Part Ten
New Dawn
Chapter I
Blackstrike stared out across the endless stretch of woods to the west, a satisfied smirk adorning her face. Next to her, Lady Flynt was sitting atop one of the parapets and whistling random notes to herself, reflecting on the past season.
"It's quiet here," Blackstrike commented.
Lady Flynt looked up at the otter, having been abruptly pulled from her thoughts. "Hmm?"
"It's quiet here. I don't think I've really ever bothered t' enjoy the quiet."
Lady Flynt shrugged and looked over her shoulder at the treetops. "Ye really learn t' know true silence when ye live alone, but ye learn t' appreciate it when ye take time away from th' business o' everyday life."
Blackstrike nodded. "Well said." She looked back over her shoulder at the rising sun. "It's dawn. Gonna be a busy day t'day."
"Aye, I couldn't sleep last night." Lady Flynt jumped onto the walkway and made her way towards the stairs. "Are ye stayin' up here, or comin' down?"
"Where're ye goin'?"
"Check on a few things."
Blackstrike nodded. "I'll stay here an' enjoy th' view a while longer."
Lady Flynt nodded and made her way down to the courtyard. Here and there a few scattered mice were working, getting ready for the festivities. Two were setting up the greased pole while another was picking strawberries in the field. She had to admit it to herself, things had definitely been quiet in Loamhedge since Scarstripe had been killed, and to her it felt as though leaving was not something to look forward to.
"Lady Flynt!"
She turned and waved to Abbess Arum. "Abbess, what can I do ye for?"
The Abbess chuckled and fell in step with the squirrel archer. "I was wondering if you could give me a bit of advice."
Lady Flynt wrinkled her brow. "Me give advice? That's like askin' Ghost t' cook. It never turns out right."
Arum chuckled and straightened her glasses. "Well, being its his last day, what would he like to have to feast on? Our friar is waiting. He did not want to make something that was anything but a favourite."
Lady Flynt stifled a laugh. "He's willing t' eat anything, so long as it's edible. He worked with Solace and me, and cooking for th' two of 'em was a nightmare. I don't know how Elflein an' Celleste kept up with it."
"He's got to have a favourite meal, though."
Lady Flynt thought for a moment. "Alright, fix up some hotroot soup, but get Blackstrike t' taste it. It takes a true otter t' tell ye if it's hot enough."
The Abbess nodded and rushed off to the kitchens to start the order, leaving Lady Flynt alone yet again. The bells tolled the early hour, and she smiled at the sound, not remembering a time when she ever felt so much at ease. Everything, in spite of the hardships and trials, was falling in place and coming together. Arkain and Solace had been wed and decided to make their home a few days' walk from the abbey. They would be showing up soon, much to the horror of the kitchen staff, to enjoy the feast.
"Flynt, how are you?"
She turned again, interrupted by yet another voice. This one belonged to Amethyst. The troublemaker mousemaid had not changed much over the course of a season, except now she was looking older. Rumours had even started that she had fallen in favour with Arum and was in line for the role of Abbess. On one occasion, Arum had told Flynt that the role would help keep the troublemaking tendencies in check; this was followed by a secretive wink.
"I'm fine, Amethyst. How are ye?"
The purple eyes blinked and she shrugged. "Fine, I guess. I hate to see him go, though."
Lady Flynt shrugged. "It was bound t' happen. He felt the urge t' leave, an' there's no denying it."
Amethyst nodded. "True, but the dibbuns are going to hate it. They love him, and he's great with them too."
Lady Flynt waved a paw. "They'll get by without him. Besides, what's t' say he doesn't visit?"
Amethyst nodded. "Right, he probably will, if work lets him. It's a lot to worry about."
"And feed," Lady Flynt added with a chuckle.
Amethyst laughed. "But that won't be his job, it'll be someone else's."
"Right, his job'll be t' keep a bunch o' those hares in line." Lady Flynt shook her head. "I don't envy him one bit."
"It's not his job, though. Isn't he just visiting?"
