User blog:Shieldmaiden/Return to Noonvale

(MTW2 revised) ;)

This is a fan fiction story by me, Shieldmaiden. It is not considered canon, nor is it a policy or guideline. I would appreciate it if you would leave a comment at the bottom once you read it.

Dedicated to my family- Dad, Mom, V, B, J, and Z. Also for Felldoh and Laterose; for Skarlath, Finnbarr Galedeep and for Ares. You were a true warrior. You will live on in Lord Resa.

Writer note- Since every season is approximately three months, which is a quarter of a year, that's how much time a season is worth. IE- Chapter 7, "For the first time in 56 seasons, he cried openly." 56 divided by 4 is 14, so technically it's been 14 years. Divide any reference to seasons by 4, and you'll get the year total.

Look out for spoilers from Martin the Warrior (duh), Mossflower, Legend of Luke, Outcast of Redwall, and Doomwyte.

Prologue: Enter the Players
'''Whispering voices roused him from a deep sleep. His battle instincts, long unused, caused him to move quickly as he pulled his dagger from its place hanging above his bed, careful not to wake his wife. He noted with dismay the patches of rust and corrosion pitting the blade to the point of uselessness. He should have maintained it. '''

'''He opened the door outside and followed a faint light. It reminded him of that long night so many seasons ago, back when he had been a young 'un. He smiled, recalling his long-gone best friend's cocky smile and wholesome laugh. The light entered Noonvale's library and he followed in silence.'''

'''He lost it for a minute amidst the dusty shelves and old tomes, but arguing and sleepy voices soon got him back on track. “Wanga, why yoo bwing us here?” a cross Dibbun he recognized as his own son Riordan demanded, “I tired!” Dibbuns. He should have known.'''

'''The squirrel babe Ranga was climbing a high shelf, scanning the titles as she responded to her inquisitive friend. “Wemember da stowy yoo Daddy wead us wast nigh'? Welw, da second book's here'''.”

“Dere's anover stowy wiv Martin ee Wurrior?” a plump hare babe asked.

'''Ranga nodded. “Yes. It after war wiv Badwung, back when Mommy and Daddy were likkle!” There were gasps.'''

'''“Dat old? Wow!”'''

“Did they figh' in da big battle!”

'''Ranga squealed in triumph and pulled a tome nearly as big as she was from the shelf and threw it onto a nearby armchair. She nimbly leaped after it and opened it to the first page. She cleared her throat and began to read aloud, stumbling over the longer words. The adult who had followed them smiled as he heard long dusty memories brought into the light at last. Ah yes. Those were the days. Back when he was young and strong, and free as the wind. Back when many friends who were now dead walked the world and were alive.'''

'''Ah, yes. Those were the days. . .'''

=Book One: The Warbeast of the North= 48 Seasons Before, in the Summer of the Shining Water