The Death of Turmal (And the Arrival of His Brother, Mayeul)
RW Abbey: Great Hall
Marie wanders downstairs, rubbing the back of her neck idly. She heads for the fire and slumps into one of the seats there with a sigh, her eyes rising to the ceiling before looking around the Hall. Her nose twitches in the direction of the kitchens, but even the enticing smells from that direction aren't enough to spur her into motion. Almost unconsciouly, she starts humming while completing her scan of the Hall, checking that nothing seems amiss.
Mayeul walks in from the cold, the wind howling behind him. The mouse shivers and holds himself, glad to be out of the cold, and also heads straight for the fire. "Oh!... Um, I'm sorry... I'm not imposing, am I? Is this a private hall? I'm new here..." He looks around at the space, finally, and lets out a sigh of amazement, "Oh... oh my..." From the tapestry, to the high vaulted ceiling, almost out of sight in its sheer height, "So this... is Redwall Abbey..." He looks back down at the other mouse, "I'm sorry, I'm Mayeul." He comes forward with his paw extended.
Marie blinks a couple times before she responds, clearly lost in thought. "Oh, not at all. Please sit, make yourself comfortable. All are welcome at Redwall." The paw is considered in the same moment a brief frown crosses her face as she takes in the not-so-monkish attire, but the expression disappears almost immediately. "Marie," she offers, extending her own paw to shake his. "Not an Abbeydweller, but certainly a frequent visitor."
Mayeul takes the paw and smiles, "It is nice to be in out of the weather... this fire is perfect! I came to inquire about a brother of mine, who I've been trying to find for a while now... I... don't really know what he looks like, to be honest. I imagine he looks a bit like me, though. He may have this." The mouse shows off his ring, engraved with the initials. "He may have passed through here, he may have not..."
Marie leans in a little in order to scrutinize the ring. "I don't recognize it, but I've only been here a few days, and much of it not within the Abbey. You're better off asking the Order, or some of the more permanent residents here." She gestures for him to sit. "Please, enjoy the fire. It's not exactly warm out. And what might your brother's name be?" she adds after a moment. "I might remember that."
Mayeul shakes his head, "The only fact I know is that I have one... all I really have to go on is that he had previously passed through a town I just recently left... the creatures there said he looked like me, and had this ring as well. He wasn't there, apparently, long enough to introduce himself properly. That was a few seasons ago..." He sighs, putting his paws in front of the warmth.
Marie nods, biting a lip. "I've only run into one mouse with your reddish fur, but that's not the most cheerful topic just now," she tells him, looking around the room to see who else might be overhearing her comment. "Perhaps later you and I should go for a little walk. Some beasts here would rather not be reminded." Cryptic much?
No overhearing, but just after Marie finishes speaking, Rhegost enters the abbey by the front door, closing it shut against the winds that whip about outside. With one shiver to greet the change in temperature, the otter strides in and hangs her cloak near the door. Spotting a familiar mouse, she perks and grins. "Ah, good. You made it." This she says to Mayeul.
Somewhere on the muck, Kori has connected.
Mayeul's eyes widen, and he almost jumps out of his chair, "It could be him! Oh, please... please, take me - take me to him! Is he still here?" He looks around as well, and sits, deciding his request may be too bold and impossible to grant. He turns around, smiling at Rhegold, "Ah, yes... as have you, Rhegold, is it? I was beginning to worry about you and... Z..." He scratches his head, "I'm sorry, in my excitement I have forgotten the other fellow's name." He explains, "Sorry to have left so soon, but I wanted to inquire about a brother of mine." Is the resemblance that noticeable?
Marie sighs, reaching out one paw to keep the eager mouse from bouncing out of his chair too quickly. "If you wish it, I'll show you the infirmary," she says quietly. "But you should know he's in bad shape. There's an owl about." Then she looks up at the otter, not recognizing her, but obviously another traveler, so Rhegost gets a welcoming smile.
"Rhegost, but close enough. And Zade is the other. No apology needed, it's better for your kind to be indoors with that feathery monstrosity flittin' about, eh?" A look over to Marie and the otter gives her a brief nod. When she mentions the infirmary, however, Rhegost blinks, and gives Mayuel another look, this one more studying. "Pardon me, miss, but which mouse in the infirmary do you speak of?"
