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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 1, 2008 12:02:41 GMT
*Terragon looks over the heads of the small crowd gathered in the courtyard, silently attempting to count the numbers. Due to the milling around of various creatures and groups, this proves impossible and finally the red squirrel shouts out, exasperated;* In ranks of three, fall in, everybeast! *Ashnel would have done a better job of this, with the louder voice and the brief military experience. Terragon suspects she hasn't said it loud enough or even used the right terminology and searches desperately around with her eyes for Regen or somebeast.*
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Post by Tinsy Stormsight on Jan 1, 2008 20:52:19 GMT
Regen, Lonas, and Rippla stand in the back of the crowd. Regen has his weaponry strapped across his back, and looks unusually thoughtful. Lonas is next to him, wearing his cutlass as if the weapon is a snake strapped to his waist. Even from here, he smells strongly of rosemary - when the wind picks up, it's even more noticeable. This may be one of the reasons Regen is frowning, along with the difficulty with the other 'knights.' Rippla, as usual, stands behind, one paw resting lightly against his rapier hilt. The weasel's expression is a mixture of boredom and disgust..more of the latter than the former. Clearly, he thinks very little of this lack of discipline. Regen and Lonas glance up as one at Terragon as she speaks..the words are audible, but just very. Regen glances sideways at Lonas, mumbles something, and begins to stride up through the crowd to where the leaderess stands. Rippla follows, parting the crowd..as much with his arrogant aura as his rather creepy appearance. Lonas stays behind, shifting uncomfortably amongst the warriors.
Regen glances questioningly at Terragon as himself and Rippla break through the crowd and reach where the other stands. He glances over his shoulder, rolls his eyes, and asks loudly, "Are ye in need of our assistance, ma'am?" Rippla sighs softly and stands to one side. From his demeanor, one could suspect that he was acting as Regen's bodyguard..probably one of Lonas' ideas. The older of the two Eale brothers has gotten somewhat protective since Regen's elevation in status..and there aren't many beasts around Terralux better at guarding than Rippla. Or at least, more fearsome-looking.
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Post by Cuoha, Matt & Terry on Jan 1, 2008 21:08:26 GMT
*Matt is feeling decidedly miserable as he stands, huddled into his cloak, in the middle of the crowd. He is unused to such a large gathering of beasts, and the chaos is just too much for his brain to concentrate on. Everywhere, beasts are engaged in conversation, each subject of discussion different so that it all ends up as just a buzz of noise, albeit the loudest buzz he has ever heard. He wishes, not for the first time, that Cuoha or Terry had signed up for the Order. The squirrel maid, he suspected, was still suffering from the shock of killing her first beast in battle, which had not been too long ago, and had not recovered sufficiently to face up to any more fighting. Terry, meanwhile, had claimed that he had seen enough armies for a lifetime, and Matt had enquired no further, sensing that this was probably a highly sensitive topic with his friend. So it was that he was here on his own, and much the worse for it. He glances around fearfully, his pupils searching out a familiar face, but the only one he can see is Terragon, and he decides she is probably busy with official organisation, and it would not be courteous to interrupt such goings-on. He feels like a Dibbun on their first day at Abbeyschool, overwhelmed by the occasion and with no idea what to do. He touches his sling briefly for some comfort in the form of familiarity. Beasts are moving around him, shunting others to the side, but Matt stays put, his eyes closed, hoping that by thinking of his friends, he will be able to ignore the chaos he is immersed in.* In ranks of three, fall in, everybeast! *Matt hears Terri's voice, and sighs with relief; finally, some ordered action. It had been partly the complete disorganisation that had frightened him previously, for he like a system with structure. Shuffling slowly, he slid in to line between two hulking great ferrets, who grinned at him menacingly. Shuddering, he waited for the rest of the Order to group themselves together.*
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Post by Baraka on Jan 2, 2008 0:27:41 GMT
*Paddy and Baraka stand near the middle of the crowd, no doubt allowing for some of the chaos as others are forced to mill around them. Paddy wears a black habit, taking his new position as an Order member seriously; Baraka his usual dark tunic and leather satchel. A new addition to his outfit is a large morning-star mace that is bound up and slung across his back, it's wicked spines glinting in the sunlight.*
...Nay, lad. I'm not going anywhere today. I must stay and outfit the Infirmary. Perhaps another time.
*Baraka replies.* I guess I'll see you later, then. Bye!
*Paddy waves and makes his way through the crowd into the abbey.
The other also turns and shoves his way over to Terragon.* Where are we going?
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 2, 2008 10:58:24 GMT
*Terragon grits her teeth at Baraka's question. We're waiting, she answers silently and gives Regen a short nod that would have been a grateful smile another time.* Thanks, *She replies, and, her mood lightening already, she tells Baraka:* We're waiting to hear back from somebeast in the monastry. I don't know yet.
