A Message for Terragon Scrufftail

[Stoakly Centurio]

*A cool breeze blowing in from the coast meets Terralux in a refreshing wave. The squirrel slowly creaks open the door to the tree house (tree house, right?) and shuffles nervously in. Gray hair covers the squirrel in full, and his old, now dim eyes survey the room. Holding an envelope in one paw, the elderly Oakvine Freeson sighs wistfully as he places the letter down the desk. His cloak waves as the breeze hits him once more and he turns around, shedding a tear for his old friend, the now lost Stoakly Centurio. He clears his throat, a whistling sound emitting, reminding him of his old age. The trek from Southsward was not an easy one, but he still knew how to fight of the toads. On the table is the envelope he has just placed down, two names on the front.

To: Terragon Scrufftail
From: Stoakly Centurio

[/i]

Before he leaves, he turns and looks at the envelope. His eyes linger, and he wishes oh so dearly that he knew what is written on that parchment. However, as a promise to his now deceased comrade, he decides not to read it, and waits for the arrival of Terragon Scrufftail. Strangely enough, Oakvine remembers a Terragon, and remembers vaguely a harsh end to their friendship. Perhaps she would have more answers for the old squirrel when she arrives.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

*Something in the air reminds Terragon of autumn and she wearily climbs the ladder to Starsett Hollow, the cool breeze catching at her cloak that she has taken to wearing despite the season. As she enters the treehouse, this same breeze slams the door shut behind her and it takes a moment for her eyes to adjust to the twilight. It is then that she notices the other squirrel. Perhaps it is Terragon's exhaustion that stops her from crying out or, more likely, it is because it has been so long since Starsett Hollow has had a visitor. The leaderess should have been busy beyond belief and yet, it seemed Regen had taken on all her responsibilities and she even struggled to find ways in which to fill the day. Despite this, Terragon was exhausted and found herself leaning back against the door with a sigh.* Evening, *She'd have preferred to let her guest speak first, but the single word slips out, unbidden.*

[Stoakly Centurio]

Evenin' to you, *the squirrel replies. His paw fiddles with the chair of the desk, his eyes averting from Terragon to the letter. He clears his throat before continuing.* I'm 'fraid you heard about Stoakly, hm? He told me during his travels, that if'n somethin' happened to him on his way home, that I was to give this letter to a Miss Terragon Scrufftail. As it turns out, Stoakly sent another letter while he was up in Noonvale, too, dispatchin' the Long Patrol and wipin' out a large number of Burde's forces. Burde recoiled back to his base and brought his troops with him. If'n you can believe it, Stoakly may've saved Terralux from his travels. But anywho, I was very good friends with Stoakly, and comin' here was strangely familiar, as if'n I was here a long, long time ago for a short while. The name is Oakvine Freeson, and I promised Stoakly I wouldn't read the letter. So, it's on the desk. *Oakvine bows his head, taking a moment to let it sink in; whether it was very difficult for this Terragon or not, it was very hard for him when Stoakly passed.*

[Terragon Scrufftail]

Oakvine Freeson? *Terragon repeats quietly, before remembering Stoakly and her thoughtful expression turns to a sombre one.* There was barely time for any recognition of his passing, with all the trouble in Terralux of late. But, if y'd care t'do so, we can walk down to... to where he is later. *Unknowingly, she has taken a step away from the door and closer to the table. With a half-glance at Oakvine, almost as though seeking his permission, Terragon takes the letter carefully with both forepaws. 'To: Terragon Scrufftail; From: Stoakly Centurio.' There is no mistaking the ferret's writing and she slides a claw slowly through the top of the envelope. Barely breathing, the squirrel tugs the parchment out and unfolds it, squinting against the gloom as she reads...*