Winter Feast Time!

From Redwall MUCK Wiki


This takes place Friday Feb 12,2016. There is a little bit before the feast and then the fest and wedding of Lacota and Krystal !!!==

Zee has what he likes, tea and ale as he chuckles and also a raspberry scone as he finds a chair.

Vesper curtsies. "It's nice to meet you! I'm Vesper."

Zee is sitting in the large chair, hey no one else is right now and if his nephew comes he will move, for now he has his tea, which he pours a little of..well something into it and then places the flask back into his pocket and stirs the tea, tastes it and grins, "Yep...good tea...huh?" He looks over at the mouse maid as she comes into the room, "Ello thar lass."

Vesper watches the aged badger take his tea. This was a new face, indeed. Up to now, she had mistakenly believed that Oz was the only badger living at the Abbey. "And what might your name be?" She asks sweetly.

Zee smiles "I am Zee..sort of staying 'ere till winter is up, maybe longer I got no clue all these beasts here worry too much. I look old, doesn’t mean I act it..well most of the time"

Vesper takes her parchment paper out for the umpteenth time that week and scribbles down the name. "Zee...got it." She looks up and explains "I'm compiling a list of names of the beasts I've encountered so far. I'm not good with names, but if I write them down, I'll be able to learn each and every one with time. I just arrived here a few days ago from the Western Shores, and plan on staying if at all possible."

Zee nods "I wouldn’t see why ya couldn’t...western shores I been thar..not much thar just a large body of salty water it was not that exciting"

Vesper shrugs. "I can't argue with you there," She admits. "I lived in the outskirts of a village not far from that ocean. It was a simple, sheltered life if anyone had lived one."

Zee nods as he listens and sips his tea, nibbles a scone.

Vesper says, "I think Redwall suits me much better."

Zee sips his tea, "Me nephew lives here and me niece...though she is at the mountain place, no clue how any beast can stand that place...all the..stone" He clears his throat "But aye, this place be a good place"

Vesper asks, "How long have you and your nephew been living here?"

Zee says, "Hmm let me see me nephew been 'ere a while, he came first and his brother came couple seasons later. I just visited off and on till...well recently, can't say I fer sure live here really, more a temporary place..though tis lot more quiet than that Ferravale place..chiefy gets a little moody at times"

Vesper takes a seat near the badger and rests her paws on her chin. "You've traveled a great deal! Tell me more about these places, please. I lived a ways off from that mountain, I think it was called Salamandastron, but I never came close. And I heard from Oz a little about Ferravale, though he said it wasn't the best sort of place. What do you think?"

Zee shrugs "Ferravale not de best no..if ya fear vermin species I wouldn’t go, I got along fine thar..then again." He reaches for his staff and grins "Quick bop on the head does wonders..not hard enough ta kill, maybe knock out or least make one get a headache and tis even has an added bonus for when needed. DE only family I have now be Oz and Zinnia, this past fall Oz's older brother died..right around harvest time"

Vesper says, "Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that."

Zee nods slowly "Tis ok lass...one day I will go visit him in de dark forest, but not any time soon don't think. So yeah Oz be me nephew and Zinnia me..umm great niece..she was Zork's daughter....oh yeah Zork was Oz's brother...Zork was the one that did this fall, he was Blacksmith here, his assistant took over "

Vesper says, "Ohhh, I see. Speaking of which, I'll be seeing both you and Oz at the Winter Feast later on, right?"

Zee grins "Thar be no way I will miss de feast, food here is great. One reason I like it here of all places been.....use to live in de snowy north lands, another place not many go to"

Vesper smiles as she listens.

Zee says, "I like pies and different stuff. Hot rot stew be good...hey tis not just for otters"

Vesper pats her stomach, ever the hungry beast. "You know, I've heard the food here is the stuff of legends. What would you say is your favorite dish?"

Zee shrugs "Not sure, maybe de apple pie or Hot root. I don’t like de deeper than ever pie wot ever, maybe without de beets in it, don't like beets"

Vesper asks, "What can you say about the trifles and scones?"

Zee says, "Scones are good, like with tea..and thar be many kinds of scones also, I am sure thar will be much to choose from at the feast and thar is a wedding or so heard""

Vesper shakes her head, already sniffing the food and baked goods in her mind. "Yesterday I happened to wander into the kitchen and Caleb had just finished making these cupcakes with walnuts on them, and he gave me one to try. It was simply scrumptious. I heard there's going to be a baking contest, as well. I'm expecting him to win."

