08:26 PM

Standing near the edge of the path, Jarril has a few stones in his paw that he's using to throw into the open air, watching to see how far he can throw them.  He's a bit oblivious to anything while deep in thought.

Making her way carefully down the rocky path to the northern face of the mountain, having been informed by a young recruit that he'd seen Jarril heading this way, Zoe squints into the wind, trying to shade her eyes from the sun with a paw as she looks down. And... there he is. With a small, soft sigh, she continues picking her way down the path towards him.

Jarril turning his head slightly, wind blowing, the major takes a deep sigh and waits for the colonel to come down.  Muttering quietly to himself, he throws a stone.  "Well, pata.  Looks like I am gonna make ya stop being proud of me."  Juggling a stone in his paw, the major calls out.  "G'day Colonel.  Ya wanted me?"

Stopping a couple of feet further up the path, Zoe looks to one side and then the other until she finds a suitable boulder to sit upon, and sit she does. She rests each paw upon a knee and looks towards the shore, eyes squinted against the wind. In answer, she nods.

Jarril pauses slightly and tosses the pebbles he has onto the path and then walks other, rubbing his paws clean from the dirt.  Ah well, may as well get this over with.  Stopping in front of the colonel, he stands there at attention.

Zoe_Lang continues to study the shoreline for what might seem like ages for Jarril, and at the point where it might almost seem that she's forgotten what she came for, she speaks. "... Jarril, how long've you been in the patrol, now?"

Jarril blinks and ponders that one for a moment.  Looking down in thought and back up again "Five or six seasons I think."

Zoe_Lang finnally turns her head towards the other. With a considering look, she nods. That sounds about right. "What made ya decide t' join?"

Jarril doesn't move, unsure of the situation right now as he replies back.  "Ta be honest, it was mostly in respect ta my parents being in it, all those stories and all.  That and maybe I was a bit ta young and wanted ta impress them.  But..."  He gives a slight frown.  "Times change I suppose."

"D'ya regret joinin'?" That's the crucial question, isn't it?

Jarril blinks.  "No, of course not.  Just that things are a bit different now that's all."  Sighing.  "Look, I know I went a bit over the line a few days back but things got ta me.  It won't happen again."

With the slightest of wry grins, Zoe gives Jarril an amused and relatively light look. "A bit, lad?"

Jarril shrugs and rolls his eyes a bit.  "Okay, I went right out of the mountain, then walked all the way ta redwall and left the line a few seasons back."  Moving now, the major sits down on the ground.  "I can't deny what I did, some things just got ta me, that's all."

Zoe_Lang chuckles as she shakes her head. "Well... don't beat yerself up about it, eh? We both know you work yerself t' hard. Especially takin' on as much as ya are with the recruits... Mayhaps you could pass on some o' the burden?"

Jarril nods slowly.  "It's not just that.  I know I work ta hard sometimes.  It's the only thing I know ta do around here."  He looks out to the open and frowns.  "It's jsut after my family being killed by vermin up north and now we have that other problem we have at the moment and things aren't going well for us and ta be honest.  I felt like no matter what I said that day it was going ta be thrown down as though no action was ta be taken."  Stopping he shakes his head.  "Sorry, few things hit a bit ta close ta home with me lately.  I do mean it won't happen again though.  I do whatever has been decided on the matter."

"Jarril, I should think ya wouldn't need remindin' that othahs have a lot ridin' on what comes o' Halyard, too." Zoe doesn't skirt around the topic, and her easy demeanor is slightly... less easy, now. Not pissed, just 'meh'.

Jarril nods.  "That I understand now.  Don't worry.  I trust ya and the other colonels now.  I am passed what happened that day.  Sorry if I have upset ya, colonel."

Jarril continues to look out at the sun, sea, nodding his head slightly.

Zoe_Lang shakes her head, and tries at a smile, however faint. "Ya didn't. 'Twas the vermin that managed that'un." She then stands, crosses to Jarril, and pats him lightly on the shoulder. "You'll be a'right, lad. Everythin'll work out."

Jarril nods his head.  "Aye I know and thank ya colonel."  He says getting up and nodding his head in respect.  "And thanks cousin, it means a lot ta me that does.  I won't let ya doen again, ya have my word on that one."
 

