There came the sound of a door crashing open followed by a high pitched squeal. Tassel turned just in time to spot a small creature charging around the corner. The grey bundle of fur raced towards the pristine beds. With a lithe bound, his foot hit the footlocker. From there, the beast launched himself the full length of the bed, landing muzzle first onto the pillow. Within seconds, his tiny claws yanked the covers down and he disappeared beneath the blanket.
Tassel moved with a slow and measured step as she approached the disheveled bed. She watched as the small creature crawled deeper beneath the blankets, squirming. She stood by the head of the bed and placed both paws on her hips, waiting.
Sure enough, a few seconds later, the child popped out and sat by his pillow. There was no denying the exploding exuberance erupting from the young squirrel. He had a grin so wide that it threatened to shatter his little face. The boy's eyes sparkled with pleasure, as if he alone received a special gift that he wanted to share with everyone. When Tassel looked upon such a creature, so full of joy, she too experienced a giddy heart.
Had anyone peeked into the room, they may have thought the opposite had occurred. Tassel's massive paws sprang forward, locking about the throat of the child. Her arms rocked the youngster back and forth on his bed while tiny paws tugged at the badger's wrists. He produced a noise that blended both gagging, and giggling.
"Flashfoot, how many times have I told you not to run inside the Dormitory or jump on your bed?" Even her voice would have fooled anyone not knowing her love for the orphans placed under her care. Tassel continued throttling the young squirrel while expressing an ire she never had. "I . . . just . . . made . . . that . . . bed."
Tassel released the squirrel and pointed down. Flashfoot slid under the covers until his head rested on the pillow, his cries of "Mother Tassel" softly echoing within the empty room. She sat on the side of his bed and listened as the boy told her everything that happened while gathering acorns. The young squirrel recounted his excursion outside the walls with the other squirrel elders, his voice racing through the story.
Flashfoot repeated parts of the story for a third time. At this point, Tassel's paw reached forward and held his muzzle shut. She leaned down, gave the boy a light peck on his forehead, and told him to sleep. Tassel hadn't gone more than a dozen paces when she heard his steady breathing as he fell into a deep slumber.
"I'll be lucky if he stays asleep for even an hour." Tassel shook her head as she continued down the corridor. "Where does that squirrel find such energy?"
It was too sunny a day for staying indoors, so she stepped outside. She stood atop the steps, surveying the Abbey's courtyard. Feeling like she too had some energy that needed release, she walked along the perimeter of the inner wall. Her steps took her from the main gate, past the many workshops and beyond some of the residences. Elders she passed found other tasks more engrossing and acted as if they didn't notice her moving past their homes.
She soon reached the point where the orchard began. In the shade of the tall trees, Tassel found the solitude she sought. Surrounded by these trees, she luxuriated in her self-imposed, peaceful isolation.
Yet this orchard was not so large that she could become lost within its confines. Tassel crossed to the far side. A male badger sat by the pond. The heel end of a loaf of bread rested on the bench next to him. The boar badger tore the bread into small chunks for the ducks gathered by the water's edge.
Before Tassel approached the boar badger, her paws brushed her dress. She wiggled her ears, making sure they did not rub against the fabric of her mask, and for the first time that day, wished she carried a small looking glass in her pocket. Tassel felt a multitude of butterflies take flight within her stomach. For the last three weeks, she took special pleasure in the interest the handsome, traveling, boar peddler had shown in her.
"Good afternoon, Nimbull. Nobody told me you were here today."
"I'm not here for trading as I've done as much in this region as I can. It's time I moved on to the next village."
"You'll return?" Tassel circled the bench and sat down as close to the male as she dared. Once settled, only the bread separated them. "Redwall has too much merchandise that you like." Her tongue flicked out, wetting the tip of her nose. "Though I do hope you found something more desirable here than dickering with our cellar hog for another barrel of October Ale."
Nimbull gave Tassel a quizzical look.
Come on now. Am I being that obtuse? You and I danced every dance that first day you arrived. We became inseparable over the next few days and each time you passed our Abbey, you diverted for an extended trading session here at Redwall. Admit it, Nimbull, we had fun, we enjoyed the other's company. Tell me you want something more than an occasional meeting. Tell me you want us to become dancing partners for life.
The boar rose from the bench and moved to a point before Tassel. His deep sigh and pensive look had all the butterflies swirling faster. When he leaned over and placed his paws on her shoulders, she thought those beating wings would lift her to the very clouds. Without knowing it, Tassel held her breath, wondering what he planned to tell her.
"This will be my final stop at Redwall. I've decided the far north coastal region will welcome a peddler of my talents."
"Will you return?"
He shook his head. Tassel asked if there was another reason for his departure. Nimbull nodded as he dropped his paws by his side. He backed away from the bench, leaving Tassel with a confused expression. She may have feared asking the question, but the words came unbidden from her heart.
"I thought we had something growing between us, that you honestly liked me. You knew I can never leave this place; I told you when first you expressed interest in courting me. Please think about it, Nimbull, we could be so happy here at Redwall. You said you loved children and you know I want pups as much as you do. Please, tell me why are you really leaving?"
Nimbull's expression changed from one of sadness to one she couldn't fathom. The voice that had always sounded so soft became harsh. No longer did he tolerate her touch. He moved far enough away that she lost even his masculine scent to the light breeze that swirled about the bench.
"My first impression was that you were afraid of leaving this place. Thanks to a nice vole tyke named Mitteenna, I learned it's not fear that keeps you here. It was fortunate that girl happened by when she did, otherwise, I might have made the biggest blunder in my life. You honestly expected someone like me, an honorable boar, would ever consider choosing some filthy vermin beast as a mate?"