Zee says, "Not heard of a baking contest, but ya never know who might win. And the lad does make good cookies, he made some around the he snow badger was to come, snowflake shaped ones. Sort of like a shortbread cookie"

Vesper says, "I think it is in fact a cookie baking contest. Say, I've never gone to a feast before. I know it's probably a silly question if there ever was one, but how do these things usually go?"

Zee chuckles "Beasts show up, thar is the naming of the season and then there is food, music and maybe dancing...a wedding happens not very often"

Vesper shrugs. "Sounds simple enough."

Zee says, "A lot of beasts will be here, in the Great Hall. Feasts are most enjoyable"

Vesper asks, "How many beasts live in the Abbey? I've met a few, but not all of them yet."

Zee says, "Not took the time to count, thar be the brothers and sisters in the order, some just residents and dibbuns. The champion and his mate and child. Umm...few others and couse de friar and his soon to be wife, who is also the bee keeper here.."

Vesper nods. "Ahhhh, I see." She stands up. "Well, it was very nice speaking to you, Zee, but I've got to go off to my bunk to get ready for the wedding and the feast. I hope to see you there!" She skips off to the entrance of the stairway and waves.

Zee waves "I will be thar...yep"

--Few hours later ---

Zee walks down the stairs slowly and glances around, he sleep in today, maybe by a fair amount but whatever or was it a long nap, he did say up late and didn’t go to bed till like sunrise. He yawns wide and watches any going ons from the steps.

Vesper enters and curtsies. "Many congratulations!”

Lacota is pacing in front of the tapestry, muttering to himself, over and over. He is so preoccupied, that he does not even notice the badger enter the room... That is, until a mouse stops and curtsies right next to him, and he pauses to look up. "Um, er, what? Oh, yes... Yes, thank you, Miss... Yes... Everything seems to be going according to plan, I think..."

Zee walks over to Lacota “Ya might make a trench pacing as ya are lad"

Vesper grins. "It'll go off splendidly, you'll see."

Oakenpaw walks up the Squirrel "I say chap where is the lucky couple wot?”

Lacota adjusts his glasses. "Hmmph, we'll certainly see, yes. Several important beasts aren't even here." He peers at the hare. "The lucky couple is getting ready, I'm afraid."

Zee chuckles “I be sure they be here soon, ya know how beasts are ...wait till last moment and thar they are."

Oakenpaw Puffs out his chest "I consider myself to be a fairly important beast wot?" He smiles a wry smile "I hear it's the winter feast and not a thing wrong with that either wot?" He walks over to zee and looks up at him "You’re a large one wot?”

Lacota hmms. "Well, yes, but that's not who I'm talking about. Several beasts are off gallivanting hither and yon, all over the world."

Zee rolls his eyes "Oakenpaw ya know me..remember? I be forgotten that fast? "

Oakenpaw chuckles, obviously he knows Zee but replies jokingly "all you chaps with stripes look alike ta me”

Vesper chuckles as she hears the exchange between the hare and badger. "Hmmm, Oakenpaw. That's a new name. I'll have to write that one down." She takes out the parchment paper from her pouch and records the name.

Zee grins " I'm the really really old one with the cool staff." He shows the staff and chuckles, “Trust me it’s one of a kind"

Oakenpaw raises a single ear spying the Mouse Maid he puts on his best polishes hare charm and says "ohhh I am not good with manners m'gel ,but I NEVER forget a pretty FACE" He smiles "And I believe I may be seeing yours in my dreams wot?" He offers to take her paw bowing Grandly "Oakenpaw Honeypaw at your service Marm.”

Vesper laughs and blushes. "I like him already. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm Vesper, just arrived a few days ago myself from the Western Shores."

The door to the front of the Abbey opens and Abbot Benar walks in accompanied by the most vividly dressed, scruffiest furred shrew one could ever had seen. He has braided hair with bells in it, a huge blue coat with no arms with more bells and a large purple bandana wrapped around his head. A novice hurries over to help close the door as Benar continues walking past the tables laden with food and drink and all sorts.

Lacota peers at the shrew, humming. He raises a paw. "Benar, I need a word with you, briefly, before everything starts properly..."

Oakenpaw's not paying too much attention to the Father Abbot, as he takes and kisses the back of Vesper's paw, in a gentle beastly fashion, and tries some hare Poetry," Ahhh M'lady to be liked by the is like a cool clear spring on a warm day, filling and refreshing the soul.”

Zee arches an eyebrow and shrugs as he steps away and looks around for a good place to sit.

Vesper stifles a giggle as she covers her mouth with her free paw. The Winter Feast hasn't even started and she's already having fun. "It's quite a while since I've heard such...inspiring words, Mister Oakenpaw. Now, on a subject I'm sure you must have just as much proficiency, what would you say is your favorite dish here at Redwall?"

