"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and autumn a mosaic of them all." ~Stanley Horowitz.
That night, Redwall gathered in one of the lower common rooms near Cavern Hole. Cozy furniture and autumn-themed decorations adorned the four-square room. A hearty orange-yellow fire in the fireplace contrasted by the pearly blue-white moonlight outside conjured a deeply mystical ambiance. Trees brushed their leaves and branches against the window. Thin lilac satin curtains swayed in the delicate breeze drifting in from outside.
Madeline spread butter on her bread and stuck the two slices together into a sandwich. She shook from giggling too much. "Then—and then Larina reached out and touched his chest while he sat and stared at her! They caught each other and said sorry so loud that it could be heard all over the Orchard!"
Weonsia bowled over in full-blown laughter. "Hahahaha! That's priceless! Oh, my goodness, your poor brother! That must've been so embarrassing! Heeheeheehee!"
"Stop it," Jared glowered over his apple slices at the tittering teenage maidens. He struggled not to raise his voice. A fresh red blush coated his cheeks. "It's not funny. Pull yourselves together. I turned myself into a fool today. It's not – stop laughing!"
Larina relaxed in her armchair a few feet away. She pulled her knees comfortably up to her chin and chewed on freshly-picked figs. When their eyes met, Jared quickly turned away first.
"Come on, Jared," Weonsia sat up straight after she'd calmed down. "Everyone can see it. We both know ye've got sumthin' fer Larina."
"Whether or not I have something for Larina is none of your business, Weonsia." Jared growled and placed his plate of apples down on an end table. "That's private," he glared coldly at Madeline and gritted his teeth. "Now my talkative gossip-prone sister has made it public. Next thing you know, all of Mossflower has heard about it, and I'll be the laughingstock of the entire continent."
"Oh, Jared," Madeline held her buttered bread in one paw and snuck the other paw underneath her brother's shirt. "You know us girls always need something to gossip about, don't you?"
Jared cuddled Madeline close to his side. He took another sideways glance at Larina, who was now talking to Sister Amelia, Redwall's Orchard Keeper. He exhaled from his nose and shook his head.
"Fer Martin's sake, Jared," Weonsia popped a persimmon slice in her mouth. "Ye're so bloody daft. Stop beatin' aroun' th' bush an' ask Larina t' spen' some time wit' ye already!"
"I'll do no such thing." Jared restrained himself from shouting and folded his arms irritably. "My heart is nobeast's but my own to trifle with, thank you very much!"
"It doesn't have t' be an entire nigh'!" Weonsia patted Jared comfortingly on the shoulder. "It can be whatever ye're both comfortable wit'!"
"You know she's got a point," Madeline added. She chuckled when he only rolled his eyes in response.
All stood to attention as Abbot Curtis entered the common room. The tall brown-yellow harvest mouse folded his paws humbly inside his dark brown habit sleeves and weaved his way through the room, exchanging fond and friendly greetings. He settled into a chair beside the fireplace.
"Good evening, children of Redwall. We are gathered here tonight in fervent anticipation of our exciting Nameday Feast tomorrow."
"Hear, hear!" the collective anticipatory cry roused from the gathering.
Curtis smiled at his beloved Abbeydwellers. "It warms my heart to know that time has not diminished your enthusiasm. I'm sure that you are growing anxious to partake of the many artistic delicacies that Friar Reylia and her dedicated cooks are creating for Nameday. Rest assured, they are working most diligently, and our patience shall be rewarded. I can promise you that. For now, these simple snacks they provided for us will have to suffice."
He laid his paws in his lap and leaned back comfortably in his chair. "Now, then, we have a relaxed night in store here, so come gather at the fire if you'd like to hear a story."
The Dibbuns sat at Curtis' feet beside the fire, kept under Mother Lunafreya's watchful eye. Jared, Madeline, Larina, Weonsia, and a mouse named Wyatt, the Abbey Gatekeeper, also joined the group. The Brothers and Sisters went to the back of the room for chess, checkers, and cards. Arland passed out drinks straight from his cellars.
Curtis patted each of the Dibbuns on the head and squeezed their tiny paws. "I am going to tell you an amazing story, young ones. It is one of heroics and bravery, courage and fearlessness, overcoming adversity, finding strength in trials, and defeating seemingly impossible odds."
He leaned back in his chair and interlaced his fingers knowingly, perching his paws on his crossed knees. "The pleasure of the evening will be the tale of Rakkety Tam MacBurl."
"Rakkety Tam MacBurl?" Jared and Madeline whispered to the others.
"The Far North warrior," Wyatt explained, leaning in to answer. "He and his companion, Doogy Plumm, were the personal bodyguards of Squirrelking Aratum and his wife Idga Drayqueen."
"Rakkety Tam MacBurl," Curtis began. "He was the warrior who sold his sword…and found another. He came to Redwall Abbey at the time when Gulo the Savage, that malevolent, cannibalistic wolverine from the lands of snow and ice, whose heart was colder than all the frosts of his homeland, threatened it and its peace. Gulo sought the legendary Walking Stone and was willing to destroy our sacred Abbey to obtain it. But Rakkety Tam, the fierce and fearless fighter he was, wielded the legendary Sword of our great guardian, Martin the Warrior, against that wretched pure evil Gulo."
Secretly, Jared's mind stirred back to the Tapestry in the Great Hall, where the image of Martin the Warrior himself had spoken aloud to him and his sister.
"Sandeye…Autumn…is coming."
Curtis told of how Tam sold his sword to a volethief in exchange for receiving the location of two Sisters of Redwall who had been kidnapped by Gulo the Savage and his bloodthirsty minions. He later teamed up with the forces of Redwall to execute guerilla attacks against Gulo and his army. He also fell in love with Redwall's Infirmary Keeper of the time, Sister Armel, and courageously wielded the Sword of Martin the Warrior to drive the forces of Gulo out of Mossflower.
"It is said that Martin came to Tam in a vision," Curtis concluded. "Our revered warrior-saint instructed Tam to sharpen his shield for the fateful final battle. The warrior squirrel obeyed and sharpened his trusty buckler."
