08:53 PM

And let the building commence! The scene is quite a busy one, with the construction of the crude scaffolding just reaching a conclusion. Wooden supports now criss-cross the gash's opening, hammered firmly into place to facilitate the next step in the wall's repair: the actual stone-laying. Several large carts rest in a semi-organized manner, piled with sandstone mined straight from the quarry. And directing the throngs of hares - and the Redwallers who opt to lend a paw as well - is a bare-chested buck. Oxeye. Hee. Fear. He currently is just now instructing the first team to lay the foundation. Which is... foundation-like. Mhm.

Victor walks in and blinks, he watches as the building up of the wall is going on. Standing nearby curious of it all.

Thunderstrike walks in from inside Redwall Abbey.  The monitor stretches out his paws in front of him and pops a few knuckles.  Mmm.  A glance at the nearest Oxeye.  "Hey - are you head of this shindig?"  The monitor walks closer.  "I'm in needin' of a little exercise."

Kevarr is a somewhat unusual sight today. She's making her way toward the gash in the wall, but she has one miniscule marten babe clinging to the back of her tunic and blinking in the bright sun, one slightly larger one clinging to the end of her tail, and yet one more, still older, trailing a foot or so behind.

Zoe_Lang is remaining off to the side where she directs the shifting of the stone to the foundation-layers. It's a bit like a chain, actually, stone being shifted from creature to creature and set before the workers. Heavy work, to say the least - which is why Zoe's only directing. Hee.

As opposed to the farthest Oxeye, who is undisposed. Muwhaha. Ahem. "Ye migh' say so," Ox replies nonchalantly, eyes remaining on the hares scrambling to lay down the foundation-like... thing. He casts a quick glance over to the monitor, a brow arching. "Then exercise away, m'lad. There's the line. O' ye can plop ye tail righ' here beside th'workahs. Could use some scaley ol' muscle, here." Yes. Chain-Line-Thing. Watch them work.

Ryne stands up and looks around. He stands up and takes his long sword out and doodles in the dirt.

Shalina comes walking after the monitor, a lot more sure on her feet than just a few days ago, but still a bit wobbly. She's got her clothes on, too, and looks normal, apart from the wobbliness.

And guess who else is doing their part? Keita, of course! And how is she doing it? Why, she's set up an ale station. Mugs are set out, and as beasts come up, one will be filled and given over. Such a devoted helper, this doe is. "Wet yer thirtin' throats, righ' 'ere! Stone-workin's a thirsty work!"

Thunderstrike cracks an impish grin.  "Ok."  And he heads over towards the workers and helps with stone.  And stuff.  Yes. c.c;

Kevarr examines the work line with a squint, one ear raised. Honestly, she's not sure what she can really offer in the ways of actual help. Heavy lifting has...never been her thing. Now more than ever. She turns and kneels on the grass, detaching Ark from her back with some difficultly, and murmuring instructions to the two jills. "...Now I don't want you getting too close. Kestrel, don't you let them wander off."

Ryne yawns and says, "Boring."

Thunderstrike glances over and smiles benevolently.  "Then leave."
Rurun is one of the members of the zoe directed chain he is one of the hares towords the end takeing the blocks and setting them down near the workers. He dosent have to wait long for the next block to come his way as it appears for his paws to take almost as soon as he sets the other one down. All in all i guess that means its running efficiently.

Connor comes out from the Abbey to see what all is going on.  Sucking his thumb, he moves about the beasts with wide eyes, looking up at the each one to see if he knows any ove them.

Ryne grins and says, "But i like whating ya'll work."

Oh, /bother/ that. Oxeye follows Thunderstrike's glance, and a heavy scowl sets in. "An' Ah like kickin' lazy tails into line. Lend a paw, o' move out, m'lad. This h'ain't a show, undahstand?" Ox calls to Ryne, as... well, construction continues! Watch those hares move. The glory that is The Spoof. Muwhaha.

Thunderstrike is near the end of the line that Zoe is directing.  He picks up a sandstone from the cart and passes it along.  He starts humming nonchalantly.

Keita is close enough to overhear the snarky ferret, and with an amused grin, she leans on a barrel-filled ale. "'Ey, ferrety-thing, why doncha 'elp a gel out, eh? C'n always use 'n' extra paw, s'long as ya don't snitch nothin'."

"Jarsune," Kevarr murmurs, "let go of mother's tail. Let go--there." She sits the younger jill next to her brother. Kestrel has already sat herself down, and is looking both petulant and somewhat interested in the proceedings. Kevarr then turns and makes her way down to the line, trying to pretend as though she knows what she's doing.

Jehvana is being boring today. She's hefting stone with everyone else, but as usual when she works, she's not exactly chatty.

Victor stays where he is simply watching for now, he rubs his shoulder and hmmms slightly.

Ryne says,"sorry but no. buildind aint my speicalty."

Connor's ears raise as he spots the line and rushes to get in the back of it, still sucking his thumb and looking up at the beasts in front of him.

