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| Thunder On A Bright Day; Uriah Thunderpaw Comes To Black Arch | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 9 2008, 01:59 PM (185 Views) | |
| Uriah Thunderpaw | Aug 9 2008, 01:59 PM Post #1 |
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Level One Poster
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(Sorry if this isn't the right place to start this. I didn't know where I should do so, but this seemed the best place for it. If not, I suppose I can move it.) It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and everybeast seemed to have a bounce in their step. There were clouds in the sky, yes, but they were the clouds that were light and fluffy: the kind that beasts liked to sit back and admire, picturing different things in the sky. Uriah frowned. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy the beautiful weather, far from it; he enjoyed a warm, sunny day as much as the next beast. It was just that he never really smiled. When he was younger, and more carefree, the boy Thunderpaw was all laughs and smiles and joy. But, now, with the wisdom of life accompanying him, Uriah very seldom smiled. Some of the younger hares that inhabited Salamandastron liked to call him names behind his back, thinking themselves clever and witty. “Uriah Thunderfrown”. “Uriah Sorrowpaw”. It took a swift kick from their superiors to rouse them to their senses. Either that, or witnessing Uriah when he was angry. The large badger trundled down the road, flanked by a pair of hares from the Border Patrol. They had been marching since daybreak, and, though one of the hares was normally quite a talkative fellow, Uriah’s naturally foul mood seemed to be more infectious than normal, and the trio had moved on in almost absolute silence all day. Their destination was the new outpost, the Black Arch Fort, by order of Lord Thickstripe himself. Uriah was still rolling those orders around in his head. He had been ever since they had departed. He was not one to question direct orders, especially from his Lord, but he did not agree with them at all. It was not that he thought this new fort unworthy of his presence, he just felt that he could do more good from Salamandastron than from there. Regardless, the large badger had not argued when the order was given. He had merely packed up what little belongings he had deemed necessary, bid his family farewell, and departed. His family. That was the only real thing that made him smile these days. His cubs were growing up to be fine badgers, all fit and strong, independent and loyal. The Thunderpaw clan had always been a loyal clan to the Badger Lords of Salamandastron, for as long as Uriah could remember. His father had served with the last Lord Thickstripe, and his father had served the Badger Lord before him, Lord Widepaw. It was an honor that Uriah was ever proud of, and he knew that his cubs, male and female alike, would carry on that tradition. “Sir.” Uriah was roused from his musings by the younger hare, Sergeant Ripolo. He was pointing off into the distance, at a large block of a fortress that seemed to grow larger with each step. “It seems we’ve arrived, wot.” The large badger grunted in agreement. “And about time,” he muttered under his breath, his voice rumbling like the thunder in his name. Adjusting the shoulder strap of his rucksack, Uriah sighed and trudged on down the road, his two hare companions keeping pace as only Patrollers of Salamandastron can. Sergeant Ripolo, upon finally catching sight of their destination, seemed to find his cheerful attitude once again, and began his chattering with a fervor. It took a good stern look from the elder hare, one Major Reginald Terwilliger the Third, to put a stop to Ripolo’s talking. Though they could not see it, Uriah smirked wryly at the silent exchange between them. The badger had chosen them personally to accompany him North: the Major was the best tactician he had ever met, and the Sergeant, while still young, was full of potential. He was sure they would give aid in whatever way they could to this fledgling outpost, just as he was ordered to. The frown returned. Uriah thundered on. The rest of the voyage was spent mostly in silence, until they reached the gates of the Black Arch Fort. They passed what appeared to be an inn on the way, but did not stop, much to the dismay of Sergeant Ripolo. Another look from the Major stopped his whining cold. The fortress was impressive, Uriah had to admit: it had been constructed with meticulous detail and care, and it truly looked like a formidable stronghold. Mismatched windows notwithstanding. The Southernmost tower indeed towered above them, and, though Uriah knew that Salamandastron dwarfed all other fortresses, and that Castle Southsward was a good deal larger than the Black Arch Fort, he still approved of its size. Sliding his sight from the tower, Uriah looked over towards the battlements above the gate. He assumed that someone had seen their approach, but there was no sign of movement or greeting; not yet, at any rate. Coming to a stop, the large chainmail-clad badger motioned for his hare companions to do the same. Cupping his large paws around his muzzle, the beast called up, his rumbling voice carrying up and over the wall. “Hail!” Edited by Uriah Thunderpaw, Aug 9 2008, 04:26 PM.
