Ragnar Lodbrock
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[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 12:25:12 GMT -5
It was a long journey towards his destination, though he expected that it wasn't going to be easy. As he went along the beaten path, William looked up for a moment. He was still a distance away, but he could make out the walls of the abby on the horizon.
He picked up his pace, knowing that he was eventually at his destination. It slowly turned into a run and in no time he was right outside the walls of the abby. He made his way towards the gateway, and called out.
"Ho, is there anyone here?"
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carabadgermum
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~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 13:43:40 GMT -5
Gemma hummed to herself as she skipped up the path ((yes this is a badger skipping LOL)) She was finally on her way to Redwall. She was disappointed that she hadn't gotten to see Ally at Salamandastron but she did have the opportunity to meet that nice new badger lord.
She had seen the Abbey on the horizon that morning but was in no hurry. Her troupe would already be there of course. That is unless they met trouble on the way or decided to make a stop in a little town they knew of to do a performance. She hated to think of them preforming without her but it was their livelihood as well as her own so she didn't blame them.
As she got closer to the red stone walls she made out a curious silhouette against the gate, a male badger for sure. She thought at first it must be Batou a friend she had entrusted to watch over her troupe while she was away from them. Perhaps more than a friend? she thought to herself. But the badger at the gate of Redwall was not Batou she could see that now.
She was within hailing distance when she heard him call out to the gatekeeper. So she called out herself from behind him, "I'm here, although I think you were asking for someone on the other side." She waited for a response, curious for the beast to turn so she could be introduced to him.
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 14:16:47 GMT -5
There wasn't any word comming from the abby, though there was a voice calling to him. Turning around, and surprised that an answer did not come from the other side of the gate. William laughed to himself, "Well you're correct in assuming that. Think you that I could enter into the abby?" He replied.
He began to look at this badger more closely, he definately didn't know who she was. So making a slight bow for a greeting he then spoke out, "I'm sorry, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm William Brock, and I've come here as I've heard there was much excitement surrounding the abby and I wish to help."
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 14:49:06 GMT -5
Gemma had thought he looked familiar when he turned around but when he said his name she couldn't believe her ears. "William? Lack-a-day it's been nigh on forty seasons since I saw you last! I didn't recognize you! It's me, Gemma Stripesong, daughter of Buck Stripesong of the Tradewind Players!"
They had both been much younger then but this was surely the same William Brock who had followed the troupe around for half a season back when her father was the leader. She was sure he'd been sweet on her then and she had flirted with him uncontrollably. Back then she had no idea how dangerous it could be to arouse the passions of a bloodwrath beast, but her father was well aware having been young once himself. It had been a long time before Gemma understood and forgave her father for making William leave.
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 15:08:32 GMT -5
His thoughts began to race, he'd been through so much when he was younger that he wasn't quite sure. Gemma, Gemma, Buck Stripesong, Tradewind Players.... Ah I remember now. If only vaguely. He wasn't sure exactly how things went, but he remembered that he was forced to leave the troupe. "Aye, that would be me. Though you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you. I always remembered you as being smaller."
The thoughts came flooding back again, Gemma was much younger than William. She flirted with him, though him being larger instinct began to kick in and his passions became riled up. It was because of this that William was forced to leave, though he harboured no ill will on leaving, he did come to realize he should've acted better.
He lived the life of a wanderer after that period of time, and those memories he wanted to repress because of the hurt from being rejected. Now things were different though, he became more mature and merry. And it was from this merriness that he realized he did have some affection for Gemma, and he merely acted hasty. It was good for him to find someone he knew though, it would make things much easier if he were accepted into the abby.
"How've you been since the last time I saw you? Did your father explain the reasons as to why he made me leave?"
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 15:39:06 GMT -5
"I was angry with him for a long time," She shook her head a bit ashamedly. "Screamed at him. Told him I could take care of myself. I was afraid you'd think I wanted you to go." She lowered her eyes. "I understand now." She looked back up at him smiling now, "I was young and foolish and I hope you'll forgive me and we can be friends again?" She rushed on without waiting for an answer, "Father retired, so I lead the troupe now. I'm supposed to be meeting them at Redwall."
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 16:22:08 GMT -5
"Aye lass, we can be friends again. I'm never one to hold grudges. Though I was to blame for what happened." Scratching himself a bit he continued, "Your father is here? I would sure like to visit him if possible."
It was a while since he had seen his mentor Buck Stripesong, the same ammount of time since he had seen Gemma actually. And since he wasn't angry for being thrust out of the troupe, he wanted to let Buck know that he wasn't upset.
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 16:40:15 GMT -5
Gemma shook her head, "No. Said he couldn't take the winters traveling in a cart anymore. He's far to the south. I just got back from visiting him not too long ago actually and he mentioned you," she had just remembered her father's words. "He wondered if I'd ever run into you again in my travels."
Buck Stripesong had been worried about his daughter remaining single so long since she still seemed to be just as flirtatious as she was when she was a young one. He had hoped that marriage would settle her down a bit even if it didn't mean her remaining in one place. She had told him not to worry, that she just hadn't met the right creature yet, but Buck was sure that his daughter was still pining over love lost and blamed him for turning away the beast that stole her heart.