Thunderstrike passes along another stone somewhat easily.  Pass, take, pass, take.  Repeat endlessly.

Shalina walks over to the doe with the ale station, mostly to have something to lean against for a while, watching the sandstone being hauled.

Kevarr reaches down to snatch Connor by the back of his tunic as he rushes past her. "Whoa...no, Connor. Not you."

Zoe_Lang tsks softly. "Ya see any wall-buildin' 'ere? Nah! 'Course not. Just ale." Keita looks from Ryne to the ale stand she is standing.. at. But then her attention shifts to the leaning Shalina. "'ey, care fer a drink fer yer parched throat?" A mug is slid easily across the table-top.

Connor hops up to reach for one of the stones Thunderstrike passes.  "Hnn!  HNNN!!"  The thumb finally falls from his mouth.  "I wanna 'ep!"  Then suddenly, he is snagged back from line by Kevarr.

Rahier is... running the aid station, obviously. After 'fixing' some pulled muscles and a squished finger or two, the major finds his way over toward the other aid station. That is, Keita. "Yeh, c'mon chaps, that's th'way. Keep it up, an' all," he says, walking past the line of workers, before reaching Keita's table. "'Eya."

Ryne snickers at the workes under his breath.

Oxeye shoots a glance to Keita. Bah. She'll... deal with him. Right? Ahem. Ox clears his throat, returning to the task of directing traffic. He joins those laying the framework, lending a paw or two to the endless work of putting stone down. "Arrigh'. Where's th'mortar beasts? We're buildin' a wall here, not pilin' stones." Gruntcoughsnark.

Kevarr turns Connor toward where she's set her brood and gives him a little push. "Go sit with them. You're too small for this."

Thunderstrike woahs.  He holds the stone higher and passes it along.  "Watch out there, little one."  A curious glance at Kevarr.  But he remains silent and continues the task at paw.  "..."

Connor's little bum scoots a few steps before he turns around.  "UH!  I'm a'most TWO SEAS'NS OWD!"  He places his little paws on his hips as his lower lip sticks out.

Farren ambles in at a limp, with her paws stuffed in her pockets, her ears back, and a look of clear apprehension on her face. She sidles up behind Zoe and gives a very small little cough. "Err. Eh. Hey."

Darklett has been walking around, trying to look busy for the past few minutes, struggling with the crutch he holds under his right arm. He obviously isn't able to lift any stone, so he sorta... looks around aimlessly. "Yeah, keep going, do that. Good job." He goes for the job of moral support provider. "No, no, all wrong... The other way. Yeah." Or forebeast.

Zoe_Lang is still doing her level-best to direct the line's work, but it seems to be working well enough by itself. Thus, Zoe moves over to the mortar beasts. Surprise-surprise, no?  Her ears perk at Oxeye's call, and she quickens her pace. "Speed it up, eh you lot? Ain't got all day, y'kno-" Er. Farren is given a glance over her shoulder, and Zoe blinks. "F- Farren?"

Kevarr narrows her eyes at Connor, looking severe. "You're too young. Go sit down." Her tone leaves no room for negotiation.

Shalina turns her attention to Connor, raises her arm and waves at him. "'ello, Connor."

Thunderstrike speeds up his pace.  "Gotta pace yourself, kiddies."  The beast in front of him grunts.  "C'mon!  Feel the burn.  It's good for you!"

Connor turns and hmphs but hurries.  Kevarr's....scary!  So he rushes up to Shaline with his arms open!  "Shaweena!"

Farren rubs the back of her neck, looking anywhere but directly at Zoe. "Yeah. Mm. Suppose ye're gettin' the wall up. Eh...wot can I do?"

Shalina walks up to meet Connor, kneeling down and holding out her arms. "'ello! Did y' miss me?"

Kevarr hmphs back, and inserts herself into the line. She immediately accepts a rather heavy block of stone, and her eyes slightly...bug. But she passes it onward, and stubbornly turns for the next.

Keita grins widely as Rahier comes up to the 'aid station' of goodness, and she slides another mug over his way. "Drink up!" She's in a cheerful mood, that's for sure. She begins refilling the now-empty mugs that have been returned, and she's careful not to make it obvious that she's not so much cleaning them between uses of them.

BOUNCE!  Connor is in Shalina's arms, wrapping his little arms as best he can around her neck in a tight hug.  "MMMhhhmm!"  His tail curls up behind him

Rurun says nothing and does nothing besides work efficiently, quickly and seemingly tirelessly although his quick pace seems to be taking its toll as he slows to the bare minimum speed he can go without disrupting the line and its workings. But his pace seems to steady itself there as he continues his workings.

Zoe_Lang is still looking a bit shocked at Farren's presence, but she tries to recover herself. "Ah - well. S'pose ya c'n do whatevah. Help shift stones, if'n yer up t' it, though the mortar work migh' be a might easiah."

Darklett spots Zoe, and, for lack of something to do... Starts to limp over to ask her what he should do. But uh. Yeah, it's gonna take him a while, seeing as he's still getting used to the crutch.

