Post by Tala on May 13, 2007 17:47:08 GMT -5
Though movement around the warren has been subdued by the dispirited atmosphere following the attack, it hasn't ceased completely. After overseeing an unusually quiet silflay, Stonewort returns to the honeycomb with two rabbits following close behind, a younger buck and a doe. After the trio have filed in, they move a little ways off to one side of the earthen chamber and begin talking quietly with each other.
Things have been...overwhelming. Tumultuous. Chestnut has simultaneously passed into adulthood and had to live in the warren during a terribly dark and confusing time. Their chief is gone, killed, and in such a way to incite fear in the hearts of more than just rabbits. Chestnut is sitting on the edge of the Honeycomb, to the side of the west run, running a paw across his cheek and brooding.
"No, I don't care," comes the unmistakably gruff voice of the captain, and a quieter, yet equally as gruff voice of a second buck. Their echoing is faint, but it's coming from one of the entrance runs, probably somewhere closer to the surface. The conversation, well, more like bickering, cuts in and out as it bounces its way towards the Honeycomb. "What about--" "No, Ashpelt, that's not the issue--" "Can't we.. dangerous times--" "That's enough," Blackbriar hisses as the two enter the larger cavern in the center of the warren, the captain standing tall over one of his younger officers. His eyes are hard, steely, and dark, and he issues a stern, barking order, and the second-year rabbit lopes obediantly down a smaller run. Blackbriar sniffs, pausing briefly to scratch behind his long, silky ear before moving further into the Honeycomb, shaking his head and murmuring quietly to himself. Things are starting to get edgy. Rabbits need leadership, and the Captain of the Owsla isn't going to cut it by himself.
Sunflower has just entered into the honeycomb as well after spending time moving through all the runs making sure everyone is well that have stayed in her burrow. Her ears twitch and shift about as she listions to the different voices, she catches her father's voice and smiles before her attetnionturns to Chestnut. She turns and moves on over to where her friend is having not seen him for a few days and is glad his alright. "Hello Chestnut, good to see that you are well."
Nightshade bounds into the center of the honeycomb, quickly sighting and approaching her mate's side. "Blackbriar - I don't think we can hold out on a chief selection much longer," she murmurs in a hushed voice, glancing out at the other rabbits gathered. Bickering over petty issues, fighting over the last bits of gathered clover, others huddling in fear in the corners. Without leadership and command, rabbits are, admittedly, very panicked creatures. "I think it is time for a new chief to take the helms."
Coriander leaves the dark, cool Owsla run and enters the warmth and company of the Honeycomb. His gazes wanders briefly and languidly before finding Nightshade and Blackbriar. His noses gives a twitch and he gains a air of alertness as he hops towards his parents with his ears perked forward and whiskers quivering. He stops near them and scratches idly at his cheek with a hindpaw before speaking. "Hullo, Nightshade, Blackbriar."
Stonewort and his two companions pause from their conversation as Blackbriar and Nightshade arrive. Yes, edgy is a good word to describe the mood of much of the warren -- of those who aren't steeped in gloom, that is. Stonewort, though, while perhaps slightly more somber than usual, seems more or less unaffected by the peculiar mood. He gives the two rabbits beside him an encouraging glance, then turns and moves to join his fellow owsla officers, the others following. "Sir. These two rabbits have volunteered for sentry duty at the entrance run. Three more are already stationed." He doesn't have to raise his voice for his words to carry throughout the honeycomb, hopefully some security to ease the minds of those who are particularly nervous. "This is Ash." He says with a tilt of his head towards the younger buck, an alert looking fellow, if still underweight. Then his gaze turns to the doe, who appears to be a bit older but not quite as confident. "And this is Betony."
Chestnut smiles at Sunflower as she approaches him. "Hello." He does seem truly glad to see her - she's a ray of light in the dreary atmosphere left in the wake of the attack. He does imagine that she's no better off for it, though.
At first to accost, err, greet him, is Nightshade, and he tips his ears politely at her rather urgent request. He nods, and nudges her shoulder with her nose, "Believe me, I know." Then, his second accosting, err, greeting, is from Stonewort and two other rabbits, outskirters perhaps, who's faces he has seen but has not memorized their names. He greets both with a smile, "Thank you both, for volunteering. We could certainly use the help. At the moment, all the shifts are covered, but stick close and I'll seek you out at the next shift change, alright?" Again he nods, sitting back on his hind legs to pause and take a good look around the Honeycomb. Hmm. Busy tonight.