"Yeah, he is. Wanted t' see what badgers do. Poor fellow probab;y misses Corbin and just wants t' be with other warriors." The bell rang once, as though by accident, and Lady Flynt nodded towards the doors. "That's my cue t' go. Watch the gate, Arkain an' Solace should be comin' soon."
Amethyst nodded and ran over to the gatehouse while Lady Flynt turned and ran towards the Main Hall. With the day just about to break at the seams with the festivities and farewell feast, the hour on the wall top with Blackstrike would be the most silence and calm Flynt could expect to find until sleep took her, whenever that chanced to be. For now, things had to be prepared for Montel's departure and farewell party.
Lucky for the beasts preparing the feast, dibbuns had kept the badger up all night. Now he was sleeping in instead of poking around like he usually did, which saved a few mice from keeping him distracted and occupied with something. To be on the safe side, though, sentries had been posted to watch his door and send word when he finally woke up.
"Lady Flynt, does he really want hotroot?"
Flynt nodded to the friar. "Yes, an' get Blackstrike t' make sure it's hot enough. Where're th' drinks?"
"Lined up along the front wall of the cellar. Ghost and Myriad are down there already."
Lady Flynt rolled her eyes as the friar wandered back to his kitchen. Leaving Ghost and Myriad together meant nothing would get done. The two had proven to be inseparable since the downfall of Scarstripe and the Bloodslayers. She made her way to the entrance of the cellars and shouted down.
"Ho there, th' two of ya! Get those barrels up post haste. We ain't got all day!"
"Right away, m'lady!" Came Ghost's reply, followed by some unheard joke and laughing.
Lady Flynt shook her head and made her way back to the Main Hall. Arum was there supervising the placing of tables. A smile made its way to Flynt's face as she watched the scene. There was no doubts in her mind that when the time came for her to leave this place, it would not be without tears.
Chapter II
"Hurry it up, we're gonna be late."
"Oh, hush up. We're not gonna be late." Solace gave Arkain a playful shove. "If I hear that from y' one more time, I'll ask th' friar t' make sure y' get a plate o' lettuce fer a meal."
Arkain laughed and crossed his arms. "Really now? I'd like t' see y' keep me from th' food."
"Don't start that with me, y' know perfectly well I could wrestle y' to th' ground."
Arkain laughed and shook his head. "I doubt that."
"Fine. I'll show y' today. It'll be one of th' main attractions. Solace pounds Arkain."
The two laughed as they drew up to the gate. Arkain knocked politely and stepped back.
"Y' know perfectly well I could beat y' any day."
Solace smiled and said out of the corner of her mouth, "Prove it."
The door opened and Amethyst peeked out at the two, her face bright and cheery.
"Amethyst, how have y' been, dear?" Solace said, stepping through the gate.
"Just fine, Solace, thank you for asking." Amethyst waited until Arkain had entered before closing the gate.
"Is everyone here?"
Amethyst shook her head. "No. We're still waiting for two."
"Who's that, dear?"
"Montel, of course, who is still sleeping, and Gurren, Lady Flynt's friend."
Solace nodded. "Aye, I know Gurren." She looked over at Arkain. "Suddenly he's gone quiet. Afraid of th' match t'day, hon?"
Arkain snapped out of his reverie and shook his head. "No. I'll take y' on easily."
"Try me, dear." Before Arkain could respond, Solace clamped a paw around his muzzle. "Save it for th' fight." She winked and started for the Main Hall. "Is Flynt off this way?"
Amethyst nodded and followed. "Yes, well, just make yourselves at home, I guess. Our abbey's your abbey."
Solace smiled and waved to the two of them. "I'm goin' down t' talk t' Ghost. Been sort of a while, doncha know." She chuckled and darted off.
"I do not envy you in the future, with kids to take care of." Amethyst chuckled.
"Near future, dear." Arkain smiled and made his way towards the Hall at a leisurely pace. "Besides, we'll always have th' welcome mats at th' abbey. I'm sure th' future abbess would welcome us anytime." He winked over his shoulder at Amethyst.
Amethyst, not fully realising the meaning behind his words, just shrugged and followed after him.
