely devoid of large, shade-giving plants that this orchard has in careless abundance. A soft covering of moss and grass finds itself beneath the trees, only serving to add to the quiet comfort of the whole scene. The stately flora has come alive with youthful blossoms. Flowers of all shades of pastel line the trees, bushes, and ground. Poking around the pink and yellow petals, some fruit has begun to form, peppering the orchard with green apricots and plums and unripe pears and peaches. The air is full of pollen that tickles the nose and dirties clean habits. After a rain, rivulets of water trickle around tree trunks, irrigating the flore before draining into the pond.

Exits:

[F]ire [P]it, [S]econd [O]rchard, [D]umble's [L]og, [A]bbey [P]ond

Zork is in the orchards, it's shady here and he does go outside sometimes still, this being the first he has been outside since the feast. He tried to mediate earlier but didn't do so very long so is just in his chair watching a couple sparrows argue over something to do with worms and the two sparrows fly off as the badger chuckles a little, he still never really learned to speak sparrow.

Footsteps on the main path through the orchard interrupt the quiet birdsong of Zork's afternoon. It is the Abbot and Sister Clemantine, the two chatting quietly as they make their way through the dappled shade beneath the trees.

Zork looks over towards Benar and Clemantine, but doesn't interrupt their talking as he knows the abbot can get busy at times.

Benar nods to Clemantine as she heads off deeper into the orchard and turns. He pauses when he spots Zork and walks over toward him, "Zork, how are you today?"

Zork waves "Hey Benar, taday be a good day so far, thought I get outside for a little while, orchards gonna be busy here soon once the fall season starts, even looks like a small bit of apples are tryin' ta be ready before that."

Benar says, "Well I am glad to hear it Zork," He smiles and leans on a tree and peers up into the branches, "The harvest this year will be bountiful"

Zork nod "That's good de abbey should be ready for winter when it comes...I could help maybe, write down wot be placed in baskets and such, least some of it anyways." He then is quiet before asking "Ya..Haven’t seen Zinnia taday have you?"

Benar says, "That would be helpful, we always need someone with decent hand writing to fill in the inventory sheets." He then tilts his head, "I have not seen Zinnia since yesterday she was... upset about something."

Zork frowns, "Yeah..I sure she will be ok. Me and her were talking and she walked out before we were done, guess I will find her later and least try and talk some more, that’s if she will listen"

Benar says, "I think she is upset, you gave her that key but never explained why. I think she is worried about you and hurt that you are not telling her things"

Zork leans back in his chair as he speaks, "I was about ta and she walked off before I could. I did explain wot de key went to one other time, not sure she remembered, she may have." He sighs "I..do admit I have not really talked much ta many, I mean how do ya...talk ta someone on.." He stops and then goes on, " She seems de best one to hold unto the key right now, if she doesn't want to she can give it ta Ozzy maybe"

Benar says, "I think she is happy to hold onto the key Zork, but you should tell her why you think it is necessary, she deserved that much from you"

Zork nods "I..plan to, but wot do I do when she walks away? I even said let’s talk and she walked off."

Benar says, "You need to give her time, I am sure today she will be easier to talk to. She was mostly likely upset yesterday Zork."

Zork says, "She asked why I gave her the key, told her I thought it be best ta give it to her now...ya know in case couldn’t later on. She said it wasn't needed, that..." He frowns" That I was fine, I didn't know wot ta say , I just de truth, that I wasn't ok and that’s when she told me ta leave her alone and left de room"

Benar says, "I suspect it was because it was alarming, and a surprise that is all Zork. Hearing that your father is unwell... well it takes time to adjust to that. It is big news"

Zork nods "I..made of made a mistake goin' ta de feast, but I wanted to and a healer was with me the whole time. I was...ok fer de most part"

Benar says, "I think the most important thing you can do Zork is to keep doing the things you enjoy. Take it easy yes but do not give p and just sit in this chair and do nothing."

Zork does smile "I do meditate, like said can still help with maybe writing things down like supplies. Thar be some chores that I can do...maybe help de kitchens with dish washing or drying. Just not too much outside, not while tis hot outside anyways."