A familiar voice, and Ox, too, glances towards Zoe's new companion. Eee. The buck frowns, in puzzlement. Hurr. Buuut, there's directing and so on that needs to occur, so the boxer returns all attention to the wall-building. A glance is given to the entire system - line, layers, and mortars.... and another marten is noted. This time, Kevarr, not Farren. "... H'oh, no." Ox works his way over to Kevarr. "Ah don't much think ye h'ought t'be here, Kevvah." Nope. Not being a sickly, scrawny mother. Ahem.

Shalina hugs the little mouse tightly, chuckling happily. "Careful, I'm no' up t' strength ye', y'know..."

"Mor'tr?" Farren straightens up a little, squinting at the work. "Sure, wot's that?" She's looking a little relieved. No lectures! At least, not yet.

Thunderstrike happens to be in front of Kevarr.  When he turns around, he suddenly gets a slight, forced smile.  He grabs the stone and passes it along.  "Uh.  Hello Kevarr."  o.o;

Who cares, really? This is the best spot to be working, naturally. Rahier snatches up the sliding mug, holding it in paw. "Thankee." A sip is taken, before he turns back to the doe. "Figured y'd find some way t'figure this malarky into that racket o' yours." Grin.

"Ah - well. 'Tis the stuff that holds the stones t'gethah, doncha know?" Zoe grins, for now forgiving and leaving 'til later Farren's odd absence.  "Jus' righ' ovah there - see?" She directs with an arm pointing in their direction. Some of them are mixing the stuff, while others shift the stuff by the bucket-load over to the gash. "Tha' burly 'are ovah there'll help ya. Furstrike, I think 'is name is?"

Snowflower comes walking in from the orchards with her right paw bandaged while her other holds a rolled up parchment. She stops though as she sees the buidling and decides to sit on the grass. Her eyes roam over the workers as she tries to see if the two hares she needs to talk to are there.

Kevarr pointedly ignores Thunderstrike's greeting, even though the poor lizard is right there next to her. She just heaves another stone into his arms. And...Oxeye. He's given a very dark look. "If you think, after all this time with that bloody hole in my wall, I'm just going to sit back and not help.." Winding up for an argument.

Furstrike makes a burly pose, and beckons the marten. Hurrr! Fear.

Thunderstrike takes the stone.  His offering smile slowly slips away and the monitor goes silent from his 'encouraging' ramblings.  Take, pass.  Ad infinitum.

Ha! Keita snickers, "Ya think I'd let t his passs? Nevah! 'Tis a perfectly wondahful opportunity fer some advertisement, yeah?" Keita sips from her own mug - but it's full of water. No ale for this daddy. :D

Hobble, goes Darklett, reaching speaking distance above the hubbub of the wall-building committee crew type thing. "Uh, Colonel Zoe!" He offers a wave, then winces at how stupid he probably looks. He takes a couple more limping steps. "Colonel Zoe. Uhh, considering my... limits, what can I do to help out? Seems kinda awkward, standing around."

Farren grins brightly at Zoe. "Oh! Err, right. Knew that. See ye later then." She gives a little wave and hobbles over towards the mortar mixers.

Rurun's pace is slowly picking up as he continues to work faster but this time in slower intervals taking time to get used to the current pace before speeding up to the next level it appears to fatigue him much less than just going as fast as he can.

Connor squeeeezes Shalina's neck then relaxes, his left arm not squeezing so tightly.  He leans back and smiles at Shalina.  "Where yoo been?"

Shalina tickles Connor behind an ear a little, tilts her head to the side. "I've been in th' infirm'ry. I needed t' rest a lot..." She smiles. "Y' know wha'? They say I slept fo' a week!"

"Then /ye/ are very much mistaken," Oxeye finishes Kevarr's protests, and motions over a younger buck to take Kevarr's place - while giving the marten a nudge out of line. "Come on, leave th'liftin' t'those with backs t'break, eh?" Because... Kev doesn't? Ahem. "Ye want t'help? Ah'll station ye somewhere where there's less chance o' a stone fallin' on ye footpaws. No arguments, eithah." Hurr. Yes.

Zoe_Lang watches Farren head off for the mortar-mixers, just as Darklett hobbles up to her. And, despite their past history, there's not much that could keep Zoe from being cheerful with all the work going on around her. Thus! She slaps him good-naturedly on the shoulder, though careful not to let him tumble forward. "Jus' take a seat somewhere 'n' get some rest, eh? Or maybe one o' the aid stations? Sure they could use a bit o' help."

Snowflower sighs as she spots Darklett who is walking with a crutch. Shrugging, she stays on her spot of grass waiting for a chance to talk to him.

Connor's eyes grow wide.  "A week!!  Why foh?"  He looks down at her tummy then up to her.  "Yoo habing a baby?" he smiles as he tilts his head to the side a little.

