Laterose of Noonvale...the most beautiful name I have ever heard. Her laughter is like the soft wind through the bluebells, and she has a voice like no other. Her deep hazel eyes reflect so much, and when I first gazed into them, I forgot about all that was around me. I felt an instant and deep love for her, and I swore to protect her, to value her life before my own. We had gone through so much together, and I felt happy with her, despite the circumstances around us. I felt content to remain with her for as long as I could, even though we hurried to raise an army to defeat Badrang.
But during the battle of Marshank, I had placed my need for vengeance before her, and in my need to hunt down the Tyrant, I separated myself from her. And in a moment, she was taken from me. I had failed to protect her. As I put my father's blade through Badrang's heart, I prayed that the wounds he inflicted upon me would take me from this world, so that I would be with Rose again. But when I woke, I was still here, and she was not.
That was a long time ago, another lifetime. And now...it's so far away.
As I journeyed south, I swore to never let another honest creature experience a loss as tragic as mine. So I rid Mossflower of evil, and I founded Redwall Abbey, so that those who seek happiness will always find it here.
It is winter now. As I lie here, I feel my life coming to an end. Bella of Brockhall is all that remains of my old friends. She will tell the story of the creation of Redwall when I am gone. I still feel the warrior's blood that runs in the veins of my father and myself, and I know that when Redwall is in need of a protector, those who are worthy will rise up to seek my sword. As I drift towards the Dark Forest, a single thought drives me towards its gates.
Rose.