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| Kani Pesäheilua | Aug 9 2008, 11:33 PM Post #2 |
Level Two Poster
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Kani rubbed at her footpaw in consternation. She knew a thorn was in there some place between fur and pads and yet she could find the little stabber. Patrols, no matter the weather or vermin foes, had their dangers. The rabbit would have preferred having to whack a fox cranium with her pickax than to seek this much more elusive foe. He was tempted to gnaw around for it, yet felt that it would not be polite to certain other guardbeasts. Habits of open aired beasts continued to confuse Kani, more, rather than less, as the seasons in Black Arch Fort carried on. At least the casual summer weather remained, the cool salty breeze off the ocean, a distant squawk of seabirds (distant, for Kani had been using them for target practice, until even the short-attention-spanned gulls knew better than to swoop near enough to get their beaks chipped off). She took full advantage of the sunrays, as she lay on the ramparts, the dust of her fur sparking as it tapered of with each movement...continuing the fruitless quest of becoming less thorny. "Hail!" In one halting moment, she pinched her paw on reflect, caught the end of the thorn, and yanked it out. Stuck between digits, she shook her head, growling as only a rabbit could. She turned her attention to the voice. The rumble of the word "hail" remained in the air. The clouds, fluffy, remaining casual and lazy, did not look like they contained hail. Kani knew hail from up north. She knew of hail the size of a fox's head (for they'd only found a fox body with a fox head sized hailstone on top after that one storm), and falling icicles that could impale hedgehogs. She saw no hail. The rabbit stuck her head over the edge, left ear flopping over, right one at a salute, as she saw the Long Patrol hares next to the massive hailstone. She squinted and placed her goggles over her eyes. No, not a hailstone...unless a hailstone wore chainmail for some inexplicable reason. Could be a snow wolverine. Certain had the size. It was summer, she eliminated those options. Which only left... "Cor. Dat dere be an' 'onest ta goodness badger right dere!" Kani exclaimed, none too quiet. Stopped. Drapped a ear over her face to collect herself, and then came back to business. Two hares. Badger. At gate. Badgerlord? Thickstripe, was it? No, no. That didn't make sense. "'lo dere. Wot business brings ye 'ere ta der ol' Black Arch Fort, mateys?" |
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Corporal Kani Pesäheilua - Goggled Rabbit of the East Tower Tim: That's no ordinary rabbit. That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on! | |
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| Uriah Thunderpaw | Aug 10 2008, 03:40 AM Post #3 |
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Level One Poster
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Uriah wasn’t amused. Sergeant Ripolo had a quiet chuckle at the comment from the hare atop the battlements. Again, the Major gave a stern look to the Patroller, and the quiet chuckle became more of a nervous apologetic laugh. Uriah growled low in his throat, and Ripolo silenced himself completely, lowering his gaze and scuffing a footpaw on the dirt road. The scarred badger before him, however, narrowed his eyes as he stared up at the hare above the gatehouse. Back in Salamandastron, Uriah was known to give looks that could kill, almost literally: it was said that, when Uriah was in a temper, if you looked close enough, you could actually see the daggers that the badger threw at beasts. Now was one of those times. “Honest to goodness badger indeed,” Uriah snorted derisively, giving his great head a shake. Though the fortress itself was impressive, the first impression of the rank-and-file that served in the fort was far from matching that level of esteem. The badger closed his eyes and sighed heavily. “We have business with your commanding officer, High Commander Duran Swiftpike.” He began, raising his gaze once more. The badger spoke loudly, but he did not bellow: his voice naturally carried, the low baritone quality of it reverberating all around, in the woodland surrounding the fort, and off of the stone walls themselves. “By order of Lord Thickstripe, Badger Lord of Salamandastron. “And, before you ask,” the large beast continued, his brow creased in what could be considered a mixture of annoyance and mild contempt. “Our business is our own, and is to be dealt only with your High Commander.” Over his left shoulder, the Major opened his mouth to speak, but Uriah held a massive paw up to silence him before he began. “Our business is our own, Major,” he explained, dropping his voice to a low rumble, quiet enough for only the two Patrollers to hear. “I do not wish to spend more time here than is necessary. We are to speak to the High Commander first, and we shall see what he would have us do...” Lowering his paw, the badger returned his gaze to the hare above the gatehouse. “What he would have us do to help strengthen the ranks here.” Clearing his throat, the badger resumed his conversation with the jill on the battlements. “For sake of ease and expedience, however, I will give you my name, to better introduce us to your commanding officer. “I am Uriah Thunderpaw, personal guard to Lord Thickstripe, Badger Lord of Salamandastron.” The badger did not find pride in his position, though he was not ashamed of it either. It was his position, and that was something that no beast could take from him. "Now," he began again, giving his shoulder a stretch. "If you would be so kind as to open the gates, or at the very least fetch one of your superiors that could do so for us, we would be most obliged." Uriah tried not to lay the sarcasm on too thick, though he was weary from the road, and did not have the patience that he usually did. Not that he ever had it in fair reserve to begin with. And so it was. Uriah stood there for a few moments, staring his daggers up at the hare above him. Ripolo shuffled his footpaws, and the Major cleared his throat, all three of them waiting a response. Edited by Uriah Thunderpaw, Aug 10 2008, 03:46 AM.