He described in full dramatic detail, blow by blow, action by action, the epic showdown between Tam and Gulo. His crowd remained transfixed by his storytelling, reacting appropriately to every statement and nuance.
"In the climactic battle, Gulo fell upon the sharpened shield and died because the warrior squirrel had heeded Martin's instructions. Thus did our brave and noble champion put a fitting end to that heartless monster, Gulo the Savage, freeing Redwall Abbey and Mossflower from his reign of cold-hearted terror. Rakkety Tam MacBurl became a hero."
Soft applause met the end of the tale of Rakkety Tam MacBurl. Jared's mind spun. He finished his apple slices, made himself a cheese sandwich, and sat in front of the fire. Madeline, Larina, and Weonsia took a table to themselves, watching him.
"Handsome squirrel, ain't he, Larina?" Weonsia asked Larina. Her smile playfully teased the squirrelmaid.
Larina turned pink in the glow of the firelight. She turned an uneaten fig over and over in her fingers. "Er...yes, I suppose so."
"Ye suppose so?" Weonsia raised a dubious eyebrow. She propped one elbow on the table and cupped her chin in her paw. "Such deep stron' brown eyes as his, how can ye not thin' he's so dreamy?"
"Dreamy?" Larina quickly glanced down at her lap and tried to push her thoughts of Jared to the back of her mind. "I don't quite know if 'dreamy' is the word I'd use to describe Jared." She anxiously twiddled her thumbs in her lap. "Handsome, perhaps, but I'm not sure about dreamy."
"Oh, bloody hell, not ye, too!" The exasperated ottermaid threw her paws in the air. "First Jared an' now ye, too, Larina? Ye're both so thick, it's unbelievable! D'ye have stones fer skulls or what?"
"Give her a break, Weonsia," Madeline giggled and laid a checkerboard on the table. "They'll both come through in time. I can take care of my brother until then. Let Larina discover her feelings on her own."
"Jared will come to his feelings when he is ready, Larina," added Sister Fanistra from the other table behind her. "You'll see. When the stars align in the sky, you'll both come to understand the truth about each other."
Larina focused on the checkers game, but her mind had again strayed away, pondering on Sister Fanistra's words.
Jared stared into the heartily crackling fire. He sat on the floor between Abbot Curtis and another Elder. Its golden-orange light reflected in his cocoa-brown eyes.
"Rakkety Tam MacBurl," he thought aloud to himself. "Yet another legend of Redwall Abbey I've never heard. Sounds like I need to hit the Abbey Library."
He heard a light chuckle on his left. It was Brother Timms, who stared back at him through sightless chestnut-brown eyes, for the old mouse was blind.
"Seems like you have some studying to do, young Sandeye," added Abbot Curtis. "There's an entire wealth of Redwall Abbey and Mossflower history that you may not even be aware of." The Abbot sounded sincerely humored rather than judgmental. "The sea of knowledge that is our Library is waiting for you and your sister to drink from it, and be enlightened."
"Then I'll go sail that sea of knowledge the day after the Feast, Father Abbot. I promise," Jared declared, nodding.
"I admire your enthusiasm, Jared, and even more your tenacity." Curtis chuckled and winked back. "It's going to save your life someday."
As the Abbot began telling the Dibbuns the legend of Loamhedge Abbey, Jared gazed meditatively into the fire.
"So, Rakkety Tam wielded the great Sword of Martin the Warrior, didn't he?" Jared mused to himself in between bites. Admiration laced his thoughts rather than cynicism. "Countless warriors must have brought that legendary blade into combat. Who knows who Martin might call in the future to be his champion in Redwall's hour of need?"
"That, dear boy, is hopefully a long time away," Brother Timms suddenly spoke up in his rather withered, slightly scratchy voice. Jared glanced up at the blind old mouse, not in the least surprised that the old Brother could hear his musings. "Redwall Abbey and Mossflower Forest have cherished many long generations of peace. May these quiet and peaceful times endure for many more seasons to come."
"I certainly hope so," Jared whispered, and he listened to the Loamhedge story.
Later, Rudmir and Anthony arrived bringing more snacks. Jared joined the girls' table and sat beside his sister. "Hey, Rudmir, Anthony. How's the rainbow trout coming along?"
Anthony grinned decisively from ear to ear. "It's coming along swimmingly, I'm happy to say. Get it? 'Swimmingly'? Because fish swim? Hahahahaha!" He laughed and slapped his knee at the clever pun. Rudmir groaned and rolled his eyes.
"We're doin sumthin' special fer the' Feast," the otter told Jared. "What a beauty it is," he smiled at Jared and Weonsia. "If Reylia was impressed, ye know it's gonna be a good'un. It'll be a two an' a half poun' rainbow trout cuisine like nuthin' Redwall has ever seen before. I can't wait. We're gonna blow th' Father Abbot's min'."
"Well, we'll see if'n ye've even got a min' left t' blow after ye fill wit' hotroot, Rudmir!" Weonsia teased her fellow otter. Rudmir smirked and winked back, then he and Anthony left.
The full moon hung high in the sky when Redwall Abbey retired to bed that night.
"Nightcap, Curtis?" Arland approached Abbot Curtis in the main dormitory after everybeast had left with two cups of freshly-fermented white wine.
"Yes, certainly, Arland," Abbot Curtis accepted the cup of wine and chuckled. "A toast to Nameday, brother, and the autumn season!"
On the day of the autumn equinox, the Dibbuns marched in a haughty procession through the Orchard. Lunafreya sat watching them from a bench. She promptly stood up as they drew nearer, putting her paws on her hips and pretending to stare them down, wearing a scrutinizing expression.
"What want you here, young beast, young beast?
What want you here at my feast, my feast?"
Dorothy the squirrelbabe jerked a thumb at herself and then at the Dibbuns behind her.
"O stripedog, great guardian, some food for us all,
For we are good young ones who live at Redwall!"
Lunafreya looked up at the parade of excited Dibbuns, laughing, dancing, and bouncing, quite beside themselves, their hysterics infectious. Her fake scrutinizing expression scrunched up into a poorly contorted scowl. The Badger Mother folded her arms and dismissively "waved" the squirrelbabe off, averting her eyes and turning up her black-and-white muzzle.
