Flight of the Hope

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Flight of the Hope; Autumn Thread
Topic Started: Sep 11 2009, 02:11 PM (60 Views)
Amos Charp	Sep 11 2009, 02:11 PM Post #1
Master Carpenter Posts: 49 Group: Civilians Member #69 Joined: September 17, 2008	Amos stepped back and stared, an immense feeling of satisfaction welling within his chest. Rising up before him, swaying proudly alongside the Kestrel and other Black Arch ships, floated the newest addition to the fleet. It was smaller than the Kestrel, but none the less grand for its size. It boasted double masts straight and true, with a multitude of thick, white sails. They hung tightly bound, but when unfurled, Amos knew they would billow in the wind like sheets of clouds pulled from the sky. With them out of the way, however, the eye could clearly see the multitude of rope and rigging spiderwebbing across the ship; a tangled labyrinth to the inexperienced, but each and every one with its own, unique purpose. Large, silver letters along the prow proclaimed the ship to be Hope. Nearly a year. That's how long they had spent building the Hope. Nearly an entire year. Now though, barring a pawful of last minute touches, it was finished. It had been a long year during which the few left at the fort wondered constantly how those with Commander Duran fared. They worried and fretted every free moment they had. This ship had provided a way to keep them busy. The workers were a far cry from a professional construction crew, but there was something to be said for volunteers who eagerly chose to work until they dropped from exhaustion. Some quite literally. Needless to say, Amos was very pleased with the results. He watched the activity on the ship, fort beasts bustling about their various tasks. "Yus indeed," he said, addressing the otter next to him. "A fine job we've done. Tis a fine-looking ship, Ariel." Ariel grinned. "Aye, mate. Couldn't 'ave done it without you." ~ ~ ~ A week later found Amos standing on the deck of the Hope, wife and son next to him. Nearly the entire fort had gathered for the launching of the newest Black Arch vessel. Shining eyes watched as the High Commander stood at the prow, strong voice carrying over the crowd. ". . . It's been nearly a year since we left to erase the blight of Skarndor, leaving but a pawful behind to care for the fort. And yet look what you have accomplished!" His paw swung wide, encompassing the ship. "My heartfelt thanks to all those who lent of their time and skills, especially Ariel Oceantear and our resident carpenter, Amos Charp." Isabel squeezed Amos' arm, smiling at her husband. "And now, I dedicate this ship." He raised a mug, a fine vintage of Redwall October Ale sloshing over the rim. "I dedicate the Hope to those in distress. I dedicate it to those who find themselves desperately searching for freedom. I dedicate it to all who lose hope. "Let this ship be their salvation." With a deft flip, he drained the mug into the waters below. Cheers and applause broke out, reverberating around the cavern. After a goodly time, Duran raised both paws for silence. As the assembly quieted, the vole smiled, eyes twinkling. "It is my great pleasure to turn command of the Hope over to our West Tower Commander, Dale Stormbreak." Applause broke out anew as the eyepatched otter stepped forward, resplendent in the fort uniform. "Thank yeh, Commander Swiftspike." His voice was laced with mirth when he spoke Duran's name, as if he found a particular pleasure in saying it. "Right then." He rubbed his paws together and surveyed those gathered, muzzle split with a wide grin. "It's time for th' maiden voyage o' this fine vessel. All paws on deck!" Shouted "hurrahs" gave way to a flurry of movement as the crew scrambled about the ship, tending to their duties. Some of the others on the ship disembarked while others clambered aboard. It had been specifically stated earlier that any who wished to ride along would be welcome as long as they didn't interfere with the running of the Hope; it was a new crew, a new ship, and a new commander, after all. Within minutes, the Hope was floating majestically out of the cabin. Amos clapped his son on the shoulder and both waved to Isabel on the dock. "We'll be back tonight, m'dear!"
	"'A log is only as good as the ends for which it is used.' Or so my father always told me." ~ Amos Charp, A carpenter Alt: Orion Fulcry