Lady Flynt looked up as Arkain walked through the door into the kitchen and immediately pushed him back out. "There's a sign that says 'no hares allowed' dear."
Arkain protested and stuttered as he pointed back at the door. "There's no bally sign on th' door!"
"There will be." Lady Flynt smiled and pointed at the tables. "Help set th' tables if yer in th' mood t' help."
Arkain was unable to respond as she reached over to a stack of plates and handed them to him. Giving him a smug smile, she made her way out to the courtyard at a brisk pace. One guest was missing, and his presence was one that she personally refused to start without. A pair of faint specks in the sky caught her eye and she grinned.
"Blackstrike, are ye still up there?"
Blackstrike poked her head out over the wall. "What can I do fer ya?"
"Tell me those are birds flyin' this way!"
The request was unneeded, as in the short span of time, both specks had turned into lapwings, their familiar grey, white, and black feathers accented by the orange talons and beaks gave their identity away. The two birds circled the abbey once before setting down in the courtyard where Lady Flynt was standing. She nodded to Gurren and gave him a pat on the wing.
"How goes, friend?"
"All good. Want you meet Litha."
Lady Flynt bowed to the female lapwing. "A pleasure t' meet ya, Litha."
"Litha my mate. Have nest."
Lady Flynt chuckled and gave Gurren a congratulatory pat on the back. "Finally found one that'll put up with ya?"
"Hardly. Crazy Gurren drive all us mad." Litha shot Gurren what could have best been described as a grin before looking around at the abbey. "Nice building."
Lady Flynt nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is." She took in a deep breath and thought once more of her own plans to leave before turning her focus back to the two birds. "Right, well, I'll show the two of yous around. I took it upon m'self t' give Gurren a mission, Litha can join in and add to th' fun."
"What mission? You missions always crazy. Fly here, get ferret, save them."
Lady Flynt rolled her eyes at Gurren and turned back to Litha. "Give him a good shove every once in a while. Just for me." She laughed and shook her head. "Naw, yer mission's t' wake th' guest of honour."
Chapter III
Abbess Arum looked out over the gathered crowd from where she stood at the head of the table. To her immediate right sat Montel, and to her left Amethyst. Myriad occupied the seat next to Ghost, who was sitting alongside Montel. The rest of the members of the Eagle Watch were spread out among the Abbey mice, including the two lapwings. The birds had been a main attraction for the dibbuns, and still were. A crowd of the little horrors, a nickname settled upon by all of the Loamhedge elders, had decided to find their seats in that particular area, and much to the joy and relief of several abbey members, the birds did not hold back on keeping them entertained.
"They'll be missed by more than just dibbuns when they leave, am I right, Ghost?"
Ghost chuckled at Arum's comment and nodded. "Aye, they will. Takes a big burden off of the caretakers." He studied the faces in the crowd and could not hide a grin as he came to the two hares. "The kitchen, on the other hand, is going to be happy to see a couple of long eared stomachs leave."
Arum smiled and looked towards Montel. "Ready?"
"I think so. Now is as good a time as any."
Arum nodded and rapped a wooden spoon against the table's surface. After several attempts, the room finally quieted down and the Abbess cleared her throat.
"A double blessing for a double feast. We gather to recognise two beasts who are here with us, and to celebrate both for their accomplishments, and their futures." She smiled at Amethyst, who just blinked and nodded, still not fully realising what was being said. Arum took a quick sip of water before continuing.
"Montel, you have graced our halls with more than just your presence. Risking your own health and life, you ventured off with your friends to bring back one of our own, and many more who are at this table right now. Still, you also bring us a few tears with your latest decision, yet we will all wish you a wonderful journey and a happy future. Would you care to say a few words?"
Montel stood and wrung his paws together before clasping them firmly behind his back. "Well, I'm not one for speeches, but I will try." He smiled amidst the light chuckles from the gathered group. "I enjoy this abbey without end, and I will miss even the smallest of things. Every day I wake to the bell tolling the morning hours, and I often find myself playing out in the courtyard with the little dibbuns." He sighed and looked down at the table. "I do not want to leave them all, but I must. I feel a call, and I wish to return to Salamandastron for a while. The Badger Lord there offered his hospitality, and I feel I must accept, as that mountain seems to be more a part of me than I recognise.
