Arwen-Galadriel- Thanks for the compliment about my cliffhangers- but as
you will soon find out, this one wasn't too severe. Yeah well, I'm not up
to writing 3 hour long chapters but I know of one chapter (in another
story) that's 40,000 words long- ahhh scary!
Songbreeze Swifteye- Piano still is a pretty cool instrument, you've got to admit. Rhode Island- smallest state right? Is everyone smushed in there (no j/k- I'm not that stupid) But still, 12 inches, did you have a snow day?
Ifitoldyoui'dhavetokillyo- Umm, I don't remember any of that about there not being ships, but okay. I have a copy of Pearls of Lutra so if you can give me a page number or something, I'll look into it.
A1- A loving thanks to you for beta-ing this chapter HEAR THAT EVERYONE THE BEST AUTHOR ON FICTION PRESS IS BETA-ING my STORY! You know the weird thing is that I was looking over the chapter and found the part where I called Kessy Nanda (and was beating myself up about it) when I read your review. Freaky Deaky.
ONCE AGAIN- GO READ A1'S ORIGINAL FIC "CHAMPION OF THE LIGHT"
So yes, I do now have a beta reader (I didn't even know what one was until I got one!). I'm going to be in Florida for 4 wonderful bliss-filled days so I won't update until after that. Oh and Ira Scinci is pronounced eye- rah skin-see. Toodles! Oh and the rhyming titles got way too annoying and will not be coming back- unless you guys really liked them. Anywho here it is.
Oh, Brother
By: Catty Engles
Jyda landed with a thud upon the sand, three bodies on top of her. One sat comfortably on her back, "Hmm, wonder if it's really her." It remarked.
Another tugged at Jyda's tail. A muffled string of curses issued from Jyda's grit filled mouth.
All three chorused together, "It's her."
Jyda heaved herself onto her back, glaring daggers at the body that now sat on her stomach. "Get-off, Teeko" Her dangerously low voice held an undertone of amusement.
"How about a hug first?" Another face was pressed into her vision, wearing a mocking grin.
"I'll give you a hug, Pipster." She leapt up, throwing Teeko into the final body's midriff. Jyda shot after the squirrel, for that was Pipster.
"Well she hasn't changed." The third squirrel remarked nonchalantly. He watched bemused as Jyda throttled Pipster where she had caught him a good distance off.
"Not in the least. Think we should help Pip?" Teeko queried.
"Why not? I don't fancy having you as my only brother." The squirrel said with a sly grin.
"Yah, go boil yer head, Nutpaw." Teeko grumbled.
"No thank you."
Ren ran over to Jyda's two brothers. "Nutpaw, Teeko!"
"Ren!" The orphan squirrel had his back thoroughly pounded and his paws thoroughly shook. "You look worse for wear from when we last saw you." Teeko remarked, taking in Ren's gaunt face and thin waist.
"Milkeye's doing. He just can't leave us alone, eh mates?"
Nutpaw and Teeko exchanged secretive smiles, "And we don't plan on leaving him alone either." Nutpaw quipped. Ren looked curiously at both of the smug squirrels.
"Wha-"
"Ah well, brother to save, you know, rabid sister an' all."
"Um, erm, yes, I'll assist you, dear brother."
"Don't call me dear brother." Nutpaw and Teeko quickly backtracked, making a beeline for Jyda.
Chorls ambled up behind Ren, "Old friends? They sure act bally strange."
Ren leaned on Chorls' shoulder, baffled, "Not usually. Something's up with those two. I'll have to figure out what."
Nutpaw loped off to help Pipster, nodding and shaking hands with the crew on the way.
Teeko started to follow, but then Kessy caught his arm. A warm smile lit up his handsome features, "Hey Kes, long time no smell. Whoo, do you need a bath."
"Yeah, well, salt water isn't great for bathin', but we've got bigger problems. What about the Queen? Won't the castle see her?"
"I dunno" Teeko remarked unconcernedly. He was more interested in Pipster's fate.
"But it's our ship, won't you help us find a hiding spot?" Kessy pleaded.
Teeko laughed appreciatively as Jyda turned her attention from Pipster to the newly arrived Nutpaw. "Oh, what, yeah sure, alright." Teeko said, still chuckling.
"Teeko!" Kessy stomped on his footpaw, hard.