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Post by Tinsy Stormsight on Jan 2, 2008 17:04:52 GMT
Regen nods and smiles tightly, then immediately reverts to the squirrel he was at Copperlin - stand up straight, paw on sword hilt, and the old, slightly sardonic gleam returns to his eye. Rippla smirks a bit and begins to look interested in what's going on. Regen glances behind him, grins once, and takes a few deep breaths before looking back at the crowd before him. A few beasts had started to line up, but the majority were still standing around, chatting. The golden squirrel falls into his act easily, a thin sneer crossing his face. "All fall in! Ranks of three facing, on the double. Cut the chatter an' get to it, or I let my captain at ye!" The squirrel barks the words out, loud and sharp so they carry across the courtyard. Rippla, who is obviously the 'captain' Regen mentioned, stands almost lethargically to his left, paw resting lightly on his rapier. The smirk has spread completely across his face now, and the scar across it is even more obvious than usual. "That includes you, MacErlon." The weasel speaks, voice cold as usual, and raises an eyebrow at Baraka. "Ye may tell the priest that he need not stay, if he has other work to be done."
Lonas glances up toward Regen, hearing his younger brother's voice across the way, and grins slightly. The older squirrel readjusts his cutlass uncomfortably and strides forward to stand in beside a mouse and another squirrel, and speaks to neither. I figured he'd settle in t' this knighthood stuff..now to get Father Paddy to start chattin' about oaths with 'im. He glances sideways at the mouse, who is sniffing the air a bit curiously at the rosemary (Lonas had been busy with his spice stores that morning) and frowns. The other stops a moment later.
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 2, 2008 17:55:25 GMT
*Though Terragon's face is composed into a slight frown, her eyes glitter energettically. Well done, Regen. The ex-mercenary's voice echoes through the courtyard in a manner that would make Ashnel Alashia proud.* *Terragon notices Paddy heading inside and guessing where he's heading gives her silent approval. We need reliable (sp?) creatures back here as well as on patrol. She catches sight of a tall otter, dressed in the clothing worn by most of the Order, slipping past Paddy and out into the cold courtyard. He holds a paw up in greeting to the leaderess and she quickly nods, recognising the unofficial uniform. The squirrel brushes past Regen, to tell him wordlessly that she is going and, skirting 'round the assembling creatures, approaches the messenger.* M'lady, *The otter inclines his head in a half bow and Terragon glances away for a moment out of embarrassment until the other speaks again.* Flooding on one of the tributaries, Nor-th'East of here. Vermin, maybe. Willow - *Who in seasons is Willow?!* - wasn't sure. *He grins wolfishly.* First expedition for the Terraluxian Patrol? *Terragon nods.* Mind if I join you? Not that you're not trusted by Francis and... *The otter messenger trails off, and nods up at a window high above the courtyard that Terragon knows to be the new council room.* Of course, *Terragon murmurs shortly.* But... well, y'know, *The other taps a short sword at his side with a claw.* Could be fun. *Terragon turns and stares at the side of Regen's head, hoping he'll notice so she'll not have to wander back or call stupidly to the squirrel.*
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Post by Tinsy Stormsight on Jan 2, 2008 21:58:36 GMT
Regen, who is still watching the Order group up, doesn't appear to notice Terragon's look..although Lonas, in the back rank, appears to have some eye trouble and is frantically glancing back and forth between the two officers. After a moment, Rippla clears his throat slightly and nods over at Terragon. Regen glances over, looks slightly embarrassed, and strolls nonchalantly in the leaderess' direction. Rippla follows, face carefully noncommital...clearly, if the golden squirrel wanted to make a fool of himself, the weasel didn't care.
The two stop as they reach where the squirrel and otter stand, glancing the newcomer over. Rippla seems a bit unimpressed, as always. Regen merely studies the otter and smiles. "Hey..I'm Regen Eale." He doesn't bother to introduce Rippla, who is still checking the otter out. "What's going on?" "Could it be that we're doing something?" Rippla, as always, is quick to figure out what's going on..and, of course, his manner has changed again. The weasel looks sarcastic now, the paw on his rapier relaxed.
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 2, 2008 22:15:21 GMT
*He spoke, Terragon realises, genuinely impressed. This does not last long as the otter, after nodding to Regen and then, without hesitation, to Rippla, begins to speak again, explaing quickly and in a low voice what he has already said to Terragon.* Flooding on one of the tributaries for the River Moss. One o' the Nor-th'east ones. *He changes his phrasing of the next part, Terragon notices, perhaps because Rippla is there.* Could be some creatures causing trouble 'round there too. *He glances from Terragon to Regen, before deciding the female squirrel is of higher authority, despite Regen being more competant. Besides, the otter was listening outside the council room and recognises Terragon's voice. It is her he addresses, though for Regen's benefit.* Francis wants the Terraluxian Guard and Patrol scouting 'round there.