Sunflower ears twitch while she listions to the others, picking up on the talk of others helping out with guarding the entrance, nice to hear at least. Her attention is mostly on Chestnut though. "You are alright.. right?" She questions softly. As for the attack, she might be a bit more at ease then some seeing how she and Chestnut both went though this before after all. Still she doesn't like the outcome any better then she did last time. Her gaze drifts to the side as she watches a pair of rabbits bickering over the food which just makes her blink, and sit up a bit strighter. "Its alright.. Share, we will get more soon. No sense in fighting with one another about it though. We are in this togther after all." She offers with a soft resuring tone to try and ease the pair's worries.
"Why not now, Blackbriar?" Nightshade questions, pressing the issue forward. "All of our most capable rabbits are gathered here already...you could swiftly administer the same trials Myrtle-rah went through and a decision could be reached just as quickly." She glances over to Sunflower as she speaks, attempting to calm the bickering rabbits. "The warren needs it," she adds solemnly.
Coriander listens quietly to Blackbriar's response, a solemn flick of his ear signaling that he knows what his father is referring to although he hadn't heard all of the conversation. He lifts up onto his haunches, nods amiably to his fellow officer, Stonewort, and offers a friendly smile to Ash and Betony. His attention wanders to Sunflower and Chestnut, off in the corner, before Nightshade continues with her urgent query and he turns back to observe. He scratches his ear thoughtfully, remembering Myrtle-rah's trials and sizing himself up to them.
Betony gives a nod, and soon edges away to join another small group of does, while Stonewort and Ash remain where they are, the younger of the two bucks looking from officer to officer expectantly. The elder of the pair, after returning a nod of greeting to Coriander, sits up and grooms his whiskers with a sort of detached attentiveness. Being relatively new to the warren, Stonewort doesn't know anything of the trials by which Myrtle-rah was elected, but despite his curiosity he decides merely wait and find out.
"I'm fine." Pause. "Just glad you're all right." Chestnut manages a smile. He turns his head towards the two bickering rabbits, and offers gently in support, "She's right." For now, he takes no notice of the discussion between the Owsla officer and his mate.
The Owsla captain takes a good, long look at those assembled, his brows knitted slightly before he lopes to the middle of the Honeycomb. He sits back on his hind quarters and begins to thump the ground in a steady rythym, not the panicked state of alarum. Slowly, some begrudgingly, some warily, rabbits begin to approach the main cavern and settle themselves against walls and companions, eyeing the captain as he summons them. After some time of milling about, Blackbriar stops and barks gruffly for attention, his ears pricking up at attention as he stands tall. "I know that we are all saddened by the loss of our Chief, Myrtle-rah, yet, in this time of worry, we must press on with our lives. We cannot, and will not, live in sadness and fear; we mourn the loss of our dear friend, but it is time that a Chieftan steps up to take the place of our departed. Those willing, come forward."
Sunflower watches the two bickering calm down some, enough to listion to her father at least. She sighs a bit and then looks back to Chestnut smiling some and nods. "I'm glad your alright.." This said softly before she looks to her brother and nods. "Hello Coriander." At the thumping her gaze turns to her father listioning quietly before taking in a slight breath and smiles a bit to Chestnut and turns moving forward to where he father is. She was there for Myrtle's trails and can only wonder what it will be this time.
Loping around to her mate's side, it's clear that Nightshade is merely going to sit beside the captain, not volunteering herself for the role of chief. It's not a job she feels she's qualified for, especially with so many more capable rabbits willing to take on the role. No, she will only watch as an Owsla member.
Coriander's ears pull back, resting on his shoulders as he watches his father address the warren. He returns Sunflower's smile as he listens, feeling the words as the pass through his brain and analyzing them, appreciative of their effect on the attending rabbits. At the last of it, amidst the sudden excited whispering, he pauses and looks once around the Honeycomb. Yes. All right. Coriander pushes himself forward to stand before Blackbriar and nod a determined, earnest nod, his right ear tilted forward in a kind of salute.