Benar nods and places a paw on Zork's shoulder "You do plenty that is helpful my dear friend, more then plenty in fact. I am very glad to have you by our side."

Zork smiles " And I want ta still help round de abbey, best I can of course"

Benar says, "Your help is always welcome Zork, I am however thinking on sending an Ambassador to the Fire Mountain, your advice on who to send would be welcome"

Zork nods as he chuckles and frowns, ok deep chuckling hurts a little, "Well I can't go. I be unsure who ya could send. Someone who knew de way...then thar be maps I guess. And how many would go and when?"

Benar says, "I am thinking of sending someone in the autumn, it would be good for myself and the Mountain to talk to one another and stay in contact. It is also courtesy to tell them of the new Abbot, I was hoping you might think of someone to send."

Zork says, "Well, Let me see, Lee couldn’t as he is head guard, I know Lacota went before but he should stay as well. Someone who could defend themselves be good. Let’s see good fighters here be like Dorarose, Lee but again he is head guard." He thinks "Be best also if were a woodlander species. Maybe send a healer, but like a novice one maybe"

Benar says, "Hmm I wouldn't advise sending a novice, but a Sister or Brother certainly. I was thinking of asking DoraRose to act as their guard."

Zork nods, "Ya could ask her and I agree a Brother or Sister in de order be good ta send. They would know a lot more on de abbey and could probably handle de trip better"

Benar says, "Indeed and as an Ambassador a member of the order speaks better in terms of diplomatic volume. We cannot send Flicktail however."

Zork shakes his head "No, that wouldn’t go over too well from wot I heard before he wasn’t well liked. Maybe one of the ones who went before?"

Benar says, "Well Zinnia went before but I am not sure if she wants to make such a long journey at this time of year."

Leon walks in catching only part of what is being talked about so he stays off on the path.

Zork nods "Maybe...wait till a little later on perhaps or is it something that needs ta be done soon?" He waves to Leon.

Leon nods "Whats going on?"

Benar says, "Oh hello Leon, I am thinking of sending an Ambassador to Salamandastron in the Autumn, to formally inform them of the new Abbot."

Leon says, "Ahhh, yes it would be something they should know of and to keep in contract with them would be good to do, plus they should know of what happen to Lorimis"

Benar says, "Indeed I agree, it would be courteous of us to let them know."

Leon says, "Yes, if remember trip was 3 weeks there and 3 weeks back, or 3.5 weeks"

Benar exclaims, "Yes it is a couple of months to get there and to return, so I cannot go myself but it would be good for someone to do so!"

Zork asks, "Did ya have any ideas of who ta send? Besides a couple you mentioned?"

Leon nods, " So whoever would go be gone..3 months maybe or a season, maybe a little longer. I would not suggest travel in winter though"

Benar says, "Well I was planning to send them in Autumn to return in the Spring, they would after all be my ambassador they could not do everything I need them to do in a quick visit"

Zork nods "I be sure ya will pick de best beast ta go Benar. " He nods to them "I am gonna go ta me room, take little nap and then maybe help some with dishes after dinner, talk later and thanks earlier for de talk Benar" He then heads off.

Leon watches as the badger heads off and nods “Yes, they could stay at the Mt. during the winter season, whoever goes"

Benar says, "It is a plan, still I will not be making any firm decisions on this just yet"

Leon says, "Probably wise to not just yet, maybe ask others advice or if have a name or names in mind ask them. I think I will stay here as I couldn’t be away that long from the abbey."

Benar says, "I will continue to ask around, I was thinking of Asking DoraRose to go as a warrior representative. I cannot send Flicktail."

Leon looks a little concern at first and then nods "She would be a good choice, your have to ask her feelings on the matter. I trust her to be safe, she is a warrior after all and a very skilled one. "

Benar nods before heading off with a novice who had walked up to him with a question.

Leon walks towards the entry and towards home.

Zork meanwhile has taken his nap, couple hour one, and decides to help in the kitchens after dinner.