"I will miss all of you, and I will do my best to visit whenever I can. If trouble ever arises, or you just need a simple favour, I'm sure one of our hare companions would gladly run a summons up to the mount. As soon as I hear your invitation, though, I will come. I promise."
Montel sat back down and wiped a tear away with one of his paws. The guests were applauding softly, and a few must have sneaked out during the speech because the bell began to ring. When the applause died down, and the bell ringers, there were two, returned, Montel looked around at the crowd and smiled.
"Thank you, I now have my most cherished memory of this place."
Arum smiled softly at the badger and let the silence preside for a moment before drawing the crowd's attention again.
"Like I said, this is a double feast, and there are two who are being celebrated today." She looked around at the sea of faces, mentally preparing what she was going to say. "I know rumours have spread about who I have chosen to follow in my stead as Abbess, and I am announcing here and now who I will pass the title on to and put those blasted rumours to rest." She winked at Amethyst and motioned her to stand.
Amethyst stared at Arum for a moment before comprehending what had happened. Slowly, her knees shaking slightly, she stood and pointed to herself. Arum nodded.
"I am officially announcing our very own Amethyst as next in line for Abbess of Loamhedge. Amethyst, do you accept my offer?"
Amethyst stood, frozen in captivation, for what seemed like an eternity. Then, as soon as she was able to move again, she nodded quickly. "Yeah, I guess so."
There was thunderous applause amidst laughter as Arum gave the younger mouse a hug.
Ghost chuckled silently as he leaned back in his seat. "You know what, Myriad?"
Myriad leaned over towards him, having trouble hearing him over the applause. "What's that, dear?"
"I'm thinking," Ghost took her paw and gave it a light squeeze. "They're really going to get worked up over our piece of news."
Myriad nodded. "I think they will, too. I know I was."
"Aye, that you were." Ghost chuckled. "That you were." He leaned over and gave her a kiss.
Epilogue
Summer of the Warrior's Triumph
Loamhedge Abbey
As I write this, my eyes fill with tears. The Abbey Recorder was kind enough to allow me an entry in the log book, so I am here writing down my final farewell to the place that has been home to me and my companions for the better part of a season now. Montel has sent word that he is leaving Salamandastron and venturing north. He has a new companion, too. In his time at the mountain, he took part in many of the patrols that ventured far and wide across the lands and met up with someone he simply describes as "the snow of winter, and the bright sun of summer." Of course, I could easily apply that description to Myriad, who is making her final rounds of the abbey in preparation to leave. The both of us were wed here shortly after Montel publicly announced his leaving, and we announced the engagement shortly after his own announcement. Much to the joy of the dibbuns, it forestalled his departure, and the departure of the lapwings, Gurren and Litha.
We are happy now, Myriad and I, and after long thought we have both agreed upon venturing south, along the Southstream I came across nearly a season back when we were going to rescue Amethyst. I do not know what to find down there, the Southlands are entirely unknown to me. At any rate, that is where Myriad and I wish to start our family.
Amethyst is Abbess now, and Arum has stepped into the roll of mentor and guide for her predecessor. I have no doubts that Amethyst will become one of the greater Abbesses of this abbey. That, however, will be recorded in these books later.
Thus said, I now write my farewell. Loamhedge has been the only place I have ever considered home, and as I step outside of is gates, I am constantly reminded of the past, of how I came to be at this place, and all I leave this place with. Blackstrike told me once to never give up hope, and I know she will read what I wrote later (that was her only condition to letting me write in her book, and it is always wise to keep the recorder happy) so I will simply state my thanks and gratitude for her kind words of encouragement. I have no doubts that I would not be where I am right now had I given up hope back then. Thank you dearly, Blackstrike.
Myriad is here, now, so I will say farewell. I will visit again, and I will hold this place forever in my heart and mind.