Stonewort finishes his idle grooming as the congregation is called officially into session, and perks his ears attentively towards Blackbrair, ceasing their ever-constant movement for the time being. The end of the speech is somewhat unexpected; he's never been through this before, after all. But it doesn't take him more than a second to recover, and as Coriander answers the call, Stonewort moves confidently forward as well. He meets the younger buck's gaze with an expression that clearly shows his respect -- this is no light responsibility that he's offering to carry, after all -- before letting his full attention settle on the captain again.
Chestnut stays back at the thumping and the announcement, watching mutely as a few young bucks - and Sunflower - step forward towards Blackbriar. It's hard to tell what he's feeling - not good enough for her? Not good enough for himself? But he gives a quick shake of his head and settles back to watch. He was not made to be chief anyway.
As both of his children step up, Blackbriar only issues a stoic blink; he can't afford to play favorites, even with his kits.. though, they certainly aren't kits anymore. Another blink to Stonewort, before the captain surveys the gathering as a whole, waiting a brief moment longer before coughing again for attention. "Let it be known that Sunflower, Coriander, and Stonewort have expressed their desire to lead our warren out of its sorrowful times. I express my sincere gratitude to the three of you." The dark rabbit nods, settles himself a moment, and then continues. "I will ask each one of you a single question. Take the time to answer it truthfully. When all three of you have answered, the vote will be cast. Understood?" Again a pause as he looks at each of the three in front of him in turn, finding that even he feel a degree of nervousness. "Then let us begin. Your question is this: Tell us, please, what you will do to ease the unease among our burrows and above ground, to let us again live in comfort and silflay without panick. Sunflower, you may answer first."
Sunflower is she could read Chestnut's mind she would tell him that he is fine her for, there is nothing about being good enough for anyone here. Its not like she would change if she was chossen to lead, even if she wasn't picked she is still Owsla. She also do not expect anything done by being one's favorites, this is after all for the good of the warren. After what happened with Mytrle she half expects her brother or Stonewort to be picked though, the warren might feel a buck would stay around longer then a doe after all so she is not going to get her heart set on anything and will be happy with either answer she recives. She sits up stright, ears perked forward as she listions to her father and nods at how the questions should be voted upon, makes sense to her. The young doe blinks as she is the first to be picked to answer the question.. Great make her the nervous one why don’t ya? She clears her throat while working on the answer in her head. "To help with ease of everyone I think it would be good for each to help one another through this time. We should try to speak to one another, anyone who is scared or worried should know they may turn to someone for help if they need it. Extra guards will be needed to bring calm back to the world above to make sure we have enough ears and eyes about to pick up on these..things." She won't say wolves, nono. "Everyone would have to make some attempt to not get to lax above as well. With time we will be able to become more relaxed, going back to the way things where. But, right now we have to keep our guard up."don't ya? She keeps a stright face though hidding her nervousness in the pit of her stomach.
Coriander pauses, his gaze cast down to the cool, packed earth as he collects his feelings and sets his thoughts to his tongue. "To do this, I will employ all the cleverness of El-ahrairah and act with the loyal servitude of Rabscuttle to the warren. I will train the Owsla in all the tricks we as rabbits must know and make sure all silflays are sentried so that none of the Hrair may go unseen or unheard and so that no rabbit will be exposed to danger. I will busy the warren with the building of a new run so that idleness does not play on our fears and allow unease to settle in our minds. I will speak with you, Blackbriar, about the creation of an infrequent Wide Patrol, so that the warren is prepared for the movements of hrair and to let us be exposed to new and unfamiliar situations, which would be invaluable to our protection at home. In the next few days, I would see that all quarrels are settled and that all anxiousness about the well-being of our warren has subsided. We are a strong community and there is no reason for us to live in fear of silflay. All the world may be our enemy, but we will not let that be our undoing."
Stonewort patiently waits for his turn, listening in respectful silence as Sunflower and Coriander make their proposals, unable to help feeling impressed with both of them. He then unravels himself from his own thoughts and shifts to look back at all the curious, expectant faces peering in his direction. "Much of what I would have said has been said. How soon the warren returns to a time of peace and comfort depends not just on the chief, whoever you might choose. As Sunflower wisely said," He offers a warm, appreciative glance to the younger doe as he goes on, "we must rely on, and above all trust in each other. Also, as Coriander pointed out, more sentries and frequent wide patrols are needed, and I would do my best to organize them, but again, it will be up to each of you to volunteer for such positions, as I don't intend to enforce such duties on anyone who doesn't wish to serve them." He pauses briefly to let this settle in before finishing. "The most valuable thing that I have to offer is knowledge: I've spent a fair amount of time living in a warren and as a hlessi, and would be glad to share everything I've learned about elil and other dangers to anyone willing to listen -- whether or not I'm elected chief."