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| Sceotend Russet | Aug 10 2008, 10:14 PM Post #4 |
 
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"Open the gates, Kani!" Sceo had been crossing the courtyard lawn about the same time that Uriah had first spoken. There was no way she could have missed his voice. "Hail, sir! I'm Commander Russet of the North Tower, you said you had business with Commander Swiftpike? Perhaps I could be of some assistance?" The squirrel looked down from the wall, muttering some explicit exclamation of awe as she did so. By the tooth... he was a badger, and such a badger! "We are honored by your presence, sir. Welcome to Black Arch Fort." Kani's earlier exclamation suddenly made that much more sense. |
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| Kani Pesäheilua | Aug 11 2008, 07:35 AM Post #5 |
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Level Two Poster
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The rabbit saluted the squirrel smartly, "'Course, Commandor Scro. Jus' was gonna get a superior, marm. Shall get roight to de door." Kani scampered down from the ramparts, taking in what had been said by the badger. Not exactly a very cheerful chap. Perhaps he was cheerful, and just didn't have enough of it to show. Kani figured it took a lot o' cheerful to get to the head of such a massive beastie. Only made sense. Shrews, as she knew, could change nature in a leaf turn, badgers probably only change in an rockslide. The eye daggers had not made it past the green lenses of Kani's goggles. Emerald hues softened any blow. The expression, to the mottled bunny, had only appeared slightly tweaked. With surprising ease, Kani debarred the gates and cracked it open. Seeing a badger from up on a wall, and seeing a badger from on the ground were two quite different perspectives. Kani reacted likewise to Uriah: "Cor. Yer loik a behometh o' fuzz, Uria' chap." She pressed her gaping maw closed, and then went to more professional introduction as she swung the gate open. "Come on in 'ere. Oi be Kani Pesäheilua, Guard ferm de East Tower, yonder," she pointed a dusty paw, "Welcome, sirs, Miter Thunderpaw..." she noticed the Long Patrol hares in the badger's shadow, "...and yon hare sirs." |
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Corporal Kani Pesäheilua - Goggled Rabbit of the East Tower Tim: That's no ordinary rabbit. That's the most foul, cruel, and bad-tempered rodent you ever set eyes on! | |
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| Duran Swiftpike | Aug 11 2008, 10:58 AM Post #6 |
High Commander
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As it would be, the High Commander had been strolling along the wall top with his daughter. Every once in a while the two would walk the ramparts together, when the day was a nice one and they could take themselves away from their duties for a short time. Today had been perfect. Duran had just completed checking an inventory of the supplies in the East Tower and had nothing else on his schedule for the day save for supervising a training session in the South Tower and meeting with Commander Skahr about the ship that was nearly complete in the harbor. Those two appointments were not until later in the day, and the vole happily pushed himself away from his desk and made his way promptly to the infirmary to see his wife and retrieve his daughter. Moments later Avirly had appeared on the walls alongside her father. It was their time together as father and daughter, where Duran would tell stories of great warriors, battles, and other adventures from his life and the life of her grandfather. Avirly took everything in with eagerness and asked many questions. It was their time when Duran talked to her of life and love, counseling her on character and integrity. The guards on wall duty paid them little heed save for nods or quick salutes as they passed. All but the newest of fort beasts knew that this was a special time for their commander and his treasured daughter. They had been making their way from the North Tower to the East Tower when the call to hail was heard by them both. After exchanging curious glances they continued their stroll at a slightly quicker pace and nearly made it to the gate as Kani was opening the large oaken structures. Avirly’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the great badger. His frame nearly filled the vast opening of the gate. There were just inches of space between the top of the gate’s frame and the tip of the badger’s ears. The young vole maid took a half step back in astonishment, but her father quickly put his paw on her back and kept her moving forward. “None of that now, don’t lose face.” Duran’s voice came in a slow and steady whisper, so that only his daughter could hear him. “I know this badger, and so should you. He is loyal to Lord Thickstripe and has doubtlessly been sent here on his orders. Keep your chin up, and if he looks at you be sure to meet his gaze. He is a badger of tremendous strength and valor—but remember that you are a vole of honor and bravery yourself, my dear. You quail before nobeast.” His words were kind and served to support Avirly’s wavering self esteem as they came to stand before the great badger