Ghost
~Eagle Watch
New Dawn
Chapter I
Blackstrike stared out across the endless stretch of woods to the west, a satisfied smirk adorning her face. Next to her, Lady Flynt was sitting atop one of the parapets and whistling random notes to herself, reflecting on the past season.
"It's quiet here," Blackstrike commented.
Lady Flynt looked up at the otter, having been abruptly pulled from her thoughts. "Hmm?"
"It's quiet here. I don't think I've really ever bothered t' enjoy the quiet."
Lady Flynt shrugged and looked over her shoulder at the treetops. "Ye really learn t' know true silence when ye live alone, but ye learn t' appreciate it when ye take time away from th' business o' everyday life."
Blackstrike nodded. "Well said." She looked back over her shoulder at the rising sun. "It's dawn. Gonna be a busy day t'day."
"Aye, I couldn't sleep last night." Lady Flynt jumped onto the walkway and made her way towards the stairs. "Are ye stayin' up here, or comin' down?"
"Where're ye goin'?"
"Check on a few things."
Blackstrike nodded. "I'll stay here an' enjoy th' view a while longer."
Lady Flynt nodded and made her way down to the courtyard. Here and there a few scattered mice were working, getting ready for the festivities. Two were setting up the greased pole while another was picking strawberries in the field. She had to admit it to herself, things had definitely been quiet in Loamhedge since Scarstripe had been killed, and to her it felt as though leaving was not something to look forward to.
"Lady Flynt!"
She turned and waved to Abbess Arum. "Abbess, what can I do ye for?"
The Abbess chuckled and fell in step with the squirrel archer. "I was wondering if you could give me a bit of advice."
Lady Flynt wrinkled her brow. "Me give advice? That's like askin' Ghost t' cook. It never turns out right."
Arum chuckled and straightened her glasses. "Well, being its his last day, what would he like to have to feast on? Our friar is waiting. He did not want to make something that was anything but a favourite."
Lady Flynt stifled a laugh. "He's willing t' eat anything, so long as it's edible. He worked with Solace and me, and cooking for th' two of 'em was a nightmare. I don't know how Elflein an' Celleste kept up with it."
"He's got to have a favourite meal, though."
Lady Flynt thought for a moment. "Alright, fix up some hotroot soup, but get Blackstrike t' taste it. It takes a true otter t' tell ye if it's hot enough."
The Abbess nodded and rushed off to the kitchens to start the order, leaving Lady Flynt alone yet again. The bells tolled the early hour, and she smiled at the sound, not remembering a time when she ever felt so much at ease. Everything, in spite of the hardships and trials, was falling in place and coming together. Arkain and Solace had been wed and decided to make their home a few days' walk from the abbey. They would be showing up soon, much to the horror of the kitchen staff, to enjoy the feast.
"Flynt, how are you?"
She turned again, interrupted by yet another voice. This one belonged to Amethyst. The troublemaker mousemaid had not changed much over the course of a season, except now she was looking older. Rumours had even started that she had fallen in favour with Arum and was in line for the role of Abbess. On one occasion, Arum had told Flynt that the role would help keep the troublemaking tendencies in check; this was followed by a secretive wink.
"I'm fine, Amethyst. How are ye?"
The purple eyes blinked and she shrugged. "Fine, I guess. I hate to see him go, though."
Lady Flynt shrugged. "It was bound t' happen. He felt the urge t' leave, an' there's no denying it."
Amethyst nodded. "True, but the dibbuns are going to hate it. They love him, and he's great with them too."
Lady Flynt waved a paw. "They'll get by without him. Besides, what's t' say he doesn't visit?"
Amethyst nodded. "Right, he probably will, if work lets him. It's a lot to worry about."
"And feed," Lady Flynt added with a chuckle.
Amethyst laughed. "But that won't be his job, it'll be someone else's."
"Right, his job'll be t' keep a bunch o' those hares in line." Lady Flynt shook her head. "I don't envy him one bit."
"It's not his job, though. Isn't he just visiting?"
