Aspen

[Darkling Nocturnal]

Am I the only one, who wonders how Aspen could be corporal in the Efrafa owsla?

I mean, he really got no warrior mind and he seems to be a little, should I call it retarded?  

But I must say, Vervains reaction (yes I'm brining Vervain into this topic) was interesting. He seemed to feel Sorry for Aspen. His stampede, when the elil gets Aspen could really be reflexive.

[Myrkin]

I guess by "retarded" you mean how he was amazed by world outside Efrafa and how everything seemed new to him. I suspect that was caused by him staying in Efrafa all his life (and not being part of Wide Patrols). His behaviour reminded me of Pipkin from the start of the series, who also had much to learn about the wide world.

Why he was promoted to corporal? Maybe he was so good in following orders that it was enough to get him that rank (a pretty low rank at that). Furthermore, after the Battle in Caverns - when Efrafa lost half of its troops - there was probably many positions in Owsla that needed to be filled, so that could be another reason for his promotion.

But I must say, Vervains reaction (yes I'm brining Vervain into this topic) was interesting. He seemed to feel Sorry for Aspen. His stampede, when the elil gets Aspen could really be reflexive.

I agree. I think he felt genuinely sorry and guilty for leaving Aspen behind when the latter was attacked by predator, but he couldn't overcome his fear to come back and try to help.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

I mean "retarded" not directly because how he was amazed by the world outside. He seemed to be a little slow in the mind. It seemed a little strange, when I imagine him in Efrafa, compared to Campion, Moss or Vervain.

[Keith]

He died too soon, that's all I can say. Kinda wasted potential.

[Myrkin]

I agree with Keith. It would have been interesting to see how Vervain's own character would be affected by his interactions with Aspen? How differently would Redstone plot develop? Would Aspen find a way to fit in a warren like Darkhaven? There are many possible ways of using his character in overall storyline, if only he was allowed to live beyond a few minutes of one episode.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

True, but I think, he was implemented to show, that Vervain isn't completely bad and that he could have changed, IF Woundwort hasn't met Vervain.

[Myrkin]

Well... If Woundwort didn't meet Vervain in third season, then the latter would have been killed by an elil, but I agree that Aspen purpose was to show Vervain's good side. On the other hand, Aspen didn't have to die to serve that purpose and besides it wasn't the only time Vervain shows the potential for changing. When the Redstone is about to be destroyed he suggests giving a warning to warren's rabbits, for example.

[Keeralie Starflight]

Keith is right, Aspen died way too quickly. Seven minutes is not enough time to really know anything about a character. I agree that it would have made an interesting development in the plot had he not died. Um...yeah...everything I was going to say has already been said.

[Keith]

As if a character being killed off too soon would be a problem in a supposed kid's show.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

Well... If Woundwort didn't meet Vervain in third season, then the latter would have been killed by an elil, but I agree that Aspen purpose was to show Vervain's good side. On the other hand, Aspen didn't have to die to serve that purpose and besides it wasn't the only time Vervain shows the potential for changing. When the Redstone is about to be destroyed he suggests giving a warning to warren's rabbits, for example.

Or he would be saved by wsd - like he was later (I know, wrong topic)  

[Myrkin]

You mean the time when he was stuck in the wires in a river? I think that one happened before he was saved by Woundwort from weasel/stoat/ferret.

[Darkling Nocturnal]

Exactly. When Vervain didn't had met Woundwort after the wsd-rabbits saved him, maybe he had changed.

[Myrkin]

If he hadn't met Woundwort AND the elil (who was trying to kill him when Woundwort showed up), then yes, he would have an opportunity to change

Then again, after the end of the series General is gone while Vervain is not, so now the latter can live a different life.

[Acacia Heartstrings]

Aspen seemed to be a pretty nice rabbit, it lacked intelligence, was left over in force. He gave me sadness to see him die so soon. It was a character created to be sacrificed to save the life of Vervain. It is sad. =(

[CanzetYote]

He was kinda cute and lovably derpy in my opinion. I felt sad that he had to get killed off. Poor guy.