Well, well, well. Here we go with Chapter Three. This story, I guess, should change its' genre to Action/Adventure / Drama, because it is pretty dramatic. If you haven't noticed now, you'll notice in later chapters...I'm also trying to put this story in a C2 community, please tell me if you know any. Anyway, please read! Edit: Thanks again, Kayla Silvercat, I edited the story. And I'm pretty sure there is a Mother Abbess or "badgermum"...if there isn't, there is now! :-)

During Which the Grass Will Grow

Chapter Two: Secrets, Lies and Sorrow

It was a great morning in Mossflower, the air warmed up enough not to wear an overcoat. It was strangely cold only around Redwall, and nobeast knew why...well, except for Matti Squirrel, the recorder of Redwall, who specialized in the weather that happened 'round Mossflower.

"It's really quite simple, we're just going through a cold period because the new season has come," Matti said to the inquiring Dibbuns. They had a confused expression on their faces. "Let me be a bit more vague for you; Mother Nature is telling Redwall that winter is on its journey here." The Dibbuns then understood. Matti sighed, tired from writing so much over the summer season. "I think it's time we go see Cornflower to check if breakfast is ready, want to go now?"

"Brekkist! Brekkist! Oi be gurtly 'ungry naow!" one of the Dibbuns said aloud. They all agreed, and the group went out of one of the many loft libraries in Redwall, heading toward the large kitchen on the back.

Meanwhile, Mother Abbess was just waking up to the morning, when she suddenly felt a jolt of pain go through her backside. She laid back down, and coughed a bit. "Oohhhhhh....Sister Lavender!" she yelled. The old badger could always give a large yell that could shake the bell tower, no matter if she was ill or not. Obviously, the owner of the Infirmary in Redwall could hear her clearly; she was just down the hall.

"Yes, Mother Abbess? Oh, you look terrible! Are you feeling alright this morning?" she said, concerned, in her soft, comforting voice.

Mother Abbess groaned quietly. "Unnhh...no, my backside feels incredibly painful, and my throat....my throat is so soar..." She said hoarsely.

"I'll go get you some water and some herbal soup, it seems you've fallen ill with a bad cold...here," Lavender pulled up the linens on her bed, "Keep the blankets up, you'll get the chills if you don't. I'll be back in a few minutes. Don't you worry about your duties today; I'll have someone substitute you."

It wasn't as if Mother Abbess could do anything, she'd already fallen back asleep, and heavily tired from the tasks she does around Redwall. As she exited the dormitory, she was surprised by Cornflower, whom was in tears.

"Wh-what's the matter, Cornflower?" she asked, confused.

"Greenleaf left! He wouldn't even tell me where he was going," she said in between sobs, "I wish he would've at least woken me up before he left!" then she broke out in tears all over again.

"Oh, dear, dear! Let me see the note." She said, and read it. "Oh, I'm sorry honey. Come with me and dry your tears..." the sad cook walked off with the nurse, reassuring her that Greenleaf would be back with something nice, and apologize for the mishap. "I bet he's just as upset as leaving, you know how much he loves Redwall...and besides, this gives you some time to yourself! Now, why not go cook some breakfast? That should calm you down, right?" She nodded, drying up her last tears of distress. Cornflower went downstairs to begin cooking, while Sister Lavender went off to do her duties.

Everybeast came in from the morning activities (harvesting the crops, for sure) into the Great Hall for breakfast, where the large dining table that fit all of Redwall on. The dining table was made from the first tree cut down in the building of the great bustling village of bricks known as Redwall. As they sat down, they began talking of the missing Redwallers. Soon breakfast was served and the eating commenced. The vittles went fast; everyone was progressing with the harvest very fast this season with the many healthy farmers.

Father Abbott then got up, ready for yet another speech, and all were quiet. "My friends, I understand that there are many loved ones being missed, and I shall inform you that they are alive and well. The fi-four Redwallers have gone off to visit some friends of mine about the Redwall Expansion to get some plans for it. So, not to worry. If you have any personal questions, you may ask me right away." The noises then went back up as Father Abbott finished.

Meanwhile, Mother Abbess was getting worse. She was awake now, but she suddenly had trouble breathing, and started to sweat. Sister Lavender had to stay posted by the Abbess's bedside, having the other nurse come in and out with various remedies. But nothing seemed to work, which started to concern all of Redwall.

There were manybeasts waiting outside the poor Abbess's door, whom were constantly shooed away. There was an emergency meeting out on the crop field for all who were working.

"We cannot be distracted by Mother Abbess's falling ill. The harvest must be completed by the morrow, or else we will not have anything left for the snowing season! I understand that she is sick and many are concerned, but there is plenty of time for visitors at dusk. Now keep up the good pace, everyone!" Father Abbott said. He was giving many speeches all of a sudden.

Back at the dormitory, Mother Abbess was barely awake. She could only whisper because of her weakness from the cold, and Mother Abbess only said one last thing.

"The Golden Vallies...I can see them now..." she whispered softly, and her body was suddenly at rest, eyes closed. It was the Abbess's time to pass on, and Sister Lavender wept.

Oh, 'tis sad to see the poor Abbess go! I shall continue this story; I hope it looks a bit longer now. Two in one day, I think I'm on a roll! Please read and review.