and his two mighty Salamandastron hares. With one paw Duran loosely held the hilt of his rapier, while his other rested upon Avirly’s shoulder in a protective, fatherly way. “Thank you, Kani, for greeting our guests and opening the gate.” The commander smiled warmly at the rabbit, whom he clearly remembered from the promotion ceremony last week and their conversation last season in the Hall of Remembrance. He still had trouble understanding her odd speech from time to time, but was growing to like the young recruit. “Commander Russet, I would be very obliged if you would join us here. I may be in need of your assistance.” At last the High Commander turned his attention to the badger and his companions. It was an interesting sight to see him standing before the great warrior. As a vole, Duran barely came to Uriah’s waist, though by the way he stood and the air that was about him one would hardly think he was anything but equal height to the powerful beast standing in the gate. “Uriah Thunderpaw, it has been far too many seasons since I was last able to greet you. Come in and tell me how we can best assist you in whatever duty has brought you to us.” |
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| Uriah Thunderpaw | Aug 31 2008, 03:04 PM Post #7 |
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Level One Poster
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(Apologies for my absence, I took a trip to a faraway land, and only returned a few days ago. It took me a bit to get back into writing, but I've got it back enough to put up a reply. Hope it serves, and, again, apologies for the delay.) Uriah heard the squirrel’s welcome, but he waited for the hare to follow the orders given by the commander. Seeing the figure disappear behind the walls, the badger nodded in approval before turning his gaze to the newcomer atop the walls. Uriah bowed his head in respect, acknowledging the rank that was bestowed upon this Commander Russet. Now we’re getting somewhere. “Thank you very much, Commander. I am glad to receive your welcome.” Glancing downwards, Uriah’s good ear flicked towards the gate, catching the sound of the hare opening the portal. Snapping his gaze back up to the squirrel above him, the badger nodded simply. “Perhaps we’d best continue speaking in person.” From the tone of his voice, it was easy to tell that it was not a suggestion. Motioning for his companions to follow, the battle-scarred badger strode calmly towards the gate, his left paw flexing as his right adjusted the strap of his rucksack. He would be glad to have some rest after their journey; the road from Salamandastron wasn’t the safest in all the world, though it was a deal better than it had been seasons past. No doubt Black Arch Fort had played a part in that, of course, but there was always room for improvement. Supposedly, that was to be his job here. Supposedly. Narrowing his eyes at the hare as she opened the gate, Uriah cleared his throat and stepped through. “Thank you, Miss Pesäheilua. I am glad to gain admittance to your fort, and to accept your greetings.” His eyes darting here and there, the badger took in the interior of the fort quickly, noting what appeared to be points of import. Feeling secure enough for the moment, the badger then whirled on Kani, towering above her as much as his height and build would afford him. “I would, however, request some respect from you, Miss Pesäheilua. For all you know, I outrank you.” His golden-brown eyes stared their daggers once again, and his annoyance with the jill was quite evident on his face, he was sure. Whether she decided to acknowledge that fact the badger did not notice, as he was quickly distracted by another newcomer to the gathering. Glancing sidelong, the badger saw the diminutive figure of Duran Swiftpike striding towards the gates, an even more diminutive figure at his side. Seeing the High Commander of the fort marching towards them, Uriah made a quick motion to his companions, then dropped to a knee before the vole, his head bowed. The badger knew nought of the regulations here at the Black Arch Fort, but, in Salamandastron, they had been drilled and taught to drop to a knee in the presence of their lord. And, seeing as how Duran Swiftpike was as lord-like as you could get in this fort, the precedent provided the reaction. “Thank you, sir,” Uriah said, his head still bowed, gazing down at the grass before the vole’s footpaws. “We come from Salamandastron, bearing tidings and orders from Lord Thickstripe.” Raising his gaze to look at the vole, Uriah stared him straight in the eyes. Even as he knelt, he was half a head taller than Duran, but it was obvious in his expression that he felt no taller than the vole. “My lord sends his greetings and best wishes, as well as a message for you, sir. May we speak?” |
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| Duran Swiftpike | Sep 5 2008, 07:19 PM Post #8 |
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High Commander