Caleb peeks into the room and that’s about all he does as he quietly slips into the room but then on out of the room towards the library.

Benar smiles at Lacota, stopping half way to the high table, "Of course Friar, what is the matter?" He motions to the shrew, "This is Oswald, that friend I mentioned."

The shrew bows low, the bells on his braids chiming, "Tis a pleasure ta be meeting ya sir Friar, it is me honor ta be here in Redwall once more."

Oakenpaw chuckles and winks at vesper "That would be you M'gel... tied closely to some apple acorn pie" He looks at Zee "have you met my friend Zee? “

Zee gives a tried wave. “Ello”

Vesper says, "Yes in fact I have. We had quite the fireside chat this morning."

Lacota bows in return. "A pleasure, I'm sure. Welcome back, sir." He then crosses his arms, and looks at Benar levelly. "I heard tell that Caleb and my... daughter, Cynthia, were barred from attending these festivities as punishment for the escapade of running away... I would like to ask you, as a personal favor to a friend, to please rescind that for me... It's... Krystal and my wedding, after all... I would like for them to be there... Cynthia, especially."

Vesper exclaims, "Indeed! I'm looking forward to it. And well, eating, to be honest."

Oakenpaw asks, "Ahhh a lass after me own heart, and what delectable bit of tuck do you most pine for? You know I am a Healer hare" He says proudly "Once a Sgt in the Long Patrol...some even say I am descended from basil himself....Footpaw boxer don't ya know"

Benar laughs softly, "Oh who told them that, I said I was thinking about it, I was never actually going to bar them from the feast. I guess I forgot to let people know that I had made a decision." He smiles softly, "I was hardly going to make them miss your wedding now Lacota." he slides an arm around the friar's shoulders and turns him toward the top table. "Oswald pick a seat, anywhere is fine I am glad you are here." The shrew grins and skips off, bells a chiming to pester some of the guests and squirm his way onto a bench. The Abbot then pauses as Oz arrives, the huge badger lumbering in accompanied by the dibbuns, the crowd of rowdy, excitable youngsters moving toward the table set aside for them. "Ok the dibbuns are here I should see about starting this."

Cynthia is on the steps and stays on the bottom one for now, watching the beasts gathered.

Vesper says, "Hmmmm, I can't say for sure. I'd want to try everything, although I've heard wonders about the pies. Oh, hello Cynthia!"

Caleb walks in and stops at the doorway unsure of weather to go in or not

Cynthia waves "Hi...just looking I can leave"

Lacota nods, and smiles. "Well, I'm glad of that... And yes, I said daughter. Cynthia was very happy." He follows the Abbot to the head table, waving to both Caleb and Cynthia as he passes.

Caleb steps into the room slowly and looks around, "Can I..come in?"

Cynthia folds her arms over her chest and shrugs, she is in her normal pants and shirt she always wears.

Oakenpaw Looks up to Caleb "it's a FEAST chap...all are welcome...come tell me and this lovely lass who ya be?”

Benar smiles at Lacota and stops before Cynthia and Caleb, "I trust you will both remember what you learnt from all of that has happened in recent times both of you? Now then let us turn to happy times and more important occasions. Though Cynthia I have asked an old friend of mine to visit us to teach you music, a GOUSIM shrew who is a very good bard. I will introduce you later," He walks to one side of the high table before the tapestry that is gleaming under the candlelight, clean and beautiful, the tables are laden with food and drink and the Abbot stops and turns and raises his hands, "Everyone if I can have your attention."

Krystal has yet to enter, she will enter when it’s time for her to enter the room.

Lacota takes his place at the head table, then turns to watch Benar.

Cynthia smiles "Really?" She then goes quiet and quickly finds a place to sit down and waits quietly.

Caleb nods and he also finds a place to sit down, he stays quiet and lets the abbot talk.

Vesper finds a place to sit and watches.

Benar smiles at everyone, "Now I am sure you wall want to get started on the Friar's delicious repaste, I can't wait to tuck in myself. But I have a few small announcements to make before we can eat. First I need to name the season as is our tradition, and then I have a wedding to conduct." he grinned at the Friar, "Once we have seen to these most happy of duties we shall be free to open the tables for dinner"

Lacota chuckles at that. "Yes, quite."

Krystal is still nervous but the two mice with her talk with her quietly and she smiles as she gets ready to come into the room.

Caleb smiles, he did manage to make some carrot cupcakes with walnuts and honey on them, so he helped some.

