04:16 PM
 

Western Shore
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A sea of sand surrounds the magnificent mountain now to your side. The golden sand is flat and hard, easy to walk on. You stand directly between the volcano and the sea. The refreshing sea spray tickles your face as a tropical wind from off the sea whisks it in your direction. The serene roar of the blue-green waves and perhaps the call of a distant gull are typically all that can be heard.
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Exits: [W]estern [S]ide of the [M]ountain, [Sh]allows, [U]pshore, [D]ownshore

With sand blowing around, there's a bit of wind today coming from the sea as a hardened hare looks outwards, scanning the horizon for anything as he has one of his feet on a rock.  Feeling the wind whip around his ears, the hare doesn't notice the sand as it hits the side of his face that doesn't have an eye.

Slinking amongst the dunes Vladek is down shore a ways from Jarril. Climbing to the top of a rather high dune he takes a look at his surroundings but has yet to spot the hare.

Ah, the sun is shining and it's a nice, sunny, albeit windy and winter-chilly, day! Jacey seems to be taking advantage of it, strolling along at a leisurely, rather cheerful pace along the shoreline towards Jarril, a noticeable spring to her step. And she's humming... Yes, humming. Some lively, cheerful tune. Somebeast is in a good mood!

Jarril continues with his task in hand, the wind somewhat taking away the sound of the humming from him.  Resting an elbow down to his raised up knee, the hare stops looking over the horizon for a moment and with a look sideways, he gives the top of the mountain a thoughtful look, this is when he see's the Jacey approach.  "Ah, 'ello.  Training finished then I take it?"

Vladek sighs from atop his own dune, with no beast in his view he trudges off down the dune paw idly resting on the hilt of kris like sword. Ears flicking this way and that.

Suddenly spotting the Major, Jacey's humming ceases and she almost panics, training? Oh, wait, it /is/ finished for the moment. Phew. "Oh, yep! Jus' finished staff trainin'. Don' 'ave my next trainin' session for a lil' bit now," she explains, giving a quick salute to Jarril. "Jus' takin' a walk."

Giving Jacey a nod, Jarril listens to the recruit with a slight smile on his face, like a memory had popped into his head on how he used to act around the upper ups.  "Ah, and what sort of training were ya doing anyways?"

Jacey blinks, looking just slightly puzzled at Jarril. "Er, staff trainin'," she repeats, then, "t'day we were learnin' different kinds o' blockin' techniques," she specifies. "An' later on I've got weaponless fightin'." She throws an exuberant punch into the air, practically beaming. Peering back at the Major, she studies him for a moment, then shoves her paws into her pockets, grinning at him. "I don' think I've met y'before..." She squints at his uniform, then adds, "Major."

Jarril shakes his head at Jacey.  "Ah, no I don't think ya would've since ya training ta be a fightah while I'm training the runnahs.  Mind ya, second year will be when ya see me, ya fightah's have ta go through some runnah training."

"Hmm... Not 'sprised. Y'know we've got t'ave healin' trainin' as well? Makes sense though, I 'spose, knowin' a lil' o' everythin' else along with th'main stuff." Jacey pulls a paw out of her pocket, thrusting it out towards the Major with a grin. "I'm Jacey Brandymore Yarrowpaw Ravencrab Teasletop Bob," she introduces herself, taking a deep breath after pronouncing her lengthy list of names.

Vladek is not far off now from Jacey and Jarril though thanks to a nasty gust of wind he does not hear the hares conversing. However as he reaches the top of a dune he spots them, standing for two seconds he drops low, ears tuned in their direction.

Jarril grins and takes the paw.  "Jarril Black Fleetpaw..." He ponders but decides to drop the rest of the names.  "So how long have ya been at the mountain?"  Letting go of the paw as he gives the horizon another glance.

"S'been a few months," Jacey responds, sliding her paw back into her pocket. "Nice t'meetcha, Major Jarril." She peers back towards the mountain, her gaze passing by Vladek's dune a split second after he drops down, so she doesn't notice him. She ponders the shape of the mountain thoughtfully for a moment before smiling and looking back to Jarril. "I really like it 'ere," she comments, the smile growing a bit more... smiley, as if from some private thought.

Placing his paws into his own pockets now, Jarril takes a look up to where the mountain is and nods.  "Well, it attracts hares and badgers this place does.  However, it attracts the other kind, the ones that think we have caverns and caverns filled with gold and stuff."  The major shrugs.  "But I haven't seen it and I've been here for seasons and seasons.  Not that some would believe that though, then again they usually kill their best friend for a crumb, something stupid like that."

Vladek nods absentmindedly in agreement "they do that sometimes" he mummers to himself. Sliding down the dune some the stands, brushes off his tunic and walks up and over the dune humming as he does eyes on the sand in front of his footpaws.

