Dotting in, immage isn't great but at the same time...
Outside Gwendolyn’s office, little Archivist Quinn stands in front of his desk talking to a baker. He discreetly sweeps a stray crumb from his tasseled coral cloak. His long, soft fur is almost blue.
At the end of the hall, in the lobby of the archives, Orator Kent is babysitting the children of the Patrol Mice who have been sent out on missions. He’s a lean, cream-colored mouse, and on his wooden leg, he doesn’t go on many Patrols these days. At least it sounds like today’s story is a light one. The story of Barton’s mercy has a sound moral, and doesn’t include the bleak overcast he will sometimes work into his stories. Those little ones don’t need any more reason to worry about whether or not their parents are coming back.
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On many days, Barton would be late to check in. But not today, not today. He'd been awake since before the sun rose, laying awake, anxious and excited like it was Christmas morning. The first day of spring missions!
His first year in the guard had not gone as expected and the grouchy mouse who mentored him denied his robes. There was no time for bitterness, and Barton vowed to learn from his mistakes in the past year, when he'd wandered from fall's dull task of redirecting a creek that had washed out a road. He fell into a snake's burrow and while the hole was thankfully abandoned, it took Seyth several hours to get Barton free. By the time they were done, it was nearly dark and the road was in no better shape than it was when they arrived. That trip wasn't the only reason Barton was held back, but it certainly contributed. Seyth had a habit of being "extra sure" about a mouse's fitness for the guard, and many of the best enjoyed an extra year of training from Seyth. Perhaps a second year is what made them such good guardmice.
Barton preferred to not dwell on the fact that a full 60% of tenderpaw who trained under Seyth went home in disgrace after a few frustrating years of training.
He listened at the door for a moment at the story about his exploits, certainly the first of many. He felt a pang of shame, but just for a moment. While he knew that the youngsters should learn mercy, he fiercely regretted the clemency. Would he do it again, had he known the result? He'd like to think so, but...
After the short indulgence, Barton skidded in front of Quinn's desk.
He gave a low bow and glanced past Quinn to see if Gwendolyn was in. It'd be great if she witnessed his punctuality and commitment. This year he'd be very good indeed.
Good morning Mr. Quinn, sir. I'm reporting for my spring mission! I do hope it will be something exc...errr...something useful and practical.
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Seyth swept through the cool halls of Lockhaven, almost sad winter was over. there was a type of peace in his workshop, a meditative state, just him and the metal (and wood, chitin, and leather).
But, it was spring, and time to assume the duty.. he dusted off his cloak, faded over the years to an almost marsh-green. it would be time to replace it again soon. Arturus had a notion of one cloak your whole life, given to you by your mentor as you became a mouse of the guard, very noble and romantic imagery, but they hadn't realized what the sun did to the color, or what combat did to the shape. Seyth thought as he crossed the courtyard, the cold cobbles soothing on his calloused feet.
Barton was up. It was an improvement, last year the boy had to be poured out of bed near noon most days
Kent was entertaining the kids, across the way. telling the story about that business on the trail to Dolrigift. Boy don't believe it, but he did the right thing. Wern't 'is fault the damned rope was shoddy.
Morning, Quinn. Already 'ad breakfast, I see. he says, finishing the last bite of his. Got wind that Gwendolyn is gonna assign me another whippersnapper, know where 'e is?
Quinn flashes a meek smile at Barton, and adjusts one of his goggles. "Anything for some fresh air, yes?" The shorter mouse peers over Barton's shoulder. "G'morrow, Seyth- sir- uhm, Instructor Seyth. Just trying to keep the Matriarch fed, and getting resistance at both ends. Teigh never indicated it would be such a challenging part of the position... Have you seen Byr this morning?"
Barton tensed at Seyth's words. Did they assign a second tenderpaw or a new first tenderpaw?
Trying not to speak over Quinn, Barton meekly cut in at a break in the conversation.
Did you say there's be a second Tenderpaw?
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Bry wandered in slowly, his chestnut fur not helping him blend in at all. He had set up a full backpack, which seemed to be crowded with papers. He looked at the room than at a paper in his hand.