"Some food, you say. Nay, nay, away,
Unless our good Abbot says it is Nameday!"
One of the Dibbuns, a mole named Grinding who was a bit older than the others, jumped out from the line and tugged at his snout.
"Kind muvva, gudd muvva, er, er, O pleeze tell dis beast,
Dat dis is our Nameday, an' an, an' we wanna feast!"
Right on cue, Abbot Curtis materialized from behind the apple trees and marched right up to Lunafreya, wagging a disapproving finger as if to chastise her.
"Fie on you, great guardian, for can you not see,
These young ones are hungry, and they are with me!
So stand aside and let us pass!"
When Lunafreya grinned and bowed extravagantly to the Abbot, the Dibbuns' cheers rang through every corner of the Orchard. Abbot Curtis beckoned them forward.
"What are we waiting for, children? It's Feast time!"
All of the Dibbuns shouted and jumped as one. Curtis and Lunafreya led the way into the Orchard, where the Nameday Feast was already being set up.
The Abbey Orchards smelled of the mixed aromas of blossoming flowers and ripening fruit. A magnificent mouthwatering spread beyond anything the Redwallers had ever seen for many generations decorated the crossed wooden tables and enhanced the Orchard's natural heavenly fragrance. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Friar Reylia and her inspired chefs had completely outdone themselves. Such numerous autumn delicacies and cuisines would make even the beasts of the hardiest constitutions salivate a storm. What a feast for the ages it would be! The Friar and her chefs darted in and out putting down food and drinks. The teenagers and adults helped to set up plates, utensils, and napkins.
Suddenly, there came a cry from the Front Gate: "The Guosim! The Guosim have arrived!"
First entered Log-a-Log Tipuka, a physically fit and stocky middle-aged shrew, well-built from shoulders to toes. He wore a plain dark brown leather belt around the waist of his indigo double-breasted tunic. A thick maroon headband sat between his ears. In one paw he held a short straight cane made of maple wood.
Behind him came Gavlin, his young nephew. He was Jared's age, a spry and sprightly shrew who wore an open-chested sandy-brown tunic and a bright fiery-orange headband. He and Jared clasped paws tightly and pulled each other into a back-breaking hug.
"Thank you, lad," Tipuka thanked Wyatt gratefully. "Take us to your esteemed Abbot, please," he asked the Sandeye siblings. "We must meet your humble Father on this momentous occasion!" The squirrels obliged and led the troupe to the Orchard.
"Father Abbot," Jared approached Abbot Curtis on his throne and bowed, and the others followed suit. "May I present Log-a-Log Tipuka of the Guosim, and his nephew, Gavlin."
Tipuka and Gavlin both knelt respectfully as Curtis stood up to greet them.
"Welcome to Redwall Abbey, Log-a-Log Tipuka and Gavlin," Curtis put his palms together and bowed his head to graciously bless them. "I am Father Abbot Curtis. I'm so pleased you could join us for our autumn celebration."
He looked out across the crowd and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "My word! Did you bring the entire Guerilla Union to our feast?"
"Aye!" Tipuka stood up and laughed heartily, holding his belly. "We brought every last one of our shrews from across Mossflower Wood to share in this special occasion! How could we do less?" Behind him, Gavlin snorted, while the collective Guosim shrews exclaimed their assent and licked their lips expectantly at the inviting feast.
"Well, I'm glad everyone made it to our sacred halls safely," Curtis beckoned them to join the crowd. "Come make yourselves at home. The Feast will begin shortly after our other invited guests have arrived."
"How will there be enough food for everyone?" He whispered aside to Reylia as she passed by him.
Reylia winked and tapped her spatula on her temples. "Don't worry, Curtis. We saw this coming ahead of time and planned for it in advance." She pressed a steaming hot mug of pumpkin spice tea into his paw. "I promise there shall be enough food for all. I can even guarantee plenty of leftovers to last half the season!"
Madeline bounced excitedly on the balls of her feet and pointed ahead. "Jared! Look! It's the Bronzespikes!"
So it was. The hedgehog family from St. Ninian's Church had joined the Feast alongside the Guosim, Gaddron Bronzespike, his wife Valia, and their son Christopher.
"Is that everyone, Father Abbot?" Jared asked Curtis.
"Not quite," Curtis shook his head, smiling knowingly. "There's one more beast we are expecting, someone very special; and, if I'm not mistaken, you three may know each other."
Last but not least, a light-brown average-sized ferret appeared from the back of the crowd. He had an unusual mask-like black fur covering round and under his eyes. He wore no formal clothes, unlike the others who had come before; only a modest short-sleeved khaki shirt, knee-length breeches, and open-toed wicker sandals. Jared and Madeline recognized him in an instant.
"Fernleaf!"
Fernleaf's eyes widened at the sight of the two squirrels. "Jared. Madeline." He spoke their names respectfully, a very soft-spoken, unassuming, and honest ferret. "I'm honestly surprised to see you both at Redwall's Nameday Feast."
"Hold it right there, vermin!" Tipuka thrust himself between the Sandeyes and Fernleaf, stretching out his arms like a barrier. "You'll not enter Redwall Abbey if I've got anything to say about it!"
"You dare to bring blood to Redwall?" Gavlin jabbed at the ferret. He and another shrew flanked Fernleaf and raised their fists in a threatening manner.
"Did our Abbot invite you to partake of the Feast, too?" Jared inquired earnestly of the ferret.
Fernleaf nodded towards the Abbot. "Yes, he did. Your gracious holy Abbot extended the generous invitation to me yesterday to join in your festivities. Please understand," he appealed to the shrews. "Father Abbot invited me personally. He even came to my hut himself yesterday to bring the news of the feast to my attention."
"You're a ferret and therefore vermin!" the other shrew retorted. "Your kind has no place at Redwall! You dare hurt any of the Redwallers or Guosim here and we'll flatten you, hear?" He tried to grab Fernleaf by the arm, but Jared stopped him at the last second.
"What in the seasons do you think you're doing?" The shrew fought against Jared's grip, but the squirrel held him firmly in place.