A loud sneeze coming from the staircase announces the arrival of Gwen. The doe comes down the stairs with a blanket, borrowed from the dormitories around her shoulders. "Is't always this cold in 'ere?" she complains, unceremoniously wiping her nose on the sleeve of her gown as she approaches the fireplace.
Overwhelmed by the sense of destiny, and the feeling of maybe finally arriving at the same place and time as his lost brother, the mouse sighs, "I must admit, I feel rather light-headed with all of this news... Did you say the owl had something to do with this mouse's injuries? Oh... oh, I hope they aren't life-threatening." He stares into the fire for a while, finally looking back over, "I'm sorry, is there any tea to drink? I feel a bit on-edge... I don't know what to say to him, if it is him..."
Marie sighs at the otter's request, then notices the look she's giving Mayeul, and gives a firm shake of her head at Rhegost, clearly saying Not Right Now. Her eyes turn to the older mouse with sympathy. "I'll go find you some tea, Mayeul, why don't you just rest for a moment? Throwing all of this at you all at once was poor thinking on my part. We don't even know if he is the one you seek, so don't bother yourself unduly." Her eyes as she looks up at Rhegost are a warning, but she says nothing as she heads towards the kitchen.
A single hand is raised in an understanding dismissal. 'Later, then' the otter's wave says, and she takes up space in a large armchair by the fire. Gwen's approach is marked with a small smile. "Spend some time in the kitchen near the cookin' fire an' you'll warm up plenty. Plus eatin' more might add some warmth, but aye. Always cold in buildings made of stone." A look over to Mayeul again, and fingertips tap over her mouth. "You should stay here." She says to the mouse. "This is a good place for mice."
Gwen strides up to the fireplace and stretches out her hands to warm them. "Don' want t' go in th' kitchen wi' all th' bustlin' around." she remarks. Gwen sneezes again, this time more violently than the last time. "Agch! On second thought I'll jus' go in 'ere an' get somethin' warm t' drink..." she mutters and makes off.
Marie returns quickly with a small teapot, four teacups dangling precariously from the fingers of the same hand. In her other is a wooden plate with almost half a small wheel of some hard yellow cheese, a small knife stuck into the wedge so it doesn't fall while in transport. She dodges around the departing doe, returning to her previous seat to offer teacups to Mayeul and Rhegost - without dropping anything in the process.
Mayeul smiles, tilting his head, "I will certainly stay as long as it takes to find my brother, and see him well if he is ill... but beyond that, I wouldn't want to comsume the good food and drink which I feel I could hardly repay, given what you have already done for me." He sighs, and the smile grows, "This may be the happiest news I've ever recieved. I don't know how I would easily repay this kindness, but I must return to my master - he is to honor my brother for his bravery." He beams proudly.
Rhegost accepts the teacup with a murmur of thanks and snags the pot to pour each of their drinks. Slicing a few pieces of cheese, the otter selects one and nibbles on it with shameless abandon. Many happy 'mmms' accompany her chewing and she settles back before speaking. "You spoke of a house you belong to. Whereabouts is it, if I may ask?" She looks over to Marie and comments, "You're very thoughtful to bring this out, thank you. What should I call you, miss?"
Mayeul accepts his teacup and hands it to Rhegost to pour.
"Marie," the mousemaid murmurs in reply to the otter, but she's not interested in taking the focus away from Mayeul. "There's no need for repayment here, sir, this is what Redwall stands for. My way of repaying their kindness when I feel overwhelmed is to spread it further when I am not within their walls." This comment about staying under his brother is well is not a happy thought. "You certainly should stay as long as you feel you are able."
Mayeul addresses Rhegost, "Oh, the house of Nidlorf... the father of a squirrel named Moruwil... he was captured by vermin and lost his son, who wandered about for a while - news came back to us that my brother had slain the vermin who... who killed Moruwil." He shakes his head, "My master was so upset at this news... but after he had mourned this, he wanted to find this mouse, and it was by pure coincidence that I found out he was my relation!" He shakes his head again, this time in astonishment, "As fate would have it!" Mayeul adds, "My master lives in the south now, just south of the old Marlfox lake."
"Thank you, Marie." The otter nods and nibbles cheese. Eyes turn politely to Mayeul and the otter focuses attention on him for a time, listening. When he mentions Marlfox lake, she nods. "Ah, yes. I know th'area. Haven't heard the Nidlorf family name, however. Tragic, though, the story. Loss of liddle'uns is never grand. And it's like Marie says, Redwall isn't about repayment. It's about coexisting."