"Oh, y'mean vermin?" And... thieves... and... Jacey looks a bit distracted. Suddenly she gives a quiet cough, blinking back to Jarril. "Hmm. Yeah. I 'aven't seen anythin' like that in th'mountain either." Her right ear perks up, just a bit at first, then fully, at the sound of humming, and she looks over her shoulder in Vladek's direction. Yeep! She stumbles back in the sand a bit at the sight of the wildcat. "Err..." And she points.

Jarril gives a sideways glance to where Jacey was looking before stumbling backwards and gives a slight grin.  Keeping his head facing where Vladek is, he calls out.  "My, ya being frontal t'day, aren't ya?  I mean, what with the law about no vermin should be in these lands and here ya are, coming right up ta the mountain."  Giving a pause.  "So what do ya want Vladek?"

Vladek puts on his best 'hello I am a traveling apothecary would you like to by on of the worlds most deadly poison' face and looks up at the two hares "Ah didn't see ye there" he says with a wink "and a law banning vermin? Never heard of it".

Jacey stares juuuuust slightly wide-eyed at Vladek, then blinks slowly over to Darklett. "Y'mean... y'know 'im?" Her eyes return to the wildcat, and she adds a bit hesitantly, "Not that I 'ave a problem with vermin..." And she doesn't, really. Well, some of them, anyhow.

Jarril gives Jacey a nod of his head.  "My deah...  Ya can't be in the patrah without getting ta know some of the vermin."  Ah so young, so unexperienced...  >D  Turning his head back to where Vladek is.  "Well, there is but no doubt ya been keeping yaself out of trouble or away from our patrah's at least but again, what brings ya here?"

Jacey raises an eyebrow, peering from Vladek, to Jarril, and back to Vladek. Looking for beasts that need help? That doesn't sound so bad. "Er, well, 'at's nice o' yah..." She comments navely, shrugging as she steps back again, juuust a bit.

Not moving from where he is, Jarril gives Vladek a thoughtful look.  "Anyways, regardless of ya motives, I ain't exactly sure being around here is a wise one.  Nevah know, some hare may have that urge ta fight and well, ya species is a hit and miss on whether you're good or bad."  Looking out to the horizon, he adds after a brief spell of silence.  "Mostly bad however."

Vladek gives a scrutinizing look to Jarril "I thought you hares only attacked with reason, and with me" he points a claw to his chest "You have none".

A figure ambles into sight from the north, loping easily across the shore line, darting in and out of the surf and boxing at the air. As they draw closer the long ears of a hare can be seen and the large satchel over one shoulder is bouncing up and down as the shadow box their way along the shoreline.

Hmmm. Not that this conversation isn't interesting, but... Jacey squints towards the sun, then back at the mountain, then towards Jarril. "Er, sorry t'say 'lo an' run, but s'time for m'next trainin' session." She blinks towards Vladek, offering a, "Nice t'meetcha... Well, sorta meetcha." She gives a smile and a shrug, then a wave before shoving her paws back in her pockets and heading towards the mountain.

Jarril gives Vladek a look.  "Well, for the time being at least anyways."  Be as a agreement and as a warning as well, the hare continues to look out at the sea.  "Glad ta see no one uses these seas much anymore..  Slavery trade must've gone out of fashion or they're keeping from here."

Quinten spots Jacey moving off towards the mountain and grins starting to head over towards her, with the sand blowing about it is hard to see clearly but as he gets closer he spots Jarril and Vladek, changing direction mid stride to lope over to his commanding officer to see if he needs any help.

Vladek follows the hare's line of sight "I donno, been hearing rumors of the pirates and corsair's raiding more often out there, tis a pity that no sea faring beasts don' show up, they are always in need of remedies"

Giving another look to where the sea is and frowns.  "Well, I have something ta look out for anyways."  Jarril has a rather rare but it's unmistakable look that most vermin would show if there's something that needs to be done and only the extreme will do it.  After a moment his facial features soften again.  "I suppose they have ports elsewhere for that sort of thing.  Heard big business was going on in that city in the east..."

Giving a quizzical eye to Jarril Vladek cocks his head to the side "City in the east? Never heard of one but mayhap I will find it one day, they could use and assa, apothecary" he corrects himself quickly. Rubbing he throat he glances at the hare "need some water or summet, i do".

Quinten comes to a stop near the older hair and salutes him, "Good day Major," he glances at the wildcat with a frown, "Private Quinten reporting back in from leave sah."

Jarril shakes his head, before patting his own small bottle on the side.  "I'm fine.."  Turning his head to where Quinten is, he nods.  "Ah, good.  So how goes?"