Kevarr gives the younger buck a look that could wither flowers, but...Oxeye's a lot heavier, so she's fairly easily nudged out of line, as she wasn't expecting it. "I'm not a twig, for Fate's sake!" she protests loudly. "And I'm not so daft clumsy I'm about to get flattened under part of the wall."

Shalina giggles at the thought. "Of course I'm no' havin' a baby." she tells Connor. "I don' 'ave a mate..."

Connor's head tilts the other way.  "Mate?"  The word is lost on him until he perks.  "OH!  A Daddy?"

Rurun just keep on working now he has a few seconds to prepare before the next block is passed on to him but that dosent stop him from keeping up his pace.

"But ye /are/ one hell o' a scrawny martenny-thin', prone t'all kinds o' dangah, m'deah," Oxeye counters, with now a very broad grin as Kevarr is nudged out of the way. He steers the marteness towards the mortar workers, as well. Awr. The marten sisters shall work together! "... An' Ah h'ain't takin' th'risk o' endangerin' m'team," Ox elaborates, teasingly. "Now. Ye want t'get ye paws dirty? We'll get them righ' messy 'nuff, here."

Thunderstrike hauls and passes with ease.  Though he is shirtless, has a few bruises still healing, and has a scar across his back.  But hey.  Kevarr's place is quickly filled by some random beast, and he offers a nod.  But the beast pretends not to see the greeting and just shoves the stone in the way.  The monitor snorts softly and continues to pass.  "

Kevarr looks at the mortar dubiously. "But I can't..." She lifts her wooden paw. Yes, protest, protest, protest. She sees Farren, but her gaze passes rather uncomfortably over the other jill. "I can do something else."

Shalina nods to Connor. "Tha's right. A daddy."

Zoe_Lang steps up beside Kevarr, now that all the directing has been taken care of. She then glances at the wooden paw, and with a light slap to the shoulder, snerks out. "Eh, 'tis good fer stirrin'. Bettah than us gettin our fur all mussed,  doncha think?" Hee. She grins, continuing past Kev over to the mortar, where she sets to helping, hereslf.

Connor's ears lower as he looks to the side, sucking in his lower lip and catching it under his front teeth before turning back to Shalina with perked ears and wide eyes. He pats her on the shoulder and smiles wide.  "I kno!  I can be da' Daddy!!"

Shalina grins widely. "Aw, y' would? Bu' you don' want an old weasel jill like me. You ough' t' be marryin' a beat'ful mousemaid..."

"Aye, a righ' mixin' spoon, that is," Ox agrees. Hee. Welcome to the Long Patrol, where they mock each other's infortune. Such as the gimp, Zoe. To the doe in question, Oxeye casts a quick glance. "Make sure she stays put, eh, C'nel?" Hee. And then the buck makes a retreat, back to the stone-layers. And belts out continuous orders. "Watch ye paws, there, lads! An' don't ye leave any empty space, there. Ah don't want a single ant bein' able t'invade this h'abbey!" Yay for ants. c.c

Rahier snorts, grinning. "S'pose it is." Sippity sip. It's best when we don't have to do any actual work. The buck sticks on paw in a pocket, and rests back. "How's things, then?"

Connor shakes his head in protest, those ears giggling and flopping as he does.  "Nuh uh!  I don' know any ub dem."  His ears lower as his tail goes limp behind him.

Kevarr glares first at Zoe, then at Oxeye, as they each in turn sentence her to the mortar mixing station. "It's /not/ a mixing spoon, you overgrown rabbit!" But he's off, so she's left to grumble to herself, stir, and try to avoid eye contact with Farren, who is trying just as hard to avoid the same.

Thunderstrike glances at the beasts at the 'aid' station.  A sly, impish grin.  Pass, take.   "C'mon, you loafers!  Get to work!"

Shalina smiles affectionately, stroking lightly over Connor's ear with a paw. "Don' worry 'bout tha'. Y' 'ave plenty o' time fo' tha' later."

Rurun just keep up the same routen not pausing for antything except to await the next block as it moves down the line.

Zoe_Lang sidles up next to Kevarr, mixing from her end in the large tub with a paddle-like stick.. thing. Not as good as a wooden paw, but hey, not everyone's perfect. ;) "Eh, see, this ain't so bad, yeah? Got t' have the support t' have a wall, eh?"

Connor lids his eyes as he smiles big and lays his head on Shalina's shoulder, giving her another hug.  "I wanna hep dem," a paw points back to the line then rests back around Shalina's neck.  "But dey towd me I'm too widdle t'ep."

Snowflower just sits on the grass quietly watching the workers.

Kevarr sighs a little. "...I suppose." Another glare is spared in Oxeye's direction. "But I am more than capable of handling stone. I'm /not/ an invalid." So there. She continues to stir.

Thunderstrike continues rambling.  "C'mon.  I'm not even breaking a sweat!"  That's because... they don't.  Aha. Ha.  c.c;;

Shalina keeps stroking the mousebabe's ear and neck softly. "Aww. I know wha' y' feel like. Bu' I can' 'elp either... We'll jus' 'ave t' sit 'ere an' enjoy th' sun."