Zoe_Lang dismisses his assurances with a snort and a shake of her head, "No need, cousin, no need. Ya know I've got faith in ya." She grins and gestures back up the path. "Shall we head back t' the mountain?"

Jarril nods slightly.  "Aye, so anyways."  He says walking up alongside the colonel.  "I haven't talked ta ya as much as I should?  How goes?"

Her pace upwards is considerably slower than the younger buck might typically go. Got to be careful and all that. With a sigh and a smile, she shakes her head. "It goes s'well as it can, Jarril. Things happen in our lives, 'n' we just keep on fightin'. Eh?"

Jarril slows down and nods his head.  "Aye, that it does."  He pauses.  "Nothing major changing in ya life, is there?"  He moves up slightly and waits for the colonel to catch up.

Salamandastron: Crater
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Salamandastron *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
You are on the very top of the mountain of Salamandastron: a large, bowl-
shaped crater.  The crater is not smooth, quite the contrary in fact.
Numerous boulders and large chunks of rock are strewn around randomly,
making the crater top just as craggy as any of the mountainside.  The
crater provides an outstanding view of the surrounding country.  The sea
sprawls off to the west as far as the eye can see, and north and south
along the endlessly rolling sand dunes.  In the distant east, a tinge of
green is just visible from this height, marking the vegetation in the
foothills of the Western Mountains.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
                  Visible Exits:
[N]ortheast [M]ountainside          [Down] to Third Level

Pausing briefly to consider the question, as well as to give her joints a bit of a break, the doe then begins the climb up towards where Jarril now waits. Her look upwards at the more nimble Jarril is wry. When she reaches him, she answers. "Well... t' be honest, I've been thinkin' about retirement a lot jus' lately." Pause. "Not... that I'm plannin' t' retire any time soon, I s'pose. Just been thinkin' on it."

Jarril quirks an ear slightly as he looks a bit shocked.  "Ya, retire?"  The major gives a sly grin.  "Somehow I don't think ya will just sit about and let others bring out punishment ta those that require it, especially vermin."  He shakes his head.  "Sorry, but I just can't see ya not doing anything at all.  But I suppose ya could always come out of it if and when ya need ta.  It's not like anything has to last forevah."

"Aye..." Zoe's brow wrinkles ever so slightly. "I've just been startin' t' question some things, I s'pose." The doe sighs and rubs a paw absently at the back of her neck, and then 'hehs', softly. "Yer righ', though. I don't s'pose I could stay away if'n I tried." She pats the buck on the shoulder as she comes alongside of him. "Ferget I said anythin'. How've things been progressin' fer yerself?"

Jarril chuckles.  "Well, apart from getting a few young'uns looking at me like I am some big old veteran."  He helps the colonel up to the crater and smirks.  "Like yesterday, I had one recruit thinking I was at least 20 seasons.  I haven't aged that much have I?  Although I suppose the eye patch does give that sort of impression."  Thinking a bit more as talking about the eye patch, he fixes it slightly.  "Things are going okay, kinda busy ta be honest.  What with my own patrol and teaching the young'uns.  Tell ya the truth, I am just itching for some action right about now."

Zoe_Lang doesn't blame him. Zoe could do with a couple of vermin to maim. "Well, I'd speak t' Oxeye 'bout that. I've set 'im t' lead the next attack on Halyard. He's a rathah capable fightah, 'n' the spirits know I'm too bloody old." The doe grins.

Jarril pulls a face.  "Well, okay, but I put a bet on in making ya breakfast one morning if ya not there wanting ta get in the thick of it."  He smiles and begins to head back into the moutain.  "I know all about ya fightahs, can never refuse a challenge, wot."

Zoe_Lang snorts, but nods. "Well, we'll see if ya won't be makin' my breakfast or not, I s'pose. Soon enough." She heads towards the entrance to the mountain as well.

Jarril nods and heads down the stairs.  "Oh, seen the cook lately?  He's a bit annoyed due ta stuff being taken from the store room.  It's really getting out of control, wants something done about it before he does something himself on the matter.  Don't know what that is, either."

Zoe_Lang steps to the stairs and follows Jarril down them as she responds, "Is that so? Well, I'll see what c'n be done..." Her voice trails off, and she follows behind Jarril silently down to the third level.

