A/N: This is a segment of a roleplaying thread at Fort Ruddler's RPG boards. This one is a huge IC mission roleplayed out by many different players.  I haven't edited anything (spelling, grammar, tense, post order, etc) yet, and I might not get around to it for a while simply because this is such a long thread.  I hoe you can still follow it.  The only character I wrote the part of was Riala.

Wayside Patrol – Day 1 - Morning

As the sun's first light peek over the horizon, burning away the light mist of the night before, the sounds of preparation for the mission can be heard from the Platoon 4 grounds. The solid thud of wood on wood reveberates across the sleepy fort when Riala lets the last of the carpentry tools fall against the barracks deck. Dusting scarred paws off on her mottled forest-shaded tunic, the squirrel picks up a piece of parchment and tacks it onto the barracks door. In black ink, written in hurried, untidy handwriting by a heavy paw, it reads:

The patrol is divided up into four teams of four each, and each team is further divided into pairs. Teams are denoted by the numbers 1-4, and pairs are denoted by the letters a and b. 1a and 1a are paired together; 1b and 1b are paired together; etc.

1a. Major General Mackbry Taffellappen
1a. Vice Admiral Rook Scarbin

1b. Boatswain Kalen Rune
1b. First Mate Brooke Briar

2a. Admiral Moontouch Icebrink
2a. Corporal Cinder Elmcreek
2a. Seabeast Tann Swiftcreek

2b. First Mate SilverRose Brighteye
2b. Boatswain Landin McGregor

3a. Admiral Pearl Stormwind
3a. Guard Shara Khaari

3b. Major General Riala Goldentail
3b. Sergeant Kuja

4a. Major General Teltoli Riverbuck
4a. Second Mate Streamrose Streamflight

4b. Brigadier General Moonrose Stormpaw
4b. Second Mate Lupin Swiftstream


Farther down on the page reads:

Scheduled roles for Day 1 are as follows:

Morning Scouting/Foraging – Team 1
Afternoon Scouting/Foraging – Team 2
Evening Scouting/Foraging – Team 3
Dinner – Team 4a
First Sentry – Team 4b
Second Sentry – Team 1a
Third Sentry – Team 1b
Fourth Sentry – Team 2a
Fifth Sentry – Team 2b

The teams will alternate as seen above for each day, with an entire team needed for the scouting/foraging jobs, and a pair needed for sentry duty and cooking detail. For instance, Team 3a will be on cooking detail for Day 2's breakfast, while Team 3b will have clean-up duty after camp is struck, and Team 4 will do Morning Scouting/Foraging.


Riala glanced over the list once more before turning and taking a seat on the worn wood of the barracks steps, waiting for the rest of the trial patrol to arrive.

The day's first dawn saw another creature up and about, first at Platoon 1 barracks, but soon headed for Platoon 4.

Mackbry Taffellappen could rarely sleep when excited, today proved no different he thought to himself as he strode with an air of detiremination towards the barracks that had been the center of attention just two days before. On his back was a simply packed haversack containing an extra cloak and blanket, a small portable lantern, a tinder box, an aged recipe book, a map paw-written map of northern Mossflower (likely only legible to Mack himself), oil and varnish for keeping his dirk and spear in top condition, quill and an inkwell, eating and cooking ustensils, as well as a short length of rope and a hammer; Riala had mentioned the need to build waystations along the way, it was good to be prepared.

The elderly hare stopped once he was near Riala, his eyes scanning the new notice she had posted quickly, making a mental note to himself of his group and team. Mack stood to attention, stiffly saluting Riala as he reported in.


"Major Gen'ral Mackbry Taffellappen reportin' fer duty!"

Dawn broke to find Landin McGregor making his way steadily towards the 4th platoon barracks. Apart from his weapons, placed upon the broad of his back hung a haversack, this being one of average size and proportion. Though its content could not clearly be noted it was to be assumed that the march hare carried a travelers necessities such as food, water and spare clothing, as well as various tools, mandatory given the aspects of the patrol to come.

He arrived to find only two creatures, though the early morning hour could be held liable for this amount. With a swift nod to both Mackbry and Riala the march hare removed the bag from the shoulders and made his way towards the notice posted upon the barracks door, which until now he had failed to notice.

"G'mornin tea yea..."

As he scanned over the contents of the notice he was rather disappointed to find that he had been placed in partnership with a beast alien to his recollection, though he tried his best to hide his displeasure. Stepping down from the platoon porch he turned towards Riala, a slight smile to place with his calm facial features.

"Landin McGregor cha service mea lass."

Brooke is not an early riser by nature but this particular morning was quite different for her since it was going to be her first mission and she was rather nervous about it. She and Kalen had gathered all of their provisions into their satchels the night before the mission was assigned to leave. They were well prepared with essentials but what she was not prepared for was the excitement that went along with going on a trial mission. But determined to not show any kind of fear she takes a deep breath, gives a nod to Kalen and off they went across the beach to platoon number four.

Upon arriving she thought that she would see all of the beasts that were there just two days ago but the only one that she caught sight of was Mackbry giving salute to Riala and another hare whom she had not had the pleasure of meeting yet. So Brooke decided to follow Mack's lead in order to show her respect for the commander of the mission. Dropping her traveling bags to the ground she comes to a snapping salute, slinging her paw up to her blonde bangs.


*First Mate, Brooke Briar and Boatswain, Kalen Rune reportin' fer duty marm.*

After releasing the salute that she had given to Riala she gathered up her belongings and strolled over to the assignment paper. Gazing at it for a few seconds she saw that she was also placed with beasts that she did not know well, but she was not about to question the leader of the mission and cause more stress than needed. Brooke just figured that this would be the time that she would be able to get to know the beasts that she was assigned with better. Besides, Riala did give us the chance to pick a partner before she would assign us one.