RW Abbey: Kitchen

This is a long, narrow room with five large fireplaces set into one wall, and two equally large wood burning iron stoves set against the opposite wall. Several small, rectangular tables rest in here, but there are no chairs available. The rest of the wall space is taken up by an entire array of shelves, cupboards, and counters which hold the day-to-day cooking supplies and utensils. The kitchen is clean and well maintained, and more recent efforts have been made toward organization of the cooking ware. On the wall just right of the door leading into Great Hall is a neatly penned chart, which lists the names of beasts assigned to cooking duty as well as the dates and times they are scheduled. A small note above the chart urges residents to volunteer for at least a slot or two a week. Outside, the last rays of sunlight are fading. The ovens are being allowed to cool.

Exits/Entrances:

[G]reat [H]all [Wine] Cellar [Sc]ullery [C]avern [H]ole [Pan]try [La]rder [Ki]tchen [P]ath

Zork is helping in the kitchens tonight, there is still some things he can do and one is help wash dishes after dinner and seems he is helping dry as well. Carefully placing them in a pile to be put away later.

Zinnia wanderers into the kitchens and watches him for a while as she sighs a little "Why are you washing dishes?" It’s about all she gets out.

Zork looks over and shrugs "They need done?..Ya can help too besides we need to talk and you walked away earlier, you dry and I wash maybe?" He waits on a reply.

Zinnia nods slowly and goes to do the task of drying the dishes after he has washed some, she even puts away the plates and bowls as well and all the while she is very quiet.

Zork washes some more dishes and looks over at Zinnia as he speaks, "Ya not talkin' lass, look I didn’t mean ta upset ya yesterday I was only speaking de truth"

Zinnia dries a couple more dishes and then one falls from her paw as she eeps, it breaks and she goes to get a broom to sweep it up and finally talks, "I..I know. I just needed to do some stuff in the library was all."

Zork decides he can have a couple novices finish up here, besides pots and pans are a little harder to wash as he wheels over to Zinnia, "Zinnia..tis more than that, ya could do stuff in de library at any time, you...you were upset with me.." He frowns.

Zinnia at first looks away and then looks back at him. "I..had asked if you were ok and you said No. You gave me that..that key, and yes I still have it, it’s just in my room..I mean you just gave it to me and seemed to think it couldn’t wait."

Zork listens as she speaks, then he does "I were only speaking the truth, I can't say everything is gonna be ok, tis not. As for the key...well, Thought it best ta let you hold onto it now rather than later."

Zinnia nods slowly, "I..I guess so..b..but maybe your get better, yo..you never know"

Zork shakes his head "I..Don’t see me gettin' better lass, oh...Leon can explain it better, tell him I said it were ok ta ask. Tis just, I Don’t knows how long I will be around, few weeks or few months I don't know and I want ta make sure you...well know."

Zinnia frowns "You..you can't die, no time soon I nee..need you and I won't allow it to happen for long...long time" Yes she is getting upset but least she is staying in the room.

Zork says, "But..that’s de thing, I will and sadly could be soon, and I don't want ya getting all depressed. I mean yes you...may, but ya can't stay sad and depressed and all. Ozzy and Uncle Zee is gonna need ya around even more than ever."

Zinnia takes a deep breath and nods "I..I know." She leans forwards and hugs him tight and acts like she never wants to let go of him.

Zork sighs and lets her hug him as he stays silent, "Its..well can't say gonna be fine but, well we will get through this and your get through this wot ever happens or whenever something happens and ya can help Ozzy and Uncle Zee ok cause family stick together and ya have friends as well"

Zinnia sniffs as she hugs him tighter and then pulls back, a couple tears escape her eyes "I..I love you Papa. I..I should go to bed, its late and I really do have books to repair in the library, not been doing that much...lately."

Zork reaches up to smooth the tears away with his paw and offers a smile "Love you too Zinnia, you know wot..ya take a day off ok. Just relax and take a needed break and after a day, or two, then go fix some of those books...sound good?"

Zinnia smiles and nods, "Yeah...goodnight Papa" She says as she heads to bed for the night.

Zork nods "Goodnight daughter," He watches the couple novice finish the dishes and pans, pots and makes sure all is placed where it should be before heading to bed himself.