Marie nods agreement with Rhegost. "I know the lake, spent some time there in my various wanderings, but I don't think I know the family either. Though that was some time ago, might've been during this unfortunate business." She sighs, looking over at Rhegost indecisively. "I'm afraid you may not be staying all that long, however," she says finally. "If all you are here for is your brother, I should probably show you the infirmary before much longer."
Mayeul chuckles, "Well you wouldn't... they've been in hiding. Quite brilliant, the whole way we've been living... but of course, I'm not at liberty to discuss that." He sips the tea, mmmming, "This is perhaps the finest tea I've ever had, even finer than at court!" He looks at Marie, "Um... well, if you think that is best, I will follow in your lead. Tell me, though... how serious is it?" He puts his tea down, just in case..
Rhegost remains relatively quiet during the next exchanges, instead giving the floor over to Marie to field Mayeul's questions. Reverently quiet, she continues to nibble on cheese and sip her tea.
Marie sighs, a paw rising to rub her neck, exactly as she was doing when she came downstairs. "If I'm correct, your brother is Turmal. He was attacked by the owl, and the healers have done as much as they can. We're not sure if he's going to survive." She speaks calmly but clearly, trying to be as reassuring as possible without putting herself in that dreaded position of 'I'm telling you only what I want you to hear'. "I think you should find out if he is your brother soon rather than later, for if he is, you may be running out of time."
Standing up, Mayeul leans on the mantle of the fireplace, head and elbows resting there for what seems like an hour... he breathes in and out deeply a few times, and finally turns around, trying to put on a smile, "Yes, of course you are right. We should go as soon as possible. I... I really have much to tell him, it may even help him out of his trouble." Of course, now he really wishes it /isn't/ his brother - that maybe they are mistaken and somehow he can still keep searching. But if it is, then he has to be happy... doesn't he? He's so confused how he should feel.. "Thank you for the tea, again." He lends a paw to Marie to assist her, "Shall we go?"
"Thought you might be talking about that one. He was doing better this morning, sat up and coughed for a while, but he's still in pretty rough shape. Keep that in mind when you see him, Mayeul." Rhegost adds from the peanut gallery, rudder thumping the side of the chair a bit to accentuate her words.
Marie rises without aid, but gives him her paw anyway. "You're welcome," she replies, then glances at the otter. "Sorry to cut short the conversation. You're welcome to come, but..." she glances at Mayeul and just leaves the rest of that sentence hanging. "Upstairs then," she says with a gesture at the stairs.
Mayeul smiles at Rhegost, "Your company would be most appreciated, yes..." He isn't sure what to expect, but he knows he'll need help to get through it...
RW Abbey: Infirmary
Rhegost heads up the stairs following Marie and Mayeul. The otter remains rather quiet, but sticks close to Mayuel as the trio near the infirmary recovery room.
Marie leads Mayeul and Rhegost up to the Infirmary, trying to keep a steady expression on her face for Mayeul's sake. She walks along the rows of beds until she reaches Turmal's, then quickly peeks in to make sure there's no one else visiting in a private way. Since it looks empty, she pulls back the curtain and enters, holding it for Mayeul and Rhegost. "Turmal?" she queries, though she's not expecting a response.
Turmal is awake, looking at the ring on his finger... why wouldn't she take it? What's wrong with her? He can barely think these thoughts with all the pain and other wild nightmares lingering in his head, and he just lies back. He hears a voice, and manages to reply weakly, "Y...yeeeees...?" He coughs, the sound a wet, disgusting sound... the sound of a much older mouse, yet Turmal is younger than his brother.
Rhegost grunts at the sound and zips about the pair to the mouse's bedside. Kneeling, she whips out a cloth and leans close. "I'm going to listen, I need you to take a few deep breaths for me, all right?" This is said to tUrmal before the otter plugs one ear and presses the other against his chest. "Breathe."
Mayeul ascends the stairs and makes his way in after Marie, looking at the rows and rows of sick beasts, and when they get to Turmal's bed, he holds his breath. Hearing the weak reply followed by violent coughing, he winces... This is not what he had dreamed the reunion would be like, not in a million seasons. He looks to Marie, wondering what they should do next, and bracing himself for the worst. The fact that he's shrouded in the curtain is only more disturbing to the mouse.