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Post by Tinsy Stormsight on Jan 3, 2008 22:46:04 GMT
"Vermin," Rippla states flatly. His eyes glitter cooly as he studies the otter for another moment, before he continues. "Ye may call them what they are. I have no part with those uncouth, pestilent barbarians, and so cannot be offended by a reference to them." Regen glances sideways at the weasel, slightly uneasily - the other didn't actually say he meant well, for sure...but the weasel looks perfectly normal, aside from a slightly alien gleam to his eyes. "This is my...comrade..Rippla Forlinost of the Northlands." The golden squirrel introduces the weasel carefully, checking the otter's face for a sign of irritation. Finding none, he shifts about nervously, adjusts his shield on his back, and smiles a bit. The otter didn't know about Rippla's past history with Burde's Horde. Which didn't hurt him a bit, or anyone else. "..who's Francis?" Regen could assume some sort of leader, perhaps the lead Knight, but since he'd 'missed' the last council meetings, there was no knowing. Besides, he wanted to keep the newcomer from noting Rippla's slight rudeness. Strange, the other wasn't usually so nasty, but perhaps he was tired..or bored..or just coming out of his oh-so-high-and-mighty shell. One never knew. Well, Lonas might be able to tell, but other than that...
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 4, 2008 10:48:44 GMT
*The otter messenger inclines his head towards Rippla, although it is not quite the formal half-bow he gave Terragon.* Fair enough, Captai- *He notices Terragon's warning expression and corrects himself, mid-sentence.* Rippla. *And, throwing a lazy salute to the two squirrel leaders, the otter strides quickly away across the courtyard and falls in with the rest of the Patrol.* Francis seems to be the head of Patrols and suchlike 'round here, *Terragon explains in a low voice.* It's hard to tell how old he is. Could be anything from about our age to two-fourty seasons. *She grins wryly.* I'll have to introduce you, Reg'. Dunno what you'll think of him. Ashnel trusted him though, which is unusual... *Terragon shruggs and nods back to the waiting Patrol.* Shall we annouce the great news, then? First expedition.
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Post by Tinsy Stormsight on Jan 5, 2008 2:31:10 GMT
"Hmm." Regen frowned a bit, then shrugged and glanced over his shoulder at the troop. He could see Lonas a bit, a brilliantly colored creature in the darker colors of the other Knights. His brother should be pleased with an adventure, although not because of the fight that might or might not come from it..likely, the older squirrel could find some bit of profit to come out of it. If nothing, some authentic vermin weaponry. "Aye, I guess we oughta tell 'em." A nagging thought struck the squirrel. He smiled, a bit guilitly. "Or, I guess, you oughta..seein' as ye're the commander an' all." Regen chewed his lip, then gestured broadly toward the Knights - a movement he'd seen Lonas use before. "After you." He glanced at Rippla, who stood dispassionately a pace or two off. The weasel's eyes move from Regen to Terragon and back to the Knights in an oddly calculating way. Prob'ly goin' over what he thinks of us...knowin' him, not much. Ah well, we'll get better.
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 5, 2008 9:53:00 GMT
*Terragon nods and makes her way towards the ranks of waiting Terraluxians.* Patrol, stand at ease, *She barks, before explaining in a quieter voice that can still be heard across the courtyard. Above her head, Terragon hears a window open. Francis.* The Patrol will be heading to the North-East tributary. There has been flooding and warnings of some trouble there too, *Unlike the otter, who Terragon can see on the far right, at the back, the squirrel doesn't change her speech for Rippla's sake, but as she remembers something Danniar had said last summer. Terragon looks quickly to Regen to see if he has anything to add. She doubts Rippla does, but glances more quickly to him and away just as soon.*
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Post by Baraka on Jan 6, 2008 22:56:08 GMT
*Baraka relaxes visibly, looking rather amused by the exchange. He gestures vaguely at the abbey.* Paddy's already in there, waiting to attend to any victims we bring back. *He adds, almost as an afterthought:* We ought to bring a raft, in case of any water rescues... *He looks thoughtful for a moment.* And food, water, rope, an aid kit, and paddles! Maybe a cloak or two...
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Post by Terragon Scrufftail on Jan 15, 2008 19:37:35 GMT
Brilliant, *Terragon replies with the ghost of a grin after a moment's thought. And then, to Regen, more quiet and seriously,* If you'd like to fall everybeast out, then we can all meet back here in quarter of an hour. Does that sound good to you? *She looks quickly up at the open window and the figure framed in it, as though it is Francis' opinion she seeks, not Regen's. But when she looks back at the squirrel an instant later, it is clear once more that it is him she is speaking to.*
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