"Fernleaf is a friend to Redwall Abbey and to Mossflower," Curtis smiled warmly at Fernleaf from his Abbot's chair. "He is more than welcome in our halls. He is indeed one of us, part of our Abbey family, whether he believes it or not."
"What kind of good has he done, Father Abbot?" Wyatt asked, tilting his head sideways in honest curiosity.
Curtis gestured to Jared and Madeline. "Fernleaf rescued these two when they fell upon his doorstep stricken by the terrible scorching heat of last summer. He treated their strokes and nursed them back to health. Then he directed them to our great Abbey for better treatment."
"In other words, he saved our lives when we needed them the most," Jared concluded.
Wyatt nodded his understanding and patted Fernleaf on the back. "Well, all the more reason for you to be welcome to our Feast, then, Fernleaf!"
Fernleaf bowed low. "Thank you, Abbot Curtis. You, too, Wyatt. I promise that I shall find a way to repay you for your generous words."
"You saved our lives, Fernleaf, and led us to this beautiful Redwall Abbey." Jared's smile shone as bright as the morning sunlight. "You also came to join our feast. I believe that is enough repayment."
"Saved your lives, then?" Tipuka dropped his arms, stared at the siblings for a few seconds, then understood. He tapped his cane on the grass. "That's convincing enough for me, in that case." He called out to his shrews. "Gavlin, Remy, stand down! That's an order! We're here to eat, not fight!"
Jared released Remy, who reluctantly did as he was told. Both he and Gavlin fell back into rank and followed the Log-a-Log back into the Orchard.
Then the Matthias and Methuselah Bells tolled eight o'clock. Everybeast stood before a seat. Curtis got to his feet and spread his paws before the congregation.
"Good morning, children of Redwall and honored guests from Mossflower Woods. It is my tremendous honor as your Father Abbot to welcome every one of you to our Autumn Nameday Feast. Today, we celebrate the grand arrival of the fall season in all of its beauteous splendor and evocative mystery. As the landscape changes around us, so must our hearts and spirits likewise change within us. From autumn we learn maturity, growing up, coming of age, and seeking out those in need of our service. No greater example of selfless service is present here today than that of our dedicated Friar Reylia and her team of talented chefs, Rudmir, Anthony, Diana, and Avacyn. They have worked most tirelessly and creatively to bring us the culinary masterpieces you see laid out on the tables before you. May we learn from their shining examples as we embrace the new season. May we become one with the essences of nature and find true enlightenment in its ever-turning cycles of change."
After a short prayer, the loud shuffling of chairs on dirt and grass and the metallic shuffling of utensils filled the air as all seated and served themselves.
The Elders, Brothers, and Sisters ate their food very methodically. They cut off sizable portions using their knives and forks and ate unhurriedly, wiped their mouths clean on their napkins, and picked their teeth with toothpicks.
In stark contrast, the Dibbuns practically stuffed their mouths full of every bit of food within paw's reach. The little babes weren't above reaching between, under, over, and even on top of the table – and each other – to grab at anything in their eye lines. The ringleader was a mousebabe named Caleb. Lunafreya, though disapproving of their antics for the most part, could not stop herself from being thoroughly amused all the same.
"Caleb, can you sit down, sweetheart? Wait your turn and Dorothy will pass you the apple slices. Dorothy, give Caleb some of the apple slices when you're done with them, please. Grinding, don't sneak under the table to the other side to grab the pumpkin scones, dear, that's cheating! Be patient and I'll fetch you one. Everyone, remember to share and save some for others! Thank you, children!"
The younger beasts watched their Elders closely and tried to follow their examples. Jared found himself seated between Madeline on his right paw and Rudmir on his left.
"Excuse me, please," Diana politely snuck in between the siblings and laid her course on the table. "Pasta orecchiette with chopped squash, chiles, and hazelnuts."
Madeline's eyes widened. "Wow! That's such a special taste, unlike anything I've ever eaten before! Diana, thank you for this wonderful dish!"
Diana smiled humbly back and held a paw to her heart. "You're very welcome, Maddie! But don't thank just me," – she pointed her fork at Jared – "thank your brother, too. He's the one who picked out the best hazelnuts for the best dish."
"So, that's where they went," Jared nodded his approval. "Go figure."
Diana hopped up and down in her seat, overcome by a giggling fit. "Oh, I'm so happy you two love my orecchiette! I did work very hard on it! The main flavor is in the pasta, you see," she explained. "The squash and chiles balance each other out in the mild and spicy tastes, and the hazelnuts add an extra crunch. The pasta noodles bring them all together. Enjoy!"
"Hotroot soup, mates?" Rudmir offered the squirrels a steaming tall pot of hotroot soup.
"I think we'll pass, Rudmir," Jared laughed and politely waved off the hotroot. "We prefer our taste buds alive, thanks."
"Suit yerselves," Rudmir shrugged and scooped three whole ladles of the soup into his bowl to complement his fried wild mushrooms. "Ye probably wouldn't like it anyway."
"Here," Anthony came by and gave Jared and Madeline two plates. "Why don't you try some of my seared scallops covered in brown butter and lemon pan sauce instead?"
"Thanks, Anthony." Jared laid the scallops beside his main plate. "I can see you're eyeing that butternut squash casserole with leeks and thyme. Sit tight and I'll pass it to you."
"Here you go, Arland!" Avacyn laid down a circular silver salver of eggplant griddled in cashew butter and pickled peppers in front of the Cellarhog. Reylia placed a full wineglass of sparkling apple cider beside it.
"Well, well!" Arland licked his lips at the sight of his favorite dish. "Did you make this yourself, Avacyn?"
Avacyn rubbed the back of her head bashfully. "Aye, that I did, Arland, with Friar Reylia's guidance, of course! I know it's your most favorite dish, and so I wanted to make sure I cooked it exactly right!"
Curious, Arland sliced off a portion of buttered eggplant and put it in his mouth, chewing meditatively.
"Great seasons, it's flawless! It's just the way I like it!"
He put down his utensils and shook Avacyn by the paws vigorously. The young squirrelmaid chef rocked up and down. "A marvelous first effort, young lass! Splendid work, truly! This buttered eggplant is wonderfully exquisite!"