"How's things, ya ask? How's -things-?" Keita shakes her head, "Why, things're great, doncha know? Alex is growin' fastah than we c'n keep 'er in shortpants. 'Course, she jus' generally finds 'er way outta those, anyway, but the growin' - makes it hardah, y'know?" Grin. "'Ey, aincha had yer little 'un jus' recent-like?" She glances Thunder's way. Tsk. She /is/ working, thankee very much. Alepouring's a hard business.

Connor sighs as he smiles a little, reassured by Shalina's words.  He raises his head to look back over his shoulder at the others.  "Mebbe one day...," he says.

"Aye, but you've got little'uns t' think about, eh? An' if ya think ya can't stir with that all-fangled thing, there, how d'ya expect t' lift stone, eh?" Zoe nods her head to the stone paw, but not unkindly. "We all 'ave our problems - no reason t' try 'n' do somethin' ya oughtn't."

Shalina nods to Connor, and looks serious. "Yea, you're goin' t' grow up an' be a strong mouse, an' then you'll be takin' care o' things 'round 'ere." She smiles. "An' I know you're goin' t' do very well, too."

Kevarr grunts a little. That means she can't really argue with the assessment, but she still has to sound disgruntled. "Right. Well." Stir. "I don't want beasts treating me even more like a helpless git. I /can/ do it."

Farren continues to stir, stir, stir, without looking up. Kevarr's presence has made her a mute.

Thunderstrike catches Keita's glance.  He flashes an impish smirk and goes about passing.  'N stuff.

"Ahh. S'nice." And that's all he has to say to Keita's bubbling. :S Rahier coughs, looking away, to sip from his drink. Hm? The buck looks back, and grins, crookedly. "Yeh, s'true. She's cute as a button, o' say they say." Eh heh. Rahier's working too, obviously. Working at not hearing Thunder. ;p

Rurun just keeps on working barely breaking a sweat even as his pace holds steady at the fastest yet.

Thunderstrike calls a little louder.  "I /said/, the funs over here you bunch of fat oafs!"  Hear THAT. XD c.c;

Connor hops back from Shalina and pretends to hold an imaginary sword and branishes it before him with both little paws.  His eyes narrow as a gleam shines from them, for he comes from good stock!  "I'm gonna be Champ'ean one day!"  He runs in a circle slashing yelling, "WEDWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!!"

Keita's awful good at working at not hearing Thunder, oh yes she is. But she returns his glance, and grin she does, holding up a mug in questioning offer. She then glances back to Rah. "Ahh, tha's great! We ought t' get the little mites t'gethah, eh? Sure they'd get 'long jus' - ah." Pause. Ooh, way to remember the awkwardness two seconds too late. Er. "Ah. Get 'long splendidly?" Hee. Sheepish grin.

"Aye, sure ya c'n do it, but the youngah folks c'n do it fastah, 'n' we want this wall up, aye? Leave it t' them, I say, 'n' leave it t' us t' yell when they mess it up." Hee. Zoe sets aside her stirrer as an empty cart of buckets returns to the mortar-stirring station, and she picks one up, dunks it in messily, and magically! It is full again.

Thunderstrike passes a few more times before giving a considering look.  The monitor then hops out of line, careful to pat the snobby one behind him forward.  But not too hard.  Don't wanna have a domino-effect. c.c;  He heads over to the 'aid' station, and gets some 'aid'.  "Ale, if you please!"  Yes, hypocrate.  Ale. c.c

Rory, oh-so-not-present, screams her protest in Keita's ear. Ahem. That done, Oxeye trots past the line of workers, jockeying the occasional one in a keep-moving-you-slacker manner. Ho-hum, it's beginning to look good!

Connor hops up then swings down as he crouches.  "Mamau towd me dat if I get good at da so'wud tha' she'd teh me wha' 'ur battuh-cwy was!"  Slash slash clinging sound effects ensue.

Keita is glad to oblige, and an extra-large mug is passed Thunder's way. "All the ale a hard-workin' lizardy thinger could want, eh? Ain't watah, but who needs it when ya got ale, I always did say, doncha know!" Yep, just keep up that cheerful banter, Keita. Ignore the comically anime sweat-drop forming on your brow as Rahier's reply is awaited.

Kevarr picks up her own bucket, and dips it. "Aye. I want this wall up before we actually need it again." She frowns as she sets the bucket back on the cart. "Later rather than sooner on the needing, I hope."

Thunderstrike takes the mug oh-so-gingerly.  Open the trap, pour in.  He downs a large portion and wipes his snout.  "Ah, that's mighty tasty."

Shalina leans back a bit, supporting herself on her arms, palms planted on the ground behind her back, and keeps an eye on Connor.

"Best brew in all the western sh- ah. That is! All o' Mossflowah, these days." Grin. Keita fills another mug and this too is passed in preparation that Thunder might finish the first.