Vladek sighs "pulling out a small flask he drinks from it, returning Quinten's frown he turns his gaze to the sea ears tilted in the two hares direction.

Quinten nods, "It was a good trip sir, was nice to get out of the mountain though I have a delivery for you later." one of his ears twitches towards the wildcat and then he turns and salutes him. "Good day sir."

This bit of news makes Jarril raise an ear in question but he leaves it for the time being.  "Didn't see any ships along the way out there on ya travels?"  Moving his gaze back to the front again.

Quinten nods his head, "Aye sir I saw one ship, low shallow bottom thing with a single sail. Crewed by squirrels and shrews, was heading away from Halyard and heading south." He folds his paws behind his back, standing straight and at attention

Vladek nods to the hare in respond to his salute. Yawning he sits down in the sand, knees drawn up slightly, eyeing the sea.

Jarril gives a nod to the answer.  "Ah well, glad ta see decent folk are on the sea at least.  Must've passed here before I came out."

Quinten nods his head, "Yes sir must have done so, hope they have a safe journey to where ever they are sailing."

Vladek looks up suddenly at Quinten "Did you see if they had medical supplies by any chance?" as he asks this his ears perk up and his eyes look convincingly hopeful.

Jarril shakes his head.  "I wouldn't know, my experience of what is about down south is beyond me.  All I know apart from that last group that arrived here, there hasn't been a corsair ship in or around here for a season or so now."  Crossing his arms over his chest.  "Just hope the south isn't as bad as I've heard reports.  Most vermin get pushed down that way..  Or directly ta the north."  The hare smiles.  "That was interesting.  We always dealt with the ones that were driven out from Mossflower seasons ago.  They didn't know about us northern mountain hares."

Quinten smiles at Jarril and nods, "Well Southsward is that way sir, I don't think vermin bother that kingdom too much do they?" He glances at Vladek, "UI could not say, they where quite some way out."

Jarril gives Quinten a look.  "Well, we've not sent a patrah that way ta know.  Don't know what the situation could be.  I mean, we don't know exactly where most of the slaves ships now travel or where they may attack on land."  A slight frown forms on his face again before nodding slowly.  "But aye, the word of mouth what little we get is that things are going fine down that way."

Vladek's ears drop and he turns away the cat now looking mournfully at the sea as though waiting for a crew full of sick beasts to sail up onto the shore in front of him.

Quinten asks, "You are a healer then good master feline? Surely there are those in Halyard who have need of your skills?" he glances at the Major and grins, "We could always send a patrol sah.""

All that comes from Jarril is silence for a moment before he shakes his head.  "I suppose so but if things are okay down there I don't think I be able ta settle my uneasy'ness."  He gives Vladek a thoughtful look.  "Should seek employee on a ship then, they get ill from time ta time.  Then again maybe ya already have been on one once?"

Vladek gaze turns nervous "Eh no thank, to much water out there for me self"

Quinten nods his head and smiles, "Well it is your choice sir though I do hope you can find what you are seekig."

Jarril moves from his position and sits down on the rock.  "Quinten, lad.  Don't think I can, I mean, find out who was responsible for attacking my home up north.  Maybe it wasn't my fate ta do so?  Some other woodlander or other may have stopped that evil which sails on the water.  Mind ya, I ain't sure who was taken or who wasn't.  I suppose I am just looking for trouble that's all, the first ship ta show up like I did with that last lot recently.  Just waiting for the next vermin ship ta show up."  Taking his water pouch from the side, the hare pops it open and takes a swig.

Vladek half listens to the hares piking up tidbits of Jarril's life as he does.

Quinten frowns and nod shis head, "Well sir...if they are vermin then they need to be stopped but you cannot always assume every vermin ship is up to no good."

Jarril nods.  "I don't, only the ones that try and do harm here.  Why ya think I got up ta this rank?  It wasn't because I don't use this, ya know..  wot."  The hare taps the top of his head with a grin.

Quinten says, "Aye sir, more so then me it seems at time." he moves to stand next to you looking out at the sea. "now sir shall I deliver what i was asked to bring?""

Jarril hmms softly as he gives a sideways glance to where Quinten is.  "Oh and may I ask whom is it from?"

Quinten begins to unbuckle his satchel, "A pine marten of all things sah, stopped me outside the tavern and asked if i knew you. I said yes and he gave me this."

Jarril blinks as he takes a look at what Quinten is about to give him.  "A pine marten...?"  There's puzzlement in his face as he mumbles.  "I don't know any pine marten's...  I think..?"

Quinten pulls an object out of his satchel and offers it to Jarril. it is a ball of what at first looks like twine but on closer inspection is fur, hare furm affixed at several points by shiny buttons, the buttons from a long patrol uniform. "I was not sure what to make of it sir."