"He said he wished he'd handled things differently."
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 17:26:37 GMT -5
"Oh, that is a shame that he isn't here. I would've loved to see him again, but I guess one day I'll go down south to see him. And I guess his words are correct, since you did run into me now."
He remembered the words Buck had said to him, telling William to leave. "I don't want you to think of my daughter that way. You are young and brash, and the other thing is you're a warrior. Do you really undestand what all of this means? I won't have it, I'm going to have to ask you to leave the troupe." It all seemed as though it happened yesterday now, for ages William didn't think about it. It was far removed from his mind, but now meeting with Gemma again it all came back to him. He shook his head for a moment, and then replied, "He shouldn't feel that way though. He was doing what he thought was best at the time, and I don't blame him for acting the way he did. You were his young'un at the time, and he wanted to protect you. I really have to make a visit to him one of these days."
He really wanted to move on from discussing the past though, "Well that's all in the past though. It's a clean slate now, and things are different. As I've said earlier though, I want to help out the abby in the chance that evil beasts attack this peaceful place. Do you think the Head abbot would accept my services?"
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 17:46:02 GMT -5
"I really have no idea." Gemma answered him. She was smiling again, also glad of the change of subject. "I've visited a couple of times but I'm pretty sure the 'old guard' has changed up since the last time I was here."
A shrew who was sitting on the wall top answered for them. "If'n ye be good beasts I'm sure the Abbess would be more'n 'appy t'ave yur help."
Gemma jumped, startled at the sound of the voice.
"Sorry 'bout that," the shrew laughed. "Seemed like ye were 'avin' a pleasant conversation. I didn' want t' interrupt."
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 18:20:21 GMT -5
"Ah I see, well I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask them woul-?" He was cut off, the shrew speaking to him and Gemma. Looking at her, she seemed startled. He assumed it was because she didn't know who he was. Laughing at Gemma he said, "You need to lighten up there lass, you wouldn't expect someone to attack you from Redwall would ya?"
Looking up to the shrew, he smiled as best as he could for a badger and said, "Aye, I am a good beast. And I'm glad the Abbess would be happy for the help, though you best have lots of food in there. I can put down a meal as fast as it comes to the table." Then looking back to Gemma he winked and said "I bet you remember that one time when the troupe was travellin', eh lass?"
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 18:28:48 GMT -5
Gemma laughed and blushed slightly. She remembered alright. For a moment standing there looking at him, she was 16 again. Then the shrew spoke and she was back to reality.
"Well, ye better hurry we've got a regiment o' hares just came in from Sala. You'll be in trouble if they beat ye t' the table." He laughed and disappeared from the wall to go down and open the gate.
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 18:54:43 GMT -5
"I guess we should hurry on inside there lass. I'm starving after my journey. You can only go so far eating some berries and drinking pond water." He said to Gemma, while waiting for the Shrew to open the gate.
To pass the time, and announce himself to the whole abby, he began to sing.
"Oh the spring time will be coming, And the leaves are sweetly blooming, And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather. Will ye go, Lassie go.
I will build my love a bower, By yon clear chrystal fountain, and on it I will pile, All the wild flowers o the mountain, Will ye go, lassie go
Oh the spring time will be coming, And the leaves are sweetly blooming, And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather. Will ye go, Lassie go.
I will range through the hills, And the deepest glens sae dreary, And return wi my spoils, tae the bower o my dearie, Will ye go, lassie go.
Oh the spring time will be coming, And the leaves are sweetly blooming, And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather. Will ye go, Lassie go.
If my true love she were gone, Then Id surely find another, tae pluck wild mountain thyme, All around the blooming heather, Will ye go, lassie go.
Oh the spring time will be coming, And the leaves are sweetly blooming, And the wild mountain thyme, Grows around the blooming heather. Will ye go, Lassie go."
(This is being sung while waiting, and when the Shrew opens the gates as they go through to the main hall.)
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carabadgermum
Co-Administrator
~Badger Matriarch~[P:NaN]
the paw that rocks the cradle rules the world
Posts: 3,409
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Post by carabadgermum on Jan 11, 2008 21:09:08 GMT -5
Gemma recognized the song and invented a little harmony to go along with it. She had forgotten how much she had enjoyed singing with William all those seasons ago. His voice had matured. It was richer now and her own warm Alto complemented it. Any beast who heard would have probably thought they had spent some time rehearsing it. Gemma laughed as they held out the last note. "I'd forgotten you could sing."
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Ragnar Lodbrock
Full Member
[P:NaN]
"The only thing I'm afraid of is fear."
Posts: 102
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Post by Ragnar Lodbrock on Jan 11, 2008 21:21:48 GMT -5
"I did not know you remembered that song there lass. But aye, my father taught me to sing when I was a young'un." That was the first song he had ever sang when he was with the Troupe. It was funny, since none of the other members wanted to sing with him except for Gemma. It was his belief that singing brought the best parts out of people, and anytime could be used for singing, wether it was joyous or sorrowful.
After walking through the opened gate, William turned back to the Shrew and said "Eh there lad, thank you for letting us in, also may I get your name?"
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