Excuse me? he said with a confident tone. But is this the place I'm supposed to go to get assigned to my mentor? Or my first mission. I have been pretty busy and this place is rather big so I don't know if I accidentally stumbled into the wrong room. This is the forth I have been to and this map isn't exactly helpful.
The young tenderpaw will glance at Barton, then to Seyth and Quinn. No this looks like the wrong room again. You guys seem all nice and paired up.
If any of you could tell me where I could find Seyth and Archivist Quinn that would be a big help. I have been walking around since uhh two hours ago? I can't remember. Too much to prepare for. Besides if I can I would like to find them and still have time to make some medical items before I had to go. Uhh, also is that usual to do?
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As soon as he asked, the new tenderpaw showed up. Barton eyed the young mouse up and down. He looked friendly, and helpful and eager to learn. Exactly the kind of mouse that Seyth loved to tutor.
The easy thing to do would be to say nothing and hope that Quinn and Seyth were too distracted to notice the newcomer. Maybe he'd wander off, maybe an owl would eat him.
But a guardmouse is always honest, no matter how much easier a lie would be.
He let out a long, resigned sigh.
No, you're in the right place. I think there are two of us with Seyth this season.
He extended his hand. I'm Barton. You are?
Oh Hi Barton. Nice to meet you, I'm Bry Bry shook the other tenderpaws hand, dropping the map. Oh strong grip.
Wait two tenderpaws. That can't be right. Maybe they just need a medic for this mission. I think my recipes for many of my physics in my bag. Tell my Barton, do you or Seyth tend to get injured often? Any pains from old injuries?
Bry chatters on without realizing he may be out of place. He seems completely genuine in wishing to know if there is anything he could do to help both his fellow tenderpaw and the old mouse.
Barton released the mouse's hand, but before he could tell him there definitely were two tenderpaws assigned to the same grouch, he was pelted by more questions
Hurt often...
Barton remembered the bottom of the snake hole. He remembered falling on his face when he tried to backflip off a tree to catch a hare who'd run off. He remembered nearly drowning in a creek that unexpectedly surged in a spring rain.
Every once in awhile, I gurss
Bry lights up, thinking he can help. Any lingering pains or symptoms? I might be able to help.
Seyth turns to regard the newby. Byr, yeah, they had said his name was.
Right. I'm Seyth. You needn't concern yourself with the titles. Good to meet you. Seyth considers the boy, young, overeager, hopefully a little less hotheaded. they seemed to be playing nice, a plus. it wouldn't do to have them competing.
No, for the season at least, I have two tenderpaws. and I don't have any injuries I need a whippersnapper like you ta' tend to. he looks over to Quinn When will Gwendolyn be available to give us our mission?
Yer a healer? anything else you've a talent for? Seyth asks Byr
Barton shook his head. Thanks, but no thanks. The new mouse reminded Barton of his dear friend Rolly, and that made Barton dreadfully homesick.
Seyth, what do you think our mission might be? Do you think the snapping turtle is going to come back to menace the villages again? I didn't get to help drive her off last time...
Bry will look over Seyth, trying to spot any injury the oldfur could be hiding. Old Guard tended to be the most reluctant to talk about injury according to Buck.
I don't know if I am talented at anything really. I enjoy healing and have been harvesting since I could lift a sickle without risking death. I have also worked on some weather watching, and am trying to make some charts for it. I'm not that good though. Bry replied with gusto.
How long have you been in the guard sir?
He seems to ignore the comment about snapping turtles as he tries to put the map of Lockhaven into his relatively overstuffed bag. Why does paper take up so much space
To spare them all Seyth's reaction to that last question, Quinn clears his throat. "Gwendolyn will see you now."
Gwendolyn’s office was built to impress. A large bay window filters sunlight into the room, illuminating a table covered in books, maps, and stacks of reports. The walls are covered in scrolls and shelves, and on any other day, would carry the smell of parchment and ink. As you enter, Archivist Quinn sets out a small plate of honeyed buns. “You should eat, Ma’am.”