Marie steps up to the bed quietly, but makes sure she's in his sight. "Rhegost," she murmurs. "This may not be the time. The healers have already done everything they can." Her attention on Turmal, she asks, "Turmal, I don't think we've met, just run into one another in passing. But this mouse here is looking for his brother with a matching ring. He looks rather like you... and I didn't think he should wait."
Turmal breathes as he is instructed, and tilts his head towards a mouse standing outside, the silouette moving across the room, unrecognizable as of yet. He asks, "Wh....who is....?" He moans, shivering and turning his head side to side on the pillow. His clothes are damp from the sweating and stained, along with the covers, in flecks of blood. "W... water... p-p-please..."
Rhegost grabs a nearby glass and pitcher, pouring water, but not yet giving it over. From a pouch, the otter takes a smaller packet. Opening it, she dumps in what looks to be -very- finely ground herbs. A small stirring stick is removed from the empty packet and used to stur the mixture. "Drink this down all the way. It ought to help with that cough and the fever. If you feel a little woozy after a while, don't be alarmed. S'normal." She holds the glass out for the mouse, leaving her hand on it in case he needs help steadying it. To Marie, she says nothing, but flicks her tail at the mouse in acknowledgement.
Mayeul steps just inside the curtain, glad that it is too dark to see more than an outline... "I am Mayeul, Turmal... I come from... from the house of Nidlorf, bringing you..." He stops, collecting his thoughts, "bringing you a message of gratitude and..." He suddenly sees the glint of the ring, and turns away. Rhegost comes in gives him his water, and he says quietly to Marie, "I... I don't know if I can..." He sighs and feels heavy in his heart. All this time, for this. His confused feelings aren't worthy of the hero that lies in front of him.
The infirmary door creaks open once more, and shut again, to admit Sivaine, cloaked. The mousemaid leans against the nearby bit of wall, eyes closed, whisper-singing an odd, broken little snatch of tune to herself, over and over again, like a chant. Whatever words there are are too soft to hear. Then she huffs a sigh, mutters, "/Right,/" and pushes herself up. Ancient floorboards creak beneath her feet as she heads with purpose down the aisles of curtained-off cots.
Marie moves closer to Mayeul, moved to stretch out a paw to his arm. "It's all right, I know this is a lot. Would you like me to try?" She swallows. "I'm sorry to say that you might want to take the chance you've got... this is the first I've really seen him awake since the attack, and I've been in frequently to check on another patient."
Turmal hears the mouse speak and ignores most of it, but eyes a peculiar ring..." His brow raises - it's his ring. He checks his finger to make sure it's still there, and this is when the glint shines off of it for Mayeul to see. He takes the water, still keeping an eye on the mouse, observing his odd behavior... he coughs and sputters, and his back is on fire, but the worst of it is the draining sensation... constantly draining. "M... May...eul..." Did he say Nidlorf?! Suddenly in the realization, Turmal tries to get up, and is violently motivated by pain to scream out, "Aaaaaaa--mmmmmmmm!!! Ohhhhhh...!" He pants, and squeezes his eyes shut, unable to finish the drink.. pushing it away.
Rhegost takes the drink and sets it on the table, instantly placing a paw on the mouse's shoulder to steady him. "Easy, easy." Keeping the hand on his shoulder, the otter checks Turmal's surroundings, including his back, to see what she might find.
"Turmal!! No!!" He goes to his brother, putting his paw on the creature's other shoulder, easing him down and helping Rhegost, "You... you shouldn't do that in your condition, please..." Being this close to the mouse, Mayeul is finally able to see somewhat more of what his actual condition /is/. The other mouse's nose is bent at an odd angle downward, but more noticeably, it is caked with blood, probably broken, more than once... an old, black eye from some past injury, already healing somewhat... but also the horrible gashes along his cheek and neck, and the blood on his teeth, and on the bed... it's staggering - but all this pales in comparison to the look of death. Mayeul's seen this before, and he walks out of the curtain to the window on the far wall, leaning on its ledge.
Bottlebrush slips in on silent paws, the fox looking around.
She expected the screams. She didn't expect the despairing shout. Sivaine starts, backing up against a bedside table that doesn't hold her weight. She feels it slip from under her paw, winces, waiting for the inevitable crash.. and yes, there it is. "Hells," she mutters in a little voice, eyes shut.