Duran Swiftpike	Sep 12 2009, 12:00 PM Post #2
High Commander Posts: 116 Group: High Commander Member #4 Joined: December 10, 2007	As Isabelle waved back to her husband from the harbor, the High Commander and his wife stood beside her, each of the voles also waving their paws to the figures on the ship. The ceremony had gone well, and Duran was happy for those who had chosen to accompany the crew on the ship’s maiden voyage. It was to be a short journey, just along the coast and back again, and the cooks were already preparing a celebratory menu for their return. The completion of the ship and a successful maiden journey marked a very special day for the West Tower. Sighing happily, Duran finally lowered his paw as the ship sailed out of sight. His contented mood, however, was broken as Laurel gripped his arm in panic. “Duran, do you know where Avirly is? She was just here a few moments ago, but now I can’t see her anywhere. Do you think she fell into the harbor in all the excitement?” “Ah. . . well, petal. . .” There was a moment of silence between the couple that did not last long enough for Duran’s liking. Laurel’s tone was as cold as her eyes as she continued through clenched teeth. “Duran Ulysses Swiftpike, if you have done what I fear you’ve done I am going to . . . to. . .” “Honeysuckle, please do not be upset. It is only a maiden voy—AAAH!” -- Avirly was blissfully unaware that her father had just been shoved off the pier and into the harbor. She was, in fact, blissfully unaware of much of the activity going on around her onboard the Hope. Her paws gripped the rail as she leaned over the side of the ship and let the sea spray tickle her whiskers as they skimmed the waves. As the wind rushed past her all the young vole could do was laugh. Her gaze was locked on the horizon, and her one wish in that moment was to see what was on the other side. “Commander Dale, can she go faster?!”
	High Commander of Black Arch Fort


Ariel Oceantear	Sep 14 2009, 03:44 PM Post #3
Shipwright Posts: 66 Group: Unassigned Member #63 Joined: August 22, 2008	Freedom. That was the soul of a ship, the purpose of the ocean. For the first few moments of the Hope's maiden voyage, the sea otter had paced the deck restlessly searching for any sign of fault or flaw. None could be found. She rode the swell effortlessly, smooth and fast. With each passing wave, Ariel relaxed a bit further. Black Arch Fort was wonderful, strong and safe.... but this was where she felt home. Back on the open water. A wave of calm swept over the otter, and Ariel smiled more openly than she had in seasons. The joyful sounds of celebration pierced the air, as veterans and young ones alike frolicked happily across the new deck. She cast a glance over Amos and his son. Truly a great and talented builder. A fresh wave brought a salty gust of wind to her lips. As her cloak billowed and curled around her boots, she stood alone, leaning against the railing..... watching. Her gaze settled on Avirly, and she smiled again. This must be the young lady's maiden voyage as well. At her request of Commander Dale, Ariel turned her attention to the ship's new master. The past captain's thoughts aligned with the young vole, and silently she cheered. Let's go faster!
	Any ship in a harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.


Dale Stormbreak	Sep 21 2009, 11:19 PM Post #4
Posts: 64 Group: West Tower Commander Member #98 Joined: January 31, 2009	Dale thrilled to the feel of the ship's wheel beneath his paws. The ship was alive, its sleek bulk slicing through the waters, dancing a merry dance to the tune of the sea otter commander. Normally he wouldn't be standing at the helm, but on an occasion such as this, he just couldn't resist. It had been so long since he'd been away from the coastline as something other than an oarslave, he had forgotten that exhilarating feeling. Truly liberating to be away from land - to have nothing but the sky, the water, a good crew and a good ship. In high good spirits, Dale threw his head back and roared with laughter at Avirly's request. "Well now! This is a fine ship, an' no mistake. I bet we could coax a bit more out o' 'er!" He got the attention of the nearest crew member, a mouse. "Tell th' crew to trim the sails." "Aye, Commander!" The mouse scurried towards the bow, a bit wobbly as he struggled against the swaying of the ship. It wouldn't be long before he found his sea legs. "Just yeh wait now, Miss Avirly." He winked (or was it blinked?) at the volemaid. "This oughta pick up our speed a bit!" There was a flurry of activity as the crew set about tightening and easing lines, working on the sails. Almost immediately, the wind increased as the Hope picked up just a bit more speed. Already, the mainland was beginning to dwindle. "'Ow's that, then, eh?"
	_____ Dale Stormbreak


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