***later on..***

Salamandastron: Level One
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Salamandastron *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
You have come to a large intersection of paths.  Passages lead off in
every direction, turning and spiraling off into the distance.  There is a
clearing of sorts where they all meet, a circular 'room' which gives space
for traffic to pass smoothly in all directions.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
                  Visible Exits:
[Up] to the Second Level              [Down] to the Caverns
[O]ut Along [P]assageway              [D]ining [C]hamber
[K]itchens                            [S]tore [R]oom
[S]econdary [I]nfirmary               [F]estival [H]all
[M]ain [H]all

Once they reach the main intersection of the first level, Taye pauses at the stairs and looks back. He then points up the stairs. "The sleepin' quartahs're just up this way."

Ralai following taye says "okay"

Audri follows along, paws stuffed into her pockets. "'n the dining chamber is right over there sir. Incase ya get hungry later." She adds quietly, motioning off down the hall.

Heading down the corridor and minding his own business, the major looks a bit more happy since he had a talk with a colonel.  Jarril is planning to head into the dining room unless anything stops him from his fill stomach mission.  Blinking, he slows down and mutters.  "No, ya don't see me, not now.  I need vittles..."

Ralai lifts a small sack off of his pack and sets it in from of jarril saying "there should be enough food in there for all four of us sir"

As Ralai addresses Jarril, Taye turns to the major in surprise. Then, he grins! "Sah!" Again, with the pointing at the big tall badger. "This is Ralai. He's come t' visit. Is that a'right, sah?" Grin. Obviously, Taye's fond of the idea.

Jarril blinks and nods his head.  "Aye but let one of the colonels know about it, will ya.  I am off duty and all right now."  The major thinking on taking more time off just to keep a certain colonel happy and off his back.  "Guest dorm should be fine though."

Ralai bows saying "thank you sir"

Taye nods, as well. "Yes - thanks, sah." Taye suddenly has a thought, and speaks up again before Jarril can wander off for food. "Sah, I had somethin' I wanted t' talk to you about. It c'n wait, if ya don't want t' discuss it while yer off duty.." Sheepish look. He sends a brief glance to the badger, who he hasn't forgotten.

Jarril takes a deep breath and looks at Taye for a moment and nods his head, his voice going a bit more into his officery type done.  "Out with it, cadet.  What

Jarril takes a deep breath and looks at Taye for a moment and nods his head, his voice going a bit more into his officery type done.  "Out with it, cadet.  What is it that ya want ta talk about?"

Audri has wandered over near the stairs, taking a seat upon one while watching the others quietly.

Ralai leans on his walking staff smiling and very relaxed

Taye turns all to seriousness now that Jarril's agreed to hear him out. He stands up straighter to be as tall as his general shortness will allow. "Sah." Deep breath. "I'd like permission t' go on the next mission t' Halyard, sah."

Jarril bites his lip and nods.  "We need ta discuss this?"  He moves down the corridor.  "Over a meal, I am famished, wot."  The major looking about. "Well, I hope ya enjoy ya stay here, please go where ya want ta go, though I will state that the armoury is out of bounds, sah."  Looking at the badger.

Ralai nods saying "that is fine with me i dislike weapons anyway"

Well, that's better than a flat denial. Taye sends a hopeful look to Audri, and then nods. "Yes sah, thank you." He then looks to Ralai as he heads off, and with a shrug, supposes he plans to find the dormitories himself. That's well enough for him. He turns to follow Jarril into the the dining room.

Salamandastron: Dining Chamber
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Salamandastron *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
This is the dining chamber for the mountain of Salamandastron.  It is a
veritable cavern, the necessity of feeding so many hares making the room
so big.  Dominating the room is a huge banquet table made of solid oak.
Nobeast knows how such a venerable object came to be here, but its
presence is undeniable.  Smaller tables skirt the outside of the room,
each sitting near a large torch burning brightly in its sconce.  The chair
at the head of the table is different from the plain maple chairs that
occupy the rest of the room - it belongs to the Badger Lord.  The massive
object is graced with a carving of the very mountain it is in, with the
sun setting over the sea.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
                  Visible Exits:
[M]ain [H]all                         [K]itchens
[O]ut
Moving with a sense of purpose, the major's long strides makes him cross the large room within moments, sitting down at the far end of the table, near to the kitchen entrance, he begins to attack what food was placed on the table itself, slapping a paw from a hare trying to take something off his plate.  "Hey, paws off."