Marie was ready to jump to Turmal, but when Rhegost and then Mayeul get there first, she hangs back. Her first impulse after Mayeul departs the curtained in area is to follow him, but she remains first, looking at Rhegost. "Do you need my help with him?" she asks, body already turning to follow his brother.
Turmal feels and hears the stranger near him, and for some strange reason, feels calm. At peace. He lies back, with a shudder, and knows his time is short, "M...Mayeul... Nid...Nidlorf - th... th...uh sword..." The mouse points to the sword at the foot of the bed, waiting there, almost with the living disposition of hope - waiting for Turmal to get well to use it again. Like a faithful friend... "T... take it... b-back..."
Flicktail Walks in lookinga at the beasts who are hurt
Bottlebrush's ears folds back as he looks towards the curtained-off area and hears a fimiliar voice. He makes his way over but stays on the outside of the curtain and out of the way.
"Tend to the brother." Rhegost says with a sternness born of being distracted. Turmal's condition has taken most of her attention. "Take it easy. You're in good company, just remember to breathe slowly." For Turmal, her voice is gentle, as are her hands as they check his wounds. She takes a moment to peer in his mouth, as well.
Marie nods to Rhegost, then looks at Turmal. "I'll tell him." She pushes the curtain aside to follow Mayeul. "Hey," she murmurs quietly, padding over to stand beside him. "Your brother said that name, Nidlorf. Wanted you to take the sword that's lying at the foot of his bed back." She leans against the stone in a similar position to the older mouse, but her attention is on him, not the fresh air. "I'm sorry, Mayeul. I can't imagine how you imagined your search for your lost brother would end, but this certainly wasn't it."
"I've been better," Sivaine remarks dryly; beneath the cloak she crosses her arms. And blinks. "_Brother?_" she hisses to Bottlebrush, suddenly looking a great deal edgier.
Bottlebrush gives Siv a warm smile, "Calm, Siv. No two beasts act alike, you know." He then nods to Flick, "Brave is not always enough but.." H e turns back to Sivaine, "How /is/ he doing? I have not been helping given how Turmal thinks of foxes.." He keeps his voice low, nearly a whisper.
Flicktail looks hurt "W..wot be worng wi foxes?
Turmal squints at the shadow looming over him, but... the image - the moonlight in the background, is all wrong. This is something he /remembers/... not something he is seeing and experiencing /now/. He isn't sure what is going on... the past and present seem to be mixed and jumbled up in the same bottle. His initial reaction is disbelief, and this remains as anger, believe it or not, sets in, "Y... you... w-where w-w....w-ere you.... I- I... I thought y.... you w...ere dead..." Cough, cough, sputter... He takes his paw away as forcefully as the weakened mouse can, "T...take the s...sw...ord and g-g-go."
Sivaine blinks. "What? No. That's not what I.." She wrinkles her nose, looking harassed. "He's, um. Bloody. I don't really know.." The mousemaid hugs her arms, squinting at the shadow play projected on the curtain with nervousness and something approaching concern. Maybe. "He.. asked me a few things."
Bottlebrush looks at Flicktail, "Nothing is wrong with foxes, Flicky..Though some beasts believe there is." He glances back at Siv and tilts his head, his brow creasing, "Nothing bad, I hope.." He keeps glancing at the shadows he can see, shaking his head with a soft sigh, "Turmal and I never really got along but I still feel horrible I can't do anything to help him..Even if he did not feel as he does for me, I just do not have the knowledge to help, from what I have heard of his injuries."
Flicktail asks, "will somone tell me wot appened? and wots it all about e sword?"
Rhegost remains quiet as she continues to tend to Turmal, though she does give him little prompts here and there so she can see better. After a while she digs in one of her pouches again and withdraws a small vial. The contents are clouded, and have an almost sickly blue-green tint to them. "Drink this. You need to keep it down." She uncorks it and holds it to Turmal's lips.
"Erm. No. Nothing bad." Siv's eartips turn a peculiar shade of pink. "But if he dies before I talk to him about it, I'll kill him first!" Her voice raises, audible through the curtain, and definitely hers. "Anyway," she mutters as she kneads her forearms, "I.. don't think there's much /anyone/ can do." Lower still, "The owl dropped him."