"Th-thank you, Ar-Arland!" Avacyn shook erratically from the Cellarhog's energetic pawshaking. "Thank you, v-very m-much!"
"I knew you'd deliver on your promise, Reylia!" Arland called over to the dormouse who laid down a tall pot of roasted vegetable soup with sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips.
"You kept your promise, and I kept mine!" Reylia tipped her chef's hat in a courtly salute. "You enjoy that, Arland!"
Meanwhile, Fernleaf had been consistently surprised when entire platters of food were placed before him. Throughout the feast, he'd eaten only modest portions, as though trying to economize on his consumption. In truth, he wanted to save the rest of the food for the others.
"I swear I don't have as big an appetite as everyone else does," he tried to admit to himself. "Don't have that big of a stomach, either, come to think of it." He self-consciously pressed a paw to his stomach.
"Come now, Fernleaf," Reylia pointed him to a copperware platter. "You came here to eat like everyone else, did you not? You silly ferret, let yourself be happy for a change. Here, why don't you try some of my roasted cauliflowers? I decorated them in lemon zest and parsley, capers, raisins, and breadcrumbs. I bet you've never seen that done before in the kitchen."
"No," Fernleaf confessed, honestly taken aback. He watched as Reylia scooped some of her dish onto his plate. "Roasted cauliflower, you said? Naturally grown?"
"Would you believe me if I told you that it came fresh from our Abbey gardens?" Reylia smiled and tipped her chef's hat. "Enjoy, Fernleaf. If you'd like anything else, just give a holler, 'kay?"
"May I add t' that, Reylia?" Rudmir put down another copper plate. "Here's my fried wild mushrooms wit' parsnip ragout an' mozzarella polenta."
"Cauliflowers and mushrooms?" Fernleaf raised his eyebrows in surprise. "That's a recipe for healthy eating if I've ever seen one. Thank you both!"
He ate in silence, not meeting anybeast's eyes, although his facial expressions betrayed his inner satisfaction with the delicious food.
"I feel compelled to say," he spoke at length. His table company, the Guosim shrews, shared a miniature bannock basket of sugary raspberry and blueberry scones glazed in vanilla cream. "I just don't get it."
"Eh?" Tipuka asked, lifting his chilled dandelion cordial to his lips. "What dontcha get, Fernleaf?"
"You stopped me at the entrance to the Orchard, when you could have done the same right at the Front Gate," Fernleaf observed, thinking back to when he'd first joined the party. He fidgeted with his humble mint tea. "I thought for sure you and your shrews would kill me. Instead, Curtis was adamant that you included me. I must say that I am genuinely surprised and grateful to be a part of Redwall's Nameday Feast."
Tipuka nodded and sipped his cordial. "You have every right to be skeptical, Fernleaf. But know that you have a place here in Mossflower, and especially at Redwall. Abbot Curtis said so. Your specialties in the herbal and healing arts have saved lives. You know that. You've done more good work for the Woods than you'll ever know. You're no enemy, Fernleaf; you are one of us, whether you believe it or not."
"Look, Fernleaf!" Gavlin directed the ferret's attention. "Kale salad and lemon vinaigrette! May I serve you some?"
Fernleaf's face lit up. "Yes, Gavlin. Thank you. May I in return offer you cheesy tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches?"
"Aye, thanks, Fernleaf!" Gavlin nodded vigorously and called out to Reylia and her chefs. "Delicious food, this, mates!"
"A brilliant balance of flavors and culinary elements!" Tipuka laughed and placed a raspberry scone on Fernleaf's plate. "Aye, Friar Reylia, you and your talented cooks have done a fantastic job! We won't be forgetting this rich autumn feast anytime soon!"
Fernleaf, moved by the shrews' words of generous gratitude to him and the cooks, managed a small smile. "Thank you kindly, Log-a-Log Tipuka. You as well, Gavlin. I do truly appreciate your kind words."
He let himself bite curiously into his scone. Slowly, his reserved demeanor changed to a more animated energy. He found himself laughing and talking more openly with the Guosim as the feast went on.
Tipuka scooped up his glass of chilled dandelion cordial and his cane and walked over to where Jared sat. "So, Jared, I've been told by Miss Weonsia that you and her caught a two and a half-pound trout in Redwall Abbey's Pond. Is that true?"
Jared could only nod as his mouth was full of the scallops. He swallowed and answered, "Yes, Log-a-Log Tipuka. That is true. We did indeed catch a trout in the Abbey Pond."
"All by yourselves?" Tipuka raised his eyebrows, impressed. "No rod or bait, or harpoons, or nets?"
"None of the sort, sir," Jared shook his head. "We caught it using our bare paws alone."
"Interesting!" Tipuka marveled. The Log-a-Log raised his cordial to the squirrel in a humble toast. "I salute you, young Sandeye. You and Weonsia must be quite talented in the arts of unarmed martial combat, I assume."
"Erm…" Jared furrowed his brow, tapping the sides of his cup of apple cinnamon cider thoughtfully. "Weonsia prefers fishing to combat, to be honest. She's not much of a fighter, as far as I know. Usually, she prefers fishing with rod and bait. But for this special occasion, she decided to try something new."
"Jared is actually quite skilled in the unarmed martial arts, believe it or not, Log-a-Log," Madeline clinked her cup of apple cinnamon cider with her brother's. "He's studied and practiced some styles from our homeland."
"Really?" Tipuka leaned on his cane and studied the squirrel curiously. Jared tried not to appear suspicious of Log-a-Log's actions. He busied himself with Anthony's seared scallops instead.
"Did you know, Jared, that the Guosim also study the martial arts to accompany their swordplay practices?" Tipuka continued. The shrew tried his hardest not to make the young squirrel uncomfortable. "I'd love to show you what we can do someday, and you show us."
"We do some of the same in our homeland, Log-a-Log. I'd be honored if you'd grant me the opportunity to spar with you and Gavlin myself," Jared nodded appreciatively and sipped his cider. "Fighting a rainbow trout is one thing. But it's been a long time since I last met another beast in the ring fist and footpaw."