"Yeah, he is. Wanted t' see what badgers do. Poor fellow probab;y misses Corbin and just wants t' be with other warriors." The bell rang once, as though by accident, and Lady Flynt nodded towards the doors. "That's my cue t' go. Watch the gate, Arkain an' Solace should be comin' soon."
Amethyst nodded and ran over to the gatehouse while Lady Flynt turned and ran towards the Main Hall. With the day just about to break at the seams with the festivities and farewell feast, the hour on the wall top with Blackstrike would be the most silence and calm Flynt could expect to find until sleep took her, whenever that chanced to be. For now, things had to be prepared for Montel's departure and farewell party.
Lucky for the beasts preparing the feast, dibbuns had kept the badger up all night. Now he was sleeping in instead of poking around like he usually did, which saved a few mice from keeping him distracted and occupied with something. To be on the safe side, though, sentries had been posted to watch his door and send word when he finally woke up.
"Lady Flynt, does he really want hotroot?"
Flynt nodded to the friar. "Yes, an' get Blackstrike t' make sure it's hot enough. Where're th' drinks?"
"Lined up along the front wall of the cellar. Ghost and Myriad are down there already."
Lady Flynt rolled her eyes as the friar wandered back to his kitchen. Leaving Ghost and Myriad together meant nothing would get done. The two had proven to be inseparable since the downfall of Scarstripe and the Bloodslayers. She made her way to the entrance of the cellars and shouted down.
"Ho there, th' two of ya! Get those barrels up post haste. We ain't got all day!"
"Right away, m'lady!" Came Ghost's reply, followed by some unheard joke and laughing.
Lady Flynt shook her head and made her way back to the Main Hall. Arum was there supervising the placing of tables. A smile made its way to Flynt's face as she watched the scene. There was no doubts in her mind that when the time came for her to leave this place, it would not be without tears.
Chapter II
"Hurry it up, we're gonna be late."
"Oh, hush up. We're not gonna be late." Solace gave Arkain a playful shove. "If I hear that from y' one more time, I'll ask th' friar t' make sure y' get a plate o' lettuce fer a meal."
Arkain laughed and crossed his arms. "Really now? I'd like t' see y' keep me from th' food."
"Don't start that with me, y' know perfectly well I could wrestle y' to th' ground."
Arkain laughed and shook his head. "I doubt that."
"Fine. I'll show y' today. It'll be one of th' main attractions. Solace pounds Arkain."
The two laughed as they drew up to the gate. Arkain knocked politely and stepped back.
"Y' know perfectly well I could beat y' any day."
Solace smiled and said out of the corner of her mouth, "Prove it."
The door opened and Amethyst peeked out at the two, her face bright and cheery.
"Amethyst, how have y' been, dear?" Solace said, stepping through the gate.
"Just fine, Solace, thank you for asking." Amethyst waited until Arkain had entered before closing the gate.
"Is everyone here?"
Amethyst shook her head. "No. We're still waiting for two."
"Who's that, dear?"
"Montel, of course, who is still sleeping, and Gurren, Lady Flynt's friend."
Solace nodded. "Aye, I know Gurren." She looked over at Arkain. "Suddenly he's gone quiet. Afraid of th' match t'day, hon?"
Arkain snapped out of his reverie and shook his head. "No. I'll take y' on easily."
"Try me, dear." Before Arkain could respond, Solace clamped a paw around his muzzle. "Save it for th' fight." She winked and started for the Main Hall. "Is Flynt off this way?"
Amethyst nodded and followed. "Yes, well, just make yourselves at home, I guess. Our abbey's your abbey."
Solace smiled and waved to the two of them. "I'm goin' down t' talk t' Ghost. Been sort of a while, doncha know." She chuckled and darted off.
"I do not envy you in the future, with kids to take care of." Amethyst chuckled.
"Near future, dear." Arkain smiled and made his way towards the Hall at a leisurely pace. "Besides, we'll always have th' welcome mats at th' abbey. I'm sure th' future abbess would welcome us anytime." He winked over his shoulder at Amethyst.
Amethyst, not fully realising the meaning behind his words, just shrugged and followed after him.