Cynthia listens quietly, this is the first time she has been at a feast or wedding, or rather anything like this.

Benar says, "So first and foremost I wish to open by naming this the Winter of Absent Friends, many of those who would normally be with us here are gone. Magramba, the Champion Flicktail off on a Quest set by Martin himself. DoraRose the Gatekeeper and her husband the Master Healer Leon and of course our Recorder Zinnia away in Salamandastron as my Ambassadors." He steps forward, "So please, everyone raise a glass and join me in a toast to the Winter of Absent Friends."

Caleb raises his glass, some cherry juice and nods

Cynthia listens, well this is all new to her as she folds her paws in her lap at first and then is encouraged to also raise a glass in a toast and smiles a little.

Krystal smiles from the hallway and straightens a paper flower she has as she waits.

Lacota raises his glass. "To absent friends," He toasts, "May they return to us soon, safe from all harm."

Oakenpaw takes a goblet and raises it up toward the Abbot "Hear Hear wot!”

Zee grins and raises his glass of October Ale.

Benar smiles at everyone, "Now then Lacota if you would join me here we shall begin." He nods to Oswald and the shrew pulls out a strange device, a long strip of wood set with pieces of Metal. He starts to plunk them with his claws and begins a very beautiful bridal march to accompany Krystal down to where he is standing.

Oakenpaw wipes a tear from his large brown eye with a kerchief as he sniffled

Lacota stands, and makes his way to stand beside Benar, watching to see when Krystal enters.

Krystal smiles as she comes down to where Lacota is slowly. Her dress is simple, but still very nice and her head fur has been braided with a couple red and white paper roses, and she holds some paper roses as well. With her is the two mice sisters that helped her and they sit down after the squirrel maid is up front.

Cynthia watches quietly, and stays quiet as she even smiles some now and it’s rare for her to smile much at all.

Benar smiles at the younger squirrels before him then turns to the crowded room, "My friends, we are gathered here today, at the Winter Festival of thanks to see that these two beasts are joined in that holiest of union’s marriage. It is their wish that we all stand witness to this day so that we can remember how they pledged to love, to hold, to help and walk besides one another from now until the end of their days." He smiles softly at the room, "If anyone would here at this time object to this blessed union speak now or the chance shall have forever passed."

Krystal stays quiet as she listens.

Cynthia blinks, ok odd question she thinks but she keeps it to herself and waits

Zee listens quietly as well.

Lacota clasps his paws, looking out over the room, then at Krystal, smiling a bit.

Benar smiles as silence greets that question and turns to Lacota, "Now then Lacota, do you, Friar of Redwall Abbey, take Krystal here to be your wife. To have her and hold her for as long as you walk side by side in life as her dedicated and one true companion? "

Lacota nods, smiling. "I do."

Oakenpaw moves around slowly to the side so as not to disturbed the ceremony. Moving to have a better look at the bride and groom

Benar turns to Krystal, "Do you Krystal, take Lacota, to be your husband, wed here in front of these witnesses from this day. To walk side by side in sickness, in health, in love and friendship until you leave this life?"

Krystal smiles as she looks at Lacota “I do" She says.

Benar smiles warmly at them both then raises his hands, "Then I pronounce you with true gladness in my heart husband and wife. Let the feast begin!"

Oakenpaw raises a goblet "HEAR HEAR! “

Zee smiles “Congrats you two”

Caleb smiles at the happy couple.

Cynthia watches and smiles a little, she is happy for her father and mother, this fact makes her smile more, Krystal and Lacota are her parents now.

Lacota smiles and kisses Krystal. "Thank you, Benar. This means a lot."

Krystal smiles, she also gives Lacota a kiss and smiles again as she looks to Benar “Thank you Abbot for doing the wedding for us."

Benar says, "It was my pleasure, it is always my pleasure," He smiled warmly at them both and stepped aside to let others congratulate them, moving over to his seat at the table and settling down. "Oh Oakenpaw, good afternoon I didn't see you there."

Zee goes to get some pie and soup and a little salad as well, and some October ale. ”Congrats ya two”

Oakenpaw smiles "Good Day Father Abbot, out playing match maker again I see wot?”

Krystal smiles as she and Lacota shake paws and greet guests as well as order beasts happily. She is very happy and it shows.

Vesper has never seen so much food in her life. As the festivities continue, she takes a little bit of everything and piles it on her plate. "Now where to begin..."

Oakenpaw says, "Slowly lass.. that’s where to begin, Savor the experience"

Benar helps himself to some salad and smiles, "So Oakenpaw will you introduce me to your companion? I do not believe I have met your guest."

