(no subject)

[shakenandlimp]

[Open spam]

[Near the place where the stone table stands broken is a small, common mouse running across the field. It pauses, climbs bushes and finds high places where it can peer toward the blobby white shapes of tents, whiskers twitching at the smell of distant smoke.

Yesterday he had no name. His world was small. It was centered around his home in a holly bush outside a house full of the large loud things that generally stamped and screamed at him, except for one who occasionally had food. He had learned to trust her just enough to eat a morsel held out at the tips of her fingers. He knew that things that you ate were good, things that ate you were bad, and this place was cold and dangerous and full of foreign mice.

Today he knows a great deal more. He knows that the old place was America and this place is Narnia; he knows about evil worse than being eaten and good better than food.

The other mice are being very silly about this, in his opinion, clustered up and asking each other in hushed tones why they know so much and what does it mean and how they can speak. Useless philosophical nonsense; it will all sort itself out. Hollybush, as he has decided his name is, is a creature of action. He must help the army of the big dead cat the best he can, and most of all he must find and protect the breadcrumb girl.

It makes his hair stand on end to run in such a straight line and scares him badly to be so exposed when he climbs up to make sure of his way. But being frightened is no reason not to do a thing that needs doing.]

Comments

[no_tell_belle]

[A dryad, Venus doesn't often wander far from her grove of trees but even in her secluded little corner of Narnia, she hears talk. She knows change is in the wind. Whether it's for good or ill, that she doesn't know. She ventures closer to Aslan's camp in the hope of learning more.

She walks quietly, and the greenery that forms her clothing helps her blend into the surroundings. She notices movement at the old stone table and changes the course of her path to investigate. She smiles when she spies the tiny mouse.]

Hello there, little one.

[shakenandlimp]

[Hollybush freezes, and then sits back on his haunches and looks up.]

Hello, m'lady. Do you know which way to find the army, and the girl with breadcrumbs?

[no_tell_belle]

I'm afraid I don't know a breadcrumb girl, and as to the army, I must ask which army it is you're looking for.

[shakenandlimp]

The army of the big cat. The Breadcrumb girl will be with them. I must find her. This is a very dangerous place.

[His whiskers twitch, but he lifts his little face boldly.]

[no_tell_belle]

I'm afraid all of Narnia is a dangerous place these days, but you're in luck. Aslan's camp isn't far.

[She looks at his tiny little feet and legs.] Far, in this case, is a relative term however.

[shakenandlimp]

Do you think I shall reach it before night?

[no_tell_belle]

Possibly, but it may be a perilous journey.

[She holds out her hand, palm up.] I can help, if you like. I'm going that way myself.

[shakenandlimp]

[He considers for a long time. By and large he has no quarrel with trees, except sometimes there are owls in them.

After some deliberation, he climbs into her palm.]

Thankee, ma'am, I shall. You have not got any owls hiding in your hair, have you? Cats?

[no_tell_belle]

[She laughs and raises her hand so he can see her head.]

There's nothing in my hair but sweet magnolia blossoms. I promise no harm will come to you on my account.

[shakenandlimp]

Then thank you kindly indeed, and I am in your debt.

They call her a daughter of Eve, my friend who brought me breadcrumbs. Though I don't know how they know her mother's name. Or why it matters so much.

[no_tell_belle]

It's my pleasure, little one--no debt is owed.

That simply means she's a human. The daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam, are descended from the first humans and that makes them special.

[shakenandlimp]

Ah! Well, I might have told you she was special. She is the kindest person in the world.

[He squints a little shortsightedly at the landscape.]

It may be a mouse cannot do much in a war, but I will do all I can.

[no_tell_belle]

She must be a good friend then. Friends are always special, especially in these times.

[She sets off at an easy pace, holding the little mouse so that he can look out around them.]

Small creatures can do great things. I'm sure whoever leads the army now will be grateful for your service.

[rhapsody_in]

[Blue, as the nymph is called, knows she shouldn't be so far from her frozen waterfall. She should not be looking for the stone table or studying the snow around it, and she's certainly doing none of the sort when she sees the movement of a tail.]

Oh, excuse me! Who's there? [She smooths out her skirts, naked to the waist, and looks around curiously without a hint of shyness.] Hello?

[shakenandlimp]

Hello! Hello! [Hollybush pops up over a clod of dirt, knocking snow off of one ear in quick little pats.]

I am looking for the big cat's camp, is this the way?

[rhapsody_in]

Aslan's camp? I know of no other with a big cat. [She considers. While she has declared herself neutral, she knows the location and a friend or two would certainly be helpful.] I'll take you if you'll trust me to carry you.

[shakenandlimp]

Yes, lady. That camp. I must join the cause.

[He looks as bold as a mouse can.]

I would be grateful for your help. I will repay the debt someday.

[rhapsody_in]

I'll gladly take you, sir, and hope there's no cause for this little debt to be repaid.

[She kneels down, holding cupped hands out to pick him up.]

[shakenandlimp]

[He scrambles delicately into her hands, small paws placed carefully.] My name is Hollybush, m'lady, and what can I call you?

[rhapsody_in]

[Blue stands up carefully, holding Hollybush close to her.] it's my pleasure, Master Hollybush. I am called Blue.

[shakenandlimp]

[He holds onto one of her fingertips as if it's a sturdy railing, bracing himself against this sudden flight into the sky.]

My pleasure to meet you, Miss Blue. And I shan't forget it no matter what you say. I think even if a person is small they should have honour.

[rhapsody_in]

[She stands upright and proud, as if she's presenting a royal artifact instead of a new small acquaintance.]

On that point you're correct, Master Hollybush, but my words still stand.

[ichoosefight]

[ It isn't malice but an unfortunate playful habit that has Stephanie chasing after the mouse. She does her best to corner the small creature, turning her big wet nose to the task of memorizing its scent. Mice are small and quick, and that makes them very good playmates. ] Hello! I'm Steph. What's your name?

[shakenandlimp]

I am Hollybush! And if you try to kill me I will bite you!

[Hollybush bristles all over and bares his gnawing teeth; he has met dogs before, though never ones that could talk.]

[ichoosefight]

[ She jerks her head back with a little whimper, indicating that she would not like to be gnawed on by a mouse, thank you all the same. Then she promptly goes back to sniffing at the little creature. ] I'm not going to kill you! Unless you're from the White Queen's castle. Do you work for the White Queen?

arrrgh fuck it

[150th]

[A marsh-wiggle, dripping and grimy, smoking a long pipe, stops to stare at the mouse that climbs up the log he's seated on.]

You are too late to help, little thing.

[shakenandlimp]

Is the battle already over? I thought it had not even begun.

[150th]

The fight for Aslan's life is done.

[He shrugs one shoulder.]

What is left for those who wish for spring?