The pain seemed to jog Teeko's memory, "Oowwow, you didn't have to do that!" He grimaced, rubbing the offended paw. "Well we can always use the secret inlet that no one at Sampetra, except a handful of escaped slaves know about."
Exasperated, Kessy smiled reassuringly, "I'm sure that will do fine."
Teeko was a natural leader. He roared out in a stentorian voice, "Hoi the crewbeasts, grab a tow-rope and lets save yore ship!"
Brini scrambled back onto the Queen, heaving plenty of ropes over the side. Teeko took up the same rope as Jyda. He smiled winningly at her, "Maybe saving yore ship'll warrant a hug, eh?"
"Don't hold your breath." She muttered, still in a high dudgeon.
"And don't push yore luck, Teeks. That sister of yourn is one crazy beast." Pipster joined them at the towrope.
"She's your sister too, Pip." Ren commented from a rope not far away.
"Sorry, not me. I don't have sisters that act like frogs at a fry- out!"
"WHAT?!" Jyda screamed.
"Shh, we're still in enemy territory, remember? Teeko, get up there in front and direct us to the inlet."
"Aw, yore such a spoilsport, Nutpaw. Okay, I'll go." It was obvious that Teeko wanted the opportunity to assert his leadership.
After lowering the ropes to the waiting creatures below, Brini rushed into the for'c'sle cabin to steady Friga.
"Hoi the crewbeasts! Ready- and haul!" Teeko bellowed. Jyda and the rest of the crew strained against their ropes. The flow tide helped considerably, making the going easier. After only a few pulls, Teeko was able to direct the Queen towards a side inlet that flowed through a crack of the cliff.
Jyda wiped perspiration from her brow. "The Queen'll never make, that cracks to slim."
Nutpaw grunted next to her, "Trust Teeko. He knows what he's doing."
"Did I ever trust Teeko?"
Teeko maneuvered the crew around a tall rock pillar. From either side, the pillar made the crack look half as small then what it really was. Only if one were to look at it head on, would one discover the actual width. "And pull!" The crack conveniently turned, blocking even the Queen's girth from view. With one final pull she came to rest behind a rock covering.
As the rest of the creatures sat panting on the damp ground, Teeko came to sit next to Nutpaw. His head was propped against the hard rock and his chest rose slowly. "Hey Nutpaw. You know they're right. Ira Scinci will see the ship, and no matter if she recognized it or not, she'll send a search party. What then, huh? We'll be captured, again!"
Nutpaw lazily opened one eye, "That's where you're wrong, dear brother. I hope you remember that I am chief bard for her majesty Ira Scinci-"
"Yeah, yeah you play the pipes and warble all day, I know. And don't call me dear brother."
Nutpaw chose to ignore this derogatory remark, "And in doing so, I am able to scout and listen to all that is said and done. It was as I was playing that a lookout reported to Ira that the ship, Bloodrut was coming into port. As Ira hurriedly left for the docks, I also chanced a glance toward the ocean. I caught sight of another sail in the storm that must have been too far away for the lookout to spot. I knew at once that it was the Queen. Ira only saw one sail and will be expecting only one ship, with a bit of luck, our landing was unnoticed."
Pipster slid down beside his two brothers, "Bit of luck, huh, I'd say a cartload."
Jyda sidled over to them as well, "How 'bout a shipload?" Her brothers chuckled appreciatively.
At that moment, Brini poked her head out of the for'c'sle cabin, "Hey everyone, Friga's woke up!"
***
Ira Scinci was at her tall, arced window, her tail swishing menacingly as she listened impatiently to Nutpaw's music. Lately, it had ceased to ease her mind. Ever since the grand escape of her housing slaves nothing had totally relaxed her.
Her uneasy movements jangled her numerous bracelets and earrings sending light notes of silver to flit around Nutpaw's flute melody. Ira's paw clenched and unclenched as her jittery energy sought an outlet. The lack of activity in Sampetra had put her nerves on end. The gray, stormy skies seemed tense with anxiousness.
Unknowing, Nutpaw played on. His music crescendoed and tapered off, marking the ending of a soothing piece. A silence stretched in the decorated thrown room. Ira waved a ringed paw at Nutpaw, motioning that he leave, but the silence stretched on.
