Author:
The all-knowing Muffle Diddlepaws of DD!
|
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
Date Posted: 23:56:45 11/07/05 Mon
Chapter 7: Bluetuft
Last Chapter: Like last time, there is only 1 post seperating this chapter and the previous. So go'n'read it y'self, wot wot!
Those gathered in Cavern Hole were quiet, each with their own thoughts of the Warrior's story. Suddenly, Clearily held up a paw and motioned to the others. Tippawing to one of the couches near the door, Clearily peeked over it. "Boo!"
Much to the Troupe's suprise, a pretty young vixen yelped and leaped up, blushing furiously. She was clad in a tunic of light pink, and a light blue cloak thrown over it. Her bright blue eyes sparkled, this time with sheepishness and-to Muffle's suprise-a touch of fear.
However, Abbess Ferns and Sister Clearily obviously knew the fox.
"Bluetuft, what in the name o' seasons are you doing here?" Said Ferns with an unusually amount of sternness.
Bluetuft hung her head and whispered meekly, in a soft, gentle voice. "Skippa wanted me to tell you that the wall race can't start without you, Abbess Ferns."
There was a touch of sharpness in Ferns' voice as she told the others. "I can handle this. Go on now, off to the festivities, eh?" They silently walked out of Cavern Hole, and headed toward the main Abbey door, chatting animatedly. Muffle stayed behind, and listened at the door.
"You ought to have knocked. How long have you been here?"
The voice was faint. "When Sister Clearily started t'talk about Martin the Warrior."
"And you've been listening all this time?"
Muffle almost snorted at that.
"Yes."
"I am shocked at this, Bluetuft! Why, I don't know why I shouldn't send you to your dormitry for the ngiht-"
"No!" The soft voice was pleading.
Muffle decided to intervine. Aruptly opening the door, she said cheerfully to the startled Bluetuft and Abbess. "'Lo, Abbess marm! Ah came tae see if this little gel would care to show mah tae m'dormitry an' escort mah t'the Namedah festivities!"
The Abbess could not refuse the request of a guest. "Er, of course Muffle. Bluetuft, show Muffle to the dormitry across the hall from the Infermiry."
"Bluetuft nodded eagerly, refief plain in her eyes as she looked at Muffle.
"Sae, Bluetuft, how'd ye come tae be at yon Abbey?" Asked Muffle as they strolled to the Infermiry.
"I dunno, Miz Muffle. Ever since I can 'member, almost."
"That's a long time. Been happy here?"
"Oh yes, the food is wonderful, and my bed's so soft-"
"Have any friends?"
Bluetuft hesitated, and said finally. "There's a mousemaid in the kitchens named Loly, Kersey De Mayne, Sister Clearily and Sister Armel...." She trailed off miserably, then started and quickly added. "Of coursae, those are just my really close friends."
Muffle felt sorry for her. Obviously the other Abbeybeasts did not favor vermin, even ones raised in the Abbey. She decided to help.
"Well, count y'self lucky, Bluetuft! Cos you just got another friend, me!"
Bluetuft perked up considerably. "Really? Oh gosh, Miz Muffle!" She was about to go on when they arrived at the designated dormitry. "Here w'are, Muffle! I'm in the one all the way down the hall, so just let me know when you've freshened up!" And hurried off down the hallway. Muffle paused to see where she went; it was in the last dormitry. Muffle might have been gone for several seasons, but she remembered that the ones near that were unoccupied. With a sigh, Muffle disapeared into her temporary room.
Brushing her fur and washing her paws, Muffle broaded. Her heart went out to the lonely little outcast, the outcast of Redwall, imagiane! Suddenly, a story she had been told back at Abbey School came to mind, the story of Veil. The little weasel had been brought to the Abbey as a babe, and when he was older had left, also as an outcast. But, he had been cast out for trying to poisen, not for simpley being himself! This was a totally differant thing, Muffle crossly told herself. And yet, maybe they weren't so different after all.
The hightlander ottermaid knocked on the door. Bluetuft called from within. "Come in!"
Muffle obliged. At least Bluetuft's room was nicely furnished, the Abbeybeasts could not deny anyone their reknowned hospitality. Bluetuft was tying a large blue ribbon behind her ears, and looked prettier then ever. snatching her cloak from the back of a chair, the young fox grinned at Muffle. "Ready?"
"Aye. Race ya!"
Laughing and giggling, they dashed out of the dormitry. A few minutes later they emerged from the Abbey, panting. Bluetuft cried. "I win!" She was subdued by the glares of several Abbeybeasts.
Muffle clapped her on the back heartily as Bluetuft straightened her bow and cloak. "C'mon matey, ye kin eat wi' me. Watch out for the haremaids though, put scoff near 'em an' they scoff it! Ah always have tae count mah paws after sittin' to near them at lunch!" Bluetuft giggled. "Now, Tufty ole mate, grab some o' that scoff an' foller me!"
Rosestripe, the haremaids, and the squirrelmaids were seated near the orcherd, and they cocked an eyebrow as Muffle approached at table. Rosestripe nodded at Bluetuft, who was 'getting some scoff' from the tables, which had been set up buffet-style on the lawn. "You invited her to sit with us?"
"Yah. An' don't give me those skeptical looks 'til ye've met her."
Bluetuft approached, balencing a tray piled high with food and a beaker of strawberry fizz. She smiled brightly at Muffle. "I thought you and your friends might like to try some of my appleburry trifle, Muffle!"
Hazal, who was the youngest of the Troupe, smiled back. "Howdy do, Miss! Appleburry trifle? Sounds good!"
Muffle smiled with satisfaction. "Bluetuft, this is Rosestripe, Hazal, Lady Moss, Poppinjay, Maybelle, Reila, and Starmist. Ev'ryone, this 'ere's Bluetuft. Say hello to the nice gel, Troupe!"
Poppy looked curiously at the Appleburry Trifle. Like all hares, her appitite was insatible, especially before meals. "Er, I say ol' chappess, think y'might pass the jolly old rations thisaway?"
Bluetuft handed it to her, and watched in amazment as the haremaids demolished everything that came within paws range. Hazal and the fox quickly became friends, and they chatted animatedly as they ate. Halfway through the meal a cry rang out. It was Ferdimond De Mayne, near the gatehouse.
"Wall racers, line up, wot!"
End of Part Seven!!
[
Next Thread |
Previous Thread |
Next Message |
Previous Message
]
|
Feedback: 