10:23 PM

Western Shore
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You seem to be truly in the middle of nowhere. The beach is like that you'd expect to see in a dream. Miles of saffron sand stretch to the north and south. The only sign of life is a very faint and distant wisp of smoke over the southern horizon. There is little sound, only the roar of the ivory crested waves as they crash onto the shoreline just to the west. This place looks almost as if a timeless, long forgotten stretch of beach. Though, even so, there seems to be a well-trodden path to the east...
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Exits: [H]alyard [V]illage, [U]pshore, [D]ownshore

Dust, dirt and sand whips around the patrol's feet as they march inwards between the small gates of Halyard Village. The sentries grin and wave to the patrollers they've known for years, veterans who've been visiting for decades, or the village residents, recently left to become patrol hares. Each member's uniform is straight and un-marked, all medals and regalia are on show and shined up, obviously they made some effort just before they approached the village for this ceremony. A lone hare in the rearguard blows a short, staccato tune to accompany their rythmic march. The remaining residents watching the hares turn their backs to follow them inside, an air of festivity and joy surrounding the whole affair. The guards who are left outside are brought small packets of food and a mug of some cool beverage, so they don't feel too left out. A peaceful scene if ever there was one...

Old-Joe room-pages, "There we go, something to set the scene... not quite what was planned but we can work from there ;)".

Daclon lays at the top of a dune, watching the hares below with rapt attention.  The vermin behind him stand in almost silent groups, some sharpening their weapons once more, others painting their faces with red dye.  Only a few mutter, and the mild wind blows the words away before the sentries below can hear anything, hares though they may be.

Moving in between two veteran's, a very young male hare, name of Lightpaw is in happy spirits, glad to have been part of the new generation of long patrol hares.  Turning his head slightly, he speaks quietly to one of the older hares.  "Glad Major Fleetpaw let me on this."  He saw the look from one of the older hares and nodded his head as he turned to face the front again and continued to walk towards the village, still shaking slightly from the excitement of it all.

Dusttail has no badges on his uniform, but it is cleaned up as nicely as possible.  Being eager to set a good impression for the others, he marches into the village along with several other newer recruits.  His face shines with excitement, as this is his first 'real' patrol.

Loki stands near the center of the assembled vermin, whispering commands and badgering several other vermin.  Still angry over the fight with one of the Long Patrol's runners, the thought of revenge for being humiliated in such a way sets him to grinning.  "C'mon, ya scum.  From some sorta ranks, there."  He surveys his group of vermin with obvious disapproval as they attempt to form some semblance of lines.

Another hare, much in his later seasons, marches with a sense of dignity and pride as he looks about him all the time with his old, keen eyes.  A sturdy fighter who's survived many a battle and a few wars.  The old hare is named Oakpaw, as he walks in full uniform, many badges as well as his sword that hangs in his belt.

Ralina sits away from the fighters, with several other female vermin.  They can't fight in the upcoming battle, so they remain behind to help any wounded.  She sorts through several bags of bandages and herbs, assisted by a younger stoatess.

Vorth stands among the vermin, face dyed red for the occasion, stood stock still with his eyes closed large ears moving around, the wind may make hearing things rather hopeless but that doesn't stop him from trying.

Old-Joe sighs loudly into the air, glancing about at the other sentries and peering down into his package his face lights up. He balances it on one paw and uses the other to take out a freshly baked sconce. He grins widely to himself, shouting over to one of his companions, "They're treatin' us well today! Gotta love these celebrations eh?" he laughs with a slight whistle before biting down into his prize, chewing it slowly and nodding to himself happily. He leans his back against the building, looking up at the sky and taking another bite from the scone.

Ferri moves towards the back of the vermin group to stand with those who won't be fighting, though not really a member of the group she's mainly come to watch, and possibly do something if she feels like it.

Daclon nods as the hares begin to enter the village, turning and jogging down the dune to the other vermin.  Gruff commands are whispered to the leaders of each group of vermin, who begin to move slowly forward.  Daclon joins the largest group, and they start to march, as quietly as possible, towards the village.  Not the greatest marching ever-as they get closer ranks begin to break up and the vermin seek cover to protect them from the eyes of the sentries.

Dusttail splits away from the patrol as they enter the village and are dispersed.  With two or three friends, and some food, he moves to sit next to one of the buildings, where they settle down for a game.  Pebbles and twigs are brought out, and soon the younger hares are attempting to win different items of food that they have received.