Following quietly behind Jarril as he prepares for what he has to say to, Taye drops into the seat beside the officer when they reach the table. For the moment, he doesn't eat anything.

Jarril continues to munch on a celery and stops.  "So, what makes ya think ya want ta go into war?  Which I have no doubt that it is going ta be that this time around."  Giving Taye a side glance.

Taye takes a long, deep breath, but instead of looking at Jarril he stares down at the table. He holds onto the edge of it tightly, his knuckles a little white from the grip. Nervous much? "Sah, I don't want t' go t' war anymore than anyone else, but from the look o' things, those vermin're forcin' us to."

Jarril nods his head slowly.  "Well, ya have guts is that all I can say about it, whether or not it's courage or being insane I don't know."  The major munches his celery a bit more.  "ut ya right, we're being pushed into it but not all will come back if we do go into it.  Are ya sure ya know that ya can go through it without any doubt whatsoever?"

Taye takes a deep but shaky breath. He takes a long moment to consider this, before nodding. "... Yes, sah. I was born in Halyard. I owe it t' the village t' do what I can t' help." And while that is all true, it is only half the reason. If he's going to ask to go to war like an adult, he might as well state the whole reason like an adult. "I also have a friend who was taken in the last mission, sah. Whatevah happened t' her, I want those vermin t' know... t' know..." A pause, and another deep, but surer breath. "T' know what happens when ya mess with the Fire Mountain."

Jarril nods his head slowly.  "I can't remember but any family relations in this mountain.  Perhaps it's bettah ta ask them?"

"Can I at least know if I have ya permission, so I c'n tell them one way or anothah? Sah," he adds, almost as an afterthought. The young buck does finally turn his head to regard the major, questioningly.

Jarril nods.  "Okay, ya have my permission, let me know as soon as possible on their answer."  The major says nothing more.  "Ya best get ta it right away."

At his answer, a pang of nervousness catches in his stomach. Standing and stepping back from the table, he salutes to Jarril. "Thank you, sah. I'll let ya know s'soon as possible."

Jarril looks at Taye.  "I want the answer before the end of the day, cadet."

Ralai walks into the room looking a bit confused saying to himself "this mountain is big "then seeing the two hairs says "hello sirs"

Taye holds the salute a moment longer as he nods, replying. "Yes, sah. I'll do that right away, sah." He takes a step back, and finally drops the salute. Then, with a small grin, he turns, jogging for the door to go search out Rahier, aka Da'.

Jarril sighs slightly and calls over another major to talk to.  Giving the major a nod, "Aye I think it's time we begin preparing for the final tests.  If some of the recruits feel like Taye does.  I need ta make sure they're ready."  Looking down at his food again, the major moves it about on his plate, the hunger now gone from him as he ponders things from his past, eventually he gives a lettuce a slight nibble.

Ralai walks over to the badger lords chair and looks it over saying "this is a very well-made chair...."

Jarril nods his head as he goes back to just eating his fill, the major waiting for at least two hares to get back to him now, such the way of life for one of a major, you're not exactly off duty when you state that you are.

Ralai looks around for a different chair he can sit in pretty sure that one is for someone important

Ralai gives up and just leans against the wall pulling a chunk of bread out of his sack and chewing on it thoughtfully

Jarril grins.  "Sorry, it's kind like only the badger lord sits there, no one else."  He ponders this for a moment.  "Hmmm, apart from a colonel or another hare that takes charge of the mountain during war time.  Although, I've nevah seen that in my lifetime."

Ralai smiles saying "i knew that chair was for something important, hmm i didn't catch you name sir i am ralai" then walks over to jarril offering his hand

Jarril shakes the badger's paw and replies.  "Majah Jarril Fleetpaw."

Ralai smiles saying "it is a pleasure to meet you sir"

Ralai walks back over to the wall and resumes leaning against it eating the hunk of bread

Jarril blinks as he gets another hare coming to him, handing over a small note.  Scanning it over, he whispers something into the bucks ear and folds the scrap of paper, placing it into his pocket.  Leaning over, the major pulls the large bowl of trifle towards him.  Needs more food, yes, yes.

Ralai says, "that seems like a tedious job..."

Jarril blinks and shrugs his shoulders.  "Ah, but I have such responsibilities ta do.  Teach young'un's, keep my patrol in line, keep the colonel's happy."  All of this is said while spooning a large amount of trifle away.