"Your majesty!" Ira whirled around, eyes flicking to the door. A lanky rat stood there, gasping and blowing for breath.
"Yes, what, what do you want?" Ira somewhat regrouped herself.
"Bloodrut, it's been sighted!"
Ira wasted no more breath, "Lead me." The winded rat turned and ran, trying to keep in front of Ira's strong stride. Unbeknownst to any, Nutpaw slid behind a wall hanging that stretched to the floor and was gone!
The rat had reached his limit, and Ira had left him, choking and sobbing for breath, halfway to the piers.
"Ublaz." Ira didn't even look at the young pine marten as she loped past. She flicked two fingers in the direction behind her. Ublaz fell into step after the mistress of Sampetra.
As the two rounded the final turn onto the ramparts Ira flicked her two fingers at a guard. "Where?" She clipped.
"There your majesty, north and a touch west'ard, caught in a storm." Ira's cape flicked and snapped in the wind, the scarlet fabric accentuating her russet fur. Slit-like eyes peered towards her ship, Bloodrut.
"Ublaz." The pine marten stepped forward. His eyes also turned to sea. "Make sure Milkeye unloads his stores of bounty from the holds, and tell him that I would have a word in my chambers. Alone."
Ublaz nodded and turned to leave. Ira caught his muscular arm and pulled him back, whispering in his ear, "Oh and Ublaz, it goes without saying that I hold you responsible for every mistake or slip-up," Ira's finger traced a scar along Ublaz's back, "And we don't like slip-ups."
Ublaz's eyes remained set in a stony glare. He nodded once. Ira released his arm, "Good." She spat, mad that she was deprived of a game. It would be so delicious if Ublaz would bite back. He once would. Once Ublaz was spirited and vivacious. Once Ublaz cared for life. Ira's cruel games and constant orders had hardened her plaything, and she tired of him.
Ira was deflated as she returned to staring at the sea. This occupied her for little more than precious seconds. Fidgety, she spun on the guard, "Talk." She ordered.
Taken off-guard, he stumbled over his words, "Um, ahem, uh terrible weather we're-"
Ira grimaced, pinching the peak of her nose, "Don't talk." She leapt off the ramparts, a considerable drop. Ira straightened, entertained only for a moment that she had survived a leap that would have killed a lesser creature. Ira, cape billowing, hurried back into the castle.
The guard on duty turned to his matey, "What's wid 'er?"
***
Friga was swathed in cool, damp mist. Her head throbbed uncontrollably. Two figures strode toward her in the all-consuming fog. The considerably shorter of the two reached a paw out to soothe Friga's brow, "Jyda?" Friga murmured.
When the figure touched her forehead, Friga's headache receded and her eyesight became clearer. "Martin." The mouse said, pressing a paw to his chest. The other figure's face swam before Friga's eyes.
"Brawnstripe." It said in a deep rumble. Friga shied from the voice, curling into a protective ball. Huge blunt claws swept her up into a loose embrace, as one might hold a child. "Do not be a-feared little one. I have only to ask of you a boon. Find my babe and keep him safe until I arrive with an army at my back. Please, small one, keep him safe."
The badger squeezed her gently in his huge embrace. Friga smiled slightly as her eyes fluttered. Steadying her, Brini held Friga on her bunk as the crew labored outside to move the Queen. Brini noticed that Friga was coming awake only when the mousemaid murmured to herself, "Keep him safe. . ." Friga woke with no memory of her dream.
Brini, startled, blinked at a drowsy Friga. "So you've finally decided to join the land of the living, eh?"
In reply, Friga blinked back.
Brini went to the for'c'sle cabin's entrance and shouted to the rest of the crew, "Hey, everyone, Friga's woke up!"
***
"Hoi the crewbeasts, keep up!" Teeko hollered back over his shoulder.
Jyda grabbed his shirtfront, towing him close to her face, "Shut yore gob Teeks, I'm sick of my half-wit brother bellowing and hollering at my crew!" Jyda snatched the torch from his paw and stood up in the tunnel that her and her crew had been led to after securing her ship. "All right my maids of the sea. I'm hungry, you're hungry, I smell, you smell. Food and baths are this way," She hitched a thumb over her shoulder, "and we're sitting her like ducks at a funeral."
Freya piped up from the back, "So let's move our podgy arises and get knacks at the Cains!"