Now she could plainly read his latest expression without any difficulty. He showed the same contemptuous look so many elders had whenever they interacted with her. She saw no compassion, no forgiveness, just a righteous indignation that she dared to stay near him. Nimbull pivoted on his heel, and without a backward glance, followed the path that led back to the Abbey's main gate.
The sow snatched what remained of the duck's bread and heaved it in Nimbull's direction. It fell far short of its intended target. For Tassel, every butterfly within her stomach died as one. She stretched across the bench and gave into her misery. Great sobs racked her body.
Her tears spent, she returned to the Abbey by a more circuitous path. She wanted nobody seeing the tracks of her tears upon her mask as it would only please many of Redwall's more spiteful residents. Tassel hurried her steps as the clock hands approached the hour when school ended.
When Nimbull left her, one name kept pounding within her mind. Mitteenna. Mitteenna. The image of that arrogant girl telling the boar about her past infuriated her. It made Tassel so angry she considered accosting the girl about her interference and damned the consequences. Tassel wanted to believe even the Father Abbot's protective nature could never condone this latest cruelty.
The forlorn badger availed herself of the washroom and had just finished drying her face when a multitude of voices came from the Dormitory. She quickly donned a clean mask and entered the room to a chorus of friendly greetings. Each child exchanged their school garments to casual wear while they discussed the latest school gossip. Such happy faces erased much of her earlier dark mood.
While the children changed, she buttonholed a few for chores. Tassel believed every child needed work, either within the Dormitory or serving some respected elder. Whenever she called out a name, the other dibbuns needled the unfortunate beast. Such ribbing always remained amiable since all knew if you escaped such work today, then your turn would come tomorrow or soon thereafter.
Tassel's ears detected the sound of the door leading to the hallway opening. Turning about, she saw an old lady hedgehog standing by the door. She recognized her as Father Abbot's able assistant, Thistle. The old spikedog waved her paw and when Tassel acknowledged her presence, she motioned Tassel closer.
The two ladies stood facing each other in the narrow passageway running alongside Tassel's private quarters. She suggested they move into her room, but Thistle preferred getting her business done right away. Whenever the children exited the Dorm, they interrupted their conversation. After several starts and stops, Thistle managed telling Tassel the Father Abbot had summoned her to his office on a matter needing her immediate attention.
Tassel soon arrived at the Abbot's office. No more than a step behind her followed the female hedgehog. When Thistle saw the closed door, she increased her pace, blocking her. With a gentle knock, she waited for Father Hughnaught's permission and stuck her head inside. A moment later, Thistle stood aside, allowing Tassel's entrance.
Once inside, Thistle closed the door behind her. As Tassel moved to the far side of the sofa, she noticed the vole Mitteenna sitting on the opposite end. She could not mistake the expression on the vole's face. The child had that special look all children have when they know some elder has found them out. The young vole's eyes bounced between the Father Abbot and the masked face of the Badgermom. Her pensive look spoke volumes about her recent misdemeanors and Tassel had an excellent idea why she had been summoned.
Alright! Finally girl you are about to receive your comeuppance. I don't often seek permission for corporal punishment from the Father Abbot, and I never find such a necessary task pleasant those few times he grants my request. However, I'll make a big exception in your case. Feeling you squirm and struggle while lying over my knees, will be a most pleasant sensation. Having the palm of my paw strike your furry fanny with as much force as possible, shall be an enjoyable exercise. I intend savoring your cries for mercy since I will not show you any.
Father Hughnaught cleared his throat and held the gaze of the two creatures sitting across from him. He adjusted his glasses and once again checked his desk. When he located the item lying where he left it no more than ten seconds ago, he held it up so all could see.
"About five minutes before I summoned you here, Mitteenna, I received this message. It comes from both your mother and your stepfather."
Mitteenna leaned forward, her voice quivering. "I know mother is expecting soon. I am looking forward to meeting my new brother or sister when classes have ended."
"According to this letter, your mother had a baby girl. Both your mother and the baby are doing well."
Tassel felt confused; she wondered why the Father Abbot required her presence. Mitteenna also seemed puzzled, as she too questioned the oddity of the letter going to the Father Abbot and not her.
"Sir, do my parents want me home right away? Are they cancelling my schooling?"
Father Hughnaught's appearance reminded Tassel of some beast that just bit into a rotten piece of fruit. His eyes shifted from her to his desk as he weighed his words. His eyes focused on Mitteenna. For a split second, Tassel thought she detected a kind of sadness in his eyes she had never seen.
"Actually, your parents believe it best you remain with us. They said the two of them need time accepting a new child in their lives and think you're better off staying at Redwall."
The vole's lips quivered as she asked the obvious question. "When can I go home?"
"They said," and here the woodchuck's eyes locked on Tassel, "they decided to move to a distant village after the baby's birth. Your stepfather said something about pursuing his trade in virgin territory. The letter doesn't say where their new home is located, so you'll have to reside here. I'm afraid your stay will be a permanent one."
Tassel reached over and scooped-up the vole and held her on her lap. The child buried her muzzle in Tassel's breast; the vole cried, which soon escalated to heavy sobbing. Tassel made soothing sounds to the girl as she rocked her gently from side to side. One look at the woodchuck's pained expression confirmed what she already guessed the letter really said.
Mitteenna was now officially the newest child to become a member of Tassel's brood. All her former anger disappeared as Tassel vowed to love this child with all her heart.