Lightpaw isn't leaning on anything, he is busy taking a scone himself and munching it down within seconds, such youth and bottomless stomachs young hares have while they're growing up still.  Oakpaw leans on the wall and closes his eyes for a moment, resting them as he rubs them.  Turning his head to Old-Joe, he smiles.  "Long time since we've done this, no?"  The old hare coughs slightly.  "What to give ta be young again, wot."

Loki shoves a few of the vermin forward as they begin to march, and showers them with quiet verbal abuse as they move forward.  They take their que from Daclon's group, and begin to scatter amongst the dunes as they get closer.  Loki stops talking, as they begin to approach hearing range of the sentries.

Ralina nods to Ferri.  While not knowing her, another beast to help with the wounded will undoubtedly be needed.  "Are you here to help?"

Vorth marches forward with no need for a shove following Daclon's group and making sure to keep out of sight and be quiet at the same time.

Ferri briefly looks to Ralina "If I'm needed I suppose I could help, mainly I'm just here to see what happens" she replies, keeping to a quiet voice before she turns back to watching the vermin march off.

An enterprising young ferret, hoping to gain some reward, has snuck close to the sentries.  His sandy colored fur and tan tunic have protected him from the view of the sentries.  The nearest one is pounced upon, yelps, and the two go down in a scuffle.

Lightpaw smiles at another young hare.  "Aye, I passed that bally well test that the major put us through.  Should be getting in proper after the final test."  Munching on another scone has he talks.  "So when do ya get ta be-"  Lightpaw's ear twitches as he turns around.  "Here, did ya just hear something?"  Looking about now as he moves from the wall.

Daclon curses quietly as the ferret attacks the hare.  If the hare should get the upper paw and shout a warning... He unsheathes his sword, and motions for the vermin to advance.  No use in secrecy now.  The vermin begin jogging across the hard-packed sand, and one or two sentries spot them.

Dusttail continues to play with his friends, as they haven't heard anything yet.  A lucky roll for another hare wins him what remains of Dusttail's food.  Grumpily, he stands and wanders to the gate.

Oldpaw blinks as he rubs his eyes.  "Hmmm, eyes must be bally well playing up.  I could've sworn I can see a whole lot of vermin heading our way."  Another younger hare replies back.  "Sorry ta have ta say this, old timer, sah.  But there is a whole bunch of vermin heading our way."  Greybuck shouts out.  "We got company!"  Lightpaw is up and alert, dropping the scone to the sandy ground as he unleashes his sling from his wrist.  "Bally rotters, interfering with our celebration patrol, wot."

Loki groans as the vermin begin to charge and the patrollers raise a shout.  "Dang...  Thought we might be able to reach the walls..."  He stops for a moment to string his bow, then picks up the pace to catch up with the others.  Notching an arrow to his bow, he draws it back as far as he can, stops, and fires at the sentries.

Buckthorn pages, "Are pretty much all the hares in the Patrol going to die? Because I dont want Buck dying." to you.

Greybuck mutters as he takes his own bow, shaking his head as he tries to focus on the advancing vermin heading his way and lets a shaft go himself, unsure if he can hit anything at that distance.  Lightpaw, waits until they're a bit closer, swinging his loaded sling about, while trying to get rid of the slight shakes that he's getting, being quite inexperienced at this, considering it's his first proper conflict.

Vorth charges along with the others pulling out his bow on the way, briefly stopping to string the bow before running until he's within range, he drops his lance to the ground and with a quick and practiced movement notches arrow to bow and fires at the first hare he sees.

The young ferret who started the fight finally beats the hare, running a dagger into him.  Standing, he dashes towards the hares near the gate.  A sentry hits him with a sling-stone, and he slumps to the ground.

Daclon dashes forward, along with several vermin carrying larger shields.  As the vermin draw closer, they begin to yell, and the archers fall to the rear, stringing bows and preparing for a volley of arrows.

Roserock had been making eyes at Lightpaw practically the whole patrol. The doe was now pretty frustrated, feeling that the young buck was never going to pay her any attention. The sandy furred doe sighs and watches the other play around with his friends. It's not until an alarm goes up that the doe shoots her eyes over, catching sight of a hares moving to the wall. She coots forward, nudging up close to Lightpaw and the wall. "Great gallops!" She cries out. "Whats going on?"