Listening carefully to all three of the rabbit's answers, Blackbriar considers and closely examines their responses, turning them over in his mind. After a few moments of murmuring silence from the rest of the warren, the captain nods his head once, taking a small hop forward. "All of you are very qualified and capable of the role of chief. However, there can be only one, and the decision was not an easy one. However, it must be done, and in the good faith of the warren and hope for a brighter future, I have made it." He pauses briefly, glancing at the trio of officers once again. "Stonewort, you have proven yourself to be a valuable officer already, despite being a rabbit only recently hlessi. However, I'm sure you understand that I would rather trust the role of chief to someone who has been with us longer - in this case, since birth." Turning to his children, Blackbriar now addresses them. "Sunflower, you have grown into a beautiful doe, and you are no less capable than your brother. And perhaps somsome day, when I am retired, you may take my place as captain. But I feel the best decision for a new chief of Hawthorn is Coriander." The decision announced, Blackbriar bows his head slightly in proper hierarchal respect, despite the fact that he is the buck's father. "Come forward, my son, and greet the warren as a new buck, Coriander-rah.
Sunflower listions closely to her brother and Stonewort, there answers she feels are better then her's, not that she has a problem with it. The pointis she tryed and did put forth an effort. If she had never tryed she would have wondered for the rest of the time here. She looks to her father and nods with a smile, understanding and she has no ill-will towards her bother. She trusts him fully and it helps that there siblings with that. She faintly elbows her brother and winks at him, a faint grin offered showing that she is glad that he was picked and she knows he'll do a good job at being leader. The doe then bows her head to show him the respect he deserves.
Nightshade lopes forward to offer her son - now chief - a maternal nuzzle rather than a bow, likely to his embarrassment. "I'm so proud of you, Coriander-rah," she murmurs before shifting closer to Sunflower and out of the buck's path.
Coriander smiles silently and nods, the weight of the decision settling in his stomach. "Thank you, father." He looks from side to side, at his and onetime fellow officer, nodding in friendship and respect to both in turn. He laughs briefly, softly, at Nightshade's nuzzle and returns it. "Thank you, mother." He inhales as his path to the pedestal of leadership is cleared and moves forward. He rises onto his haunches, his forepaws folded solemnly below the wash of cream white fur on his chest and his chin raised with importance. "Thank you all. I promise that I will carry on the legacy of Myrtle-rah to the very best of my ability. Know that I am always available to listen to what you have to say." He nods, his ears flicking forward. "I promise to see Hawthorn Warren to a time of prosperity, and I will work towards it with all the strength I contain. I will close with this: Lay kasrahalt, a koi hrair kasrahil, a nayltil mi lay nahl-nyt zayn zorn. Be clever, and full of tricks, and we will never be destroyed."
As the speech finishes, a cry rings out: "Long live Coriander-rah!" And it comes from no other than Stonewort, who seems to be not only not disappointed in Blackbrair's decision, but immediately and fully supportive of it. Already, the oppressive weight of Myrtle-rah's death seems to be lifting, replaced by the promise of new leadership. The older buck follows Blackbriar's example and offers a dip of his head to the new chief, a great deal of respect still clearly visible in his expression, before lifting it and repeating the cry, inciting others to join him. "Long live Coriander-rah!"
Sunflower smiles and glances to her mother and nods, she takes a moment to look back to where she saw Chestnut, wishing he would come over as well. Her attention goes back to her brother and she keeps her smile. "Indeed." She murmurs softly after her brother speaks before joining in the cheering for him.
Coriander's ears tilt back with a small smile as he lowers back on to all fours and his new name echoes all about the honeycomb. He smiles warmly at Stonewort, who gave the first cheer, and gives a nod of thanks to the older buck. He inhales deeply and gives a soft bow to the gathering of rabbits. "Thank you, all of you," he says as the cheers dies down. "You may all return to your rest and conversations." He bobs his head and moves from the center of attention, feeling flushed and excited but remaining fairly stoic. Coriander-rah? he thinks. Well, it will certainly take some getting used to, but... I think I can handle that.