Flicktail exclaims, "Beasts MUSt top goin out wi out me! me Shield..I'll keep at owl off"
Mayeul withdrawls his paw, and looks, stunned, at his brother. Now he has no idea what to say... he feels as if the message from Lord Nidlorf is of secondary, even tertiary importance. Certainly not important if he, his own brother, has but hours to speak to him. The older brother just kneels by the bed, giving room to Rhegost to aid him. "I'm sorry, Turmal... it is my fault. But I've been searching for you - and I wish we could have had the time together that we were robbed of."
Bottlebrush quietly shushes the two and shakes his head, "Flicky, five beasts did not kill the owl. You woudl be a snack to him, shield or no. Don't ask me how I know..I know nothing of fighting..But I can feel it." He looks at Siv again, "You may not want to wait if what you have to say is important.." He looks towards the curtain, sighing again, "Turmal..I wish we could have been friends. You may not have liked me but at least you were brave enough to show it, even when beasts around you tried to quiet you."
Flicktail says, "well ye don knows me...Oi fought off a Kestrel Oi did.....and Oi'll do Yon Owl"
Sivaine glances sideways and swallows a comment at 'brave enough.' Erhm.
Marie stands to one side, but she recognizes Sivaine's voice and the emotional death threat, and doesn't really know what she should be doing. If anything, she's in the way at this point - she doesn't really know Turmal all that well, but she doesn't want to leave when Mayeul had clearly asked for extra company on their way up.
"Owls," Sivaine observes lowly to Flicktail, "are much bigger than kestrels." Then she shifts uncomfortably; her usual cool poise is lacking right now. "I don't think I should interrupt," she mutters.
Flicktail sticks his tongoue out at Siv "Bigger ay are..harder ay flls
Sivaine raises a brow. "Not if they fly."
Flicktail says, "Can't fly iffin ye pluck ere feathers"
Bottlebrush places a hand on Sivs shoulder, "HIs brother should get some time first, aye.." He then shoots both of them a rather edged glare, "Can we belay this talk of owls in the infirmary?"
Turmal ignores his brother and hears Sivaine's voice yelling, "S... Siv... c-c-come h-here, p-p-please..." His pain is starting to come back, burning everywhere, as infection spreads through his body. The mouse also is contracting pneumonia, and the cough and difficulty in breathing should hint at this to anyone inspecting him. Without the necessary immune system and with his loss of blood, he is at a fatal juncture. The mouse leans towards Sivaine.
Nadia quietly wanders in, deciding to try to come in and Cheer up the sick...but many have beat her to it...not fair! "Evening all," she greets quietly before going over.
"Sivaine!" Marie calls, since she's not sure the mousemaid will hear Turmal. "He's calling for you." She can't tell who else is outside, but she knows that much.
Bottlebrush holds up a finger to Nadia and gestures for her to lower her voice, gesturing to the curtain blocking off those with Turmal.
Flicktail whmimpers and rushes to Nadia "Oi want at bast" he points towrd where TRMAL "Ta be best beast at our paw fasting
"I'm sure he'd love to hold still for that," Sivaine mutters, and nods to Bottlebrush. "Sor.. mmh." A stricken, near-panicked look crosses her face; she glances left and right for a place to hide. "Ack," she mutters, and with a glance to her friend the healer-fox, pushes through the curtain. "All right. All right." She tries to sound grumpy and aloof, but her heart isn't in it.
Nadia was already speaking quite low. "Uhh..how can i lower my voice and lower than that?" she asks quietly again before looking to Flicktail. "Evening" she greets.
Bottlebrush whispers to Siv as she walks in, "Be honist with him, Siv. Don't keep up a facade.." He stays out of sight.
Flicktail says, "Oi think at mouse b verra bad off" he says to nadia"
Nadia hms a bit. "Yes I heard...thats too bad...I actually came up to see if there was anything i could to do help"
"But I _like_ my facade," Sivaine mumbles in a small voice, and glances 'round to the other beasts - Marie, Mayeul, Rhegost. Turmal. With a glare that dares anyone to comment, she brushes some headfur out of her eyes and leans over, studying him with a.. complicated expression. "I'm here," she murmurs quietly.
Mayeul huffs and backs away from the bed, to give Sivaine room... "Pleased to meet you..." He says to her in a half-spirited way, standing up and looking at her. His eyes are watered and red, and he swallows, "Tell him that his brother /does/ care about him, won't you? I don't know what else I can say - he regards me as a stranger, and I don't blame him." He goes over to the edge of the bed and retrieves the sword, taking it to the edge of the curtain where he stands and waits.
