The Exile

[Exia]

Vincent Swiftfur walked through the rain up to the gates of Redwall Abbey. He didn't know anywhere alse he could go excep Redwall, where it was well known that they would take in any creature in as long as he or she meant them no harm. "Is anyone at the gate?" he called. He ducked under the building's parapet to provide some cover from the rain.

[Wolfie]

Ronan, the Skipper of Otters, was walking on the ramparts when he heard the call. He walked over to the gate and shouted. Who goes there? Be ye friend or foe? At that same moment, a large and scruffy furred otter wearing a brown fur kilt and white fist wraps came jogging up the path, stopping in front of the gate to catch his breath.

[Exia]

"I'm a friend. I mean you no harm," the shrew called out from the ground. Vincent used to be from the powerful Swiftfur family, but as he was now even if he was a foe, he couldn't do anything. The oly possible threat he posed was with the rapier he carried. Though he was unusually talented with it, he had neither the means nor the inclination to harm anyone of Redwall with it. He desparately needed someone's help. Anyone's help.

[Wolfie]

Skipper walked over to the gate and opened it up, standing to the side to allow the shrew entry into the Abbey. He saw the other otter and raised a paw in greeting. Ahoy, matey. You want in too? The second otter nodded and stepped inside the gate. Thanks, culley. I 'ppreciate it.

[Exia]

"Thank you! Thank you very much!" Despite his lofty background, Vincent had been much humbled since his "exile" from the great Swiftfur family. He still wore his fine clothes, but really more as a memory than a status symbol, as those were the only clothes he now had.

[Wolfie]

The Skipper nodded and closed and barred the gate. No problem, matey. How come ye ain't with yer tribe, though? I thought all shrews traveled together in their tribes.

[Exia]

"I used to. You could say they don't really want me anymore. I'll probably have to explain this to the Abbot, won't I?" Vincent had never been to Redwall, and thus wasn't sure of its workings and procedures.

[Wolfie]

The otter placed a gentle and sympathetic paw on the shrew's shoulder.I'm not sure whether the Abbess'll want an explanation or not, mate. All that can wait until we get you dried off and fed, though. I'm sure you're hungry.

[Exia]

"Yes, indeed I am," the shrew said. He had dined on nothing but fine food for most of his life, but now was forced to eat whatever anyone was kind enough to give him. And he was always grateful to whomever it was, too.

[Wolfie]

Ronan smiled kindly. Follow me then. I was just about to get something to eat myself. He led the two creatures inside the Abbey and into the Great Hall where lunch was being served.

[Exia]

As Vincent followed the Otter, he could smell all the different food already. He was so hungry, that he honestly could not tell the difference between this everyday food and the feast-quality food he was accoustomed too. "Amazing...It smells amazing!" he said mostly to himself. He found it hard to belive after being hungry for so long that he actually would get to eat this food.

[Wolfie]

Skipper smiled and sat down at a mostly empty bench and started dishing up his plate. Redwall vittles is some of the best vittles anywheres. Just ask anyone. The other otter nodded in agreement as he sat next to the Skipper, although he didn't put any food on his plate.

[Exia]

Vincent dished up his food fairly indescriminantly. It all looked delicious to him. "I believe you," he said. He quickly sat down at a random table and started eating, but not before thinking the cook.

[Wolfie]

Skipper nodded and watched the shrew for a moment before starting in on his food as well. The other otter had managed to work up enough nerve to take some of the food and put it on his plate so he was happily eating also. He had to admit, it was definitely better than anything he'd ever tasted before.

[Exia]

Vincent then decieded to move down to where the two otters were and talk with them. He picked up his plate, walked to their table, and sat down next to one of them. "Thank you very much for letting me in," he said again.