Stonewort returns the smile, and as Coriander hops out of the limelight, Stonewort follows him. "Blackbriar chose wisely." He says in all sincerity. "And my offer still stands; I won't hesitate to offer my advice, should you ask it." And sometimes even if you don't ask for it, hah.
Things have been...overwhelming. Tumultuous. Chestnut has simultaneously passed into adulthood and had to live in the warren during a terribly dark and confusing time. Their chief is gone, killed, and in such a way to incite fear in the hearts of more than just rabbits. Chestnut is sitting on the edge of the Honeycomb, to the side of the west run, running a paw across his cheek and brooding.
"No, I don't care," comes the unmistakably gruff voice of the captain, and a quieter, yet equally as gruff voice of a second buck. Their echoing is faint, but it's coming from one of the entrance runs, probably somewhere closer to the surface. The conversation, well, more like bickering, cuts in and out as it bounces its way towards the Honeycomb. "What about--" "No, Ashpelt, that's not the issue--" "Can't we.. dangerous times--" "That's enough," Blackbriar hisses as the two enter the larger cavern in the center of the warren, the captain standing tall over one of his younger officers. His eyes are hard, steely, and dark, and he issues a stern, barking order, and the second-year rabbit lopes obediantly down a smaller run. Blackbriar sniffs, pausing briefly to scratch behind his long, silky ear before moving further into the Honeycomb, shaking his head and murmuring quietly to himself. Things are starting to get edgy. Rabbits need leadership, and the Captain of the Owsla isn't going to cut it by himself.
Sunflower has just entered into the honeycomb as well after spending time moving through all the runs making sure everyone is well that have stayed in her burrow. Her ears twitch and shift about as she listions to the different voices, she catches her father's voice and smiles before her attetnionturns to Chestnut. She turns and moves on over to where her friend is having not seen him for a few days and is glad his alright. "Hello Chestnut, good to see that you are well."
Nightshade bounds into the center of the honeycomb, quickly sighting and approaching her mate's side. "Blackbriar - I don't think we can hold out on a chief selection much longer," she murmurs in a hushed voice, glancing out at the other rabbits gathered. Bickering over petty issues, fighting over the last bits of gathered clover, others huddling in fear in the corners. Without leadership and command, rabbits are, admittedly, very panicked creatures. "I think it is time for a new chief to take the helms."
Coriander leaves the dark, cool Owsla run and enters the warmth and company of the Honeycomb. His gazes wanders briefly and languidly before finding Nightshade and Blackbriar. His noses gives a twitch and he gains a air of alertness as he hops towards his parents with his ears perked forward and whiskers quivering. He stops near them and scratches idly at his cheek with a hindpaw before speaking. "Hullo, Nightshade, Blackbriar."
Stonewort and his two companions pause from their conversation as Blackbriar and Nightshade arrive. Yes, edgy is a good word to describe the mood of much of the warren -- of those who aren't steeped in gloom, that is. Stonewort, though, while perhaps slightly more somber than usual, seems more or less unaffected by the peculiar mood. He gives the two rabbits beside him an encouraging glance, then turns and moves to join his fellow owsla officers, the others following. "Sir. These two rabbits have volunteered for sentry duty at the entrance run. Three more are already stationed." He doesn't have to raise his voice for his words to carry throughout the honeycomb, hopefully some security to ease the minds of those who are particularly nervous. "This is Ash." He says with a tilt of his head towards the younger buck, an alert looking fellow, if still underweight. Then his gaze turns to the doe, who appears to be a bit older but not quite as confident. "And this is Betony."
Chestnut smiles at Sunflower as she approaches him. "Hello." He does seem truly glad to see her - she's a ray of light in the dreary atmosphere left in the wake of the attack. He does imagine that she's no better off for it, though.
At first to accost, err, greet him, is Nightshade, and he tips his ears politely at her rather urgent request. He nods, and nudges her shoulder with her nose, "Believe me, I know." Then, his second accosting, err, greeting, is from Stonewort and two other rabbits, outskirters perhaps, who's faces he has seen but has not memorized their names. He greets both with a smile, "Thank you both, for volunteering. We could certainly use the help. At the moment, all the shifts are covered, but stick close and I'll seek you out at the next shift change, alright?" Again he nods, sitting back on his hind legs to pause and take a good look around the Honeycomb. Hmm. Busy tonight.