Early morning was one of the best times of the day for the young red squirrel. She always enjoyed waking just before the sun to watch it rise above the horizon. The squirrel had stayed up late the night before, rather excited about her first type of open mission with the other creatures of Ruddler. She enjoyed meeting new beasts as well as having something to do. Though this was a trial patrol, she decided that she would not take it lightly and work hard like any other time.
The squirrel strolled towards Platoon 4, her tail twitching behind her. Upon her back was placed a one straped sack that she wore diagonally across her body. It contained the normal necessites, flint, timber, water, working tools and food. She also wore a healers bag at her side, having recently reclaimed her skills as a healer.
She smiled brightly as she saw a few beasts already at the Platoon. Her emerald eyes looked about and scanned the parchment that Riala had posted. Reading through it, she found that she knew nothing of the creature of which she was pared with. She paid little heed to it, knowing that she was going to have to meet new creatures in one way or another. Flicking a bit of loose silver fur from her stripe out of her face, she took out a parchment, wrote down the chart then stuck it back within her sack and walked over towards the others.*

"Good morning to you all," *She says cheerfully then stands to attention in front of Riala* "First mate SilverRose Brighteye ready to serve and your command"

Cinder came bounding around the corner from Platoon 3 on all fours. Your late, hurry up! he repeated to himself for the hundredth time that morning. He was barely able to keep all of his belongings from jumping off his shoulder at his high speed. When he neared the barrack stairs, he leapt to his back feet putting on as much brakes as he could, as he skid to a halt just past the already congregated beasts. As he stood up straight, the extra weight he was carrying caught up with him.

"Yaaah!" he yeleped as he suddenly found himself being dragged by his food and bedding a few more paces beyond where he intended to stop. Hopping on one foot and swinging his arms frantically, Cinder fought his supplies as he again tried to regain his balance.

Once under control, Cinder looked up to see everyone gaping at him, including commander Riala. He stood up straight and threw her a salute.

"Corporal Cinder Elmcreek, Report'n for duty Sir! ... uh ma'am."

Just realizing the spectacle he made, warily an embarrassed smile crept across his face.

"I guess I'm not as late as I thought. Heh."

Rather dejected at his bad entrance, Cinder slunk down near the bottom of the stairs to reorganize his belongings, hoping that maybe it wasn't as bad as he thought.

First born light of a new days creeps towards the Northern Flyer only to find Rook Scarbin awake as though he'd never slept at all. Truth be told, the otter had risen with the blackbacks that made the sky and the cliffs their home, diving and swooping from silver steamers of a luminous morn. The previous evening had been spent by the newly appointed captain, moving various things from his place of residence to the cozy four walls that comprised the ship's main cabin. It was a dream to turn all others away, making them dull and sullied, and Rook felt as though he'd slumbered for a thousand years. A black cloth had been lifted, and the world was fresh to him once again. How long this would last was anybeast's guess, though this day met a Rook who remained quiet without the underlying animosity that had become antithetical of the otter that once was, and may never be again.

Now, his haversack was full, packed with the tools he used to live life: A change of crimson tunic and khaki breeches, the diary of thoughts, paper and quill, a blanket, a thick volume of poems with a velvet marker between pages 109 and 110 (400 still remaining), a cloth to polish his blades and the crystal spectacles which presented the image of a refined beast when worn

"This should be enough to survive a few weeks, though I hope I'll have some time to read."

Idle musings out of his system, Rook left the 'Flyer for Infanty Platoon 4 with his haversack shouldered. He arrived soon after and, upon reading of whom he was paired with, moved abreast with Mackbry

"Aye, and Vice Admiral Rook Scarbin to complete this team."

Lupin awakes early, getting ready for the new day at a brisk pace. She knows today is the first of many on her new assignment for Platoon Four. Though normally Lupin could be found on her ship, the Wavearrow, instead of a shore shore patrol, the next few weeks would be an exception. She quickly eats a light breakfast and packs things she assumes valuable for patrol duty: a compass, map, blanket, book of poems, a few scones and some strawberry cordial to snack on, a soft cloth for the cleaning of her sabre should it be needed, and several extra stones for her sling. When ready, she shoulders her knapsack and heads out to the Platoon Four Grounds.

The fresh scent of early morning is in the air, and several birds fly around busily in their quest to find nest-building materials. Lupin makes her way around the bustling Fort Ruddler, taking care not to bump anybeast or disturb their morning work. When she reaches the desired Platoon's grounds, she finds several creatures already there, though not her scouting oartner, Moonrose Stormpaw. So instead of finding the creature she is paired with, Lupin momentarily sets down her knapsack and reports in to Riala, hoping Moonrose will show up soon.


"Mornin' ma'am. Second Mate Lupin Slipstream reportin' for duty. I did nae see Moonrose yet, so I jus' decided t' check in with ye."

Moontouch could sleep no matter what the circumstances. She was happily snoring away in her bunk, dreaming dreams that only the black otter would dream when the sun had given its first golden rays to the land. She turned over in her sleep and rolled out of her bunk and crashed to the cold floor. She landed on her shoulder painfully and woke up swiftly. She sat up, her blanket wrapped around her body. She somehow got her paw free from the entanglement of the fabric to rub her shoulder ruefully. She mumbles some unintelligible, sleepy words when she turned her eyes toward the window, sunlight pouring in. Like bolt of lightning striking her, Moontouch realized that she was supposed to have gotten up earlier that morning and packed her things for the trial patrol the previous night. She fought with the blanket and threw it on the bunk. She moved as quickly as she could, packing everything that she had set out the day she had signed up for the mission. She hastily arranged everything so it would fit. Moontouch hastily slips out of her white night gown and into her clothes. As she runs out the door, she has to run back in, grabbing her bag and also her chest belt and swords from the peg by her bunk.

Moontouch reached the Platoon a little after she had bolted out her door. But in her haste she had ran into a wall while trying to dodge other early risers, hurting her shoulder again. She arrived breathless, fatigued, and rubbing her shoulder again. When she finally catches her breath, Moontouch slips her bag off her shoulder and sits it on the ground, saluting Riala smartly and standing to attention.*


Admiral Moontouch Icebrink, reportin' fer duty, Marm!