Tipuka winked and patted Jared on the shoulder. "You can count on us for that privilege, Jared. Sparring with Gavlin is easy; all you have to do is ask. Sparring with me, well…That, Jared, is earned, not given. One last thing: I never got to offer you my thanks for forging that fine Eastern-style dagger for me last midsummer, so consider this that same thanks now."
He placed a vanilla-glazed blueberry scone on Jared's plate and patted him on the other shoulder. "Food for thought, my dear blacksmith. I look forward to meeting you in the ring sometime." With that, the Log-a-Log turned on his heels and went back to his table.
Halfway through, he stopped in his tracks and called out, "Speak of the devil, there's the trout!"
"Make way!" "Coming through!"
Diana and Avacyn wheeled a large wooden cart between the two crossed tables. Anthony and Rudmir helped to lift a massive covered oval-shaped silver platter onto one of them. Reylia grabbed the handle of the cloche and tapped her spatula on it to draw attention.
"Behold, denizens of Redwall and Mossflower!" Reylia proclaimed dramatically. "This cloche I hold here is forged of fine Eastern steel by none other than our hardworking resident blacksmith himself, Jared Sandeye. Beneath its metallic ovoid frame, my chefs and I are proud to unveil our legendary pièce de résistance of the Nameday Feast! I give you…Rainbow Trout à la Autumn!"
She whisked off the cloche to excited and eager applause, revealing the culinary treasure beneath.
The rainbow trout had been baked to utter perfection. The red-tinted blue-green fish had been fashionably adorned in sprigs of fresh mint leaves and glazed head-to-tail fin in glistening honey mustard. Diced pumpkin slices, lemon and lime wedges, and chopped acorns lacquered in fresh olive oil circled the chum. The four chefs held the platter still while Reylia chopped off a sizable portion and placed it on a plate, which she gladly served to Abbot Curtis.
"Thank you, Reylia." Curtis' eyes widened as he took up his knife and fork, surveying the gloriously baked fish. "So, this is the fish that Weonsia and Jared caught in the Pond yesterday, then?"
He nodded approvingly at them. "Well, I never would've predicted a rainbow trout. Quite a feat, I heard it was."
He promptly collected his wits and tucked his napkin under his habit collar. Then he sliced off a small part of the portion and lifted it to his mouth. He closed his eyes and chewed contemplatively, examining every element and savoring every flavor, analyzing the trout through taste alone. His tail swished from side to side in profound thought.
His eyes snapped open, twinkling brighter than the sun.
"Perfect! A magnificent rainbow trout! Reylia, Rudmir, Anthony, Diana, Avacyn, this is indeed your legendary culinary masterpiece! You have exceeded all expectations! A true work of art! Art, I say!"
Reylia and her chefs roared triumphantly and jumped in a laughing cheering five-beast group hug.
Curtis waved his utensils over the assembled creatures. "Please do serve our fellow feasters your spectacular Rainbow Trout à la Autumn!"
The Orchard exploded in a deafening cacophony of unleashed excitement and joy.
"Hey, Larina! Wait up!"
At the Pond, Larina turned around and saw Jared running towards her. He appeared to be holding one paw behind his back, the other waving through the air. Jared stopped in his tracks and they stood side by side at the edge of the Pond.
Jared rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Um…Larina?" he stammered. "I…I have a little gift for you."
"A gift?" Larina stopped stroking her long auburn hair and dropped her paws by her sides. "For me?"
"Yes," Jared cleared his throat. He looked down at his feet, averting his gaze. Steeling himself, he removed his paw from behind his back and rested the chrysanthemum flowerpot in his palms.
"It's from Madeline's greenhouse. I know how much you love flowers. She knew the perfect one to impress you. She, or rather, I…wanted to give it to you."
Larina gasped out loud and pressed her paws to her mouth. "A pink chrysanthemum!"
Her face brightened up as she gently took the flowerpot in her paws. Its vibrant pink petals glowed in the afternoon autumn sunlight and reflected in Larina's twinkling hazel eyes.
"Chrysanthemums are my favorite flower! Oh, Jared, how did you know?"
"I didn't," Jared answered bluntly, genuinely surprised. "Madeline knew, but she never told me until yesterday."
"I suppose I should have told you sooner, had I known you would be doing this. But now you know!" Now it was Larina's turn to rub the back of her head. She giggled, and Jared felt his cheeks flush hot pink. His heart skipped a beat in his chest.
Larina, sensing his nerves, cooed and tilted her head sideways sympathetically. "Oh, Jared, you didn't have to do this for me."
"It was Madeline's idea, not mine," Jared blurted out, causing Larina to raise her eyebrows, surprised. "She's always been so understanding with flowers. She's like our mother, who knew the best flowers for any occasion, whether it be for a feast or for—" He cut himself short and stared at Larina for a second before turning away.
"Anyway, Maddie guessed that I'd want something to give to you as a gift," Jared began rubbing the back of his head again, looking away from the Pond and back towards the Orchard. "So, she gave me a chrysanthemum. She seemed to know exactly the one you'd want."
"She truly is a wonderful botanist, isn't she?" Larina ran her fingers delicately through the pink chrysanthemum's many small petals, sighing dreamily. "And an even more thoughtful sister. You know she only did that because she cares about and wants the best for you, Jared, as any sister should."
She met Jared's eyes once again; his blush turned instantly from hot pink to a soft red. Balancing the flowerpot in one paw, she reached out and took Jared's paw in her own, and squeezed it affectionately.
"Thank you, Jared Sandeye. I love it. I truly do. A chrysanthemum is truly a beautiful gift."
Jared rubbed the back of his head as he always did. "You're welcome, Larina. Whoa!"
Larina had thrown her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you, Jared! Thank you!"
He hesitated for a split second before he allowed himself the liberty to hug her back. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl. He cherished the feeling of her body hugging his, her arms around his neck. He blushed crimson red from his cheeks to his neck, but he didn't care. All that mattered in this moment was her. Him. Them.
When Larina let him go, he exhaled heavily and slumped forwards in relief. "Thank you, Larina. I'm so happy you love it. I've only ever given flowers to Madeline, and sometimes to Sister Fanistra, too. But I never imagined in my life that I'd ever gift you a flower, too; and certainly not at a feast of Redwall. I've been so nervous since Madeline suggested this. I was so worried you might not like it that I almost didn't sleep last night."