Ralai nods saying "still semms a bit tedious sir"

Jarril gives a laugh as he shakes his head.  "Far from it, it's the best job in the bally world."  Leaning back slightly, he gives a sly grin.  "It's better than sitting about and doing nothing all day long if ya were at the Abbey.  Been there, was a bit dull for my liking but they are fine, nice peaceful creatures there."  Licking his spoon.  "But it's not really the life ta be honest. Keep busy, live fast, that's the way a hare and perilous hares like ta live, even the old ones.  They even come out of retirement if it means dealing with bullies, murderers and the like."  He nods thoughtfully.  "Aye, best job ya can do, any hare here would say that, doncha know."

Audri wanders quietly into the dining chamber, slipping past a few exiting hares. She takes a quick survey of the room before heading over towards the serving table to fill up a plate.

Ralai hmms "well any way since i am staying here is there anything i can do to make myself useful sir?"

Jarril gives a shrug.  "I wouldn't know.  Not my responsibility.  I would ask one of the colonels, they should be able ta give ya an answer.  Right now, I would just relax."

Ralai nods saying "that seems like a good idea" hmms "any idea where i can do to get off some extra energy?"

Ralai room-pages, "where=what or do=go witchever you feel like".

Jarril pauses eating and thinks.  "And not break anything.  Don't know about that.  Ask a colonel.  They should know what's not breakable by a badger, no offence sah.  But sometimes ya kind don't know ya own bally strength by half, wot."

Ralai nods saying "i can definitely understand that where might i find a colonel sir?"

Jarril gives a nod to Audri.  "Hi, how's it going?"

Audri's ears cup forward, glancing over towards Jarril with a small smile. "Evenin' Major Jarril. 'n I'm fine. Just thought I'd get a snack." She replies, carrying her tray off to a table in the back.

Ralai waves to audri saying "evening ma'am"

Jarril nods his head.  "Aye, same here."  Although what Jarril classes as a snack would be classed as a large meal for any other species.  "Should eat more, don't do that much lately but don't tell my cousin though, she tear another strip out of me, wot."  Picking up a large clump of trifle on his spoon, it vanishes quickly.

Ralai asks, "is there any good wood here sir? i think it may be a good idea for me to make a chair large enough for me to use while i visit the mountain"

Audri nods to the badger, turning back to Jarril. "Who's ya cousin sir?" Grabbing a scone, Audri spreads a bit of jam over it, taking a quick bite.

Jarril licks his spoon carefully, making sure he hasn't left one tiny speck of cream on it.  "Oh, the colonel.  Ya know, the one that spends most of her time in the infirmary.  Colonel Zoe.  Well, I say cousin but it's more like a cousin twice removed or something bally silly like that but it's still the only family I have here ta be honest."  He pauses and nods.  "The only family I have left really, not sure if any at all are alive.  Parents were killed, didn't hear anything about my brother though.  He's either alive or dead."

Ralai asks, "witch infirmary sir? there seems to be two..."

Jarril answers. "She runs the infirmary, both of them."

Ralai says, "ah"

Jarril nods his head.  "There is a wood but it's about a day or two travel inland and it's only a small copse.  Has or I think it had a gang of squirrels living there.  Not sure what the situation is there right now ta be honest."

Ralai says, "oh i think i shall make do with the wall then"

Jarril snerks.  "What?  Bit of travel ta much for ya then?"

Ralai says, "no i just would rather not go that far for a chair i'm only going to be using a maximum of two weeks most likely sir"

Jarril nods his head.  "Ah, I see."

Ralai says, "can you tell me about the patrol call me ignorant but i have never heard of it before today sir"

Whoo boy, did the major know that this question would come but was hoping it didn't.  Picking up a apple, he turns around and leans back against the table.  Taking a bite from it, he coughs.  "Hmm, that's a question that has a long answer.  Where ta start?"  The hare muses quietly to himself for a few moments.

Ralai says, "it can wait if you are busy sir i would not wish to hinder your duties"

Jarril nods.  "Basically the patrol is a long thing that has hares fighting searats and pirates for as long as time began ta protect this land from any invasion.  The patrol is just that, going out on patrol ta make sure nothing has got on land and all that, wot."

Ralai nods saying "a very noble cause sir"