*She winces as she puts her paw down, her shoulder sore. She rubs it again and looks a bit embarrassed as she walks up to the chart, reading it over carefully. She nods her head, understanding whom she was paired up with. She rubs her shoulder again and then walks over to where she had sat her bag, picking it up with the opposite paw and placing it somewhere where no one would trip on it, still looking a little embarrassed. The black otter fervently hoped no one had seen her run into the wall.*

Riala nods to Mackbry as the hare walks up to her, shaking her head slightly in amusement as he salutes. For once, she doesn't complain about the formality - she figures she'll have to get used to it if she's going to be forced into a commanding position such as this one. Gold-brown eyes flick to the carpentry tools he carries. "You didn't have to bring those," she says, motioning to the tools stacked against the barracks deck, "although I'm glad you did... I was beginning to wonder if I'd brought enough for everybeast."

The squirrel glances over at Landin as the march hare enters and checks the list on the barracks door. "'Morning," she returns the casual greeting, and lets her gaze drift to the grounds entrance, where Brooke and Kalen have entered. Her nod encompasses both otters, as well as the incoming SilverRose, and she gestures to the carpentry tools near the barracks. "Pick a tool if you don't have one already. You'll need it for when we build each waystation."

Amusement twitches the corners of the squirrel's mouth as Cinder makes his ... somewhat ungraceful entrance. She shakes her head, keeping back the urge to chuckle at his antics, easily schooling her scarred features to immobility. "You're certainly earlier than some," she says, making a silent count of the creatures in the yard. Seven out of seventeen, including herself. "There are carpentry tools over there. Choose one to carry with you- you'll need it for when we have to build waystations." She puts a little more air behind the comments about the tools so that her voice carries to Rook, and then Riala turns her attention back to the creatures still arriving.

She nods in greeting to Lupin and Moontouch, deciding to wait for a few more creatures to arrive before she repeats the instruction to choose tools. Ten out of seventeen... seven more to wait for. Once the sun was above the horizon, though, they were leaving, whether or not everybeast had arrived.

Shara rushes into the room, a pair of bags slung carelessly over her sholder. Skidding to a halt, she looks around the platoon and, spotting the piece of paper, walks over to read it. After scaning the parchment for a few moments, Shara glances around the room for her partner. Glancing back at the sheet again, she calls
"Pearl? Pearl...Stormwind?"

Hearing no reply, Shara settles herself against the wall of the baracks. Taking out a piece of driftwood and a small knife, she begins to whittle while humming a tune to herself. She looks around the room at the strangely mixed group and settles her gaze on the fox.

Shara had delt with foxes before, but only once had she met a fox with an even remote sense of dignity. Even then the idea of dignity was fairly far off, pratically nonexistent until she had met him. Shara frowned to herself at the memory of that place where she had spent five long years. Although at the time those years seemed like several centuries. Lost in her memories, sounds of pain filled Shara's ears and the smell of wood burning, always burning crept into her nose...Shara gave herself a mental shake and blinked for a few moments, trying to reorient herself.

'That's not important now,' she thought to herself,'Keep your mind on the task at paw and stop thinking about the past.'

With that thought settled firmly in her mind, Shara continued to carefully whittle the shape of wood. Small flakes of the wood drifted down like snow as Shara continued to stare past the wood, as though she didn't even realize what her hands were doing, but continued thinking....

"G'mornin', Rook m'boyo. Trust y'slept well? That is, hope the Cap'n slept well."

The gray hare smiled warmly and winked at Rook, off-handedly congratulating his friend on his promotion. He was only slightly surprised that the otter looked and sounded to be in a light mood, something even Mack saw rarely.

Mack reached down among the tools, coming up with a box of nails and small hachet, both soon tucked into his haversack with the rest of his belongings.

The hare rubbed his eyes and sat up in his bunk. Tel could sleep well no matter what the circumstances, and since he had been on many missions before he felt prepared for the one beginning this fine day. After a languid stretch the hare swung his footpaws off his bunk and made his way to the basin in the corner of his dormitory. After a brisk splash of cold water to the face, Tel wiped his muzzel on a rough towel and headed towards the side of his bed. On a chair by his bedside rested his travelling cloths, a worn and comfortable blue jerkin, rough grey hock length pants, four strips of tough black leather for his lower arms and footpaws and a stout walking staff.*

Ah...another day another misssion...

*The hare mused quietly to himself as he dressed, smiling slightly at the thought of the adventures to come. He had never been on a Ruddler mission before and was excited by the prospect. Tel grabbed his prepacked haversack and swung it to his back. Inside were all the esentials for travelling, packed light for long carrying. He placed a paw to each of his weapons and he placed them on his person. His bladed javelin, behind his haversack. His twin paw axes, at his sides. His dirk, at his far left side. His twin throwing daggers, inside the wraps on his legs. Tel took a deep breath and looked at himself in the mirror by his door as he exited. It was a fine day for high adventure!

Opening the door, Tel saw a largish group of creatures assembled in front of his barrack. Saluting the many beasts, Tel smiled and knelt down next to Riala. He spoke to her a quite tones while quickly glancing over the formations tacked to the door.


I say wot! Morning commander! Looks like a fine day for adventure. These formations look like they should work out nicely enough. Anything need doing afore we head out?

*The hare stood on the porch for a moment, watching the other creatures and smiling faintly. Eventually he took a few slow steps down the stairs and stood near Mack. *

I say Mack, you ready fer a grand ol' day wot!? Wonder where me partner's got to...

Standing alone in the shadows of the stone walls, the lean fox watched the communing beasts as they gathered. His form was hidden, almost invincible by the grey shadows that rapidly began to thin out in the morning light.

...so, this is it. We, or they are ready to leave, almost eager. That may be good, for they may be eager to do good, or ready to slay...

The fox then left his dissappearing hiding place. He was dressed in a light yellow shirt, and he wore simple light blue pants held up by a wide black leather belt with a silver leaf shaped buckle that glinted in the sunlight. He wore no heavy pack, but instead had a small traveller's bag slung over his left shoulder in a jaunty fashion. He needed no cumbersome sack, for patrolling, he travelled light.

He looked around the group trying to know each member by not speaking, but by percieving. He nodded his head Riala, speaking slowly as he reported into his superiors.


"Sergeant Kuja, reporting for duty."

After speaking, he looked around once more curiously before retreating from the center of which he thought to be of attention.

He stretched his limber red arms, and sighed, life was not easy being a fox, one whose species was known for cruelty, and evilness. That was not his way.

Rook cannot help but let a smile crack his often somber face. The point of authority doesn't seem to fit him very well, and Rook is quite thankful that Mack didn't dare refer to him as "sir". The title quite literally made his skin crawl, him being so fond of just plain old Rook, or Rooko, or Rookashadow. It depended on who was addressing him

"Thank you, Mackbry."

A peaceful wind blew into Tann's tent, ruffling the blanket laid upon his fur. Sleep left him as he heard other beast conversing outside. yawning and trying hard not to stumble, he dressed in his simple jerkin of blue. Placing his belt around his waist and slinging his longbow across his back, he stepped out into the morning sun.

"Well, he thought, this is it. My first day on my first mission." Turning toward the sound of Riala's voice he quietly walked over.

Standing straight and tall he addressed Riala saying," Second Mate Tann Swiftcreek, at yore service.

She had been silently gliding around for the better part of the morning, observing the beasts she would be traveling with. The small mouse's wandering had gone unnoticed. The rising sun turned her ghostly white fur a light gold, and glinted in her rose-coloured eyes. A red rose tucked behind her ear, still wet with morning dew, glistened in the growing light along with the hilt of her blade, which peeked out behind the folds of fabric that was her cloak. Though the morning was crisp, her tattered black cloak kept her comfortably warm. Her skirts brushed through the wet blades of grass as she moved, her bare-footpaws already soaked.
The mouse had been awake for hours, solomly treking through Platoon 4 and awaiting orders from their leader. She enjoyed the quiet sounds of the morning, and was rather dissapointed when the still air became cluttered up with the sounds of awakening beasts and rustling packs.
Her own haversack was lightly filled, as she had learned to carry as little weight as possible when traveling. A tinder and flint, a dozen oatmeal scones, 3 russet apples, a coil of stout vine rope, and a small knife were all that filled her small burlap sack that hung at her waist. Also hanging from her belt was a weathered canteen filled with fresh water. Strapped across her back was her double-bladed sword, the brass hilt and black pommel stone petruding from over her shoulder, her only weapon besides the small knife in her haversack.
Thus the albino was prepared. She had suffered cold before, and could handle the cold. She had suffered hunger before, and could handle hunger. She had delt with danger before, and could handle any foebeast. She had traveled Mossflower for many seasons, and somewhat knew the area. This was her first mission, and she could feel excitement well up inside her as the sun rose higher and higher into the sky. But her stern white face and cold rose-coloured eyes did not betray her as she wandered around.
Finally, she noticed some familiar faces. She strided up to Riala, gazing up to the tall auburn squirrel to meet her gaze. With a curt nod, she speaks to her in a gruff, clear voice.*

"Brigadier General Moonrose Stormpaw here, awaiting orders," she said simply.

Riala exchanges polite greetings with each arriving fortbeast, repeating her instruction to choose a carpentry tool from near the barracks. She casts a critical gold-brown eye at the horizon, where the sun's lowest curve has finally risen above the sea. The squirrel takes a swift count of the creatures in the platoon yard: fifteen out of seventeen. Well, she wasn't going to wait for those who had slept in...

She stepped up on the barracks deck and rapped her roce on the wood for attention. "If everyone has chosen a carpentry tool, then we'll be leaving. Team 1 will be taking scouting duty - no need for foraging yet, as we're fine on foodstuffs so far. 1a will take the left flank as we go north; 1b will take the right. Scout the area ahead and aside of us, but make sure you keep up and don't lose track of the main group. There are maps of our planned route for everybeast by the gate- be sure to take one as you leave. Let's move on out!"

With that, the squirrel bounded with the agile grace of her species to the gate, swung it open, and started towards the entrance of the fort, assuming everybeast else would follow or else be left behind.

Mack quickened his pace to lay claim to one of the maps in the pile Riala had indicated. A moment was all it took for the hare to spot the first place they were to build a waystation, north of Fort Ruddler. With a crack of his knuckles, Mack tucked his map into his belt, calling out to Rook as he began to lope ahead at a steady pace.

"Well, off w'go, eh wot? C'mon then Rooko, we be off t'scout ahead."

Drawing up his haversack Landin slung it neatly onto his shoulders and without so much as a backwards glance followed in same direction Mackbry had moved off in only moments before.

Upon reaching the main gate the march hare was greeted with a scene so beautiful that only these mysterious northern lands could easily produce it. As far as the eye could see the majestic plains nodded gently with the grace of a new found spring breeze, its rolling hills and valleys spanning what seemed a limitless distance. To the north east one could faintly make out the presence of the northern mountains, their very tips concealed in a billowy blanket of misty clouds. Turning his face into the wind Landin allowed himself a gulp of fresh spring air, though it was short lived as he sighed away moments after.

Landin was brought back from his land of aw as he noticed the stack of maps previously mentioned by Riala. Taking one up he examined its contents carefully, periodically glancing up to compare its similarity with the lands bordering the fort.

Satisfied with his examination of the map he folded it neatly and placed it in his belt just to the right of his dirk. He had travelled these lands before and knew of its treacherous passing. Food was fairly scarce which made foraging a challenge, and to add to this thorn bushels and small sharp rocks dotted the landscape, concealed under the mesh of tall grass. Any creature not experienced in the ways of a country traveller was in for a rough ride. Despite all of this Landin was confident he would find the going easy enough.

*Making sure that her traveling pack was secure, SilverRose walked over towards the maps and plucked one from the ground. Her eyes scanned over the terrain, some land familiar to her while others rather foreign. After a few moments she tucked the map into her belt and hurried after the others. She walked up beside a hare who just happened to be Landin and greeted him with a friendly tone in her voice, figuring that if she was going to be going on a mission that she had better start to learn who everyone was.*
"Good day to you. I'm SilverRose, might I ask you of your name?" *She gave him a light smile as they walked*

Lupin follows several other creatures out the gates, picking up a map as she goes. She then takes a moment to move her old map to an unused portion of her small knapsack, as it will not be of any use. Lupin knows a bit of the land directly around the Fort, but not much after, as she is actually part of Fort Ruddler's fleet branch. After this small task is completed, Lupin goes to find her scouting partener, Moonrose Stormpaw, among the small crowd of creatures. She spots the mouse nearby, and greets her in a friendly manner.

"'Lo Moonrose. It said on the little list Riala posted that you're going t' be my teammate, so it's a pleasure t' meet ye!"

The mouse followed almost reluctantly, looking back at the sea, and the stone walls that had been her safety and comfort for months. The outside world was fading into a mere shadow, a ghostly demon as frightening as the dark. The albino reached behind her shoulder to feel the cool, damp hilt of her sword, clutching the handle tightly to be sure it was there, then drew her paws into the black tattered fabric of her heavy cloak and began to walk. Her strides were short, almost rushed, as she faught to keep up with the longer-legged beasts around her. She takes the map on her way out, messily folding it and shoving it roughly into her haversack. She then drew her hood over her white-furred face and marched on, searching for a familiar face to stride beside.
After scouring the crowd with cold rose-coloured eyes, she finally spots a friend. She sprints ahead, her cloak billowing behind her as her nimble paws carry her across the wet grass. She slows her gaite alongside a lean, grey hare and a tall, dark otter. She looks up at them with a grin, glad that they will be accompaning her on her first mission. As she looked up, sunlight filtered in and lit up the shadows that shrouded her face.*

"Hello, Mackbry, Rook. I'm glad your here!" She says cheerily. Before either can respond, an otter maid approaches, introducing herself as Lupin Slipstream.

*The young mouse's head turns sharply to face the newcommer. All sternness reapproaching, she becomes defenseful, mistrustful, but very very curious. List? She had a team mate? This was odd. She made a mental note to listen closely to directions from now on. A partner? Never before had she been paired up. She had worked alone, enjoying the solitude and finishing her tasks the way she saw fit. This would be a new experience, indeed. Giving Lupin an acknowledging nod, she speaks. Though her face has regained its stony composition, her rose-coloured eyes are smiling.*

"'Lo, marm. I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name..." She says softly.

A terse nod and a slight spectre of a smile were given in response to Moonrose's greeting, though Rook spoke no words. His haversack was close at paw, and he bent to take it up, slipping the long canvas strap around his neck. His possesions safe with him now, Rook searched the group for his compatriot, Mackbry, only to discover the hare had already taken his leave of the grounds and was already several lofty paces ahead

"Mackbry, wait up!" Rook called as he jogged on after the aged hare.

Shara joulted out of her train of thought as she saw somebeasts leaving. As she still had not seen Pearl, Shara glanced at the list agains to see who else was on her team. After seeing the name Kuja on the list, Shara blinked her eyes in surprise. Of all the creatures she the knew least, that one had to be on her team. Giving a mental shrug, Shara looked around the encampment to see if the fox had already left. She spotted him in a corner of the barracks. With a slight heave, Shara placed the bags on herself, one on each of her sholders with the strap going diagonally across her chest. After closing her eyes for a brief moment to collect herself, Shara strode across the encampment, thinking of what to say as she went along. As she finally reached the fox, all the brilliant ideas for opening statements fled her mind and she said while offering a paw to Kuja,
"Hello, my name is Shara Khaari. I think we're in the same team."

Mentally she cursed herself on the lame statement. Of course they were in the same team. What an obviously stupid remark. However, Shara tried to make up for it by looking Kuja straight into the eyes and giving the most sincere smile she could manage.

Tel took in a deep breath as the cool winds of the North ruffled his headfur. Although the hare felt energized and ready for the mission, he felt somewhat empty. His partner had not shown up at the grounds and now he found himself, back to the Fort, leaving her behind. A nagging feeling of regret stayed with the hare as he glanced at the map in his right paw. He had been so looking forward to making a good new matie on the trip.*

Oh well...I suppose there's pleanty of other beasts here at any rate wot!

*The red brown hare muttered softly to himself as he carfully folded the map and stuffed it tightly into his jerkin pocket. Trying to take his mind from his partnerless position the hare looked at the ground out in front of him. Instantly he was glad for the leather bindings around his footpaws. Jagged rocks protruded up through the tall grass, making for difficult treading.

As he continued to walk, Tel spotted Riala and the fox, treading near the front of the assembly of beasts moving north. Picking up a quick jog he made his way towards the pair. Tel nodded and smiled to Riala as he came beside her. He spoke in a jovial tenor voice, tinted by a hint of sterness, a mood that few besides the hare species could muster.


Good day fer a mission eh? Should be excitin!

Mack flashed a quick smile down at Moonrose, tipping his cap in greeting to the white mouse.

"G'mornin' to you, missie. Trust y'slep well, eh wot? Can't rightly say if'mn I m'self slept, travelin' once again does rouse one's soul. Well, s'pose I'll see you sometime this afternoon, tis scoutin' fer me an' ol' Rook here fer the mornin'. G'day to you, m'gel."

The hare swept off his cap and rubbed his paw through his headfur as Rook caught up to him. With a wink, he replaced the cap to its rightful position and shifted his spear to make jogging more comfortable. Mack quickly judged the area of the sun, they were to head north.

"Right Rook, s'pose we're t'be off, have t'warm up those paws of yorn, too long on a ship. Course I can't say much more fer m'self, not exactly runnin' laps about the fort like I twouldn't in my younger days, but twill have to see what the day brings. Off we go."

Mack waved a final goodbye to the beasts heading out of the main gate before starting off at a slow lope towards the woodlands, careful to keep a steady pace both to stay level with Rook and to save his energy.

The male fox, hastily followed Riala in the early northern morning. The sun was rising slowly, as the soft dew on the grass was trampled underpaw by the many beasts rushing to the gate.

Kuja walked at his own pace, not too slow to be left behind, nor too fast to be ahead. His ebony footpaws treaded the wet ground silently, and his movements themselves were stealth-like, and could hardly be heard.


...We are leaving then, some may return, and but some may not. Let us hope that all return safe and unharmed...

When he had finished reorganizing his things, Cinder got up and went to select his carpentry tools. After finding room for them in his haversack, he saw the list tacked to the door and scanned it a couple of times to see how everyone was paired.

"Moontouch and Tann ... huh Shara, Kuja, and Riala ..." he thought out loud to himself.

He turned as he heard Riala's order to move out, then took one last glance at the list before heading towards the gate. Keeping to the rear of the group, Cinder took one of the remaining maps from the pile. He took a minute to study it before putting it away. Cinder's head jerked back when he saw how many waystations were planned to be built.

"Eleven, wow! I didn't think it was going to take this long."

Looking up from the map he noticed he was falling behind. With a small hop-skip, he started into a jog to catch up. As he did, Cinder folded up the map and reached around his back for his haversack to put the map away. He slowed to a walk when he caught up and scanned the group for Moontouch. He remembered the black otter because of her similar hasty entrance, when she reported to Riala this morning.

Brooke still trying to shake the sleepy feeling from her quickly strides up to pick up a couple of rustic tools, kneeling down to shove one into her traveling bag and one into Kalen's. After she stands up she leaves the belongings sit on the ground and jogs over to grab two maps, folds them neatly then places them carefully into each of their bags. Even though Kalen was young Brooke wanted him to be able to follow along with the maps so that he would be able to learn how to navigate his way around in case they got separated somehow.

She had a lot weighing on her mind, thinking about the responsibility of having Kalen now and concerned about his safety. But pushing the negative thoughts aside she nods to Kalen and starts up to Riala's right flank as ordered by her.

Suddenly, Kuja left Shara and walked off toward the gate, headed in the direction of Riala. Shara blinked a few moments in surprise, apparently he hadn't even noticed she was there! Muttering to herself about the need to wear brighter colors to be seen, Shara ran off after Kuja.

He was a fast walker, at least as far as Shara was concerned since she was left far behind. Clamping her jaws together, she firmly headed towards his direction. As she finally reached him, Shara noticed he seemed to be daydreaming, perhaps about the mission ahead. Maybe she shouldn't disturb him... 'Oh well,' she thought resolutly to herself, 'He can think about the mission later.'

Shara steeled herself for the unexpected as she firmly tapped Kuja on the sholder and waited to see if he would respond.

Moontouch had been dozing, leaning against a wall when she heard the faint sounds of someone giving orders and her name said. She blinks sleepily and looks around. She jumps up and grabs her bag and a tool and her chestbelt and swords. She trips over a strap of her chestbelt and falls over with a thud. She holds back curses as she gets to her footpaws and hops in place, pulling her leg free from the black leather strap. She then jogs after the others, slipping her chestbelt on and making sure her swords were secure and wouldn't fall out. Without looking down, she pushes items in her bag over with a paw and shoves the tool she had grabbed into the empty space. She catches up to Cinder and grins broadly.*

I wasn't late! I was...err...right behind ya's!

*she grins innocently and slows her pace to his. She pushes her fluffy head fur from her eyes.*

Waving back at Moontouch, Tann bounded back and helped her up. Grinning he asked,"Well, Moony, what'd do ya think of me fer a team membe'? I've never done this before so ya gotta help me out."

*she blushes slightly as she finds that she was seen to trip over her chest belt strap. She grins broadly to hide her embarassment. She excepts his help gratefully.*

Er..Thanks, mate. Well, it'll be an experience! I'm sure it'll all work out grand if we work together!

*she winks cheekily, her embarassment ending. She definetely was going to try her best not to slip up on the way as she had this morning. *

I'll 'elp ya out. We were all new at one point or another.

*she grins and checks her haversack as she trudges cheerfully along.*

After her initial greeting, Lupin senses something like a want for solitude around Moonrose. She repeats her name, but wonders if she should start anymore conversation, knowing that patrols weren't the best place for loud and careless chatter, and that her new teammate might not want her to.

"M'name is Lupin Slipstream. I hope this mission goes well for all of us......"

Kalen takes his map and starts trying to figure it out. He's used to guiding himself by landmarks, and once Brooke points out a few, he's quite able to follow the map.

Isn't this exciting, mommy?

Most of the time he walks next to Brooke, but now and then he takes a quick run around everyone, for their amusment, and to try and calm himself down a bit.

Moonrose strided along silently, nodding absentmindedly to Lupin. She didn't mean to be ignorent or crude to the otter, it was just that she had a lot on her mind. Understanding, Lupin gave a small wave and slowed her stride, leaving the mouse to walk alone.
Her solitude granted, the albino could feel a strange leap in her heart. The smell of the thick forest foilage was ever so familiar, and she once again felt a sort of recklessness that she had when she had traveled alone. Her hood shrouding her pale-moon face, she felt nearly invisible.
Silent as a ghost, she watches the day's activities unfold. A young otter scampers around the group, and Moonrose watched in curiosity, her sharp rose-coloured eyes following his every movement. The young beast never strayed far from the blonde ottermaid, and he often returned to grasp her paw for security reasons.
Recognizing the ottermaid, she quickens her pace to catch up to them. She grins out of her hood at the blonde otter, her voice cheery now that she'd found another of her friends.

"Hallow, Brooke! Good t' see you," Her gaze then follows the younger otter's movements as he scampers about. "Looks like you have a friend, there."

Brooke kept a determined expression on her face a she embarked out into the unknown region. But she is soon approached by Moonrose and it shortly became apparent to her that she was not as alone as she felt. When the albino mouse cheerfully greeted her the determined look in her emerald green eyes converted to one of alleviation, almost as though all of her tense feelings just left her completely.

*Hey ther Moonrose, How's it goin' fer ya' so far? Yes I certainly found a friend and a son in Kalen, I adopted him ya' know. So ya' can help me keep a watchful eye on him. Without him knowin' of course.*

She gives Moonrose a wink, knowing that she can rely on her for all of her support and assistance.

*Well Kalen and I have ta' be leavin' ya, our orders are ta' scout right flank and that is what we need ta' do. Hope ta' see ya soon friend.*

Laying her paw on Moonrose's shoulder she struts off to the right of their path and motions for Kalen to come with her.

Tann grins his winning smile and walks along with her whistling a little tune. Twirling his haversack, he danced a little jig, bounding off into the unknown. Well, he thought, this sure is gonna a great day. Looking back at Moontouch, he flushed secretly. What am I doing? he thought. Looking back at Brooke, he shook his head. I am so lost....

Moon switches from whistling to humming, but breaks out into laughter as she watches Tann. She digs in her haversack and pulls out some scones she had packed because she hadn't eaten anything that morning because of rushing. She tosses one to Tann and bites into her's. She swallows and calls after Tann.*

Believe me, mate! Ya better dance jigs like that! Yer bound to trip and falls, bumping into someone, falling...Er...You get the picture!

*she laughs and jogs up to where he was and grins broadly, eyes twinkling. She hardly noticed the soreness in her shoulder now that they had started out.*

Tann caught the scone in his paws, and avoided Moon's eyes saying," Thankee, I was kinda hungry. Mmmpphhh, these are really good. Did you make them? MMmmmmppphhhh!" looks at his jerkin and grins.
Crumbs are all over it and he quickly brushes them off, a embarrassed flushed look in his eyes.

Moontouch shrugs her shoulders, feeling a small wave a pain run down her right arm. She rubs her shoulder a couple times before leaving it be again, almost droppign her haversack.*

No. I'm not too much of a cook. I'd probably burn them. I pinched them warm from the kitchen when I past it on the way to the platoon 4.

*she grins broadly and looks at Tann who was averting his gaze from her. So she quiets down, thinking she might be talking a bit too much. So she silently walks along, every now and again looking down at her footpaws or adjusting a stap to her chestbelt. She looks up and through the trees sees a small glint of sunlight. She flicks at her earrings in her left ear with her left paw, hearing them click together softly.*

A sigh escapes his lips as he looks around the trees gently swaying back and forth. Closing his eyes, he let the peace and security of the forest fill around him. Walking still, he walks smack into a large oak, making a deep, hollow sound. A groan pursed it's way out as he fell onto the ground, dazedly looking around.

"Ooooooohhhhhhhh! Me pore blinkin' face. It's ruined." he said seeing stars before his eyes.

*Moontouch hadn't been paying attention, lost in her own thoughts to notice that Tann was going to walk into a tree. She hears the sound of Tann's head coming in hard contact with the tree and she winces, turning around to watch him fall over. She walks slowly back, her face full of concern and alarm.*

Tann mate! Are you okay?

*she blinks twice and offers her black paw to help him up.*

Tann's heart skipped a beat as he saw her helping himself up. Sigh... Tann looked at her straight in the eyes, gazing at her. Shaken by her voice he gets up and says Thankee, Moony. That was kinda stupid of me."

Moontouch smiles cheekily and shakes her head knowingly. She had done plenty of stupid things and what he had done could hardly compare.*

Believe me, Tann...I've done quite a few stupid things! And that wasn't stupid! I've tripped and fallen in hidden holes, fell flat on my face, knocked beasts over.

*she blushes slightly at her clumsiness. She hands him another scone from her bag, this one honey covered.*

Er...I'm kinda clumsy sometimes...So don't worry about bumpin' into a tree...er...Take fer example me trippin' over me chestbelt strap...

*she makes sure that he was okay and they began to walk so that they wouldn't lose the others.*

Tann bounds after her, puffing noticeably*

"So, 'leven stations. Whew! That's gonna take a long time."

*a determined look goes into his eyes*

"But ah'm ready fer anything."

*grips his haversack tighter and thinks about how many adventures there was ahead*

The black otter lets a smile creep across her face. More and more was she beginning to like the otter. She chuckles softly as she listens to him rambling on. She flicks her earrings with her paw again and looks to her right to see Tann walking beside her.*

A long way indeed, mate! But we kin sure make it if we try our 'ardest!

*Moontouch lets a breeze ruffle her fluffy headfur softly, before running a paw through it. She closes her eyes for a moment and opens them, staring straight ahead.*

Tann silently watches Moontouch and puts a paw on her shoulder. Feeling a slight bump he pulls back and looks at her.

"Are you hurt? I hope I didn't do anything." he asked with a look of deep concern.

Riala frowns as she looks over the list of who is teamed with who. She hates to have to rearrange it- it messes up schedules and teams- but she has little choice. Teltoli will have to team up with Shara, since both of their partners decided not to show up... but that throws the teams off. Perhaps if she made that group of three a whole team... She nods reluctantly to herself. She scrawls notes on the list - a difficult thing to do while walking - and then reads over her revised paper.

1a. Major General Mackbry Taffellappen
1a. Vice Admiral Rook Scarbin

1b. Boatswain Kalen Rune
1b. First Mate Brooke Briar

2. Admiral Moontouch Icebrink
2. Corporal Cinder Elmcreek
2. Seabeast Tann Swiftcreek

3a. First Mate SilverRose Brighteye
3a. Boatswain Landin McGregor

3b. Major General Teltoli Riverbuck
3b. Guard Shara Khaari

4a. Major General Riala Goldentail
4a. Sergeant Kuja

4b. Brigadier General Moonrose Stormpaw
4b. Second Mate Lupin Swiftstream


She shakes her head slightly. Hopefully Moonrose and Lupin won't object to being teamed up with a fox... She'll have to inform everybeast about the change. Now? Yes, that'd probably be best...

The squirrel slows her pace, letting the foremost fortbeasts move ahead of her until she's beside Cinder. Moontouch and Tann are nowhere in sight, and she doesn't see them until she turns around and searches the very rear of the patrol, where they're walking quickly, apparently to catch up. She shrugs and turns to the other squirrel. "I'm having to change teams around, since twobeasts didn't show up. When the rest of your group catches up, I'd appreciate it if you'd inform them that you three are a single team now - team 2. That okay?"

Cinder noticed Riala slowing her pace, but didn't think much of it. Well, until she stopped right next to him and matched his pace. His mind went racing as he tried to figure out why she stopped next to him.

'... was it something I did? ... did I forget something?' He thought to himself, as he started to tense up.

He listened closely as she spoke, the tension slowly draining from his body, as he heard the actual reason she came to talk about. He gave the new list a quick glance to see the rearranged groups before replying,


"Sure thing, I'll let'm know as soon as they get here."

He gave a short nod, to confirm her order, then turned his head to try and see where Tann and Moontouch were.

Moontouch grins and shakes her black head softly and looks foreward, seeing as how Riala had stopped to talk to their other team member. She shrugs her shoulders.*

Nah! Ya didn't do it, mate. I kinda...fell out of me bunk this morning and then ran into the wall when I tried to dodge some...er...beasts in the hall....

*her voice trails off as she grabs Tann's paw and pulls him along faster.*

Come on, mate! We're gonna lose them if we don't catch up.

*When the reach Riala and Cinder she lets go of Tann's paw and looks uncomfortable.*

Er...sorry 'bout that, mate. I don't like being behind all the time and I didn't wanna leave ya behind...

The squirrel glances at Moontouch and Tann, then at her list, and then shrugs. They'll be on the trail for quite a while; it's not as if there's any great hurry to tell the others of the changes to the teams. She nods to both otters in silent greeting. "I've changed the teams around, as twobeasts didn't show up," she explains, getting straight to the point. "All three of you are one entire team now, rather than being one half of team two. You're now team 2, rather than team 2a." She holds up the list for them to check if need be.

Moon scans the list to make sure that she had everything packed into her brain. She had lots of things in her mind, including items from her past that she had lost or disgarded. She nods her head curtly and smiled slightly. She salutes and grins.*

Yes, Marm! I think I got it all packed into my 'ead!

Tann smiles at Moontouch but is disappointed when she lets go of his paw. Turning to her, he grinned sheepishly shaking his head*

"'s all right, Moon, ah didn't mind."adding when she was out of range,"Not at all."

*Turning to Riala, he bent over the list and scrunched his brow up tight*

"We're just one team now? Does that mean we hav'ta do twice the work? I wouldn't mind though," he said looking over at Moontouch.

Cinder suppressed a small laugh at the sight of two otters when they approached. A smile shot across his face when he heard the male otter's reply to the new list.

"Probably, don't ya think we can handle it?" He asked as he winked at the stranger.

"Your Tann, right? I'm Cinder Elmcreek, nice ta' meet 'cha."

Cinder turned to offer Tann his right paw, as he studied his new partner.

Tann ears prick up at the mention of his name, he turns around to see a lithe squirrel studying him. His eyes scanned the squirrel, who was built strongly and looked to be a good fighter. Taking the squirrel's paw, he shook it strongly, his face breaking into a giant grin.

"Pleased ta meetcha, mate. Can hardly wait till we get to the first waystation.'

There he turned his head as if remembering some thought. Looking at Moontouch he asked," Do ya know him?"

Riala forces a thin smile at Moontouch's words, the expression twisting her scarred features into a macabre mask. "I'm no 'marm'," she says in her rough voice. "We're going to be seeing a lot of each other in the next few weeks. Formality shouldn't be necessary."

Gold-brown eyes flick to Tann as the otter speaks, the twisted not-smile fading into the impassivity that was the squirrel's normal expression. "No, you won't have to do twice the work," she tells him. "You were already a larger than normal group as it was; now you've just one less than the rest. Will it be a problem?"

"Nah, was just wonderin', that's all." Tann said his shifting eyes searching the immobile squirrel.

Tel gazed silently around at the forest, yawning open before the party he was travelling with. He watched the young otter bound his way around the group. So much energy, a grand thing it was! Tel felt a youthful spirit enter his oen heart as he treaded towards the back of the group. As he looked forward, he noticed Riala scrawling onto a peice of parchment. The hare picked up a steady dog trot until he was along side the squirrel. He spoke in his warm tenor voice, winking a deep hazel eye at her.*

I say wot! Changing up the ol' rankings, sounds good teh me. Didn't much like the prospect of goin partnerless the entire way...Shara eh? Met her breifly a few nights ago, nice gel she is.

*The hare stopped speaking suddenly as he realized he had been rambling*

If'n yah need anythin jest give the word Riala...

*Tel then slowed his pace consiterably and scanned the area for his new partner. Upon spotting the otter, he made his way over to her. Nodding, Tel made his greeting*

A bally fine day teh yah marm, from the looks o the new roster seems me an yah er' partners now! I belive we've met afore, I remeber yah from the bon fire a few night hence!

Riala nods to Teltoli as he walks up and looks over her shoulder at the new list. The barest hint of a smile tugs at her mouth as he jogs off after the rush of words, with her unable to get a word in edgewise - such a typical hare. Well, at least she doesn't have to inform Shara and Teltoli about the changes now, since the hare took it upon himself to find out... but she'd better tell Kuja, Moonrose, and Lupin of the change as well. When they camped, she'd pin the list up somewhere so everybeast could refer to it, but until then, these were all that needed to be informed.

She hikes back over to her partner and nods to the fox in greeting. "I've had to change the teams around," she says. "You and I are still partners, but we're teamed with Moonrose and Lupin now, rather than Shara and Pearl. Is that okay with you?"

Surprised at hearing herself addressed, Shara turns around, drawing her well-used sabre, as she tends to do when startled. But upon seeing the hare standing next to her, she sheaths her weapon with an apologetic grin. She thought to herself, 'He looks familar,' then mentally kicked herself. Of course he looked familar, he was at the bonfire a few nights ago. How silly of her to forget, especially since he just mentioned meeting her at the fireside.

'Calm down Shara,' she thought to herself,'He's friendly enough and he's your partner, so no need to get excited.'

Mentally steeling herself, Shara hitched up her somewhat dusty bags and calmly stated,


"No need to call me marm, I be not that old. Simply Shara will do."

She gave a small smile a offered her paw to the friendly hare and said,"I be somewhat new here ta Fort Ruddler, so I'll be apologizing in advance for anymistakes I might make. I'm not exactly used to working with a partner."

Lupin follows the large patrol group along, not saying much. Moonrose seemed to be a rather solem creature, perhaps prefering to talk to creatures she knows better. Lupin drops to the mid-back of the gathering just in time to see Tann run smack into a tree. She chuckles a bit, and waits a few seconds to see if he's okay. He pops up quickly, and Lupin returns her attention to Riala, who is scribbling on the list paper. The squirrel then goes and talks to several creatures, though Lupin isn't quite sure what about. She begins to make her way to the front again, not wanting to lost out on any important information.