Lady Flynt looked up as Arkain walked through the door into the kitchen and immediately pushed him back out. "There's a sign that says 'no hares allowed' dear."
Arkain protested and stuttered as he pointed back at the door. "There's no bally sign on th' door!"
"There will be." Lady Flynt smiled and pointed at the tables. "Help set th' tables if yer in th' mood t' help."
Arkain was unable to respond as she reached over to a stack of plates and handed them to him. Giving him a smug smile, she made her way out to the courtyard at a brisk pace. One guest was missing, and his presence was one that she personally refused to start without. A pair of faint specks in the sky caught her eye and she grinned.
"Blackstrike, are ye still up there?"
Blackstrike poked her head out over the wall. "What can I do fer ya?"
"Tell me those are birds flyin' this way!"
The request was unneeded, as in the short span of time, both specks had turned into lapwings, their familiar grey, white, and black feathers accented by the orange talons and beaks gave their identity away. The two birds circled the abbey once before setting down in the courtyard where Lady Flynt was standing. She nodded to Gurren and gave him a pat on the wing.
"How goes, friend?"
"All good. Want you meet Litha."
Lady Flynt bowed to the female lapwing. "A pleasure t' meet ya, Litha."
"Litha my mate. Have nest."
Lady Flynt chuckled and gave Gurren a congratulatory pat on the back. "Finally found one that'll put up with ya?"
"Hardly. Crazy Gurren drive all us mad." Litha shot Gurren what could have best been described as a grin before looking around at the abbey. "Nice building."
Lady Flynt nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it is." She took in a deep breath and thought once more of her own plans to leave before turning her focus back to the two birds. "Right, well, I'll show the two of yous around. I took it upon m'self t' give Gurren a mission, Litha can join in and add to th' fun."
"What mission? You missions always crazy. Fly here, get ferret, save them."
Lady Flynt rolled her eyes at Gurren and turned back to Litha. "Give him a good shove every once in a while. Just for me." She laughed and shook her head. "Naw, yer mission's t' wake th' guest of honour."
Chapter III
Abbess Arum looked out over the gathered crowd from where she stood at the head of the table. To her immediate right sat Montel, and to her left Amethyst. Myriad occupied the seat next to Ghost, who was sitting alongside Montel. The rest of the members of the Eagle Watch were spread out among the Abbey mice, including the two lapwings. The birds had been a main attraction for the dibbuns, and still were. A crowd of the little horrors, a nickname settled upon by all of the Loamhedge elders, had decided to find their seats in that particular area, and much to the joy and relief of several abbey members, the birds did not hold back on keeping them entertained.
"They'll be missed by more than just dibbuns when they leave, am I right, Ghost?"
Ghost chuckled at Arum's comment and nodded. "Aye, they will. Takes a big burden off of the caretakers." He studied the faces in the crowd and could not hide a grin as he came to the two hares. "The kitchen, on the other hand, is going to be happy to see a couple of long eared stomachs leave."
Arum smiled and looked towards Montel. "Ready?"
"I think so. Now is as good a time as any."
Arum nodded and rapped a wooden spoon against the table's surface. After several attempts, the room finally quieted down and the Abbess cleared her throat.
"A double blessing for a double feast. We gather to recognise two beasts who are here with us, and to celebrate both for their accomplishments, and their futures." She smiled at Amethyst, who just blinked and nodded, still not fully realising what was being said. Arum took a quick sip of water before continuing.
"Montel, you have graced our halls with more than just your presence. Risking your own health and life, you ventured off with your friends to bring back one of our own, and many more who are at this table right now. Still, you also bring us a few tears with your latest decision, yet we will all wish you a wonderful journey and a happy future. Would you care to say a few words?"
Montel stood and wrung his paws together before clasping them firmly behind his back. "Well, I'm not one for speeches, but I will try." He smiled amidst the light chuckles from the gathered group. "I enjoy this abbey without end, and I will miss even the smallest of things. Every day I wake to the bell tolling the morning hours, and I often find myself playing out in the courtyard with the little dibbuns." He sighed and looked down at the table. "I do not want to leave them all, but I must. I feel a call, and I wish to return to Salamandastron for a while. The Badger Lord there offered his hospitality, and I feel I must accept, as that mountain seems to be more a part of me than I recognise.
