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| The Kestrel's First Hunt | |
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| Topic Started: Aug 30 2008, 01:16 PM (343 Views) | |
| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Aug 30 2008, 01:16 PM Post #1 |
West Tower Commander
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The young squirrelwife Hazelrose crouched in darkness, cradling her tiny babe close as raucous calls and sharp cries echoed above her head. The roots of the ancient oak tree surrounded her, keeping both earth and enemies at bay as vermin rampaged through her home above ground. How could the elders have trusted the fox? She shuddered as a creature screamed and choked its last breath above her head. Her husband Ashbow and his hunter-gatherers, Hazelrose herself and even the Dibbuns had disliked the ever-smiling bush-tailed charmer since he stepped foot in their small village. But they allowed him to stay, to smile and compliment and watch everything with those cold, cold golden eyes… ~***~ Xavier Sigurd Goldeneye, more commonly known as Captain Xavier Poisonclaws, was having a good day. He watched his crew indulgently as the mixed band of vermin cutthroats fought over the grog and tasty vittles looted from the squirrel settlement, brawling, snarling, and wrestling each other all over the deck. The squirrels had been quite enjoyable. Not as much of a challenge as the otter holt they had raided only three weeks ago, but then, those had been tested and tried warriors, suspicious and wary of any and all vermin. Compared to the holt, the village of peaceful tree-climbers (barely a third of which had even seen a fox before) was almost painfully easy to infiltrate. And their screams, as children were torn from parents, husband from wife…as Xavier ever so slowly played with them, watching with glee as he analyzed how far their bodies could stretch, how much blood they could lose without fainting, how long they would writhe in pain as his poison flowed through their veins, how far toward death he could tease them without giving them the pleasure of stepping through the gates of Dark Forest. Ah, the moans, the whimpers, the shrieks and cries, the horror and despair in the eyes of those few survivors pulled aside to slave at the Scorpionfish’s oars… Xavier swirled his vintage wine, admiring the way it shone within the cut crystal goblet, glinting red and thick as honey…thick and red as the blood that had streamed through the forest clearing in trickling rivers. Ah yes. The fox tilted his face toward the sun, ignoring the increasing shouts of his crew and the sudden snarls of Blackfang, his chief officer. Life was good for Captain Xavier Poisonclaws. ~***~ Hazelrose stood on the top of a rolling hill, letting little Juniper suck her paw as she stared blankly at the thin line of smoke rising from the trees before her. She steadfastly ignored the memories that threatened to overwhelm her; now was not the time for hysterics about what the fox had done to those poor squirrels… Juniper let go of her paw with a pop and yawned, curling peacefully into her chest. Hazelrose nuzzled his ears, then turned and trudged resolutely down the hill. A trail of bloody pawprints marked her survival as the young squirrel headed for the road, away from the blood-soaked clearing that was now a mass grave. |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander  Click If You Dare… | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Aug 30 2008, 01:22 PM Post #2 |
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West Tower Commander
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Sitting in a comfy chair before Duran’s desk, Tally pressed her paws to her forehead, ignoring the tap of her sharktooth earring connecting with a claw. The small squirrel beside Duran was watching her warily, casting quick glances to the side once in awhile to check her baby, whom Laurel was handling with long experience. “Well, this is certainly not good, sir.” Tally muttered, sitting up and meeting Duran’s eyes. She quirked a slight, strained smile, but it soon vanished. A pirate fox, a whole village dead…this had too much semblance to Tally’s own past for her to play the joker. “Indeed.” Duran watched her, paws clasped beneath his chin. “How is the progress on our ships, Commander?” Tally frowned thoughtfully even as her fur prickled with excitement. He couldn’t mean… “Well sir, the Lark is only half-complete as of yet. The Kestrel, however, is nearly finished. Only a few trimmings and sails to be fixed up, so it will probably be finished in the next couple of days, sir.” “And you have experience with such crafts on the open seas, I believe.” I was right! Tally crowed inwardly at Duran’s matter-of-fact statement, a slow grin stretching across her face despite the seriousness of the situation. She squirmed, already feeling the sea breeze ruffle her fur and tasting the salt of the ocean as waves licked at a ship’s sides. I’m going back to sea! Duran’s lips quirked at Tally’s squirming as he began to outline her orders. “Commander Skahr, you are hereby tasked to gather a group of guards from the Fort to man the Kestrel. You will sail as soon as the Kestrel is readied and provisioned. Due to the suddenness of these actions, your crew will be made up of volunteers from all four Tower Guards.” Duran’s voice hardened and Tally sat up straight. “You will sail along the