RP Attack

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Birchy and Talis come running down the path towards the main part of the village. The pair nearly collide with Terragon, Ashnel and some others, causing a hectic moment before the latter of the two squirrels begins firing questions at Birchy.*
What in Mossflow'r are y'doing?!
*The normally placid white squirrel is clearly agitated.* Vermin, Ash'. By the lake.
What?! When - how many - are y'sure-?
Give him a chance t' talk, Ashnel. *Terragon mutters distractedly.* Birchy, can you tell us what happened?
Yes - *The smaller squirrel replies, grateful for some reason amongst Ashnel and Talis' babbling.* - Me and Talis were down by the lake, an' we saw 'em on the other side. They didn't see us though. *He adds at Ashnel's worried expression.* There might've been thirty-something of them there... I dunno, I didn't really count because -
No, that's fine. *Terragon tells him, interrupting. She turns to the group.* Anybeast who's got weapons with 'em, follow me. But remember, we're not going down there t' fight. That's only a last resort, und'rstand.
*Birchy glances at Ashnel, wondering whether Terragon's last comment was meant for the dark squirrel alone.*

[Robin Redflash]

*Robin stares on and at the mention of vermin grips one of her rapier hilts. She frowns slightly and stares at Birchy intently until he finishes his story. She wonders why the vermin even came near here, or what they intend to do with only about thirty. Terralux has faced more than that and won. She looks over to Terragon and when her last command is given she nods.* Right. *She takes a few steps forward, she has her weapons as always on her. She carefully reaches up to her headband. Yes it's still there, her Sgin Dhu as always ready for a sticky situation. She grins slightly and readies herself for what's to come.*

[Ayeny Alashia]

*Ayeny sees the scene from the roof, frowning at the expressions on their faces. Although she cannot hear what they are saying, the looks send her moving quickly downstairs and towards them... and the movement of paw towards weapon stops her for a second to grab sword and bow.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Tinsy strolls up, hearing Terri's summons. She nods slightly. *I'm ready...later I'll try an' find some of Tervin's troops, there ought to be some nearby. You'll need them, even if there's only a few enemies.
*She checks for her long knife, finds it hooked on her belt, and smiles a little.*

[Geordie Brushtail]

*Geordie's paws stray to the handle of the great sword at his side before sliding over the dirk at his belt and the hiding place of the tiny sghian dhu.* Ach, Terr, then let's be aboot it.

*He falls into position at her side.*

[Robin Redflash]

*Robin grins at Tinsy as she arrives and moves towards her. She whispers to her.* Good to have you back with us Tinsy. *She winks in her normal way and turns round again so she can see what Terragon is planning to do. She fingers her rapier hilt and half hopes that she gets to use it today. She looks around and waits for Terragon to tell them what her plan is.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Tinsy nods and smiles, but makes no other response. She stands, waiting patiently for Terri to give the signal to move out.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

There'll be no need for Tervin's warriors. *Terragon calls back. She doesn't look round as the half a dozen voices answer the request for armed creatures, but continues up the path, Birchy still muttering the exact location of the vermin, when last seen. The red squirrel hears Ashnel herald Ayeny's arrival, but still she doesn't look round. Listen to Birchy, think of a plan.*
Ayeny's coming too, I think. *Ashnel repeats and Terragon trys grimly not to let him distract her. Don't blame Ash'... this time.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Tinsy raises an eyebrow, but shrugs and follows Terri down the path. Her face is carefully blank, but she drops to the back of the group deliberately, eyes cutting from one side of the path to the other. *

[Geordie Brushtail]

*Geordie maintains his place at Terragon's side, glancing about in front of and around them, sniffing the air for the telltale scents that would betray an enemy presence.*

[Ayeny Alashia]

*Ayeny's frowned fears are confirmed when she sees the mini-army amassing, and she goes to Ashnel, whispering a question or two about what is going on. It is not Birchy or Ash's face but rather Terragon's that worries her about the gravity of the situation.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

Vermin by the lake. *Ashnel tells Ayeny gravely. From past experience, the squirrel stops himself from advicing the other to stay behind. Now's not the time or the place, his mind says in a sing-song, "you shouldn't do that" voice.*
*Terragon quickens the pace, Birchy jogging to keep up with the red squirrel's long strides. Though the latter doesn't turn, she knows Geordie is on the other side of her. Perhaps he is thinking the same as her. Perhaps the grey squirrel's eyes are scanning the woodland for a single tiny movement... the trees stop very suddenly, as though afraid to go on towards the lake edge. Birchy was right - three of four dozen creatures of various unpleasant species are loitering on the banks. Their leader appears to be the largest, ugliesty rat of the bunch. The said rat is strutting about his group, snapping demands and orders left and right.*
*Terragon clears her throat.*
Good morning.

[Ayeny Alashia]

*Ayeny scowls at the sight of the vermin, her paw going for her quiver. She thinks that it may be better not to, then casually removes just one arrow and holds it loose in her hand. Just in case, she thinks distatefully. Or maybe the rats just came to make daisy-chains, a voice in her mind says sarcastically. Maybe they just wanted to play hide-and-seek.*

[Tinsy Stormsight]

*Tinsy stares at the vermin for a moment, then shakes her head, looking disgusted. *They're just marauding robbers, it looks like. They aren't Tervin's bunch, any vermin in his ranks are dressed and...clean. And they aren't big enough to be a horde.

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*The bunch of vermin all ignore Terragon, making more noise than before to drown out the squirrel's voice.*
I said "good morning!" *Terragon snaps. The clamour increases and she has to bellow to be heard.* Hey, you! All of you, toad-brained stinkworms!
Now they're paying attention. *Ashnel mutters.* Looks like they're drawing weapons too. Still, at least they're listening, Terri.
Shuttup, Ashnel. I can hear you. *Terragon growls out of the side of her mouth. The leader of the vermin and a few equally nasty-looking cronies, namely rats and stoats, approach.*
Yew talking to us, sqeerell? *The rat leading them asks.*
I believe there's only one bunch of stinkworms here. *The other answers coldly.*
But not meny creatures call us stinkyworms an' live, y'know. *The rat continues as though he hasn't heard.* In fact nobeest insults Norhin Grislo's band an' gets away wiv it.

Really? Forgive me for not being overwhelmed with int'rest about you and your... band. *Terragon answers.* But you're on our land here.
On yor land are we? *Norhin asks sourly.* Sorry t' trouble you - just leavin' s'matter o' fact. *He turns to go, but wheels around again with surprising agility for a creature of his size and bulk and punches Terragon in the stomach. The squirrel doubles up and Ashnel snaps a thankfully indistinguishable swear word at Norhin.*