He straightened up and fidgeted restlessly with his bandana, untying and tying it together again. "I actually meant to do this last night, but I got caught up in Father Abbot's stories, and forgot all about it. I'm just glad to finally get that off my chest. Um…thanks."
Larina laughed out loud and rubbed her thumb on the back of Jared's paw. "Well, who wouldn't get caught up in Father Abbot's stories? We were all definitely under his spell when he told the Rakkety Tam story."
He anxiously squeezed her paw back and chuckled nervously. Her gentle laughs like a chorus of silver bells in the light breeze charmed his ears. Larina beamed and withdrew her paw. She sat down at the stone edge of the Pond and dipped her feet into the water.
"Come sit down, Jared," Larina patted the soft smooth patch of grass on her right side. Jared obliged and did so, removing his wicker sandals and joining her in the deep navy-blue waters of the Pond.
"Well, Jared, have you and Madeline enjoyed your first Nameday Feast?"
"You know, Larina, I can say with wholehearted honesty that we certainly have, and we can't wait until the next one!"
The afternoon sun dipped beneath the horizon and the pearly-white full moon took center stage in the evening sky. When lunch turned into dinner, Arland went up to Abbot Curtis. "I think it's getting near time for you to name the season, Father Abbot."
"Aye, that it is, Arland," Curtis drummed his fingers on the armrests of his chair. "But what special name can I dub this mysterious autumn?"
Sister Amelia leaned in close to Curtis and whispered behind her paw, pointing out at the entrance of the Orchard. "Oy, Fada h'Abbot, oi saw Miz Larina an' Mista Jared sittin' togetha quite nicely by da Abbey Pond, oo arr. Talkin' an' larfin an' dippin' der feet in da watter like likkle sweet'earts, dey were! Oi may be wron', aye, but I dink 'earts be bloomin' between da two o' dem!"
"Larina Skyleaf and Jared Sandeye, eh?" Arland broke out in an ear-to-ear grin. "Why, my eyes and ears may deceive me, but there has been something growing with those two as of late!"
"Aye, you'm righ', Arlan'!" Amelia nodded in agreement. "Dat Miz Larina be up t' sumfink gudd, I dink," she giggled. "She's gunna open da locks t' Mista Jared's 'eart an' steal it away without arsken, burr aye!"
"Blooming hearts!" Curtis stood to his feet. "That's it! Brilliant, you two!"
He quickly poured himself a new cup of pumpkin spice tea and clinked his spoon on it. "May I have everyone's attention, please?" Every face turned towards the Abbot.
Curtis placed his spoon and mug back on the table and folded his paws together. "The time has come at last to name the season, family and friends. This wonderful autumn feast has brought us all together in more ways than one. Acquaintances have been made and friendships forged. Family and friends have grown ever closer as their bonds increased and their love deepened for each other. Seeds of romantic love and affection are planted and sprouted betwixt our growing youth. With these happenings in mind, I have finally decided on a name for our autumn season."
He raised his mug high in the air. "As Father Abbot of Redwall Abbey, I hereby name the season the Autumn of the Blooming Hearts!"
Once more, the feastgoers broke out in applause of agreement and elation. Everybeast drank deeply and then applauded again.
Jared sprinted up to Madeline. "Maddie! I did it! I gave the flower to Larina!"
"So that's where you went!" Madeline hopped out of her seat and threw her arms around her brother's neck. "I knew you could do it, Jared! That wasn't so hard, was it? You just had to believe in yourself!"
Jared gave Madeline thankful kisses on her cheeks and forehead. Madeline pressed her paw on his cheek, and he turned and kissed her palm. "I couldn't have done it without you, Maddie. Thank you so much. You're the best sister ever. Is there any way I can repay you?"
"Hmm…" Madeline rubbed her chin and smiled slyly. She sat back down and leaned into her brother's embrace. "You can thank me by giving me massages every night of autumn. Starting now!"
Jared grinned and began massaging Madeline's shoulders and back. "I can't argue with that! Here you go, Madeline!"
When Larina passed by holding the chrysanthemum flowerpot, she called out, "Happy Autumn of the Blooming Hearts, Jared and Madeline!"
Jared's face hurt from grinning widely. "Happy Autumn of the Blooming Hearts, Larina!"
"Jared! Madeline! Come over here real quick!"
The siblings met Larina on the other side of the grapevines. Two adult squirrels stood with her.
"Hey, there's somebeasts I'd like you to meet." Larina proudly put her arms around their shoulders. "My mother, Evelyn, and my father, Peter. Mama, Daddy, these are my friends from the Eastern Islands I've told you about: Jared and Madeline Sandeye."
"Well, ah'll be!" Evelyn, a middle-aged auburn squirrelmaid, met them first. A dusty gray apron over a thick chartreuse belted tunic and knee-length trousers framed her sinewy figure.
"Mighty pleased to finally meet y'all!" She spoke with a noticeably thick drawl.
"Kumusta po! It's great to meet you, too, Mrs. Skyleaf!" Madeline gladly shook her paw.
"Please do call me Evelyn, dahlin'," Evelyn chuckled and held her other paw to her heart. "Ah've heard you're quite the florist. Y'know, Peter and ah have flowers in our family garden, too."
"Oh, my gosh, you do?!" Madeline's eyes grew as wide as the moon. She hopped up and down on the balls of her feet. "What types?"
"Oh, quite a variety!" Evelyn giggled and held Madeline's paws in hers. "Asters, marigolds, pansies, roses, alyssums, sunflowers, hydrangeas; chrysanthemums like that one Jared gave Larina."
"Sister Fanistra and I have all those, too! Have you ever thought of cultivating snapdragons?"
"No, ah don't believe so; but we might be fixin' to!"
"Let me know when you do! I'd love to help out!"
"Tell you what: soon as we get 'round to it, you'll be the first to know!"
Peter stepped straight up to Jared to offer his paw. "Jared Sandeye, pleased to finally meet you face-to-face." He had the same accent as his wife. "Rina tells me you're the one who gave her that lovely pink chrysanthemum. Allow me to thank you personally." He wore a longsleeved hickory shirt and trousers, and a pair of chestnut-colored jandals wrapped around his feet.