coast to this young squirrel Hazelrose’s village. Learn what you can about this fox corsair. If possible, find his trail, follow and destroy him. He and his crew must not be allowed to continue their rampage.” “Understood, sir. I’ll have the volunteer list posted outside the West Tower this afternoon.” Tally stood and began to salute, but Duran held up his paw. She stopped and frowned. I get the feeling I’m not going to like this… “One last thing, Commander Skahr. Hazelrose has decided to accompany you as a guide. She assures me she has experience at sea from fishing expeditions, and will be acting as your cook.” Tally froze, finally turning her full attention on the young squirrel. Hazelrose, now holding a sleeping Juniper, straightened her back, meeting Tally’s incredulous gaze with barely a quiver. “Permission to speak freely, Commander?” Tally asked tightly, ears twitching agitatedly. Duran sighed and nodded, leaning back into his chair. Tally took a deep breath, and exploded. “Are you insane? You are a noncombatant, a mother with child, and you want to enter what will definitely become a warzone?” Tally planted her hands on her hips, looking like nothing more than a mother scolding a fractious child. Duran chuckled inwardly at the image even as Hazelrose stiffened, arms tightening around Juniper. “We’ll be at open sea for days, possibly weeks, no land for miles in any direction. Fishing boats don’t go out of sight of land for more a day; can you handle a true sea voyage?” Tally stared at Hazelrose, trying to convince her of her foolishness. “Are you ready for blood? For seeing your comrades wounded, perhaps killed?” Tally’s eyes narrowed. “Are you prepared to kill an enemy yourself? Can you take a weapon in your hand and snuff out a life? This will not be fun or easy, Hazelrose. It will be hard, dangerous, with every possibility that none of us may return. I will not have a liability on my ship. If you have a misplaced sense of revenge, if you want to kill the fox, see him destroyed by your own paws, or whatever you may be thinking revenge-wise, you have no place in my crew. However, if you truly want to help in order to keep this bloodthirsty band from harming others like they harmed you, then you may accompany us. Just realize what you are getting into, Hazelrose. Think of yourself and your child.” Tally’s shoulders suddenly sagged and she looked at the sleeping babe with a wistful smile, surprising even Duran. “A family is the most precious jewel you own; don’t throw it away for a petty reason.” The office was silent. Tally met Hazelrose’s shocked gaze once more, then turned and gave Duran a crisp salute. “I will attend to everything immediately, sir.” “Very well. Your orders will be drawn up and sent to you presently. I assume Mac will be left in command?” “Yessir. He’s no good with ships anyway; gets seasick even on a shrew logboat.” Tally snickered, her mood switching instantly. She bounded out the door, already yelling for her twin sergeants and teasing a passing guard about his armful of paperwork. Hazelrose blinked in shock at the sudden mood change. “Is she…always like that?” “Rethinking your plans?” Duran asked curiously, smiling slightly. Hazelrose glanced at him, at Juniper, and at the door. Her eyes hardened. “Where might I find Commander Skahr?” “Her office is at the top of West Tower.” Laurel chirped cheerily, sweeping Juniper from Hazelrose’s arms into her own. “Off you go, now, dear. I’ll take care of this darling.” Hazelrose hesitated, but whirled and marched out the door, heading for the courtyard. Laurel and Duran watched her go. “She’s going, isn’t she?” Duran nodded and busied himself with drawing up orders for the Kestrel and her crew. “Of course.” ((OOC: Hey guys, just letting you know if you want to join this thread, you need to post within the next five days. After that, the Kestrel sails and no one will be able to catch her.  )) |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Orion Fulcry | Aug 30 2008, 05:19 PM Post #3 |
Level One Writer
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"You're late You're late For a very important date You said hello Now say goodbye You're late, you're late, you're late!" "But what ever am I late for?" "Tea with the queens." "Queens? What queens?" "Why, your queen sisters, of course." "Oak and Acorn? But where are they?" "You have to find them, Orion. Isn't that what you promised to do?" "Well, yes, but..." "Then what are you doing here? Have you forgotten about them?" "No! No, I'd never forget about them..." "Oh no?" "No..." Orion jerked awake and tried to sit up, but something restrained him. He had somehow become entangled in his sheets during the night, which led to him toppling heavily to the floor. Struggling free, he looked at his unmade bed and sighed. When had he started sleeping in a bed again? Wasn't it just yesterday that he shunned the comfort of the bed for the firmness of the floor? Picking up his uniform from its crumpled heap on the floor, he fingered the three stones that signified his lieutenant rank. You've been here too long, Orion. Pulling on the shirt, he grimaced and unbuttoned the collar as far as it would go. At least there's one thing that hasn't changed. Finishing getting dressed, the red squirrel slipped on his North Tower armband, strapped on his weapons, and headed out onto the fort grounds. As he walked, nodding greetings to those he passed, his fingers