Vesper turns her head in his general direction, cheeks stuffed with deeper than deep beetroot pie. She quickly gulps it down with a swig of October Ale. “You must be Abbot Benar. It's nice to meet you"

Oakenpaw asks, "I am sorry Father Abbot, I only just met the lass, and I have been so taken with her personality, I have not even yet gotten her name Wot?"

Lacota helps Krystal to a seat, and prepares her a plate laden with his famous culinary creations, before getting himself a plate of his own.

Krystal smiles as she starts to eat some food and sip some drink

Benar gives Oakenpaw a look that sums it all up really then turns to the mouse, "Indeed I am Abbot Benar, it is a pleasure to meet you and welcome you here to my feast. I am glad you could join us on such a happy day."

Vesper beams and takes another sip of her drink. "The pleasure is mine. My name's Vesper, and I've been meaning to approach you since I arrived a few days ago."

Benar smiles and munches through some salad before offering Vesper a nod, he takes a swallow of his drink to clear his mouth before talking on, "Well most beasts track me down sooner or later after they arrive, what can I help you with?"

Oakenpaw moves to Lacota and offers his paw "Congratulations Chap, glad I made it for the Feast”

Lacota shakes the hare's paw. "Good of you to come. This is quite a joyous occasion." He gives his new wife a squeeze.

Krystal smiles “Thanks sir hare”

Oakenpaw smiles and does a grand Bow to Krystal "Always at your service Marm...should you or your Husband ever have need”

Krystal chuckles, still very happy.

Vesper says, "Well, you see, Abbot Benar I've come because my own home in the Western Shores was taken away from me and Redwall was the only place I could go. Still, I want to be of use, and so I was wondering if you knew of any position that might be open. My uncle taught me to be a Healer, but I can do a little seam work as well. Anything else, I'm willing to learn. "

Benar says, "I am sorry to hear about your home Miss Vesper," He says before taking a sip of his drink, "As for open positions we are not the military or a place of employment. Everyone is welcome to work here at the Abbey and help out however they may. By helping with the chores in a rotating system or if they have a specialty focusing on that." He smiles and helps himself to some cake, "Healers are always needed but I cannot appoint anyone to the Infirmary. Only Elder Leon can do that and he is at Salamandastron, though if you want to help out speak to Angela, she is his mother in law and running things whilst he is away.""

Lacota says, "I know Angela would be glad for extra help."

Oakenpaw asks, "You know, Vespa is it wot? I am an abbey healer but my mission is to heal at the vermin village a half day travel, protected by the oath of my office."

Zee speaks “ Doesn’t mean one is totally safe at Ferravale Oakenpaw. Ya still gots to be careful lad”

Vesper mulls it over and nods cheerfully. "Then I'll go to her and ask." She looks down at her plate, eyes widening. "W-where did it all go?"

Benar laughs, "That is Friar Lacota's secret, he makes us eat ourselves silly, his food is just too good!"

Vesper chuckles as she finishes the last of her drink. "I'll say. I only wish I could cook as good as he did. My auntie tried to teach me, but all I managed to do was burn the scones."

Oakenpaw says, "I do not" He says examining a pastry as if he were a hawk and it were a small mouse ”The one thing miss at the village. The Friar could bring much peace if he opened a shop for them Vermin"

Benar shakes his head, "No, I could never permit it, depriving the abbey of its Friar? I'd have a mutiny on my hand and Scioto would accuse me of all sorts of shenanigans." He picks up a scone and slices it open and adds cream and jam.

Lacota turns red. "Really, now... I just do my best, is all..."

Oakenpaw says, "yer best Suh...there is not a beast in the forest who can come CLOSE to these delights"

Vesper says, "Hear, hear."

Benar shoots the Friar a sly glance and raises his tankard toward him, "Oakenpaw speaks true, you are by far the greatest cook in Mossflower, I only hope Caleb follows in your footsteps."

Lacota looks down. "Ah, well, I certainly hope so... He's got talent."

Oakenpaw is being a true hare as he continues to munch and eat as he speaks, his paws always gathering a LITTLE more

Vesper chuckles as the conversation continues and she takes a bite out of cake. "What a lovely day it's been, wouldn't you agree, everybody?"

Oakenpaw replies something as his long ears can be seen between tables piled high with cakes cookies and treats.

Benar says, "It has been a good day, now if you will excuse me I must mingle with the others, it doesn't do to sit at my table all evening." he smiled and slipped off to go and do the rounds amongst the abbey beasts and guests."

Thats it, I know it was long but its all good....not much else happen just eatting good food and drink, chatting ect.=