"Erm…" Jared awkwardly shook the elder Skyleaf's extended paw. "Walang anuman-you're welcome, sir."
"Great admirer of your metalwork, I am, Jared." Peter put his paws in his trouser pockets. "Our good vermin neighbors praise your blacksmithing prowess. I reckon you got some real bees in your bonnet for the upcoming season."
"I wouldn't have half the service that I do at my forge without our good vermin friends," Jared agreed with a nod. "I owe them a lot for making it what it is."
"Mighty thoughtful of you to give credit where it's due. Oh, and my compliments to your chefs on your delectable feast." He patted his stomach with a chuckle.
"Ahoy there, mateys!"
A black-gray otter sauntered up to them from the chestnut trees, accompanied by a silver-furred mole. Both each held a drink in one paw.
"Magandang gabi, Skipper Bagalou! Foremole Durkbuff!" Jared greeted the duo. "You guys are starting your project to reconstruct St. Ninian's Church tomorrow, aren't you?"
"Aye, that we are, mate!" Bagalou nodded. He took a swig of his Nutbrown Beer.
"Lots t' do, moight take us all da season!" Durkbuff added in between sips of his Buttercup 'n' Honey Cordial.
"Oh, Mama, Daddy! Meet Skipper Bagalou and Foremole Durkbuff!" Larina gestured to the pair. "These are my parents, Evelyn and Peter."
"Howdy!" Evelyn curtsied and offered the back of her paw with a giggle. "Wonderful to meet you two!"
"Chuffed to meetcha, frien's!" Bagalou kissed the back of Evelyn's offered paw.
"It be a pleasure t' meet da lovely parents' o' da beyewtiful Larina Skoyleaf!" Durkbuff exchanged a firm and hearty pawshake with Peter.
"Ooh, you're renovatin' St. Ninian's?" asked Evelyn, excited and intrigued.
"Sounds like it'll be a swale time!" Peter nodded in agreement.
"Yes, you heard right." Gaddron Bronzespike came weaving through the Orchard. His wife and son trailed alongside him.
"Poor church has been looking on the shabby side for more than a fortnight now." He shrugged, rather nonchalant. "Of course, we won't have to worry now that Skipper and Foremole are on the job." Madeline hid her giggle behind her paw; Jared rolled his eyes.
"Which gives you an excuse to slack off?" He raised an incredulous eyebrow. Madeline high-fived and hugged Christopher. She and Valia exchanged curtseys, and also a hug.
"Oh, you needn't worry about that, Jared." Valia patted her husband's shoulder with a laugh. "We'll make sure he's always pulling his weight. And the Bankvole family will be helping as well."
"I'll keep an eye on him, too." Christopher nodded, smiling. He pointed his sapphire-ring-adorned finger at his father.
"Shouldn't be too hard!" Bagalou shrugged and took another pull of beer. "A lotta hammerin' here-"
"-A likkle diggin' an' fillin' dere!" added an excited Durkbuff.
"-Some brick an' mortar, an' that magnificen' chapel oughta be righ' as rain afore ye can say Nameday!" Bagalou laughed heartily, swinging his beer from side to side.
"Don't expect any good moods from me, if that's what you're hoping for." Gaddron took a hefty drink of his Cup o' Cheer.
"Aw, come own now, Gaddron!" Evelyn giggled at the stubborn hedgehog. "You're drinking that fizzy wine! And your dear home is getting all gussied up! How can you not be happier than a bumblebee in a flower patch?"
Christopher chuckled. "Speaking of home, we're heading out now. We came to say goodbye to you, Sandeyes."
"We even got leftovers!" Valia held up a picnic basket. "We've been to plenty of wondrous feasts at Redwall before. But this time," she laughed out loud. "I daresay Reylia and her chefs truly outdid themselves!"
"Expec' us at St. Ninian's after sunrise tomorrow." Bagalou nodded to the hedgehogs.
"Aye, we'll eat a broight an' early brekkist an' be at ee church in ee blink o' an eye!" Durkbuff agreed, before finishing his drink.
"Yes, and I'll be sure to be there with my tools as well." Gaddron likewise nodded. He and his family exchanged pawshakes and hugs with the others, then turned and left the Orchard.
"Yeah, you'd better help out, Gaddron!" Jared called after him. "If he ever doesn't," he whispered behind his paw to Bagalou. "Confiscate his sword." The Skipper could only snicker in surprised amusement.
"Anyways! We'd be plumb grateful if y'all could come visit the garden sometime this season." Evelyn turned the Sandeyes' attention back around to them.
"How far would you say your garden is from here, Evelyn?"
"T'ain't too far; only about three-and-a-half miles down yonder. Roughly north-northwest of Redwall."
"All you gotta do is follow the moss." Peter nodded, paws in his pockets. "Once you start seeing the vines, you'll know you're darn close."
"We'll try our best to make time! Diba? Right, Jared?"
"Oo, yeah, definitely! It'd be great to take a day off from work to hang out in your garden."
"Splendid!" Evelyn bounced on the balls of her feet. "We'll look forward to seeing you! Oh, and Bagalou, Durkbuff, you two are welcome as well!"
"Thankee most kin'ly, Mrs. Skyleaf!" Bagalou saluted with his drink.
"Aye, we wudd be much 'bliged t' pay ee a visit!" Durkbuff added, and chugged the remainder of his cordial.
"Shall we all head back to the feast?" Jared suggested. He took his sister's paw in his own, the other in his trouser pocket. "It's getting a bit late and we should go help clean up."
"Yeah, I'm ready to go to bed." Madeline covered up a sudden yawn with her free paw.
"Aye, let's see if we can get any leftovers to take home, Evelyn." Peter nodded in agreement.
Jared carried his piggybacking sister back in the direction of the feast area. Bagalou and Durkbuff tagged along not far behind, and the Skyleafs took up the rear.
"Larina, swatie," Evelyn dropped her voice to a discreet whisper. "That Jared feller be mighty fine. Sooner you get hitched, the sooner we can throw a wedding feast!"
"Mama!"