A old hare, blinks as he see's a young hare fall from Vorth's arrow shaft and looks about quickly.  "You."  Pointing at Lightpaw.  "Heard ya a fast runnah.  Go through that village and away if ya can.  No arguing, just ge-"  The old hare gurgles as he finds an arrow sticking out of his chest and gasps, letting his arrow go before dropping to the floor.  Lightpaw blinks as he feels another arrow fly right through his ear and jumps, turning to run as he finds out how painful actual battle is, heading into the gates of the village itself.

Dusttail swallows nervously, pulling his sword out and shouting for his friends to come and help.  Five of them dash over, drawing weapons and looking around worriedly.  The self-appointed leader of the group, a hare named June, shouts a few suggestions to his friends.  "C'mon, mates.  Form a circle, jus' like we practiced!  We'll beat 'em!"

Loki takes command of the archers.  Gazing quickly at the charging vermin, they might have time for one good volley.  Two, if they hurry.  "Awright, ya maggots.  Arrows on string.  Prepare to fire!"

Oakpaw had already unshield his sword and frowns as he see's another hare fall down.  Turning to face Roserock, he mutters.  "Bally horde, where they came from I don't know.  If I get out of this, I am so going ta give Rothal a piece of my mind, wot."  Moving in as he looks at June, moving right next to her.  "Need ta give Lightpaw time ta get away if he can.  Shame, was really peckish.  Not right fo rthem ta bally well make me postpone my tea, wot."  He blinks as he see's another hare fall down and frowns.  "This won't do.  Come on, we need ta retreat into the village.  They cut us down here."

Vorth notches another arrow to bow string and targets another hare, drawing back the arrow he fires on Loki's command since he seems to have taken command of the archers.

Meanwhile, Lightpaw was standing within the village, paw was placed on his ear, feeling the sharp pain as he felt blood freely flowing from the wound.  Wiping it on his uniform, now stained, he looks about and heads off quickly, shouting.  "Get out of my way."  Running right into one, he falls back slightly and curses, looking back slightly to where the open gate is, crying out as he see's another hare in the thick of battle fall.  Scrambling up, he nearly falls flat on his face as he tries to get a good grip and runs off again, just small droplets of blood flicking about his ear as he does so.

Roserock gives out a shuddering gasp as the old hare falls down next to her, dead on impact. She steps back and turns to Lightpaw, just in time to see an arrow cut through his ear. "Light!" She cries out, feeling a arrow pierce her shoulder. The doe staggers back and yanks the thing out, turning to Oakpaw with wide eyes. "Why... why?" She questions and has to duck to avoid a few stones being launched. The doe glances to where Lightpaw has gone. "Light..." She mutters weakly and sinks down, trying to find the dagger in her belt with trembling paws.

Daclon shouts, urging the clump of vermin towards the village, hoping to catch the hares before they get away.  Dusttail's group is right in their path, and it is unlikely the recruits will last long.

Oakpaw looks at Roserock and frowns.  "Lissen, he's gone, good thing as well.  If he can get back and warn the mountain, so be it but come on, don't wonder why, vermin don't need a reason.  Just give him time tha-"  Oakpaw never got to finish the sentence as he gets an arrow right in the throat.  Gurgling slightly, the old eyes begin to cloud over as he falls down onto his knee's, gives Roserock one last look and keels over.

Dusttail notices Roserock and Oakpaw, and the group maintains their rank as they move to surround the doe and dying buck.  Dusttail reaches down to help her up.  "C'mon miss!  Get into the village!"  One of the hares in the circle gasps and falls.  June sees Daclon's group coming, and dashes to fight with the vermin, followed by two others, leaving Dusttail and another buck to help Roserock.

Loki grimaces as the vermin close rank with the hares, and tosses his bow and arrows aside, drawing his sword.  Several others among the archers draw weapons, and the vermin dash forward to lend their weight to the fight.

Vorth drops his bow to the sand and retrieves his lance from beside his footpaws before charging forward once more.

Daclon clashes with June and the other two hares, and the vermin quickly jump into combat.  One hare goes down almost automatically, but the other two put up a stiff resistance, stopping the vermin for a moment.

