In which Blisa gets terrified by the harmlessish Zarok (A Ferravale and Redwall log)
Redwall Abbey's Great Hall
Mice: Cynthia, female.
Cats: Blisa, female.
Squirrels: Benar, male.
Moles: Zaram, male.
Monitor lizards: Zarok, male.
Newts: Terfil, male.
Badgers: Zee, male.
Cynthia has gotten out her harp and has started playing a simple tune, a soft tune that's slightly sad, but also has a small bit of a rise in tempo after a while. She also sings a song, her voice clear and very good, she has improved since she been away. She moves her fingers along the strings as she sings, eyes closed as she gets into the music.
Blisa enters the Hall from outside, then stops as she hears the music. Ears perking, she silently pads closer and sits on criss-cross-applesauce on the floor, watching the mousemaid intently.
Cynthia doesn't see the cat yet, even if she did she wouldn't try to rush off as she finishes playing the harp, and signing softly "I know I've made mistakes from time.....to time...finding the real me...letting the magic in my heart stay true....."The last word raises up and down and out, she lets a smile come to her as she plays a few more notes and then stops, she leans back in the chair and opens her eyes now, that's when she sees Blisa, she nods once "Hello"
The door is pushed open, Abbot Benar walks in from the library and pushes the door shut behind him and sighs. He then shakes his head muttering under his breath and stalks towards the tapestry.
Blisa flashes the mousemaid a smile. "Greetings. You play very beautifully." She spots the Abbot and waves at him, but for now she says nothing to him. She'll greet him in a few minutes.
Cynthia smiles "Thanks, I love music and tried to keep it with me while I was...away. It helped me through some time of depression"
Benar looks up at the sound of voices and smiles, letting his tail curl back and forth "Cynthia is one of the best we have at music."
Blisa inclines her head slightly. "Music is beautiful, an art form of its own. I like to draw." As she hears the Abbot's praise, she adds, "I can well believe that. Do you mind my asking how long you've know how to play the harp?"
Cynthia answers "I been playing the harp for a while and singing, a shrew helped me get better. Music can help ones though.....sad times, and cheer one up. Music can change feelings also"
Benar smiles, "I always like to hear Cynthia singing and playing," he smiles, "It always makes me feel happy to see her play," he grins, "Oswald is an old friend of mine, he is coming back with the circus in a few weeks."
Blisa listens with interest. "I usually draw to make myself feel better....perhaps I should learn an instrument as well. Maybe something small," she grins, looking at the size of the harp. At the Abbot's statement, she sighs and rests her elbow on her knee. Leaning her cheek in her paw, she frowns and says, "Hopefully I'll be able to get my father's.....my village back by then. When are you expecting the.....circus to get here?" Plans are starting to turn in her mind as she plays with the carved bone skull pendant hanging from her neck on a leather cord, the light glinting off the silver locket hanging from her neck by a silver chain.
Cynthia nods "Yeah he will be here for the feast he said, Oswald that is...." She frowns, she heard some of what happen while she was away, maybe not all the news, but some "Someone said...someone else took over from the wildcat...from that Zurrgg...."She shakes her head "I hate Zurrgg.."
Benar places a paw on Blisa's shoulder and squeezes it, "We'll get your village back dear, I am expecting them in about 18 days give or take a couple... I can't really stop them now Oswald is already bringing them. Though it won't be much of a celebration if we do not solve this"
The feline nods, then she is up and pacing. She may be small, but she has wiry strength and a kind of energy that only cats seem to have. "I now have about 2 score blackbirds at my disposal, and a few beasts from my village who are loyal to me and willing to help." She turns and holds a paw out to the mouse. "Oh, I'm Blisa, by the way. My father was Chieftain of Ferravale, and....now I am. The beast who took over from Zurrgg is named Kolur. And while we need not worry about Zurrgg anymore -- he's dead, after all -- Kolur seems to be as big of a threat, perhaps more." This is mostly guesswork on her part, but still.
Cynthia goes to shake the paw and nods, the cat has already learned her name, "Nice to meet you. I sadly don't know fighting...I most likely just hide or something if they got into the abbey."
Benar says, "Don't worry they will not get into the Abbey, Magramba and I have seen to that," he frowns at Blisa and sighs, "I wish I could offer more fighting beasts to help Blisa."
Cynthia decides now is a good time to slip off, s rather not hear a lot on fighting right now.
Zaram walks down the steps slowly, his side bandaged still, he makes his way to a chair and sits down in it, for now he doesn't say hi just yet.
Blisa takes a few steps towards the Abbot and goes to rest a paw on his arm. "It's alright, Benar," she says. "I think....I think I may have a chance now. I may send out a call to a few vermin groups I've heard of and see if they would join us...with the understanding that we are allies of Redwall." She hears the mouse leave and the mole enter, but for the moment ignores them.
