Viewing Single Post From: A Harvest's Mouse Angle

Viewing Single Post From: A Harvest's Mouse Angle
Nicolaus Graym	Aug 23 2008, 12:11 AM
Level One Poster Posts: 11 Group: East Tower Guard Member #64 Joined: August 22, 2008	Banquet of Summer's Eve -- Noonvale -- Age of Twenty-three It had been too long since ground under his paws shook, his knees jarred, and his heart beating fast - far too long. The days had passed by slowly since he left the hard south, fighting for his every life in every tough situation. Noonvale was a peaceful place, and within, the encampment held very peaceful people. Serenity was the best word to describe such a place. For long, it had been a secret, and Nicolaus enjoyed that no vermin hordes knew of the location of Noonvale; after all, it was hidden behind groves, marshes, and lakes. But ever since just one rat stumbled dumbly into the encampment, tired and dazed after a drunken night, just wandering off, the security was bumped up and Chief Tiyagee had a new sense of war. Though they were all people of peace and serenity, they knew that when their security was compromised, despearate measures needed to be taken. And with his fighting background, Nicolaus Graym was the right mouse for the position of Colonel, as Audrey Goldbrush was the right squirrel for the rank of Major. The other officer positions remained to be seen, but them two had discussed who they thought would rise to the occasion and show great leadership potential. However, the mouse was unsure of his abilites; he had fought ever since he was through with his training through his teen years, but he was a never a leader. The harvest mouse gazed over the field of green grass, and the stone path that led up to the massive fountain that stood in the center of the encampment. Preparations were being made - mice and shrews were hanging up sparkling lights, while taller beasts were putting up banners, and squirrels climbed up trees to tie the knots. It was almost the summer, and the banquet was almost underway. The sun was dropping, and the mouse's eyes were as well. He had been up all night, tossing and turning in his bed. How could he lead a patrol? Nonetheless, he attempted to remain confident and positive while his thoughts usually turned astray. He was doubtful. A tiny, female shrewbabe, older than a dibbun but not nessecarily a child, bounced up to him, holding a stack of unlit flares and other items. Want a flare, Colonel? She inquired sweetly, a smile on her face. No need to call me that, he replied, and then pulled a flare from the stack, but sure, I'll take one. And then, as if it was coordinated, right as the sun dropped from under the trees and out of sight, leaving the pink and orange sky ablaze and streaking, with the night air coming in, all the lights turned on, leaving an aray of beauty. Colors shimmered off the fountain - candles were inside colored glass that made the light appear that color, and the flickering fire inside made it a mesmerising sight. No vermin, no matter how notorious and infamous could ruin this banquet. It was one of the biggest celebrations in Noonvale, and everyone took it very serious. Why am I so anxious? This is supposed t' be a joyous night. He rolled his soft, brown eyes and glared with joy at the fountain. How dumb I am. Why am I wasting this beautiful night moaning and sitting in solemn silence? A short, plump mouse stood up, decked out in noble clothes, and a small crown type thing that sat atop his head. Chief Tiyagee spoke in a loud, booming authorative voice that echoed through-out the courtyard, as lights shimmered all over the place. Nicolaus was staring blankly into the water, watching the lights swirl around as they dance lazily on the crystal clear liquid, and in the mix was the reflection of his head, his condescending eyes staring back at himself. He stood like this until he heard his name spoken, and the booming voice came from Tiyagee, anything you'd like to add, Colonel Graym? The mouse suddenly cocked his head back, swiftly paying attention. No... Sir, that is. No, sir. A disappointed glare from Chief made him uneasy. It was unsettling; though he had picked Nicolaus for the job, it appeared he had little faith in him. However, the rat was taking into questioning, but he was drunk, and thn he was let go. So, they assumed not many beasts would ever discover it, if any at all. The rat was a bum, that's all. He knew this, but still, the mouse thought the world was on his shoulders. They were counting, and the people were cheering for him to make a speech. He didn't want to make a speech, that's all he knew, but he couldn't resist now. As he trudged up onto the little platform, his paws grew heavy. Standing before the crowd, the mouse looked out at all the creatures he knew would be in the upcoming battalion. He cleared his throat, staring at those of the patrollers who were present. Not many… Ahem… I, representing the official Noonvale Patrol, would like to thank Chief Tiyagee for this honor, and I hope I selected the right group of people to join Major Goldbrush and I. Nicolaus saw some annoyed glances from those of them that he and Audrey had told no for various reasons. He turned to Tiyagee; they had expected him to say more, but the mouse had nothing else to say. The mouse had a different style of leadership than others; he was vocal when around his soldiers, but when addressing a crowd of people or giving a status report, he was not. As the small outer-banquet ended, a swarm of visitors piled up by the gate. All decent creatures were invited to feast in the Feasting Tent when Noonvale had a banquet, but they were to cover their as to not give any information about the location of the encampment. And now, they were all filing in and into the tent. Nicolaus was last to enter and last to sit, watching with intent as some of the patrollers entered. His eyes swept over the room; he needed more creatures, but some of them who had registered were frail. Where in Hellgates was Major Goldbrush? He tapped his foot paw impatiently, scouring the area for a glimpse of the gold-red squirrel. The banquet was soon to start, and after all, he needed all the time with her to discuss who would speak when and whatnot. Then Nicolaus would give the new beasts a tour of the area. Hmph. Who joins a patrol for an area they are unfamiliar with? It was all too frustrating. They should already know, and since most of them were from Redwall, they should know of Noonvale due to the relations of Martin’s story. Didn’t the Gatekeeper keep a record of all the battles and creations of Redwall? Hm, he hadn’t been there in a while, thus he did not know most of the recruits. However, he knew Tysharm the shrew, and he had had a relationship with Audrey since they were at Redwall. The mouse was wearing his normal attire: a light brown tunic, thick vine strap belt, dagger inside, and a hood hanging down, not on his head. Also, he had a little strap on his back for his claymore, which he rarely used; daggers were more comfortable in his paws, for they were lighter – it was beginning. Chief Tiyagee stood up, and from the head of the table, he beckoned Nicolaus. Colonel Graym, will you call on yer soldiers? The mouse stared at him with his soft brown eyes, his golden brown fur standing up. Once more, he was put on the spot. The colonel nodded and glared at the long rows of tables in the Feasting Tent. He cleared his throat before speaking. Yes, sir. If I call yer name, please stand an' say 'present.' Tysharm Inoar, Audrey Goldbrush, Tinsy Stormsight, Kaede Dawnshadow, Sunset Firesword, Sycana Longear, Trillium Moonstripe, and Cuoha Cloudfoot. Nicolaus looked out, propping up his pointy ears so that he could hear the long distance of the feasting halls. Still no one.


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