Sunflower ears twitch while she listions to the others, picking up on the talk of others helping out with guarding the entrance, nice to hear at least. Her attention is mostly on Chestnut though. "You are alright.. right?" She questions softly. As for the attack, she might be a bit more at ease then some seeing how she and Chestnut both went though this before after all. Still she doesn't like the outcome any better then she did last time. Her gaze drifts to the side as she watches a pair of rabbits bickering over the food which just makes her blink, and sit up a bit strighter. "Its alright.. Share, we will get more soon. No sense in fighting with one another about it though. We are in this togther after all." She offers with a soft resuring tone to try and ease the pair's worries.
"Why not now, Blackbriar?" Nightshade questions, pressing the issue forward. "All of our most capable rabbits are gathered here already...you could swiftly administer the same trials Myrtle-rah went through and a decision could be reached just as quickly." She glances over to Sunflower as she speaks, attempting to calm the bickering rabbits. "The warren needs it," she adds solemnly.
Coriander listens quietly to Blackbriar's response, a solemn flick of his ear signaling that he knows what his father is referring to although he hadn't heard all of the conversation. He lifts up onto his haunches, nods amiably to his fellow officer, Stonewort, and offers a friendly smile to Ash and Betony. His attention wanders to Sunflower and Chestnut, off in the corner, before Nightshade continues with her urgent query and he turns back to observe. He scratches his ear thoughtfully, remembering Myrtle-rah's trials and sizing himself up to them.
Betony gives a nod, and soon edges away to join another small group of does, while Stonewort and Ash remain where they are, the younger of the two bucks looking from officer to officer expectantly. The elder of the pair, after returning a nod of greeting to Coriander, sits up and grooms his whiskers with a sort of detached attentiveness. Being relatively new to the warren, Stonewort doesn't know anything of the trials by which Myrtle-rah was elected, but despite his curiosity he decides merely wait and find out.
"I'm fine." Pause. "Just glad you're all right." Chestnut manages a smile. He turns his head towards the two bickering rabbits, and offers gently in support, "She's right." For now, he takes no notice of the discussion between the Owsla officer and his mate.
The Owsla captain takes a good, long look at those assembled, his brows knitted slightly before he lopes to the middle of the Honeycomb. He sits back on his hind quarters and begins to thump the ground in a steady rythym, not the panicked state of alarum. Slowly, some begrudgingly, some warily, rabbits begin to approach the main cavern and settle themselves against walls and companions, eyeing the captain as he summons them. After some time of milling about, Blackbriar stops and barks gruffly for attention, his ears pricking up at attention as he stands tall. "I know that we are all saddened by the loss of our Chief, Myrtle-rah, yet, in this time of worry, we must press on with our lives. We cannot, and will not, live in sadness and fear; we mourn the loss of our dear friend, but it is time that a Chieftan steps up to take the place of our departed. Those willing, come forward."
Sunflower watches the two bickering calm down some, enough to listion to her father at least. She sighs a bit and then looks back to Chestnut smiling some and nods. "I'm glad your alright.." This said softly before she looks to her brother and nods. "Hello Coriander." At the thumping her gaze turns to her father listioning quietly before taking in a slight breath and smiles a bit to Chestnut and turns moving forward to where he father is. She was there for Myrtle's trails and can only wonder what it will be this time.
Loping around to her mate's side, it's clear that Nightshade is merely going to sit beside the captain, not volunteering herself for the role of chief. It's not a job she feels she's qualified for, especially with so many more capable rabbits willing to take on the role. No, she will only watch as an Owsla member.
Coriander's ears pull back, resting on his shoulders as he watches his father address the warren. He returns Sunflower's smile as he listens, feeling the words as the pass through his brain and analyzing them, appreciative of their effect on the attending rabbits. At the last of it, amidst the sudden excited whispering, he pauses and looks once around the Honeycomb. Yes. All right. Coriander pushes himself forward to stand before Blackbriar and nod a determined, earnest nod, his right ear tilted forward in a kind of salute.
Stonewort finishes his idle grooming as the congregation is called officially into session, and perks his ears attentively towards Blackbrair, ceasing their ever-constant movement for the time being. The end of the speech is somewhat unexpected; he's never been through this before, after all. But it doesn't take him more than a second to recover, and as Coriander answers the call, Stonewort moves confidently forward as well. He meets the younger buck's gaze with an expression that clearly shows his respect -- this is no light responsibility that he's offering to carry, after all -- before letting his full attention settle on the captain again.