Flicktail looks at BB "as e any chance at all ta mkes it?
Bottlebrush looks at Flicktail and sighs softly, "I don't know, Flicky. I have not taken a good look at him, myself..We do not get along and I did not want to excite him.."
Flicktail says, "E let me old is paw last noite" she puts an arm around Nadia"
Nadia sighs quietly and falls quiet before sitting down, Not wanting to disturb anything, or make anyone feel worse. She just mostly stays next to flicktail, while sitting of course.
Turmal tries to smile as Sivaine approaches, and jokes, "L..l-l-ooks like I d-d-don't have to g-g-give you the sw-ord a... after all..." He shivers furiously, putting his arm around his middle to try to keep warm. He's freezing, even with all the cover. He listens to Sivaine speak.
Bottlebrush stays on the other side of the sheet, just watching the shadows of the others.
Sivaine nods. "Yes, I, ah.. met him. Briefly." She glances back briefly to Mayeul, and clears her throat, looking rather embarassed. At least, her ears aren't normally that color. "Look, Turmal.." she starts, stalls, sighs, and rests a paw on the headboard so she can mutter something, very, very quietly to the mouse.
The shivering mouse is regarded with a sigh and, being in such close proximity anyway, Rhegost does what seems most appropriate. Her vest is pulled off, leaving her tunic on its own, and is promptly wound about the mouse's shoulders. After that, she simply sits behind him, drawing the blankets up around his front and letting him warm his back against her side. "Anyone whose paws aren't busy, please bring some stones from near the fireplace. They'll be the ones that feel most warm." Whatever Sivaine is saying to him goes unheard by the otter as she tends to Turmal.
Sivaine hesitates, shies away slightly from Rhegost as she draws near, and when she retreats, mutters something else.
Bottlebrush looks up and hurries over, using an edge of his robe to collect some of the warmer stones. He hurries over and starts handing them through the cloth, staying out of sight, "Here you go.."
Sivaine asks, "All right? Don't go parading it about."
Mayeul doesn't make out what Sivaine says to his brother, but decides it is best kept between them. He doesn't know what else to do - all these beasts seem to know him, and his own brother does not. He feels like a third wheel... the mouse turns to Marie and shakes his head, rubbing the back of his headfur, "I... He doesn't... I..." His shoulders slacken and his head droops - what kind of a brother /is/ he? Guilt rages inside of the older brother.
Sivaine straightens up slightly, brows raising. "_What?_" she whispers harshly, loud enough for others to hear. Then she blinks, and leans in to hear the rest of the mumbling.
Sivaine says, "Look, you don't have a claim on the word. I can be if I want."
Marie sighs, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry. I really don't know what to say." Her head flicks up to Sivaine, a little confused until she realizes there's a whispered conversation going on there.
Sivaine blinks. Blinks again. "I knew that," she mumbles. "When you're not foaming at the mouth, I don't care." Pause. "Erm."
Sivaine bends her head again, whispers something else. This must be maddening to onlookers.
Bottlebrush finishes handing of fthe warmed stones and shakes his head, his ears flat against his head.
Sivaine coughs and straightens up. "I can still give her your.. things," she mutters, hugging her arms to herself. "She'd like to see you."
Rhegost is patient, and accepts the stones from Bottlebrush, pausing to first stare at the fox, then nod thanks, before she begins placing the stones in places where Turmal will best benefit from their heat. She seems to be polite enough to try and ignore the whispered conversation going on not a foot in front of her.
Bottlebrush does manage a soft chuckle at the otters stare, used too it.
Turmal motions for his brother to come forward, "M...May- Mayeul...." He can feel something in his mind and body start to go... he's /never/ had this feeling before, and it's scaring him - scaring him to death, even. He actually feels good; it's hard to describe, and he doesn't waste any time trying to, out loud. He has things to say, "C....come h-h-here.... br-brother..."
Mayeul goes to his younger sibling in earnest, quickly, "Yes! Yes I'm here! What is it, Turmal??? Anything, anything.... I'd do anything you ask - I owe it to you, brother!" He rests the sword on the bed, taking Turmal's paw. His heart is racing, and he knows what is bound to happen... his listening becomes keener, he clings to every word.