Rahier laughs, watching Thunderstrike approach. "I say. No, the fun is certainly -here.-" Heehee. The buck turns back to Keita, shrugging his shoulders. Who's awkward? "I'm sure they'd get along jus' fine, eh. Y'wanna, sometime?" Nevermind, Rory, that he hasn't really seen much of Alex. XD

Thunderstrike downs the ale and takes the second.  Muffled reply to Rahier.  "Iagreewithat." Mmm.  ^^

A lute can be heard, along with words, gentle but loud. "Can you hear the bells are ringing far far away? Can you hear the voices singing far far away?"

"Nothin' short o' anothah quake'll bring this wall down, Kev m'pagel. No need t' worry 'bout soonah 'r latah, though preferably latah, eh?" Zoe fills another bucket, setting it back in the cart.

Connor's sword swinging stops as he stands upright and looks around as his ears flit towards the direction of the lute.

Shalina turns to look in the direction of the lute as well, tilts her head to the side.

The lute continues. "I hear they'll hang you upside down, stretched across two boards, if you dare to speak bad of their lords..." He trails off, the lute dying down, listening to the constant chattering over near the wall.

Rurun just keeps on working building up energy should the rest of the line all of a sudden deside to double the pace.

Keita grins sheepishly again, and her head bobs in a nod to Rahier. "Aye - sometime. I'll, ah - talk t' Rory 'n' we c'n arrange somethin'." She pauses, then brightens a bit. "I mean, they'll be in the little school-type thing t'gethah, righ'? They still do tha' at Sala, righ'?" She's going on what they did when she was a little'un, see.

Kevarr actually manages a very slight smile. Not really from Zoe's comments, but more from relief at finally seeing real work being done. She picks up an empty bucket and moves back to fill it. "Oh, I'll worry, but I'll sleep better. No army has ever been able to breach the actual Abbey walls themselves. And once," grunt, "the bell tower is up too, we'll have a way of warning everyone. Or, actually, Sunrose was talking about a temporary structure. Wood, probably. Something to at least let us ring the bells."

Thunderstrike  places the empty mug on the table.  A tip of the fingers.  "Thanks."  And he heads over to the line.  He clears his throat, rubs his paws with some dirt, and... belches...  O.o;;  Embarrassed look.  "Er.  Ah.  Sorry.  It kinda escaped."  Passtonenow. ^^

Kevarr says, "Then Ruingate can bang their heads all day against the stone."

Kar is looking down on his lute, his paws blistered, bleeding, from the days of playing, the nights of fighting, the darkness his life became. "Days can no longer be numbered..." he muttered. "Fishers are crying, their nets blundered. Empty hearts have no pain no love no fire no life, one who honors his strife..." His paws began to move across the body of the lute quickly. "But, can you hear the voices singing, far far away? Can you hear the, bells are ringing, far, far, away? I know that one day their songs shall rise, you're here and with the sleep still in your eyes, in your eyesss..." He trailed off, his paws stopping. He closed his eyes, holding his lute carefully. A young adult, just a squirrel, the eyes of a broken heart, his hands red and brown with blood, his face covered in scars. Too much for him to take at once.

Zoe_Lang plops another bucket into the muck, and some splashes up onto her snout. That'll be fun to clean up later, but for now she ignores it. "Aye, the bells bein' up

Thunderstrike looks over to malebard.  "Sing something happy!"  A snerk.  "Singer's supposed to make beasts happy, right?"

Rurun steps out of line after a few more moments the hare behind him taking his place wordlesly. He begins to make his way over to the aide stand thinking quietly to himself.

... 'll make it feel more like Redwall, again. Mayhaps if'n ya want some help, 'n' once we get this'ere wall done, we c'n lend a paw." Zoe sets the bucket aside.

Arriving late, Jarril comes through some bushes with some other hares, still with packs on their backs as though they were on a patrol.  Looking around, the major looks for a colonel to get any orders and makes his way through various beasts.

The squirrel keeps looking down on his lute. "I'll play and sing anything I want...I haven't been in the mood to be happy for a month."

Thunderstrike steps out of line rather quickly.  He goes over to the aid station and requests a mug.  "One please!"

Thunderstrike says, "Large one at that."

Kar says, "If you want to get one for me, don't."

Thunderstrike looks over.  He sighs.  "Don't make me forcefeed you this!  It's tasty."

Rahier gives Keita something of a sardonic glance. We know how likely this is. XD But at subject change, the buck grins, placing his mug on the table and folding his arms in thought. "...I s'pose they will be, yeh. In a coupla seasons. Taye's in class here, an' he jus' loves it. Really takin' t' it." Beam. :D

Kevarr nods slightly. "We can use as much as we can get." She grunts again, then lowers her voice. "This feels good. I don't think I've felt this optimistic in a long time." Her ears twitch at the comments going on between Thunderstrike and Kar, and she rolls her eyes.

Shalina gets to her feet, not without a bit of struggle, and makes her way to the aid tent, with a side glance to see what Connor is up to.