Jyda scrunched up her face in confusion, "Uh, couldn't have said it better myself. Got that crew? Charge!"
Full-throated roars of glee echoed around the tunnel. A huge banqueting hall opened from the narrow tunnel, spilling into light and colors the drab tunnel couldn't compare to. Jyda hung back with Ren and Pipster who had been helping to carry Friga.
"I'm fine. Get off. I'm FINE." Friga managed to throw off Ren's paws and then Pipster's before wobbling along for a few steps. Before she fell, Ren and Pipster would catch her and haul her back into a standing position. Then the cycle would repeat again. Jyda whispered in Pipster's ear. He nodded conspiratorially before scooping Friga onto his back.
She gasped in fright as Pipster dashed off to the hall. Overcoming her fears she held on to Pipster's ears, yelling into the wind pummeling her face, "Faster, Pipster, faster!" Already happy voices of reacquainted friends and lovers reached Ren and Jyda's ears.
They giggled in the passage at Pipster's protests. "Ah, you're pulling my ears out by the roots!"
"Shall we?" Ren joked, bowing for Jyda. Jyda cast an exasperated glance in his direction and promptly pushed him over. She ran, slowing a little ways farther down the tunnel. Ren caught up to her, and they strolled in silence. Jyda was tense. Her eagerness and apprehension to see her parents was apparent. Their paws bumped together awkwardly as they walked closer together for warmth. Ren finally slid his paw into Jyda's. She kept her eyes front but gave Ren's paw a little squeeze. He smiled.
Jyda paused before the hall, wetness clinging to her eyes. "Ma? Da?" She whispered. Ren squeezed her paw in reassurance. Jyda rushed forward. "MA? DA?"
The banqueting hall went quiet as Riverglen's patriarch strode forward. "Jyda." He stated- almost as if trying to prove to himself that his daughter was here, alive.
"Da." Jyda whispered through as smile.
Colfen's jolly face split into a grin, "Well come here, you young snip!" Without further urging, Jyda rushed into her father's arms, truly happy.
***
Hmmm, anyone got any suggestions or scenes that they'd like to see. I only say this because MY BETA READER (oh I love the sound of that) came up with some awesomely cute ideas and I'm sure you guys can do just as good. So tell me what you think and I'll be in sunny Florida when you do!
Songbreeze Swifteye- Piano still is a pretty cool instrument, you've got to admit. Rhode Island- smallest state right? Is everyone smushed in there (no j/k- I'm not that stupid) But still, 12 inches, did you have a snow day?
Ifitoldyoui'dhavetokillyo- Umm, I don't remember any of that about there not being ships, but okay. I have a copy of Pearls of Lutra so if you can give me a page number or something, I'll look into it.
A1- A loving thanks to you for beta-ing this chapter HEAR THAT EVERYONE THE BEST AUTHOR ON FICTION PRESS IS BETA-ING my STORY! You know the weird thing is that I was looking over the chapter and found the part where I called Kessy Nanda (and was beating myself up about it) when I read your review. Freaky Deaky.
ONCE AGAIN- GO READ A1'S ORIGINAL FIC "CHAMPION OF THE LIGHT"
So yes, I do now have a beta reader (I didn't even know what one was until I got one!). I'm going to be in Florida for 4 wonderful bliss-filled days so I won't update until after that. Oh and Ira Scinci is pronounced eye- rah skin-see. Toodles! Oh and the rhyming titles got way too annoying and will not be coming back- unless you guys really liked them. Anywho here it is.
Oh, Brother
By: Catty Engles
Jyda landed with a thud upon the sand, three bodies on top of her. One sat comfortably on her back, "Hmm, wonder if it's really her." It remarked.
Another tugged at Jyda's tail. A muffled string of curses issued from Jyda's grit filled mouth.
All three chorused together, "It's her."
Jyda heaved herself onto her back, glaring daggers at the body that now sat on her stomach. "Get-off, Teeko" Her dangerously low voice held an undertone of amusement.
"How about a hug first?" Another face was pressed into her vision, wearing a mocking grin.
"I'll give you a hug, Pipster." She leapt up, throwing Teeko into the final body's midriff. Jyda shot after the squirrel, for that was Pipster.
"Well she hasn't changed." The third squirrel remarked nonchalantly. He watched bemused as Jyda throttled Pipster where she had caught him a good distance off.