Benar nods his head, "Well I am glad you are willing to continue our alliance Blisa... Redwall is, if I am truthful, happy for your market"
Zaram looks over to them now and nods "Hello there...sir and miss Blisa"
Blisa rolls her eyes. "/As if/ that lunatic burning the Peace Treaty would cancel out what my father did. When I get the village back, after everything is settled, I will come back and we can work out another Treaty for us to sign." As the mole greets them, she turns and smiles at him. "Ah, good day. Z...I'm sorry, I think I've forgotten your name. My apologies." Thinking for a moment, she adds, "You're a helper for....uh, my Tavern Keeper?" She figures it may not be wise to mention exactly /who/ is tavern keeper. Marek is still banished from the Abbey, right? So no sense in bringing /that/ up, right?
Benar glances at Zaram and smiles, "Burr oy be a gud day ta be seeing you zur moler, it be a rare treat for us'n to be 'avin tha guest of the downunder folks," he says slipping into that molish accent perfectly before he looks at Blisa then nods his head, "I look forward to that meeting."
Zaram blinks, he is impressed that someone can speak mole and smiles at the abbot, yes he can speak common when needed but this is a nice surprise "Burr, Zur 'tis is yoi ay'...Oi bei Zaram." He nods to Blisa, yep he helps at the tavern and in keeping some records at the village as well, well not right now but once things are back to normal. "Boi needing ta get rid of that vermint Kolur we do"
Blisa stares at the Abbot in shock. Open-mouthed surprise. "Uh..." is about all she can say for a few seconds, then she swallows and tries to act like nothing happened. "Um....right, Zaram. Thank you. I plan to get rid of that jerk soon....possibly..." she trails off. Possibly within the next week, but perhaps she shouldn't give a time limit like that. "Do you happen to remember what was in the Peace Treaty? I really only read it once or twice...."
Benar smiles softly, "I have my own copy here in the library, well I moved it to my room for now," he sways his tail from side to side, "We can go through it together then," turning back to the mole he nods his head, "Burr aye be in agreeing with ye Zaram, is gud ta be being meeting you now, we will soon 'ave that thar vermin out of ye village."
Zarok enters the Great Hall, but forgoing the pell-mell, bullish charging pace of his youth, he steps carefully down the stairs, trying not to trip on his habit or his somewhat lengthy tail. He moves immediately to Benar but knows better than to interrupt, merely waiting for a chance to speak.
Zaram nods "Yes..plans toi make."
Blisa tenses slightly. She still has this peculiar instinctive terror about monitor lizards from her days as Stormfeather's captive, but she tries to talk herself out of it. "H...hello," she manages to greet the lizard without sounding either rude or scared. "Er, good, I...I'm glad to hear that, Benar," she adds quickly. "Zaram, do you have any idea how strong Kolur's forces have gotten?"
Zaram nods as he speaks, he knows some "250 plus vermin at his call in de village miss Blisa" He has told her about captives and the fighting pits from a short meeting with her earlier, he had not mentioned a number and it could be higher the number of horde beasts, he sighs as he is still worried about one certain captive he knows of. He blinks as he does remember one way into the village, under the tavern an old tunnel...sort of uncertain of safety thought, but maybe he could fix that "May be knowing right gud ay' into yonder village....well small group going thata way maybe"
Benar reaches out with one arm and hugs Zarok tightly, he grins up at the lizard, "How are you my son? Not charging off into trouble I am happy to see" he then turns to Zaram and nods his head, "Well if'n ye be using an old tunnel under tavern I be saying take our Foremole 'n' 'is crew with ya, they can be 'elpi'n shore up any tunneling that be in need of the neeings"
"Doin' good, 'nar," Zarok says, smiling and returning the hug with one powerful arm carefully and using the affectionate name he's used for Benar since his Dibbun days. "Wot's diss 'bout diggin'?" he inquires. "I's can 'elp with that!"
"Oh, no, that's okay!" Blisa quickly tells the monitor. "Um....you should....probably not get involved, seeing as how you're training to be a Novice of the Order and all. There will be a huge battle." She adds, hoping to not hurt his feelings, nor communicate her growing trepidation (fail). She is wanting to not have a monitor lizard near her, but she's trying to hide it. "Erm, so, um, the tunnel might, uh....how many beasts do you think could safely go through it, I mean?" Her equilibrium is flying out the window.....
Zaram listens "Not many bea getting able toi get into in at once"
Sensing Blisa's discomfort, Zarok backs a few paces away respectfully, lowering his stance slightly so he's eye-to-eye with the somewhat short cat. But still a few feet between them. "sssss..." He hisses in surprise, remembering Blisa's face from her younger days. "I remember yous!"