“Thank you, Quinn.” Gwendolyn shifts the plate to one side, smoothing out her map without taking a bun. She’s been reading reports all morning, moving pawns across her table. “Good morning, boys. A big mornin', ey?” Her smile is warm, and she crosses the room to lay a paw on Barton’s shoulder and Bry’s head. She passes through to Seyth and shakes his paw, clasping his elbow with her other hand. “I hope you all have rested well. We have a lot of work to do to get the territories moving again. As I understand, you boys are from Ivydale and Elmoss? Yes? Well, I am sure you will be excited to see your parents again, and won’t mind stopping by Sprucetuck on the way? The southern corridor is a major route used to transport grain, as you know. The winter melt will have changed the path considerably as rivers cut past our roads. I’ll need you to mark out our best path for carts, and stock up and repair the shelters on the way. The more detailed a map we can give the Trailblazers, the better, so we’re counting on you, Barton..” She winks. There is a transcendent ease about her as she treats with the tenderpaws.
Bry pulls out a few more papers, shuffling things around in an attempt to get organized. He seems to look more concentrated when he hears about home. It would be far quicker to skip my family and just get on with the mission. Afterall, if things are to be connected they should simply be connected. It would only increase the time and difficulty of getting accurate maps if I said hi.
Bry pulls out a piece of paper that seems to be some kind of check list and marks something off of it.
Pathfinding. Always enjoyed pathfinding. And sprucetuck, lovely place. Seyth says, happy he'll soon be on the road.
Barton, have ya got yer kit together? Would ya grab a few tools for patching the shelters? he asks his older tenderpaw. Glad he had the lad on this one, it would be good to help the boy explore a less dangerous talent.
And you, Bry, you got a weapon, have a pack together? Go get it, and show me what you've packed when you finish. he says. as his tenderpaws scurry to their tasks he turns to Gwendolyn. I 'ave it on good authority that even matriarchs have to eat. he gestures to the plate, snagging a bun for himself. He raises it into the air. To a peaceful year. he says
Actually ma'm I'm from Sprucetuck, not Ivydale nor Elmoss. I'd be pleased to visit all three.
Barton wasn't sure why she'd gotten his home town wrong, not why the newbie was so anxious to avoid home. He was busy fretting about another dull assignment. Road maintenance? Mapping? He wanted adventure and excitement, not digging a drainage trench to protect the road.
He gives a deep bow to Gwendolyn and a quick nod to Seyth. Get my weapon and my tools, yessir!
He scurried away before Seyth could correct him. He may not have wanted to maintain the trail, by he'd maintain the trail better than anymouse every did![/b]
Gwendolyn rubs her eye with the heel of her paw. “I know, I know." She takes a bun from the plate and makes a show of taking a bite. "This morning I received a report from Pilib saying Berach wants to renegotiate payment for the scent barrels again. I know I don't need to tell you how much that jeopardizes, this late into the melt. Could you do what you did last year and take care of it? I don’t think we can afford what he’s asking, and I won’t be extorted besides.”
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After just a few moments, Barton returned with his sword and a leather roll filled with map making supplies. Compass (both kinds), some pencils, a ruler, and a few sheets of thin paper to lay sketches over the existing maps. Slung over his shoulder was a knapsack with a few tools to patch holes in shelter roofs, and likely a few warm buns provided by Alyssa, the baker's apprentice who was sweet on Barton.
I'll just need the trail maps from last fall and I'm all set.,
Bry heard the words pack stuff and points to his backpack. I have more than just papers in here mam. I should probably leave some back here though. Other than that I am all packed. I even have a map from last fall.
He then pats his sickle and seems to relax.
Gwendolyn sets down the bun, wiping crumbs from her paws. "Quinn can fetch anything you might need from the log, and will make sure your coin is exchanged for Sprucetuck mint..." She wiggles her nose in thought. "I know I don't have to tell you, but we need this settled quick. The snow is melting, and you know Thunder is just waiting for a chance at our honey."