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((Oh my! I replied to this already, or so I thought. Humph, guess it didn’t go through. Sorry for the delay, and no worries about your travels.)) Once upon a time the idea of a badger and warrior as mighty as Uriah taking a knee before him would have deeply unnerved Duran. Now, however, after over a year of command at the fort and many interactions with the badger lord and his faithful companion, the vole recognized the act as one of honor and respect. Deep down it still made him slightly uncomfortable, but so did being called “sir” as often as he was each day and all the salutes he received. It was something that came with command and he had grown used to it, in a sense. Avirly, on the other paw, went stiff as a board as she watched the great badger with eyes popping and mouth slightly ajar. Duran gave her shoulder what he tried to make a reassuring squeeze. He hoped his daughter would not be so afraid of Uriah, especially since she had seen him at least twice before. “We are happy to receive you and the word of Lord Thickstripe.” The High Commander nodded slightly, a subtle cue that kneeling was no longer needed. Then he gently ushered Avirly forward and heaved an inward sigh of relief when she didn’t trip over herself. “I know the three of you are probably weary from the road. I also know that you, Uriah, would no doubt grimace at the thought of doing anything other than speaking with my privately as soon as possible. My daughter, Avirly, along with Commander Sceotend Russet will show you where you can stay and find a meal.” Duran gestured toward the two hares, underlining that he wished for them to separate from the badger. "Now, Uriah if you would come with me we will head up to my office and have that private talk you're waiting for. Kani, if you could have some tea sent up it would be greatly appreciated." With a soft wave of his paw and a twitch of his whiskers into a slight smile, the vole commander made his way back to the keep, confident that his wishes would be carried out. As he walked with Uriah he continued to leave one paw gently resting on the hilt of his rapier. The two made their way quickly enough across the grounds and into the keep. Duran would point out projects that had been completed since Uriah's last visit and talk about various future plans for the fort. At last they reached the High Commander's office and the vole pushed open the door and allowed his guest to enter first. Duran's office was as humble as ever, with a dirty fireplace, a plate with cheese crumbs on his desk, and a fraying quilt draped over his chair. However it was also orderly and neat, with no papers out of place and besides the empty plate his desk was clear. In front of the desk and nearer the fireplace were two high backed stuffed armchairs, though neither was quite large enough to fit Uriah's frame. Duran quickly went to the corner of the room and retrieved a low stool with a wide seat. "Well, last time you were in my office I didn't have any chairs, and I'm afraid this is all I have to offer you now. But, we shall make do, just like last time." As he spoke he placed the stool in front of the badger and then swiftly fetched a small crate from behind his desk. It had never even crossed his mind that he should sit in one of his armchairs. That act would have implied Uriah was in some way beneath him, to sit in a stool and learn at his knee, and Duran, as a commander, knew better. The vole quickly made himself comfortable on the crate and then gave his full and undivided attention to what the badger wishes to say. |
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| Uriah Thunderpaw | Sep 12 2008, 03:38 PM Post #9 |
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Level One Poster
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(Apologies for the delay. I've been rather busy of late, with various things holding me back. But I have returned once more, to reply. So here it is!) It had been a long time since Uriah had last encountered Duran Swiftpike, but the vole hadn’t seemed to have changed at all. He was still kindly, as he always had been, but he knew his business, and knew the best way to appease those beneath him. Having said that, Uriah knew that the High Commander was not a soft beast, and could be as commanding as his station demanded of him; a well-rounded beast, all in all, and a good choice to command a fortress such as the Black Arch Fort. “Thank you very much, sir,” Uriah replied, drawing himself up once more to stand before the vole. The badger stood and listened to the Commander give out his orders, and nodded with approval. Giving a glance down to Avirly, Duran’s daughter, the badger bowed his head. “Well met, Miss Swiftpike. I am sure my men will be most appreciative of your services. I leave them in your care.” Giving a small smile to the little vole, Uriah spun on his heel to address the two hares that had accompanied him. “Major, Sergeant, you heard the High Commander’s orders; accompany Miss Swiftpike and Commander Russet to the barracks. I will meet you again in the mess hall at dusk. Understood?” When the hares responded with salutes and the acknowledging “Sah, yessah”, Uriah nodded in approval once more. Turning, the large badger adjusted the strap on his rucksack once more and started off after the High Commander, his long sure strides allowing him to make up the distance the vole had gained on him. Uriah walked in silence, though he listened intently to whatever Duran