"Not in the least. Think we should help Pip?" Teeko queried.
"Why not? I don't fancy having you as my only brother." The squirrel said with a sly grin.
"Yah, go boil yer head, Nutpaw." Teeko grumbled.
"No thank you."
Ren ran over to Jyda's two brothers. "Nutpaw, Teeko!"
"Ren!" The orphan squirrel had his back thoroughly pounded and his paws thoroughly shook. "You look worse for wear from when we last saw you." Teeko remarked, taking in Ren's gaunt face and thin waist.
"Milkeye's doing. He just can't leave us alone, eh mates?"
Nutpaw and Teeko exchanged secretive smiles, "And we don't plan on leaving him alone either." Nutpaw quipped. Ren looked curiously at both of the smug squirrels.
"Wha-"
"Ah well, brother to save, you know, rabid sister an' all."
"Um, erm, yes, I'll assist you, dear brother."
"Don't call me dear brother." Nutpaw and Teeko quickly backtracked, making a beeline for Jyda.
Chorls ambled up behind Ren, "Old friends? They sure act bally strange."
Ren leaned on Chorls' shoulder, baffled, "Not usually. Something's up with those two. I'll have to figure out what."
Nutpaw loped off to help Pipster, nodding and shaking hands with the crew on the way.
Teeko started to follow, but then Kessy caught his arm. A warm smile lit up his handsome features, "Hey Kes, long time no smell. Whoo, do you need a bath."
"Yeah, well, salt water isn't great for bathin', but we've got bigger problems. What about the Queen? Won't the castle see her?"
"I dunno" Teeko remarked unconcernedly. He was more interested in Pipster's fate.
"But it's our ship, won't you help us find a hiding spot?" Kessy pleaded.
Teeko laughed appreciatively as Jyda turned her attention from Pipster to the newly arrived Nutpaw. "Oh, what, yeah sure, alright." Teeko said, still chuckling.
"Teeko!" Kessy stomped on his footpaw, hard.
The pain seemed to jog Teeko's memory, "Oowwow, you didn't have to do that!" He grimaced, rubbing the offended paw. "Well we can always use the secret inlet that no one at Sampetra, except a handful of escaped slaves know about."
Exasperated, Kessy smiled reassuringly, "I'm sure that will do fine."
Teeko was a natural leader. He roared out in a stentorian voice, "Hoi the crewbeasts, grab a tow-rope and lets save yore ship!"
Brini scrambled back onto the Queen, heaving plenty of ropes over the side. Teeko took up the same rope as Jyda. He smiled winningly at her, "Maybe saving yore ship'll warrant a hug, eh?"
"Don't hold your breath." She muttered, still in a high dudgeon.
"And don't push yore luck, Teeks. That sister of yourn is one crazy beast." Pipster joined them at the towrope.
"She's your sister too, Pip." Ren commented from a rope not far away.
"Sorry, not me. I don't have sisters that act like frogs at a fry- out!"
"WHAT?!" Jyda screamed.
"Shh, we're still in enemy territory, remember? Teeko, get up there in front and direct us to the inlet."
"Aw, yore such a spoilsport, Nutpaw. Okay, I'll go." It was obvious that Teeko wanted the opportunity to assert his leadership.
After lowering the ropes to the waiting creatures below, Brini rushed into the for'c'sle cabin to steady Friga.
"Hoi the crewbeasts! Ready- and haul!" Teeko bellowed. Jyda and the rest of the crew strained against their ropes. The flow tide helped considerably, making the going easier. After only a few pulls, Teeko was able to direct the Queen towards a side inlet that flowed through a crack of the cliff.
Jyda wiped perspiration from her brow. "The Queen'll never make, that cracks to slim."
Nutpaw grunted next to her, "Trust Teeko. He knows what he's doing."
"Did I ever trust Teeko?"
Teeko maneuvered the crew around a tall rock pillar. From either side, the pillar made the crack look half as small then what it really was. Only if one were to look at it head on, would one discover the actual width. "And pull!" The crack conveniently turned, blocking even the Queen's girth from view. With one final pull she came to rest behind a rock covering.
