It was a bright morning that day. A little bit on the chilly side, but it was bearable. Miles shivered under a gust of wind. He cursed himself for nor bringing a cloak. He hadn't really forgotten it, though. It was just too dirty too wear, and Miles was too lazy to wash it.

The Abbey came into view in the late morning. Miles was munching on a scone he brought for breakfast, while simultaneously picking up the pace. He was determined not to miss out on lunch at the abbey.

"Malitae! Oh, where is he?" Canda, the badger mother, had been looking for the mischievous dibbun for most of the day. Every time she found him, he managed to get away. She had looked in all of his favorite hiding places, except for one. She knocked on the gatehouse, followed by a "come in" from within. Canda opened the door. The gatekeeper had his nose in some old abbey records containing old stories from before his time.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Mister Risus, but I'm having trouble finding Malitae. Could he possibly be in here?"

The otter answered without looking up. "I'm afraid I haven't, miss. Sorry." He made the slightest nod to the armchair in the corner.

Canda hurried over there and looked under. "Aha! Come here, you little rogue!" She pulled out a squirming mousebabe.

"You let me go!" he squeaked. "I chop you tail off!"

Canda lightly boxed his ears. "What language! Now, I wonder who taught you that?" putting more emphasis on the last sentence.

Risus buried his face further in the book.

A rap sounded at the gate, a sort of modified, "shave-and-a-haircut-two-bits" rhythm, followed by a, "Hi there!"

Risus rose from his chair and left for the gate. "Is that who I think it is? The gate was opened, and Miles walked in. "Miles! 'ow have you been, mate?"

Miles caught Risus in a big, bear (badger?) hug. "I've been great! 'ow are things at Redwall, eh?"

Canda watched from the gatehouse doorway and rolled her eyes. They were both acting immature for their age. She looked over Malitae. "My, my, look how dirty you are. Let's get you cleaned up right away. The mousbabe's eyes widened in terror at the prospect of a bath. Canda made her way to the main building, Malitate wailing the whole way there.

Risus was set down, and caught the breath that was driven from him. "Oh, things are just fine. In fact, tomorrow's the Fall Harvest Feast. I bet that's what you came for, eh?"

"Well, I did promise to visit more often. I didn't miss lunch did I?"

"Well, Friar Coque has already served lunch, but it's not too late to get something. He usually cooks more food than is necessary, for reasons like this."

The two friends walked into the abbey, where there was general surprise and happiness to see an old friend. The entire abbey was abuzz in the anticipation and preparation of the Fall Harvest Feast. The abbeydwellers were all more than happy to lend help to whatever chores needed to be done. Miles spent most of his time playing with the dibbuns and bothering the more, "serious" personalities of the abbey.

Those in the abbey slept peacefully that night, with high expectations for the next day.

I'm up to a whopping 3 reviews now, so thanks to those who took the time to review.

ferretWARLORD: More will be told about Lupus soon. I can't say when, but soon.