Snowflower watches the building from her small spot of grass. As she sees Rurun though, she offers a small wave as she sits up.

The request is quickly filled, and the large mug slid to Thunder, as all the rest. She looks across to the squirrel and tsks. "'Ey, now. 'Tis good! Does a body righ' well t' have a little ale when they're down." She then turns to Rah, tilting her head. "Taye? That the little lad follows ya 'round all the time?"

Buuut. Ox discovers Jarril, first. The lieutenant grins, and slams a paw on the major's shoulder in a very Zoe-esque manner. "Hey there. Nice o' ye t'show ye mug, here, m'lad. Lookin' fer somethin' t'keep ye paws busy, Majah Jarril?" Buwhahaha. Fear, the scruffy boxer.

Kar says, "I just want to sleep, but since then I haven't been able to sleep, I'm tired, I try to play to be happy, I feel sick all the time, and I want to be alone...but I'm a bard, and I've got to try and please people. And I don't want to."

The road could be seen not far from the gash in the great stone walls. The dust rises slowly into the air, a sure sign of a beast heading towards the old Abbey. The yellow cloud grows larger and from the mist comes a small beast, round and short. Stomping along the little creature looks rather comical, as if walking wasn't it's best talent. It stalls suddenly, the chatter and size of the group finally reaching it. The beast pauses and then starts moving towards the group, though this time much more slowly. As the little beast closer it's easy to tell it's a mole, the long, pointed snout and large digging claws a dead give away. Remaining silent, the mole comes up to the edge of the gathering, his eyes turning back and forth.

Connor tilts his head to the side as he looks up at Kar.

Thunderstrike takes the mug and approaches Kar.  He looks down at the beast and smiles benevolently.  "Best brew in the whole freakin' land.  C'mon.  You know you want it."  Monitor is in a happy mood. c.c;  "This'll make you sleep like a baby."

Thunderstrike says, "Or.  A deadbeast, if you will."

Kar sighs, and looks at his lute. "I'll...play you a happy song..."

Jarril looks at Oxeye and gives a slightly wave of his paw.  "Duties first, not my bally problem I was rostered on for a patrol but we got here as soon as that was finished, but I have myself and other hares at disposal nonetheless."  Looking around.  "So what needs doing?"

Ha! The news is spreading. Keita's brew is now the best brew in the whole land! Whee. She grins widely, and slides another mug across the table to a customer - a non-playing customer, but hey. This is an /investment/, folks.

Thunderstrike sets the mug down next to Kar and laughs loudly.  He waves a paw and walks back towards the line.  "Whatever you want.  Jess playin' with you."  c.c

Shalina steps up to the counter when she suddenly becomes dizzy again. She leans against the bar for a while, while regaining her composure.

Rurun arrives at the stand but he seems to just be moving over there for a break nothing else...........Especially what these beasts call  drinks. He also seesm not to notice snowflower as his back in now turned to her.

Keita notices Shalina rather easily, and seeing her leaning-bit, she ducks down under the counter and comes out with a fresh mug, which she nudges Shal on the shoulder with. "'Ere, some watah, eh? 'Tis a hot day fer bein' out."

Oxeye straightens, gesturing to the very obvious gash with a flick of one ear. "Rebuildin', it appears." Helpful, isn't Ox? He grins, and crosses both paws over his chest, with a more business-like grunt. "We got a line o' paws passin' stone t'th'wall, there. It's laid down sharpish, an' mortar's h'applied. Then we place th'stone, an' continue." He looks past Jarril, to the fresh paws. "Alrigh', m'lads, fall in line. Ye, there, an' ye -- " Ox calls out, choosing two of the bigger hares, " -- get up front with th'stone-layahs. An' ye two, go lend a paw t'th'mortar beasts!" Hurr. Take charge. Ahem. Ox returns his attention to Jarril. "Ye can fall in line anywhere it pleases ye, Majah."

Rahier laughs, shaking his head. ;p "Very true, that. Yeh, that's him. Nicest kid you'll ever meet, he is, an' sharp as a tack." It's Rahier's turn to babble. XD "I bet he'd like ya, too." Grin. His ears fall back as Shalina approaches. Ooh. "Are y'alrigh', miss?"

The quick paws begin to move to a quick town. "8 bottles of wine each night, dirt all over my shirt, don't see how it gets much better, don't see how it gets much worse!" His frown turns into a smile. "Something's vile something's sad but I don't care my life is not too bad. Clap of thunder, scream of fire, but I wouldn't care, everyone's the same but nobody's the same. Trust is the sky without clouds, the best thing there is, and now I'll tell you, the greatest story ever told! Welcome to the longest mile, one good time is our journey, the greatest story ever tollld! The greatest story ever tolllld! The greatest STORY ever Toooold~! The greatest story ever! All my dreams are slowly dying, I can count my years in scars, the only one that's never left me has carried me so very far! I've heard it's said that he weighs nothing, a beauty to behold, the author of my hopes is writing, the greatest story ever told!!!" He takes his hands off the lute, grinning, despite the fact the wood is quite covered in blo

Connor rushes over to Shalina and holds on to her shirt covered leg looking up at her.  "Yoo ok, Sha'weena?"  His little brow wrinkles with concern.