Chestnut stays back at the thumping and the announcement, watching mutely as a few young bucks - and Sunflower - step forward towards Blackbriar. It's hard to tell what he's feeling - not good enough for her? Not good enough for himself? But he gives a quick shake of his head and settles back to watch. He was not made to be chief anyway.
As both of his children step up, Blackbriar only issues a stoic blink; he can't afford to play favorites, even with his kits.. though, they certainly aren't kits anymore. Another blink to Stonewort, before the captain surveys the gathering as a whole, waiting a brief moment longer before coughing again for attention. "Let it be known that Sunflower, Coriander, and Stonewort have expressed their desire to lead our warren out of its sorrowful times. I express my sincere gratitude to the three of you." The dark rabbit nods, settles himself a moment, and then continues. "I will ask each one of you a single question. Take the time to answer it truthfully. When all three of you have answered, the vote will be cast. Understood?" Again a pause as he looks at each of the three in front of him in turn, finding that even he feel a degree of nervousness. "Then let us begin. Your question is this: Tell us, please, what you will do to ease the unease among our burrows and above ground, to let us again live in comfort and silflay without panick. Sunflower, you may answer first."
Sunflower is she could read Chestnut's mind she would tell him that he is fine her for, there is nothing about being good enough for anyone here. Its not like she would change if she was chossen to lead, even if she wasn't picked she is still Owsla. She also do not expect anything done by being one's favorites, this is after all for the good of the warren. After what happened with Mytrle she half expects her brother or Stonewort to be picked though, the warren might feel a buck would stay around longer then a doe after all so she is not going to get her heart set on anything and will be happy with either answer she recives. She sits up stright, ears perked forward as she listions to her father and nods at how the questions should be voted upon, makes sense to her. The young doe blinks as she is the first to be picked to answer the question.. Great make her the nervous one why don’t ya? She clears her throat while working on the answer in her head. "To help with ease of everyone I think it would be good for each to help one another through this time. We should try to speak to one another, anyone who is scared or worried should know they may turn to someone for help if they need it. Extra guards will be needed to bring calm back to the world above to make sure we have enough ears and eyes about to pick up on these..things." She won't say wolves, nono. "Everyone would have to make some attempt to not get to lax above as well. With time we will be able to become more relaxed, going back to the way things where. But, right now we have to keep our guard up."don't ya? She keeps a stright face though hidding her nervousness in the pit of her stomach.
Coriander pauses, his gaze cast down to the cool, packed earth as he collects his feelings and sets his thoughts to his tongue. "To do this, I will employ all the cleverness of El-ahrairah and act with the loyal servitude of Rabscuttle to the warren. I will train the Owsla in all the tricks we as rabbits must know and make sure all silflays are sentried so that none of the Hrair may go unseen or unheard and so that no rabbit will be exposed to danger. I will busy the warren with the building of a new run so that idleness does not play on our fears and allow unease to settle in our minds. I will speak with you, Blackbriar, about the creation of an infrequent Wide Patrol, so that the warren is prepared for the movements of hrair and to let us be exposed to new and unfamiliar situations, which would be invaluable to our protection at home. In the next few days, I would see that all quarrels are settled and that all anxiousness about the well-being of our warren has subsided. We are a strong community and there is no reason for us to live in fear of silflay. All the world may be our enemy, but we will not let that be our undoing."
Stonewort patiently waits for his turn, listening in respectful silence as Sunflower and Coriander make their proposals, unable to help feeling impressed with both of them. He then unravels himself from his own thoughts and shifts to look back at all the curious, expectant faces peering in his direction. "Much of what I would have said has been said. How soon the warren returns to a time of peace and comfort depends not just on the chief, whoever you might choose. As Sunflower wisely said," He offers a warm, appreciative glance to the younger doe as he goes on, "we must rely on, and above all trust in each other. Also, as Coriander pointed out, more sentries and frequent wide patrols are needed, and I would do my best to organize them, but again, it will be up to each of you to volunteer for such positions, as I don't intend to enforce such duties on anyone who doesn't wish to serve them." He pauses briefly to let this settle in before finishing. "The most valuable thing that I have to offer is knowledge: I've spent a fair amount of time living in a warren and as a hlessi, and would be glad to share everything I've learned about elil and other dangers to anyone willing to listen -- whether or not I'm elected chief."