unconsciously began fiddling with two rings hanging off his neck. With a start, he realized what he was doing and almost guiltily stopped. How long had it been since he had searched for his sisters? Two seasons? Three? Orion shook his head. Too long...It's time I move on. Walking resolutely into the keep, he headed towards the stairs for Duran's office. Preoccupied as he was with his thoughts, he very nearly ran smack-dab into one of the prettiest squirrels he had ever seen. Whirling to the side to avoid the collision, he lost his balance and had to catch himself on the stair railing. Getting ready to mutter an apology, he straightened and locked eyes with the other squirrel. The words never left Orion's lips. Neither squirrel said a word; the lady apparently waiting for Orion to say something, and Orion incapable of making any noise whatsoever. Finally, he licked his lips and broke the silence. "Ah, uh, sorryaboutthatIdidn'tmeantoalmostrunintoyou." His mouth snapped shut abruptly. What was wrong with him? |
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry (((  )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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| Riptide Ruva | Aug 30 2008, 06:06 PM Post #4 |
Level One Poster
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Riptide had just been in the kitchens. Or rather, it would be better to say he had just been kicked out of the kitchens but he would never put it that way. It was a weekly routine for him to hang around after a meal, chat nicely with the help, and try to cure his munchies. The otter seemed to get them on a regular basis and, as he informed the kitchen helpers, it was a terrible ailment to posses. One could only be rid of it, he would always continue, by, well, munching of course. Scoffing everything. Trying every oat farl, wedge of cheese, scone, pastry, cookie, turnover and anything else that he could find. It was the only cure. Laurel was usually the one that finally came and booted him out and today had been no different. This week she seemed particularly forceful. Her threats actually sounded serious enough that Riptide only argued back for a few minutes before making his escape when she seemed to be on her way to carry through. The vole infirmary keeper had threatened to “really cure him of the munchies” with some of her “special otter remedy”. Riptide knew all too well what that was. He saw her giving it to naughty dibbuns when they complained of tummy aches that didn’t exist. Awful, nasty, icky tasting stuff it was! She had tested it on him back when he first came to the fort. Oh how he knew better than to cross her when she was reaching into her pocket for the small vial. However, before his departure from the kitchens he managed to walk away with two very good things. One was a plate of piping hot scones dripping with honey, and the other was a very interesting bit of information Laurel had come to share with him before she found him trying to cure his case of the munchies. His curiosity took him around the fort, speaking with various beasts, checking a certain something at the West Tower, stopping in his room on the second floor dormitory, and swinging by the supply room in the East Tower. His last stop was the underground harbor, and by the time he arrived he was licking the last little crumbs of scone from his paws and flicking them off his whiskers. He quickly took note of the ship that was obviously preparing to sail and made his way smartly to the West Tower commander. Their paths had only crossed a couple times since his time at the fort, mainly due to being a part of different towers, but he knew who Tally was just like every other beast. “Lt. Colonel Riptide Ruva reporting for duty, marm. Heard you need some volunteers to take care of a certain scumbag that’s fouling up the air of this region with his nasty stink. I’m more than happy to offer my services.” He grinned as he finished speaking. The otter was wearing a clean uniform and held several genuine otter javelins in his right paw. On his back rested a full haversack that looked lumpy enough to contain several days worth of clothes. Twin daggers hung on his belt, looking to be nothing special but still there all the same. He was the picture of a warrior ready for action, and above all else it could be seen in the way his eyes glittered with rage and contrasted sharply with his wide smile. |
Lieutenant Colonel Riptide Ruva Profile | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Aug 31 2008, 12:26 PM Post #5 |
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West Tower Commander
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“Lt. Colonel Riptide Ruva reporting for duty, marm. Heard you need some volunteers to take care of a certain scumbag that’s fouling up the air of this region with his nasty stink. I’m more than happy to offer my services.” Tally blinked at the sea otter, but waved a paw toward one of the comfy chairs placed in front of her desk, accidentally knocking over the pile of paperwork she had been snoozing on earlier that morning. "Take a seat, Ruva." She knew of this otter, certainly. After all, it wasn't everyone who could deal with Talyn, and those who could quickly got a name at Black Arch. He was also a sea otter. He would be more than helpful on this journey. "Your spirit is certainly appreciated. Are you entirely certain you want to join the voyage? You would become the "first mate", in essence, due to your rank and experience." Gah, being serious this long was killing her! Tally tried not to fidget as she waited for the otter's reply. It had been way too long since she dyed Talyn's tail blue and she had a ton of energy to spend, but no, she had to stay here and finish paperwork... She gave the spilled paperwork a quick glance. Never mind, Riptide Ruva was a welcome distraction from spending reports and various requests from MacThunderquill. ~***~ Hazelrose watched as the other squirrel, obviously a soldier of some rank, seemed to stare at her. She was just getting impatient and about to snap something rather snippy when the squirrel finally opened his mouth. "Ah, uh, sorryaboutthatIdidn'tmeantoalmostrunintoyou." Hazelrose had to stifle a giggle even as her annoyance faded. "It's all right, I'm fine. I'm actually looking for West Tower. Could you direct me to it? I must speak with Commander Skahr." |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Riptide Ruva | Sep 3 2008, 01:38 PM Post #6 |
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Level One Poster
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Rip accepted Tally’s suggestion to sit down and plopped rather noisily into the offered chair. As she spoke to him his face took on an overly serious expression of near somberness and he clasped his paws together in his lap in a picture of extreme concentration. It was something he continually did to Talyn when she was being herself, which was always far more serious than he ever was. “Ah First Mate, I dunno,” he replied with as much cheek as one would expect from him. Despite his posture his eyes danced in a very roguish manner. “I was hoping you’d at least let me captain the ship and name it after me and all… and then you would sing a ballad to me at the celebration feast that will be held on our return, and exclaim to everyone what a hero I was just for volunteering to go.” He leaned back and stroked his whiskers, though it was obvious by now he was joking with her. “I suppose I could settle for first mate, marm, if that’s all I can get.” He smiled at her, and it was the smile that said more than all his words. He was with her in this, and aside from a direct order from the High Commander there was little she could do about it. Rip was more than aware of what he brought to the mission being a sea otter and experienced fighter, and it was his duty as a warrior of the fort to volunteer his service in the name of defending the land, and in this case the sea, that Black Arch had been charged with guarding. He was ready. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Riptide Ruva Profile | |
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| Orion Fulcry | Sep 3 2008, 06:02 PM Post #7 |
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Level One Writer
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"West. Tower?" Orion blinked. "Oh, West Tower. Yes, sure, I can show you the way there! Follow me." Wheeling about, he set off towards the West Tower. The butterflies in his stomach seemed to have found a barrel of sugar. "So, uh, what's your name?" he asked cautiously. "My name's Orion." His tail was twitching agitatedly to and fro. He felt as though he was a dibbun again, being introduced to an important family friend for the first time. |
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Lieutenant Orion Fulcry ((( )))Life + Universe + Everything = 42 Alt: Amos Charp | |
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| Tallulah Maris Skahr | Sep 3 2008, 06:46 PM Post #8 |
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West Tower Commander
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"… and then you would sing a ballad to me at the celebration feast that will be held on our return, and exclaim to everyone what a hero I was just for volunteering to go.” Tally took in the roguish gleam in Ruva's eyes and her inner Dibbun jumped for joy. She couldn't believe what a golden opportunity had just dropped in her lap. Oh, the possibilities! “I suppose I could settle for first mate, marm, if that’s all I can get.” Tally smirked, her eyes glinting. "Well, there's also an opening as a general jack-of-all-chores...but I believe you might destroy the galley with your eagerness rather than clean it, so please take the first mate position. Less danger toward the ship itself, that way." Tally leaned back in her chair, sobering as she remembered the orders. "Ruva, the Commander's orders are simple. Search and destroy. You have experience on the sea; therefore, I will rely on you to help me with those who may or may not have their sea-legs. The ship sails in two days." ~***~ "My name is Hazelrose." Hazelrose followed the other squirrel toward a tall tower that faced the ocean, looking around curiously as the Fortbeasts went around their business. "I've only just arrived. My village is...was down the coast. My son Juniper is in the nursery; would you be able to give me directions there so I may join him after my chat with the Commander?" |
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This otter smiles when plotting; therefore, she is always plotting, as she is always smiling. Beware the smiling otter. Tallulah Maris Skahr West Tower Commander Click If You Dare… | |
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| Roe Sungold | Sep 5 2008, 12:32 AM Post #9 |
South Tower Commander