"I will miss all of you, and I will do my best to visit whenever I can. If trouble ever arises, or you just need a simple favour, I'm sure one of our hare companions would gladly run a summons up to the mount. As soon as I hear your invitation, though, I will come. I promise."
Montel sat back down and wiped a tear away with one of his paws. The guests were applauding softly, and a few must have sneaked out during the speech because the bell began to ring. When the applause died down, and the bell ringers, there were two, returned, Montel looked around at the crowd and smiled.
"Thank you, I now have my most cherished memory of this place."
Arum smiled softly at the badger and let the silence preside for a moment before drawing the crowd's attention again.
"Like I said, this is a double feast, and there are two who are being celebrated today." She looked around at the sea of faces, mentally preparing what she was going to say. "I know rumours have spread about who I have chosen to follow in my stead as Abbess, and I am announcing here and now who I will pass the title on to and put those blasted rumours to rest." She winked at Amethyst and motioned her to stand.
Amethyst stared at Arum for a moment before comprehending what had happened. Slowly, her knees shaking slightly, she stood and pointed to herself. Arum nodded.
"I am officially announcing our very own Amethyst as next in line for Abbess of Loamhedge. Amethyst, do you accept my offer?"
Amethyst stood, frozen in captivation, for what seemed like an eternity. Then, as soon as she was able to move again, she nodded quickly. "Yeah, I guess so."
There was thunderous applause amidst laughter as Arum gave the younger mouse a hug.
Ghost chuckled silently as he leaned back in his seat. "You know what, Myriad?"
Myriad leaned over towards him, having trouble hearing him over the applause. "What's that, dear?"
"I'm thinking," Ghost took her paw and gave it a light squeeze. "They're really going to get worked up over our piece of news."
Myriad nodded. "I think they will, too. I know I was."
"Aye, that you were." Ghost chuckled. "That you were." He leaned over and gave her a kiss.
Epilogue
Summer of the Warrior's Triumph
Loamhedge Abbey
As I write this, my eyes fill with tears. The Abbey Recorder was kind enough to allow me an entry in the log book, so I am here writing down my final farewell to the place that has been home to me and my companions for the better part of a season now. Montel has sent word that he is leaving Salamandastron and venturing north. He has a new companion, too. In his time at the mountain, he took part in many of the patrols that ventured far and wide across the lands and met up with someone he simply describes as "the snow of winter, and the bright sun of summer." Of course, I could easily apply that description to Myriad, who is making her final rounds of the abbey in preparation to leave. The both of us were wed here shortly after Montel publicly announced his leaving, and we announced the engagement shortly after his own announcement. Much to the joy of the dibbuns, it forestalled his departure, and the departure of the lapwings, Gurren and Litha.
We are happy now, Myriad and I, and after long thought we have both agreed upon venturing south, along the Southstream I came across nearly a season back when we were going to rescue Amethyst. I do not know what to find down there, the Southlands are entirely unknown to me. At any rate, that is where Myriad and I wish to start our family.
Amethyst is Abbess now, and Arum has stepped into the roll of mentor and guide for her predecessor. I have no doubts that Amethyst will become one of the greater Abbesses of this abbey. That, however, will be recorded in these books later.
Thus said, I now write my farewell. Loamhedge has been the only place I have ever considered home, and as I step outside of is gates, I am constantly reminded of the past, of how I came to be at this place, and all I leave this place with. Blackstrike told me once to never give up hope, and I know she will read what I wrote later (that was her only condition to letting me write in her book, and it is always wise to keep the recorder happy) so I will simply state my thanks and gratitude for her kind words of encouragement. I have no doubts that I would not be where I am right now had I given up hope back then. Thank you dearly, Blackstrike.
Myriad is here, now, so I will say farewell. I will visit again, and I will hold this place forever in my heart and mind.
Ghost
~Eagle Watch