Zee enters as he hears some of the talking from the doorway and enters the room "I will help the lass in getting her village back"
Benar says, "Blisa is now Chieftan of Ferravale, though the village is currently full of vermin trying to turn it into a war camp. I am hoping you will be able to take it back Blisa but I promise if we can help we will do so."
Blisa is striving to keep down her growing panic. She /knows/ this fear is dumb, and she /really/ has more important things to worry about, BUT. Anybody looking at her face will now be able to see that's something is amiss. "I....I am s...starting to believe that I c...can get my village back, Benar. I fear we may need food....hopefully K....Kolur is ta....*ahem* taking c...care of the f....fields and.....or...orchards....you rememeber me?" She seems to wilt. Aaannnd the lizard admits recognition. WHY IS THE WORLD CONSPIRING AGAINST HER? This is terrible. Why is she so stinking afraid? Where's Valerie when she's needed??
Buzzing calmly, Zarok rasps, "Easssyy....I ssssaved you from a fox. Seassssons ago." He squats down a bit lower, hunkering down so he doesn't appear to be a threat. "I fought other monitorssss from the Zouth to help sssave Mossflower," he adds with a touch of pride.
Benar tilts is head and smiles, "You did indeed Zarok and I was very proud of you that day my son," he frowns at Blisa, "Is everything ok Blisa dear?"
Zaram watches Blisa but stays where he is, unsure what's wrong.
Zee blinks and studies Blisa and Zarok and hmmms, "Maybe she be afraid of monitors...Zurrgg and Kolur did have a couple of them, I know least one be dead though."
And the badger hits the nail on the head! Blisa is indeed TERRIFIED of monitors....when she doesn't have Basilisk by her side. Like right now. He's confined to the tent in the firepit. "S...S....S....S...Stormf.....feather h....h....had m....mu....monitors, y....you....I....." No, she is very definitely NOT okay. She backs up and stumbles over a footstool. Get AWAY from the lizard.....get AWAY from the lizard.....
Benar looks alarmed and a little confused an reaches out a paw toward Blisa, "It is ok Zarok won't harm you..."
Zarok is confused as well, tilting his head inquisitively. "Is okay. I iz good." He backs away a little, holding up his claws to show his smooth paws are empty. "Isssss 'kay," he hisses, as comfortingly as he can.
Zaram frowns
Zee frowns and then blinks as a memory comes to him "Wait...Zork talked about Stormfeather...I mean I were not even 'ere but the lad went on and on about it....de insane fox had Ozzy and the lass here when she was a kitten and thar were like dozens of monitors that followed the crazy fox around"
Blisa has scrambled away to the wall and is hugging her ever-present art bag close for comfort. Her green eyes are wide as saucers as she stares unseeing at the monitor lizard; she seems to be temporarily non-vocal. How helpful.
Benar nods his head, "I remember it yes, do please remember Blisa, this is Zarok, he helped rescue you from them" he walks toward Blisa, holding out a hand, "it is ok Blisa, please..... you are safe here"
"Ay'," Zarok nods solemnly. "Dossssee were my relativessss. Clan of Golem Rakthor. He'sss dead now, tho'," he says, fingering the single monstrous black claw on his necklace of fishbones for a moment, remembering hurtling out of Zork's grasp to save DoraRose from the rampaging crimson lizard. He sits down on the floor all the way now, tucking his paws into his habit's sleeves and looking at nothing in particular, aware of how his unblinking gaze can be unsettling.
Zaram says, "I would say if being inside yonder abbey would be a friend yes"
Zee is not the best at this, he walks over slowly "Tis ok lass it is, calm yourself."
Blisa starts breathing more rapidly, then she says plaintively, "I want my Daddy!" she sounds like she's 2 seasons old again. She has told a couple of beasts that she's not ready to be a leader of anything; when she calms down, she will use this as Exhibit A as to why she's right! Tears start to flow down her cheeks, and she just hugs her bag closer.
Benar moves up all the way and kneels down, reaching out to sweep the smaller cat up into his arms and hugs her. His robes smell of parchment and ink and tree bark and warm fires as he squeezes her "Come along now Blisa, there is nothing to be afraid of here."
Knowing to stay away from Blisa for now, Zarok calmly films over his eyes and relaxes as he tastes the air. Terfil walks out to join him from the kitchen and the monitor greets the diminutive newt with a hug.
Blisa gets hugged because she's too much a wreck to stop the squirrel.....she wouldn't anyway, but she couldn't even if she wanted to. She is shuddering slightly and she buries her face in his robe front.
