Chapter 9: Unwelcome Feelings
It has been ages since I've updated this story. I doubt anyone still wants to read it but I should probably finish it. I apologize for the inconvenience.
"A whole season!" a dismayed Dustcoat gasped.
Sister Rosa sighed sadly "I'm truly sorry. But you'll never heal otherwise, don't you want to rid yourself of such pain?" Dustcoat put his face in his claws, a whole season, what if Dustfang found them here? These creatures should never have to lose their lives because of them.
"Brother" Dusttail asked, catching his attention "huh?"
"These woodlanders are so generous and kind, why stay for a little while?"
"We just don't belong here Dusttail" the elder twin whispered gravely.
"I'll say you definitely don't!" a new voice rang out from the doorway. All heads swivled around to see Thomas the dormous and Abbot Urran entering the infirmary. By the look on his face, it was clear that Thomas was not pleased to see foxes in Redwall.
"Easy now Thomas" the gentle old hedgehog said placing a firm paw on his shoulder "that is not how a mouse of our order should speak".
"S-sorry Father Abbot" the angry young dormouse sighed "but I don't have to stay here" he growled throwing Blossom a look mixed of hurt and betrayal before stomping out the door.
"Thomas come back!" the pretty squirrel maid called running after him.
Urran sighed shaking his head and gazed upon his strange new guests "You must forgive Thomas. He lost his parents in a vermin raid when he was very young. My name is Urran, I am the Abbot to Redwall Abbey and you are welcome to stay as long as you feel".
"We can understand" Dusttail muttered.
"As soon I'm better we'll be out of your fur" Dustcoat said giving the kind old hedgehog a friendly smile.
"I hope you stay for the Spring feast" Mitta said "Redwall feasts are known far and wide. Our food and entertainment is quite excellent".
"Oh aye" chortled Thorn "your tastebuds will dance and sing till morn. And I always make my famous hotroot vegetable stew."
"That sounds great can we stay brother please?" Dusttail begged her twin.
Dustcoat had to admit, the sound of a feast was vert tempting. As long as he did not have to sit next to that disgruntled dormous.
"I don't see why not" he stated, tapping his chin. Dusttail yipped excitedly and gave her brother a crushing hug "oh thank you brohter!"
"Uh, Dusttail…air!" the crippled fox gasped.
"Thomas!" Blossom called after Thomas's retreating back "would you stop and talk to me please?" she begged finally managing to grip his habit sleeve.
"What Blossom!?" the dormouse snapped.
"Don't say 'what' to me Tom" the squirrel maid chittered angrily "that was terribly rude of you to act that way".
"Foxes are trouble Blossom" Thomas growled "all vermin are".
"Don't call them vermin Thomas. They haven't done anything and besides, if you must know the vixen gave up their weapons without a fuss. What could they possibly do anyhow?" Thomas sighed tiredly. After eleven years, the wounds in his heart still felt raw and tender at the slightest touch.
"It just brings back bad memories" he muttered to noone in particular.
"I can understand that" Blossom cajoled "but they clearly don't wish to stay, you only have to endure it a little while I'm sure".
"Thanks Blossy" Thomas smiled embracing the lovely squirrel "you always know what to say".
"You still have to get along with them though"
"Damn them" the dormouse growled in his mind.
End Chapter
I guess I'll finish this story for Quevera Tava's sake since she seems so enthused by it. Please review.