Kevarr makes another face. "Yes, it's sounding just like the old Redwall already."

Shalina accepts the mug, looking a little confused, still not completely recovered. She sniffs the fluid before taking a sip. "Than's..." She turns to Connor with a smile. "I'm fine. Jus' got a bi' dizzy, tha's all."

Thunderstrike inserts himself back into the line and passes once again.

Kar says, "I'll take your offer on that ale."

Zoe_Lang chuckles at Kevarr's comment, as the last bucket is refilled and the cart is.. well, carted off again. She goes back to stirring. "Ahh, now, t'ain't a bad thing, is it? 'Least beasts're feelin' like they're doin' somethin', again. Know I've been feelin' outta sorts with nothin' concrete t' work on." Not that Miette's not something to occupy her, but. Heh.

Snowflower frowns slightly as he doesn't notice her. Well she'll just wait then cause she's much to comfortable to move. Sighing, the squirrelmaid goes back to watching the workers.

The bard, smiling, walks up to the aid tent. "I'd like an ale, please..." His hands are dripping blood, but he's still grinning.

Offer on that ale, eh? Keita's ears prick again, and Kar is offered the mug as he arrives, though she pauses at the sight of the bloody paw, sending a glance Rahier's way. Er? "Here.. ya go, sah?" More Taye babbles are held off, for now.

Jarril nods and turns around to his hares.  "Alright, ya heard them.  I know ya haven't had anything ta eat or drink since first thing this morning but I make sure ya get something laters.  Do as the lieutenant says."  Watching them go, the major looks for a place to put his pack down and makes his way to a place and puts it down.

Kevarr shrugs slightly, and it must be said, she's having a hard time not smiling again. Her head jerks in Kar's direction. "No, do you see that? This place attracts /loads/ of them. I suppose it's because of the healing, and that good happy woodlanders put up with it." Her ears twitch. "Though I suppose I'll just have to get used to the singing."

Kar grabs the ale, staining it with red, and walking away down the road.

Rurun turns and fnally does notcie snowflower he waves slightly to her but dosent go over.

Shalina drinks her water greedily, gulping it down quickly, some of it running down the sides of her mouth, as she can't swallow at the same pace that she pours.

Zoe_Lang watches the bard disappear, nodding ruefully. "Aye, well.. there're crazies all ovah, I s'pose. Why, ya ought t' hear 'bout some o' the beasts we get visitin' the mountain." She smirks, sending a look Farren's way. "Think ya know one o' the crazies." Hee.

Rahier quirks a brow back at Keita, looking to Kar's bloody paw. "Ah, y'want me t'take a look at tha-..?" And, uh, off Kar walks. Blinkity. Rahier shrugs, and looks back to Keita. :S

Thunderstrike eyes Kar as he leaves.  "Daft beast.  Crazy."

Snowflower waves back as she stands up. Dusting off her dress, she makes her way over to the hare. "Hello Ru. How are you doing?"

Damn straight they'll do as Ox says. He does, however, make a point of gesturing to Keita and Rahier. "If th'thirst really gets ye, there's a few slackahs that way that can help ye out. But don't let m'catch ye ovah there fer too long." Hurr. Oxeye eyes Jarril as the major shuffles off. Hee. Oxeye eyes. Fuuunny.

Keita blinks back at Rahier, and.. shrugs. Eh. Odd sorts. It takes her a second, but her easy grin /does/ return. "Smart as a tack, eh? Sounds ya taken a special int'rest in the lad."

Kevarr grunts. She's still avoiding looking at Farren. "Tell me about them. We used to have a longterm one here. The most irritating beast you'll ever meet. The only ones who come close are his family." She gets a sudden, amused look on her face, but doesn't explain.

Shalina puts her empty mug down with a little sigh of relief. "Much bett'e."

Slackers? This is serious business. Rahier reclaims his mug, even if he can't hear Ox. XD He takes a sip, glancing toward the wall. ;p "Ahh, well, he ain't got any, ah.. proper family, over here, y'know. So." Shrug. :S

Jarril makes sure that he has taken the last water from his flask and closes it.  Tying the bag up again he makes his way back and knocks into someone from his blind side.  Apologising, he shakes his head and continues on his way to where the line is, unsure he be able to do much since he hasn't atht much upper body strength.  Slipping between two bigger fighters than himself he coughs and spitting onto his paws, he takes hold of the rope.

Zira flies in from the direction of the trees and lands on a nearby branch where she can watch the going ons.

"Well, 'tis nice o' ya t' take 'im undah yer arm-type thing, I s'pose. Sure he 'preciates it. Seems t', from what I've seen. He's a righ' shadow, innit he? Cute fer a little'un, though. Not s'cute as cute as Alex, 'course."