As the rest of the creatures sat panting on the damp ground, Teeko came to sit next to Nutpaw. His head was propped against the hard rock and his chest rose slowly. "Hey Nutpaw. You know they're right. Ira Scinci will see the ship, and no matter if she recognized it or not, she'll send a search party. What then, huh? We'll be captured, again!"
Nutpaw lazily opened one eye, "That's where you're wrong, dear brother. I hope you remember that I am chief bard for her majesty Ira Scinci-"
"Yeah, yeah you play the pipes and warble all day, I know. And don't call me dear brother."
Nutpaw chose to ignore this derogatory remark, "And in doing so, I am able to scout and listen to all that is said and done. It was as I was playing that a lookout reported to Ira that the ship, Bloodrut was coming into port. As Ira hurriedly left for the docks, I also chanced a glance toward the ocean. I caught sight of another sail in the storm that must have been too far away for the lookout to spot. I knew at once that it was the Queen. Ira only saw one sail and will be expecting only one ship, with a bit of luck, our landing was unnoticed."
Pipster slid down beside his two brothers, "Bit of luck, huh, I'd say a cartload."
Jyda sidled over to them as well, "How 'bout a shipload?" Her brothers chuckled appreciatively.
At that moment, Brini poked her head out of the for'c'sle cabin, "Hey everyone, Friga's woke up!"
***
Ira Scinci was at her tall, arced window, her tail swishing menacingly as she listened impatiently to Nutpaw's music. Lately, it had ceased to ease her mind. Ever since the grand escape of her housing slaves nothing had totally relaxed her.
Her uneasy movements jangled her numerous bracelets and earrings sending light notes of silver to flit around Nutpaw's flute melody. Ira's paw clenched and unclenched as her jittery energy sought an outlet. The lack of activity in Sampetra had put her nerves on end. The gray, stormy skies seemed tense with anxiousness.
Unknowing, Nutpaw played on. His music crescendoed and tapered off, marking the ending of a soothing piece. A silence stretched in the decorated thrown room. Ira waved a ringed paw at Nutpaw, motioning that he leave, but the silence stretched on.
"Your majesty!" Ira whirled around, eyes flicking to the door. A lanky rat stood there, gasping and blowing for breath.
"Yes, what, what do you want?" Ira somewhat regrouped herself.
"Bloodrut, it's been sighted!"
Ira wasted no more breath, "Lead me." The winded rat turned and ran, trying to keep in front of Ira's strong stride. Unbeknownst to any, Nutpaw slid behind a wall hanging that stretched to the floor and was gone!
The rat had reached his limit, and Ira had left him, choking and sobbing for breath, halfway to the piers.
"Ublaz." Ira didn't even look at the young pine marten as she loped past. She flicked two fingers in the direction behind her. Ublaz fell into step after the mistress of Sampetra.
As the two rounded the final turn onto the ramparts Ira flicked her two fingers at a guard. "Where?" She clipped.
"There your majesty, north and a touch west'ard, caught in a storm." Ira's cape flicked and snapped in the wind, the scarlet fabric accentuating her russet fur. Slit-like eyes peered towards her ship, Bloodrut.
"Ublaz." The pine marten stepped forward. His eyes also turned to sea. "Make sure Milkeye unloads his stores of bounty from the holds, and tell him that I would have a word in my chambers. Alone."
Ublaz nodded and turned to leave. Ira caught his muscular arm and pulled him back, whispering in his ear, "Oh and Ublaz, it goes without saying that I hold you responsible for every mistake or slip-up," Ira's finger traced a scar along Ublaz's back, "And we don't like slip-ups."
Ublaz's eyes remained set in a stony glare. He nodded once. Ira released his arm, "Good." She spat, mad that she was deprived of a game. It would be so delicious if Ublaz would bite back. He once would. Once Ublaz was spirited and vivacious. Once Ublaz cared for life. Ira's cruel games and constant orders had hardened her plaything, and she tired of him.
Ira was deflated as she returned to staring at the sea. This occupied her for little more than precious seconds. Fidgety, she spun on the guard, "Talk." She ordered.
Taken off-guard, he stumbled over his words, "Um, ahem, uh terrible weather we're-"
Ira grimaced, pinching the peak of her nose, "Don't talk." She leapt off the ramparts, a considerable drop. Ira straightened, entertained only for a moment that she had survived a leap that would have killed a lesser creature. Ira, cape billowing, hurried back into the castle.