Listening carefully to all three of the rabbit's answers, Blackbriar considers and closely examines their responses, turning them over in his mind. After a few moments of murmuring silence from the rest of the warren, the captain nods his head once, taking a small hop forward. "All of you are very qualified and capable of the role of chief. However, there can be only one, and the decision was not an easy one. However, it must be done, and in the good faith of the warren and hope for a brighter future, I have made it." He pauses briefly, glancing at the trio of officers once again. "Stonewort, you have proven yourself to be a valuable officer already, despite being a rabbit only recently hlessi. However, I'm sure you understand that I would rather trust the role of chief to someone who has been with us longer - in this case, since birth." Turning to his children, Blackbriar now addresses them. "Sunflower, you have grown into a beautiful doe, and you are no less capable than your brother. And perhaps somsome day, when I am retired, you may take my place as captain. But I feel the best decision for a new chief of Hawthorn is Coriander." The decision announced, Blackbriar bows his head slightly in proper hierarchal respect, despite the fact that he is the buck's father. "Come forward, my son, and greet the warren as a new buck, Coriander-rah.
Sunflower listions closely to her brother and Stonewort, there answers she feels are better then her's, not that she has a problem with it. The pointis she tryed and did put forth an effort. If she had never tryed she would have wondered for the rest of the time here. She looks to her father and nods with a smile, understanding and she has no ill-will towards her bother. She trusts him fully and it helps that there siblings with that. She faintly elbows her brother and winks at him, a faint grin offered showing that she is glad that he was picked and she knows he'll do a good job at being leader. The doe then bows her head to show him the respect he deserves.
Nightshade lopes forward to offer her son - now chief - a maternal nuzzle rather than a bow, likely to his embarrassment. "I'm so proud of you, Coriander-rah," she murmurs before shifting closer to Sunflower and out of the buck's path.
Coriander smiles silently and nods, the weight of the decision settling in his stomach. "Thank you, father." He looks from side to side, at his and onetime fellow officer, nodding in friendship and respect to both in turn. He laughs briefly, softly, at Nightshade's nuzzle and returns it. "Thank you, mother." He inhales as his path to the pedestal of leadership is cleared and moves forward. He rises onto his haunches, his forepaws folded solemnly below the wash of cream white fur on his chest and his chin raised with importance. "Thank you all. I promise that I will carry on the legacy of Myrtle-rah to the very best of my ability. Know that I am always available to listen to what you have to say." He nods, his ears flicking forward. "I promise to see Hawthorn Warren to a time of prosperity, and I will work towards it with all the strength I contain. I will close with this: Lay kasrahalt, a koi hrair kasrahil, a nayltil mi lay nahl-nyt zayn zorn. Be clever, and full of tricks, and we will never be destroyed."
As the speech finishes, a cry rings out: "Long live Coriander-rah!" And it comes from no other than Stonewort, who seems to be not only not disappointed in Blackbrair's decision, but immediately and fully supportive of it. Already, the oppressive weight of Myrtle-rah's death seems to be lifting, replaced by the promise of new leadership. The older buck follows Blackbriar's example and offers a dip of his head to the new chief, a great deal of respect still clearly visible in his expression, before lifting it and repeating the cry, inciting others to join him. "Long live Coriander-rah!"
Sunflower smiles and glances to her mother and nods, she takes a moment to look back to where she saw Chestnut, wishing he would come over as well. Her attention goes back to her brother and she keeps her smile. "Indeed." She murmurs softly after her brother speaks before joining in the cheering for him.
Coriander's ears tilt back with a small smile as he lowers back on to all fours and his new name echoes all about the honeycomb. He smiles warmly at Stonewort, who gave the first cheer, and gives a nod of thanks to the older buck. He inhales deeply and gives a soft bow to the gathering of rabbits. "Thank you, all of you," he says as the cheers dies down. "You may all return to your rest and conversations." He bobs his head and moves from the center of attention, feeling flushed and excited but remaining fairly stoic. Coriander-rah? he thinks. Well, it will certainly take some getting used to, but... I think I can handle that.
Stonewort returns the smile, and as Coriander hops out of the limelight, Stonewort follows him. "Blackbriar chose wisely." He says in all sincerity. "And my offer still stands; I won't hesitate to offer my advice, should you ask it." And sometimes even if you don't ask for it, hah.