Sivaine shifts backward abruptly, almost stumbling over her own feet to give Mayeul space. She has a very, very fixed expression, unwilling to give away any sign of.. well, anything. Her tail, though, twitches agitatedly behind her.
Rhegost continues to let the mouse lean against her. Her expression is unreadable, and for all the world, she may as well /be/ furniture for all that she's sitting still and quiet. One hand remains on Turmal's shoulder, however, and the wounded mouse will feel a comforting squeeze from her thumb.
Bottlebrush moves to sit on a bed, watching the group behind the sheet quietly..
Marie shuts up. This is not her business, but she's not going to make a move to disturb it now.
Turmal's breathing is shaking, as is his voice, his paws, his whole body. He's scared witless, out of his mind - he shouldn't be... dying! It's unfair, but all these thoughts come second... he gathers himself and speaks fairly coherently, but softly, "You have the s-sword... take it to Nidlorf, and tell him I am sorry f-for his s-s-son... But come back here, and s-s-stay... it's... a worthy place to l-live - I... I need y-y-you t-t-to live the life here that I didn't." He takes a deep breath, and struggles to continue, "I... I am g-grateful that you c-c-came back when y-yyou did.... and...." He is almost unable to continue, "and..." His head is swimming, and he feels like he's taking a dive into darkness, "...and... g-give this to S-S-Siv..." He takes a sketch out of his pocket and hands it to his older brother. Turmal relaxes, and closes his eyes.
Mouth agape, the brother just kneels there, tears pouring out... The sketch in his trembling paw - flapping up and down audibly to all those around. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, he buries his head in the sheets next to Turmal's body, grabbing his tunic and shaking the other mouse. "T-turmal... Ohhhh.... N-n-no..."
Bottlebrush takes his mask off and wipes his good eye while he listens and watches, staying stone-silent.
During the moments that Turmal speaks, Rhegost seems to be holding her breath, feeling the straying of the mouse's heartbeat through his back and through her fingertips against his shoulder. When they slow to a halt, the otter lets her breath out with a sigh and closes eyes. Her head hangs, and makes a strange sign with one hand over Turmal's head. "Go where the silver winds take you." She murmurs quietly, and removes the heat stones from around him before removing herself and, with gentle hands, gently lays the mouse against his pillow. Quiet steps take her backward out from the curtain to allow the brothers their moment.
Sivaine's eyes narrow slightly as a.. change.. seems to come over the room. She exits the little curtained alcove as quietly as she can, sparing a last glance over her shoulder before she goes. The mousemaid looks wordlessly to Bottlebrush, and huffs a little sigh.
Bottlebrush stands, leaving his mask behind, and moves over to Siv, "He has gone to the Dark Forest?"
Turmal's heart stops, and his consciousness drifts away from him like a bird out the window... a piercing light overcomes him and he goes, never to return. The mouse is still there, but Turmal is no more.
"Well," Sivaine murmurs under her breath, and closes her eyes. "Yes."
Bottlebrush bows his head and moves to give Siv a hug, "We shall meet him in the Forest some day, smiling and happy."
Sivaine wraps her arms around the fox, and there they remain for some time - not squeezing tightly, just there - but her expression, not visible to him with her face past his shoulder, has something in it that's not entirely.. right. "Mm."
Mayeul lets his breath out, still shaking on the bed... what about all the things he wanted to say? He never got the chance! To tell Turmal about the happy times at home, or the cheerful company of Moruwil's family... the things his father wanted to apologize for - never knowing Turmal, for instance... it's all swimming in his head, no way for Turmal to hear now; his brother has to live with it, forever. He wants to join his brother, and his anger at his own inability makes him grab the sheets and grind his teeth, growling in pain like a wounded beast, "Grrrrrrrrrr!!!!!" This turns into more sobbing.
Marie looks away, then forcibly makes the choice to step forward instead, reaching out to lay her paw on Mayeul's shoulder silently, then moves away, stepping outside the curtained area.
Bottlebrush sighs and pats Sivs back, "I am going to go do a small prayer for him, as done back home. I will be at the lake for a little while since it requires a body of water. He turns and starts to move out, leaving that painted mask behind.
From where she stands outside the curtain, Rhegost begins to sing, voice and tone low. The language is foreign, the song is melodic and eerie, likely something written in mourning.
Sivaine shuts her eyes at Mayeul's anguished noises, but doesn't cover her ears. A brief glance around the room, and then silently exits.