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Roe had been waiting for Tally and Duran to finish their meeting for quite a while. The otter sat down outside Duran's office, enjoying the chance to be off her feet and not chasing Juno for terrifying a young South Tower recruit, or organising the next shift. She leaned back in the chair, feeling the hard wood carving of the seat's edge behind her shoulders. It was ... odd, being here still. She had a stack of paperwork in one paw, mostly reports of messages being sent and recieved without mishap. All signed and dated carefully, read over twice and ready for Duran to simply dump them in a drawer when Laurel wasn't looking. Juno was taking the entire South Tower guard in drill practice at the moment, outside of the Fort's walls where she could shout like a drill-sergeant to her heart's content without being yelled at by Talyn or Sceo for deafening the entire Fort. Even from here, Roe could hear her voice, floating over the sounds of Tally's raised voice - Roe sat up in her chair, leaned forward. What was Tally saying? She listened closely; eavesdropping had never been a bad thing in Roe's eyes, after all, how else were you supposed to find out everything creatures didn't want you to know? A few minutes later, the otter sat back, frowning. Her left footpaw twitched. It was odd that only now, after hearing Tally was about to embark on a journey, now Roe realised what her restless, uncomfortable feeling was. She had been stationary too long. She needed to move, to breathe different air, to go back to her old lands again. Maybe even explore new lands. The otter eyed the dull, ordinary paperwork in her paw, and felt the pull of solidity, comfort, the regular routine always spiced with the faint edge of vermin attack being a distinct possibility. Drat it all. Juno could take care of the South Tower for a few months. It would do her good. The otter felt a strong twinge of uncertainty; a strange thing. She had a duty here. She belonged at the Fort, now. She had committed - committed to fighting the vermin that threatened innocent creatures. Roe barely noticed when Tally and the squirrel left Duran's office. She was leaning forward, frowning, dark eyes serious. Could she hold her duty and still go on this trip with Tally, a mission specifically for Black Arch Fort beasts? What would happen to her beloved tower with Juno in charge? Nothing more than a few rations vanishing every night. After all, Juno was Salamandastron trained, Salamandastron bred. She knew her duty as well as Roe did. Despite the hare's often flippant behaviour and obsession with all things edible - and good-looking male hares - Juno knew how to lead a group of creatures and do her job. The hardest thing she'd find to do would be the paperwork. Enamel could help her with that, it would do him good to take some responsibility. Suddenly decided, the otter stood up, knocked on Duran's office door and entered. Several long minutes of discusison and paperwork later, the otter left his office with a particularly eager spring in her stride. It was time to get her cloak out again. But first, the West Tower. Roe barely noticed brushing past Orion and Hazelrose; so fixed on her new decision, the scent of the sea was already in her whiskers. She needed to move, to stretch and expand just a little again. And then she would come back, and be better for it. Juno would look after her Guard without problems. Bounding up into the West Tower, Roe knocked on Tally's open office door and entered without waiting; it was safer to go straight through Tally's door rather than wait around for various traps and/or buckets of water. She nodded to Riptide - couldn't remember his name, but she knew he'd survived Talyn and that was something. The burning desire to be travelling again gave Roe less manners and more haste than normal. She glanced at Tally. "I heard you'll be going to visit some foxes, Tally. Need a tracker?" (OOC: I assume the squirrel village is in Mossflower? If so, Roe has spent almost all her life wandering through it, so she'd be useful to have along. XD) |
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Roe Sungold South Tower Commander  Juno Springleap Tower Colonel
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| Jacob Scobin | Sep 5 2008, 12:35 AM Post #10 |
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Level One Poster
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Word travels quickly in a small community, and some word travels more quickly to certain types of beasts. Otters, for instance, can hear tell of a ship looking for seabeasts from across an astonishing distance. Jacob's paw was closed tight around the haft of his spear as he moved across the courtyard, towards the West Tower. River otters can only barely tolerate separation from the water better than their cousins of the sea. The fact that Jacob could hear the waves crashing on the beach every day only made that fact that much more painful. The otter muttered quiet apologies as he brushed shoulders with one beast or another inside the tower and as he climbed the staircase to the top of the tower. Even when the ascent was finished, he waited a moment before knocking politely on the Commander's door, battling with his innate desire to leave absolutely everything well enough alone. "Commander?" |
| Jacob Scobin | |
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6:58 AM Nov 29