Lightpaw swiftly dodges quite a mess within the village, a lot running about in a panic as he hops and jumps over someone who's there crying in the road.  Looking about he turns around a corner and then slows down to look at the outside of the far end of the village.  Carefully stepping out, he carefully ducks and weaves, the side of his face now covered in red from his ear wound, a few drops are left on the sand now and again as he continues to shake.

Brawno stands there with his lance, the old hare retreating back slowly to the gate as he stands his gaurd, watching others fall back into the village the hare bares his teeth and shouts loudly.  "EULALIA!  Come on ya stinking vermin!  I am waiting, don't make me wait long will ya!

Ferri is still at the back watching the fight, very little emotion on her face.

Loki circles around Daclon's group, who are busy with the two hares, and is confronted with the choice of charging Dusttail or Brawno.  As he hears Brawno's challenge, he rushes towards him instead, followed by three other vermin.

Lightpaw slowly slips up a dune and then trips, falling down the whole dune at the very back of the village.  Cursing he lands at the bottom.  Talking to himself, he mutters.  "Come on, get up...  Get up...  Sah, will ya bally well get up off ya rabbit tail and move it."  Scrambling back up again, his whole uniform matted with sand, some of it sticking from where his ear is still bleeding.  "Come on, remember the training..."  He stops and looks about for a moment, then heads off again, not knowing how long he may have anyone on his tail at all.  The young buck pondering on turning back to help.  Moving around to get near to the mountain side, he mutters.  "No, must get word back or it be for nothing....  Should've stayed, left Roserock behind.  Lightpaw felt a tear forming on that one, he doesn't like this, doesn't like this at all, the hare running swiftly, hearing the cries of battle slowly begin to get quieter.  He only hoped he didn't get lost now, not traveled this way before.

June and the other Buck make a valiant stand, back to back, fighting like madbeasts.  As they hear Brawno, the shout out an answering, "Eulalia! For the Patrol!".  How long they can slow the vermin is uncertain-already they show signs of tiring.

Vorth follows Loki's route round but charges for Dusttail's group instead and aims his lance at one of the hares.

Brawnoak old paws begin to tighten about the shaft as he nods his head.  "Come on, ya need three ta beat up an old hare?  Hmmm, ya mustn't think much of ya fighting skills, weasel."  The old fighter just smiling.  "Ah well, I take ya all on."  He runs forwards shouting the longpatrol warcry again and dives right into Loki and the other three vermin, felling one of them immediately with his lance, then hitting the other on the head as he swings it around before jumping to face Loki himself.

Dusttail turns as his friend groans and slumps to the ground, the lance in his middle.  "Roserock, get to the village 'afore the gates close, if ya want to see Light again!"  Not waiting for an answer, he rushes towards Vorth, hoping to stop the rat's charge.

Daclon hooks June's shirt on his hook, pulling the hare forward and banging his forehead against the hare's.  As June falls, he pulls the hook from his shirt and runs him through.  Pulling his sword out of the body, he turns to face the other hare, only to be tripped by June, who somehow remains alive.

Loki spins his sword in his paw, testing the old hare's defence with a quick jab.  "'Tis called caution, hare.  Ya should learn it, or you wouldn't face me."

Vorth yanks his lance free of the hare and swings it round bringing it towards Dusttail's head.

Brawno defends the jab, barely as he replies back.  "I face ya with my honour intacts, I've taken more of ya before in my life."  The old hare jumping to the side as he gets a cut on his arm from the other vermin he forgot about.  Trying to keep them both in front of him, the old hare knew it was over but he still stood there, lance at the ready.  "So what's the matter, can only fight against old or young'uns then.  Can't say I am impressed with ya group.  Ya meet ya match one day weasel."  The old hare swings his lance around and stabs the last vermin with him.  Pulling it out, he's left his middle wide open.

Dusttail ducks the rat's attack bringing his sword up in a quick jab, that while it might pierce the rat's flesh, will certainly not wound him seriously.

Daclon slams his hook into June, finally killing the hare, and struggles to his feet, watching the other hare being drug down.  There is little resistance outside the Village now, and he takes the opportunity to regain his breath.

Loki jabs his saber at the opening, hoping to finish Brawno quickly, angered at how easily his companions were slain.  As he does so, he manages a grin.  "Today's not that day, friend."

Lightpaw stops again and curses as he looks at his uniform and rips a sleeve off with his short dirk.  Reaching up, he begins to tie his wounded ear, the young hare panting heavily, still shaking from shock.  Looking about again, he moves onwards, wondering if anyone was still alive back there, he shook his head when he saw images of his friends being killed.