You each push through the cracked gates of Lockhaven, and into the sweet, chill air of early spring. Outside of Lockhaven, teams of Laborers are still moving snow out of the main thoroughfares. The city is quickly reclaiming its lands. The first outpost south of Lockhaven is already repaired and stocked: an old woodpecker nest in a tall oak looks over a fork. The main road leading to Elmoss, and the footpath headed to Ivydale. It’s a good location for an experienced Weather Watcher to ply her craft; however, preparations must come to an end at some point, and there is no getting through the melt runoff and scattered debris without a Pathfinder.
Comparing your maps to the view, you can see the cart road as it crosses from tree to brush and through knotted root. Much of the surface is overgrown, covered in mud, flooded, or crumbled away, and it’s only with your old maps that you’re sure just where it fell. Any minor damages will have to be marked on the map, as you aren’t setting out with any Masons, but more importantly, you can see from this vantage that an old rotted pine has fallen across a gully, and flooded an entire stretch of road. It will be your job to find a new route that’s easier to clear, and possibly shorter. It will be between Senior Laborer Charli and Senior Mason Freddik to hash out which they can have cart-ready soonest.
The path isn't as firmly established. There are less considerations to make, as it won't have to support a full cart, but it is harder to spot, even from this vantage.
Beyond the stand of trees in the distance, there’s no telling what challenges lay between you and your destination.
Whelp, no time ta spare Seyth says, hefting his pack onto his shoulders. Yer ta widen the path behind me. Barton, ya pay extra attention, cause when I get tired, ye get ta take point. He says, eager to get underway. On the trial was the only time he could keep a tender paws attention long enough for them to absorb anything.
We're making for Ivydale first. but we'll need to stop by Sprucetuck afterward.
Barton nodded at Seyth, taking extra care to mark the new trail as they went.
Most cartographers take notes then apply the notes to the maps when making corrections. Not Barton. He traces along the path of the map as they go. When they leave the trail, he continues to trace along. It makes the map more accurate, because he's adjusting the map as he lives it, not from notes and memories after the fact.
Despite his caution, Seyth has no trouble guiding his tenderpaws along the remains of the path to Ivydale. More than the path itself, he's grown familiar with the trees around Lockhaven, and when a stretch of path is blocked by a recent landslide, he recognizes an old tunnel uncovered by the same event. Deep inside the tunnel is an old outpost built from an abandoned snake den. A rack of cots is built across an untended mushroom field. Most of the shelters until now have needed minimal upkeep. A few minutes to check braces and drop off food gathered during travel, and you’ve moved on. This, however, is a major outpost with a sustainable food source, and could serve as a rallying point for evacuation of either Lockhaven or Ivydale. Scanning the caps and polypores, however, Bry can tell this bed would be dangerous if left in its untended state.
Bry looks at the sky's and tries to identify any ominous signs.
Bry tries to get them in rows before realizing he is spending too much time drawing charts in the dirt for the rows instead of simply moving the mushrooms. Thinking on his feet he decides to use his paw prints to set up the rows and make sure the mushrooms are all perfectly placed.
Barton knows more than a little about mushrooms (the brainiacs back home loved to take him foraging for tasty mushrooms. They'd walk with their eyes fixed on the ground, he'd get them home safely again.) He sets down to help Bry clear out the toxic mushrooms while Bry fosters the safer spores.
Thanks in no small part to Bry's circumspection and Barton's upbringing, the two of them have the patch culled and the soil turned before Seyth has to call it a night. It's an impressive display, and heartwarming to see the two of them take so naturally to tasks some tenderpaws would complain are custodial work.
In the morning, the mission continues, and the path to Ivydale is charted. Located in a shallow, ivy-choked valley, the town is made up of several small settlements hidden away in trees and rocky outcroppings. Four trees house most of the lodgings and storehouses. Snow is piled up against the trunks. Ivydale tends to sleep in late into spring, as its major trade relies on grain crops that don't begin sprouting until a month after Vernalstar.
Their welcome is warm, however, and being the first patrol to pass through, you're positively innundated with questions. Will mail delivery start soon? Is Finn doing well? Will the Guard conscript more children this year? Are the scent borders up yet? After a few hours, though you have the run of the place.
Bry will wander around town checking to make sure everything is ok.