had to say. He made note of every facet of the fortress, taking in his surroundings as he had the few times he had been here before. Things were always changing, the badger observed, noticing all the buildings that had been completed since his last visit. Part of him even admired the construction of the keep, though it was a small enough part in and of itself. He did make note of points of strategic importance, as he always did wherever he went. It was an old habit that died hard in the mind of the battle-bred badger. Indeed, Uriah was not a beast that fancied ending his life in retirement, huddled in a chair at home until the end of his days. That was not an end suited for a Thunderpaw. Though the gate outside had barely posed a problem to the stature of the large badger, inside the keep itself, Uriah found himself wincing at the close quarters of the halls. The keep was spacious enough inside, admittedly, but the large badger was never one much for tight, enclosed spaces, and, even though the halls had been designed with badgers in mind, he still was not as comfortable here as he was in the wide-open spaces of Salamandastron (not to mention having to duck occasionally, else he crash his head on a hanging lantern). Nevertheless, the badger followed dutifully and without complaint, and nodded in thanks as Duran motioned for him to enter his quarters first. Ducking his head to pass through the doorway, Uriah stepped through and brought himself upright once more. The ceiling here was a good ten feet tall, at least, and the room was more spacious still than the halls outside, so Uriah felt much more comfortable here. Stretching his back slightly as Duran followed him in and closed the door, Uriah brought himself to attention, standing with his arms crossed behind his back as he waited for the permission to stand at ease. Instead, the badger found himself nodding in thanks as the vole offered him a modest stool to sit upon. Removing the rucksack from his shoulder, the badger stepped forward and placed the bag next to the stool, before seating himself on it. His back was straight as he sat, and he folded his large paws in his lap, staring across the room at Duran. “My thanks, sir. It is good to rest my legs after the trek that my men and I endured.” The last time Uriah had been in Duran’s office, the vole did not have any chairs, as he had mentioned. Instead, the badger had stood as he spoke to the commander about Lord Thickstripe’s thoughts on the progress the Black Arch Fort was making. The exterior of the fortress had been constructed by then, and the keep as well, though the rest of the grounds were still littered with timber and stone, awaiting their placement in whatever construction they were marked for. Now, however, the High Commander’s office was much more suitable, furnished with various bits of furniture, and the fireplace had been completed. Uriah approved. But Uriah was not a beast for small talk, so he dove straight into the topic at hand. “As I mentioned outside, Lord Thickstripe sends his best wishes to you, and to the garrison here at the Black Arch Fort. He would like it to be known that he is willing to offer whatever support is required to make sure this fortress is fully defended and built to specifications.” As he spoke, the badger reached down to his rucksack. Pulling a folded piece of parchment from the pack, Uriah passed it across to the High Commander, making sure that the vole could see the royal seal, embedded in the wax that sealed the document. “As a show of good faith,” Uriah continued, his face a little colder than usual, “my Lord Thickstripe has offered you the service of myself, Uriah Thunderpaw, formerly a personal guard to Lord Thickstripe, as well as of Major Reginald Terwilliger the Third, and Sergeant Ripolo, both formerly of the Long Patrol.” Though Uriah’s voice was always deep and rumbling, there was an obvious quality to it now that belied his personal feelings on the matter. He did not voice said concerns, of course. But he didn’t hide his displeasure, either. “It is my understanding that I am to look directly to you for orders, and offer what aid I might, be it in tactics, combat, or other sundry facilities.” Glancing down at the paper that his new commander was now holding, Uriah motioned towards the sheet with a large paw. “Major Terwilliger and Sergeant Ripolo are to serve amongst the other guards, and can be assigned to whichever commander you believe they would serve best with. It is all there in the letter.” Uriah had been present when Lord Thickstripe had signed the document. Indeed, the badger lord had asked his personal guard to read the letter before sealing it and handing it back to him, giving him orders to carry it to Black Arch Fort. And so Uriah had, without a word of complaint, though he had nearly broken the Lord’s door as he threw it open to leave. But now he was here, to whatever end that would lead him to, and he would serve as dutifully as he always did. Because, really, that was all he knew. (For reference, and just because, here is the letter from Lord Thickstripe. Tee-hee. Again, I hope I'm not taking too many liberties. Let me know, and I can change something, if need be.) Edited by Uriah Thunderpaw, Sep 13 2008, 11:27 AM.