Vorth jumps to the side slight and gets a small cut from the sword as he turns holding the lance in one paw as he pulls out one of his swords and in the same movement sends it towards Dusttail's neck.

Dusttail manages to dodge the sword, lucky that he is quick on his feet.  Now that Roserock has entered the village, he begins to fall back as well.  Only half a dozen brave hares remain outside, and each is involved in a fight to the death, surrounded by several vermin.

Brawno tries to bring his lance down to block the jab but only manages to make it move slightly behind him.  Feeling the saber part through his fur and skin, the old hare gasp as he pulls himself away from Loki with help from his lance, blood now coming out from his side freely, he leans on the lance while gripping it heavily.  Giving Loki a smile, Brawno coughed up some blood and spat it out, his voice fading.  "I see you soon frien..."  The old hare slowly begins to slip down and falls to the ground, still breathing slightly as he coughs again, eyes starting to cloud over.

Daclon recovers his breath, and shouts for the vermin to follow him.  Shields held in front to protect them from missile fire, they make a desperate push for the gate, seeing as its still open.  "C'mon now!"  Daclon shouts.  "Get to the gate!  Don't let 'em get away!"  Several vermin who started to pillage bodies are stopped by captains, who push them towards the gate.

Vorth puts on a small charge at Dusttail as he starts to fall back, bringing his sword down at an angle and a second later pushing the lance forwards towards the hare if he should move again.

Dusttail runs for it just as Vorth charges, but is wounded in the back and falls to the sand.  A stoat grabs him by the nape of his neck, bringing a cudgel down on his head and knocking him out.  He slumps to the sand, and the stoat, chuckling happily, begins to tie him up with a ragged rope from his belt.

Vermin rush in through the half-closed gate, bent now on taking prisoners for slaves.  Hares dash in different directions, but vermin quickly run them down and restrain them.

Meanwhile in the village itself, a otter manages to get a small gate at the back closed as he looks down at the blood on the ground.  Looking about, he cleans it as best as he can with other sand and then heads off quickly.  "Get everyone into the buildings.  Someone get that gate.  Too late, the vermin have got in!"  The otter sighs and offers no resistance at all, keeping his back to the locked small gate at the far end of the village.  "Alrigh'.  I give in, just don' harm any of us."

Several of the remaining hares make heroic last stands here and there, and only a few willingly surrender.  Others are captured by the marauding vermin.  The battle seems to be almost over, as only a few small pockets of resistance remain.

Roserock watches hares go down all around her. She listens and nods to Dust, turning before she can see the fate of the other hare. The doe has been fighting to get to the village. Finally the doe breaks into the dusty path, her eyes brimming up with tears. She jogs along it, feeling she's finally safe. The doe turns her head to look at the battle behind her... and it's that fatal mistake that leaves the young fighter on the ground, a sword stuck between her ribs. With her last gurgle of a breath the doe gazes up at a sneering rat. She dies, a look of terror forever sketched on her face.

Daclon spits into the sand, walking into the gate at the rear.  Commands have already been given to take prisoners, and keep them alive.  "Somebeast close these gates!  We're all in, and nobeast will be leaving for a bit!"  Four or five vermin check to make sure all the wounded are carried in, and the gates begin to close, trapping the villagers inside with the vermin.

Ferri quickly slips inside the gates before they're closed only stopping on the way to get a couple of trinkets off some hares and vermin that won't be needing them anymore.

The final pockets of resistance are crushed, and those who were captured are tied and gagged, before being laid out on the ground in groups.  Vermin are placed to guard them, and several more begin to break into the houses to see if anybeast may be inside there who has not already been captured.

Far from the village and out of sight, Lightpaw slumps down against a rock in the sand and swallows large amounts of hares, seeing the night drawing in, he smiles, taking a flask from his backpack and takes a swig of water.  Closing his eyes, he shakes his head.  "Were in the bally flippers did they come from?"  Resting there for the moment, the young hare waits for it to get dark.  "Now how to get back to the mountain?  Then I am going ta give Rothal a piece of my mind.  Few vermin.  Most be scores of them but.."  He sighs.  "Don't know, oh that please the upper ranks.."  Lightpaw takes another swig of his water and waits for the night to fully close in, knowing that comrades died that evening to sadden his heart.