Taking the object now, there's no mistaking that there's a low growl coming from the hare as he stuffs the thing into his pocket.  "I suppose he gave ya one for Taye as well, right?"

Quinten looks surprised, "Aye sir, that he did how did you know?" he draws out another ball of fur and buttons. "No idea who he was and then he walked into the tavern."

Vladek gives a slight cough and takes a drink from his flask again still listening but with  much more intent.

Jarril is still fuming as he looks at Quinten.  "I don't want ya anywhere near that pine marten."  The memory now returning to the older hare.  "He's the one that attacked me and Taye just before that festival last spring..."  Pausing for a moment.  "How is Taye's mood lately?"

Quinten nods his head, "Aye sir i'll steer clear of him." he glances at Vladek and lowers his voice, "He seemed fine last time i saw him in the mountain sir."

Vladek just remains sitting his face screwed up, as though contemplating something.

Jarril nods his head, speaking low.  "Well, tell him ta see me as soon as ya give him that.  Best ta pass this on.  Be careful where ya walk, seems an old friend is back again."

Quinten says, "yes sir i'll keep my eyes open for anything.""

Vladek continues with his internal debate, for one thing these hares are in need of some eh /professional/ help but then again who knows how they will freak out if they learn jut what the cat does for a living.

Jarril nods slowly.  "So did this pine marten say where he was from?"

Quinten shakes his head, "No sah, just handed me the balls of fur and walked off again. it was most odd, was dressed real shabby though"

Jarril snorts on that bit of information.  "Hmm...  Actually I best get a message ta the abbey just in case..."  The hare thinking on something else that has popped into his head.

Quinten asks, "Sir? What is it now? IS the abbey in danger?""

Jarril shakes his head.  "No...  Not a place, perhaps someone...."  He gives Quinten a look in hopes that it may sink in who that would be.

Vladek shifts slightly still listening.

Quinten eyes widen and he nods, "Of course sah you should warn the abbey." nodding his head to indicate he knows who Jarril means.

Jarril looks to where the sea is still, seeing a seagull dive into the water before pulling out a fish before replying.  "I've not heard anything from him though lately.  Only one letter, something about breaking his foot after dropping flour or something on it.  Seems the usual thing ta happen in training over there.  All those chores."  The major smiles softly.  "Glad really, maybe he won't see that much death and have a much more peaceful life than what I had."

Quinten smiles and nods his head, "I think he is alucky one sir, still living the peaceful life in the abbey whilst you sir seem to have lucked out, you've gotten lumbered with me."

Vladek chuckles to himself as though remembering or metaly commenting on something.

Jarril goes off on one of his told you so speeches and list all the things Quinten has done but stops.  "Aye, well, ya grown up now so..."  He turns his head to where Vladek is.  "Something amusing?"  His long ears catching it barely amongst the wind blowing still.

Quinten smiles, "Had a good teacher sah." he turns to frown at Vladek his own ears perking back up towards him

Vladek shrugs "No just thinking..." he says eyes locked on the hare before turning back to the sea.

Jarril hmms. "About what?"

Quinten says, "Indeed do enlighten us friend.""

Vladek suddenly turns harsh "Tis none of thy damn business"

Jarril nods.  "Well, we shall leave ya then."  The hare shaking his head as he walks off.

Quinten frowns at the cat then lopes after his Major, walking a few steps behind him.

Vladek watches them go with a chuckle "Simple beasts hares are" he says to himself.

At the same time Vladek has spoken, Jarril is speaking softly to Quinten.  "Vermin, good or bad, they have a temper, it be the end of that one, I'm sure..."  He places his paws behind his back.  "I want a fast runnah for this message, they're not to go through the mountains though, not this time of the year.  Too risky with snow.  I'll have that letter ready by evening.  I be writing it now.  Tell them ta come ta my dorm after evening meal ready ta go."

Quinten nods to his major, "yes sah i'll see to it any other orders fer me? Should we warn tha village?"

Jarril shakes his head.  "No, Keita usually knows how to deal with vermin anyways and they have that otter guard now I found for them looking after the place, they be fine."

Quinten asks, "Are vermin still allowed in town however? I'm guessing so as they bring bussiness...it could get tricky if they are already inside Halyard.""

Now getting closer to the mountain and away from Vladek, Jarril shrugs.  "Quinten, ya haven't dealt with them, I ain't exactly sure what they want, so no good guessing or fearing the worse.  The village is fine, trust me.  They know how ta look after themselves."  Giving a nod to some ears poking out from the sentry hole in the wall of the mountain, he slowly begins to enter it.

Quinten follows his commander inside, "Well until we do know what they want we must be vigilant sir."