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| Duran Swiftpike | Sep 13 2008, 10:57 AM Post #10 |
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High Commander
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The High Commander listened attentively as Uriah spoke, though in the back of his mind he was happy he was able to get the badger to sit this time. It was almost like a game between them whenever they interacted for Duran to attempt to get Uriah to relax and feel comfortable being a little less formal in his words and actions. For the vole to manage to get the badger seated as he gave his report was a minor victory. As Duran listened to what Uriah told him even thoughts in the back of his mind vanished and his full attention was quickly given to the topic. Though his face remained as calm as when they began and his features still showed a look of honest interest, inside he was taken quite off guard by this news. Signs of good faith between the alliance were common, such as the cart that came every summer from Redwall carrying barrels of October Ale and was sent back each autumn with kegs of apple beer that the fort was getting a name for brewing. Often ships from the Southsward region would be guided into the underground harbor and receive repairs as a sign of goodwill, and the next season they sailed by again they brought supplies that were hard to obtain in the harsh north. Salamandastron, on the other paw, usually offered military support and stone from their nearby quarry, and that was only to be expected. As in the case of young Enamel Pardon, hares from the mountain were told they were free to seek service at the fort if they so chose, instead of serving all their years at Salamandastron. The badger lord also supplied Black Arch with many fine weapons, particularly for special occasions. Duran actually had it in the works at that very moment that Thickstripe was forging a fine blade with a ruby pommel stone that he would present to Sceotend as a gift for her promotion to a Tower Commander. But this… was different. As Duran’s eye sped over the letter his face took a much stonier tone and he made no effort to hide that he was displeased. While Duran and Lord Thickstripe had worked together on the building and founding of the fort and of the Compass Alliance they had had their differences. Most beasts would never know it, but the last day the badger lord was at the fort before his return to Salamandastron the two commanders had a terrible fight right where Duran and Uriah were now seated. Thickstripe was trying to impart some advice to the vole about how to command his new fort, and Duran, now fully instated as the High Commander, he told him exactly what he thought about Thickstripe’s style of command. Since then their relationship had been strictly formal and professional, which galled Duran because it was just those qualities that he thought Thickstripe overstressed and abused in his command. And he was seeing it again now as he lifted his eyes from the letter and looked upon Uriah. Duran twitched his whiskers in a way that could only be annoyance as he closed up the letter and tossed it on his desk. For a few moments he let the silence stretch as he eyed the badger before him. “I do no agree with what Lord Thickstripe has done,” he began, and his voice was as cold as it had ever been. “However, I know better than to send the lot of you back. I am not so foolish that I would give up three such skilled warriors.” A slight glint appeared in the vole’s dark eyes now, and his face and voice softened as he continued. “Uriah, there is something we must settle here, now, before anything else can happen. “I refuse to have in my service anybeast who has not chosen to be here of their own accord. We stand guard and fight out of a sense of duty to the good of all those who love and try to keep peace. No one puts on their uniform here in the morning because they feel they answer to me. They follow me as their commander not because of my name or title, but because of where I lead them. I lead here in a battle against injustices, against those who take advantage of others, against those that abuse, destroy, steal, and murder. Any sword that is drawn, any arrow set to a bow, it is done not because the fighter is thinking they fight because they have taken an oath to my name. When I pass the battle will not, and I want you, perhaps above all others, to know this. “I give you this choice now: with whom does your duty lie? If you say with me then I don’t want you. But if you choose for yourself that you will remain at Black Arch and fight with us here… only then will I allow you to fight with us.” |
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High Commander of Black Arch Fort | |
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5:47 PM Nov 8