Benar walks over to a chair and sits down, just holding Blisa in his lap and whispering quietly to her, helping her to calm back down
Zarok moves over to a nearby chair slowly, making no sudden movements. Terfil clambers in the lizard's lap and sits there like a sentry, looking comically solemn and rigid.
Blisa slowly, VERY slowly, relaxes, and eventually she peeks out from the squirrel's robes. "I...I'm s....sorry. I.....I don't know wh.....what h....happened...." she wipes her cheek on her sleeve and hugs her art bag closer to herself.
Benar says, "It is ok Blisa," he sits her up on his lap and smiles at her, offering her his handkerchief "Everyone has fears and it is not easy to face them"
Gently, Zarok smiles as well, a tad cautiously, but it's a start. Terfil slithers over to Blisa and squeaks. "Wazzup?" the little red-orange newt asks brightly.
Blisa is not afraid of newts! So it's a start. Accepting the hankie, she says, "I....I just got scared, and.....I'm not sure why." She keeps her gaze averted from the lizard, but she mumbles another 'sorry', this one directed at him. "I.....I didn't know I....was gonna be....this scared...."
Benar smiles at Blisa, "It is ok, the first monitor you have met since that incident it is bound to have an effect on you"
Zarok smiles toothily. "Isss okay." He lowers his head respectfully. Then there's a growl--not from his throat, but his stomach. Perfect timing. "Gonna go get some Fishiesss now from ze kitchenzz...Join me latersss if you wants...sss...Bye Blisa, 'nar." With that, he and Terfil depart the scene.
Blisa relaxes completely when the monitor lizard leaves the room. "But he's not.....we....we met the one that was chasing Oz.....and I wasn't scared then because.....'cause I knew Basil could handle it." Eeew, now the hankie is all snotty. Yuck.
Benar says, "Well you cannot rely on Basil for everything, sorry I am making your snake stay outside, he just makes everyone nervous," he eyes the hankie, "You keep it"
Benar says, "Well no need to panic, Zarok won't bother you, he is my son after all, the Abbot's child won't harm anyone""
Blisa freezes slightly. "H.....he's your s...son.....wh.....er....I'll.....I'll try to keep that in mind." So many things that went wrong today!
Benar smiles quietly and flicks his tail from side to side and grins quietly, "He is indeed my son, I adopted him long ago"
"Oh...oh. S.....s....congratulations." Blisa peeks up at his face and asks earnestly, "Do you ever get scared? I....I thought I'd make a bad leader, and if I get so scared when a monitor lizard shows up, how can I be a good, effective leader?"
Benar smiles "I am scared all the time Blisa, will I order the wrong plants planted, the wrong trees felled, the wrong decisions made... we all have doubts." he shakes his head and smiles quietly, "You will be a good leader because you are not fearless."
Blisa's brow crinkles up in confusion. "But....if I can't do anything.....but I don't think I'm ready!" she sniffs as a tear trickles down her cheek. "I......" she can't continue, she can't comprehend how she could make a good leader is she's just frightened....and insecure.
Benar says, "You are ready, and you can always come to talk to me if you have doubts or [need] some support. After all I have had quite a few seasons running this place now. I can offer you my advice and assistance as needed."
Blisa thinks for a few minutes, then goes to give the squirrel a gentle hug. "Thanks. It's just....everything's happening just so /fast/. I....it's like everything is being t....taken from me, or too.....too much is b....being expected from me. All I know is.....is I just want my Daddy back." Her face crinkles up a little as the tears threaten to spill once more.
Benar says, "Yes I know that feeling, I still want Lorimis back, I miss him so much," he sighs and shakes his head sadly, "I wasn't prepared to take this job on either, it got thrust on me."
Blisa goes to rest her head on the squirrel's shoulder. "So what did you do? ....I honestly thought about running away, but that seemed cowardly."
Benar smiles "I run away all the time," he chuckles quietly and smiles, "But that is just to get some free time and space. I normally go sit in a tree for a few hours."
Blisa smiles a little bit. "So.....I can get some....but, what if you're /needed/?" But what if a catastrophe happens and I'm the only one who can solve it?! Because she's naught but a worrywart.
Benar smiles "Then do what you think is right, always do that, do what you would do, use your common sense and nothing more"
Blisa looks at the floor and thinks. ".....but what if I mess up? What if I'm off taking a break and something bad happens? What if....what if....." What if, indeed.
Benar says, "If you mess up then you mess up, you roll up your sleeves, learn from the mistake and make sure not to make it again"
Blisa continues to look at the floor. ".....that seems really scary...." she whispers. They must make an interesting scene here......
Thanks for reading!
Groups:
