Martin the Warrior speaks of his memories of Laterose of Noonvale. Set just after the end of Martin the Warrior
Disclaimer: No, I do not own the Redwall series, I do not own the characters of Martin or Rose. I own nada, except for the brain that made up this small tribute to Laterose of Noonvale. You think I own, you wrong.
Memories
One footpaw in front of the other, over and over again. The woods press close, whispering and rustling to me, but on this day I do not hear their tales of ancient wonder and long-forgotten lore. Now as I travel south, I am conscious only of the reassuring weight of my father's sword at my side and the soft sounds of my paws in the pine needles. But I cannot keep my mind grounded for long; the soul begs to wander where it will, and I am not in the mood to stop it.
As my attention strays from the immediate business of moving carefully over a few stepping stones in a stream, it falls again on the memories that I have carried with me for so many long months. I reflect on the wasted years of my youth that I spent enslaved by the Tyrant on the Eastern Shore, Badrang, and still hot anger floods through my veins at the very thought of him. But I have had my revenge: those who were caged with me are free now, and Badrang's fortress Marshank lies in ruin. What pains me is the cherished memories of a loved one whom I lost in the cruel battle. I close my eyes for a moment as I remember a mousemaid called Laterose of Noonvale, though in my thoughts she is only Rose. My mind flashes to visions of hazel eyes and a gentle voice, and for the thousandth time I feel the fresh pain of the toll of war. She is gone, and I fear a part of me has gone with her.
I had wanted so much to return with Rose to her home, Noonvale. It is a place of eternal beauty and serenity, a place I would be proud to live in as a peaceful and free creature. I was there once, in that haven of tranquility, during the course of our adventures, and I cannot remember days of greater happiness. And yet my time there was brief, for Badrang had not yet been defeated, and I felt the call of battle. Rose was determined to go with me into war, and, as I knew that none could prevent her, I vowed that I would take far greater care protecting her life than my own. And yet I failed in that, and my failure is a greater weight than I can bear.
I cannot now return to Noonvale. The memories are too potent; the dreams of what might have been still linger. I want to keep my image of Noonvale unchanged. I want to remember that place the way it was when Rose still lived.
I will not speak of her, for I feel now that she is a treasure that cannot be shared with another through words. How could I ever relate to somebeast the joys and pains of our long journey together, the freedom that we fought so hard to win? I feel it is an impossible thing, and I shall not attempt it. She will remain in my heart, and for me that will be enough to keep her memory alive.
She was so gentle and lovely and brave. I could not ask for a better friend. It was she and her molefriend Grumm Trencher who rescued me from Marshank in the first place, and throughout the long journey that followed, she did not falter. Her loyalty and courage never wavered, nor did her kindness and compassion. I miss her greatly. I always will.
I know not where I am going now. But wherever my road may lead, I shall never forget Laterose of Noonvale.