The guard on duty turned to his matey, "What's wid 'er?"
***
Friga was swathed in cool, damp mist. Her head throbbed uncontrollably. Two figures strode toward her in the all-consuming fog. The considerably shorter of the two reached a paw out to soothe Friga's brow, "Jyda?" Friga murmured.
When the figure touched her forehead, Friga's headache receded and her eyesight became clearer. "Martin." The mouse said, pressing a paw to his chest. The other figure's face swam before Friga's eyes.
"Brawnstripe." It said in a deep rumble. Friga shied from the voice, curling into a protective ball. Huge blunt claws swept her up into a loose embrace, as one might hold a child. "Do not be a-feared little one. I have only to ask of you a boon. Find my babe and keep him safe until I arrive with an army at my back. Please, small one, keep him safe."
The badger squeezed her gently in his huge embrace. Friga smiled slightly as her eyes fluttered. Steadying her, Brini held Friga on her bunk as the crew labored outside to move the Queen. Brini noticed that Friga was coming awake only when the mousemaid murmured to herself, "Keep him safe. . ." Friga woke with no memory of her dream.
Brini, startled, blinked at a drowsy Friga. "So you've finally decided to join the land of the living, eh?"
In reply, Friga blinked back.
Brini went to the for'c'sle cabin's entrance and shouted to the rest of the crew, "Hey, everyone, Friga's woke up!"
***
"Hoi the crewbeasts, keep up!" Teeko hollered back over his shoulder.
Jyda grabbed his shirtfront, towing him close to her face, "Shut yore gob Teeks, I'm sick of my half-wit brother bellowing and hollering at my crew!" Jyda snatched the torch from his paw and stood up in the tunnel that her and her crew had been led to after securing her ship. "All right my maids of the sea. I'm hungry, you're hungry, I smell, you smell. Food and baths are this way," She hitched a thumb over her shoulder, "and we're sitting her like ducks at a funeral."
Freya piped up from the back, "So let's move our podgy arises and get knacks at the Cains!"
Jyda scrunched up her face in confusion, "Uh, couldn't have said it better myself. Got that crew? Charge!"
Full-throated roars of glee echoed around the tunnel. A huge banqueting hall opened from the narrow tunnel, spilling into light and colors the drab tunnel couldn't compare to. Jyda hung back with Ren and Pipster who had been helping to carry Friga.
"I'm fine. Get off. I'm FINE." Friga managed to throw off Ren's paws and then Pipster's before wobbling along for a few steps. Before she fell, Ren and Pipster would catch her and haul her back into a standing position. Then the cycle would repeat again. Jyda whispered in Pipster's ear. He nodded conspiratorially before scooping Friga onto his back.
She gasped in fright as Pipster dashed off to the hall. Overcoming her fears she held on to Pipster's ears, yelling into the wind pummeling her face, "Faster, Pipster, faster!" Already happy voices of reacquainted friends and lovers reached Ren and Jyda's ears.
They giggled in the passage at Pipster's protests. "Ah, you're pulling my ears out by the roots!"
"Shall we?" Ren joked, bowing for Jyda. Jyda cast an exasperated glance in his direction and promptly pushed him over. She ran, slowing a little ways farther down the tunnel. Ren caught up to her, and they strolled in silence. Jyda was tense. Her eagerness and apprehension to see her parents was apparent. Their paws bumped together awkwardly as they walked closer together for warmth. Ren finally slid his paw into Jyda's. She kept her eyes front but gave Ren's paw a little squeeze. He smiled.
Jyda paused before the hall, wetness clinging to her eyes. "Ma? Da?" She whispered. Ren squeezed her paw in reassurance. Jyda rushed forward. "MA? DA?"
The banqueting hall went quiet as Riverglen's patriarch strode forward. "Jyda." He stated- almost as if trying to prove to himself that his daughter was here, alive.
"Da." Jyda whispered through as smile.
Colfen's jolly face split into a grin, "Well come here, you young snip!" Without further urging, Jyda rushed into her father's arms, truly happy.
***
Hmmm, anyone got any suggestions or scenes that they'd like to see. I only say this because MY BETA READER (oh I love the sound of that) came up with some awesomely cute ideas and I'm sure you guys can do just as good. So tell me what you think and I'll be in sunny Florida when you do!