The snow had melted around Efrafa and though Frith was still winter-bleak, his rays had grown noticeably warmer the past
hrair days. It was ni-Frith. The Neck Mark was outside to
silflay and among them hopped a blue tan kitten with bright blue eyes. She hopped around and skidded between the adult rabbits, as she ran as fast as she could. Her mother had told her not to wander too far to
silflay but
silflay was not on Rain's mind for the moment. She was escaping!
"Halt! Stop right there!"
Rain glanced behind her, calling back, "Not if you were El-ahrairah himself!"
"Escapee! Escapee!" The young buck called out dramatically, followed by a loud, "look out!"
Rain ran on but not for long as she ran straight into something solid and furry. A something that let out a grouchy 'oof'. A bit dazed she looked up and saw Thistle -one of the Mark's sentries- glaring down at her. Putting on as innocent a face as she could, she said,"Hel- oof!" but her greeting got cut off as a weight landed on top of her with a triumphant, "Caught you!"
"Orchis, what do you think you're doing?" Thistle grumbled. "This isn't a game."
"It actually is." Rain replied from underneath Orchis.
"And I won it!" Orchis added proudly.
Thistle nudged Orchis off of Rain. "What would your brother say if he knew, hmm?" Rain wondered how that was any of Thistle's business; he was just a sentry in the Neck Mark with no relation to Orchis or her at all.
"Well done?" Orchis replied sheepishly. Rain snickered; even more so at Thistle's face of disbelief. Then said, "What would Captain Black say if he knew you were arguing with kittens instead of guarding the perimary?"
"The perimeter." Thistle corrected, then looked alarmed as her words sunk in. He cleared his throat and waved them away with a paw, "Well, off you go. I have sentry duty to fulfil."
The two kittens hopped off, snickering to themselves. When they had found a spot to
silflay far from Thistle, Orchis asked, "Are you really going to tell your father?"
"Are you going to tell your brother?"
They thought for a moment then shook their heads in unison. "Thistle's not important enough." Rain stated and Orchis nodded, then prompted, "Another game of Owlsafa & Escapees?"
"Can I be Owslafa this time?"
"What? No! I'm Owslafa obviously."
"But you're always Owslafa!"
"Well of course. I'm going to be Owslafa when I grow up so it's only natural. My brother said so."
Rain frowned at that, "So, I'm going to be an escapee some day then?"
Orchis looked appalled at the suggestion. "No! You can't!"
"Afraid I might succeed?"
Orchis grumbled, "You just can't. You need to stay here with me!"
Rain pretended she was thinking about it, enjoying the distress on Orchis' muzzle at the thought of her leaving. "Well, all right then, I'll stay." Orchis looked relieved until Rain added,"if you let me be Owslafa next time."
Orchis glared at her then consented, "Fine. Soon I'll be training for Owlsa for real anyway."
"You don't know that." Rain said. Part of her was afraid that if Orchis became Owsla he wouldn't have any time left to play with her. She'd rather be escapee every time than that!
"I do!" Yet he looked uncertain then. "I mean, I have to start soon right? We're a fly's life short of being adults."
The thought made Rain sad but she also knew how much it meant for Orchis to join the Owsla and make his brother proud. So she shook her own worries away and decided to propose a plan to help her friend instead. "Well, of course, but if you really want to impress your brother then you need to do something impressive!"
"Like what?"
"Like... uhm..." Rain realized she had no clue as to what. He couldn't very well go out on Wide Patrol or stop a real escapee or fight
elil; that was all too dangerous and she didn't want him to get hurt. Suddenly Orchis' ears perked up; his eyes brightened, "I know!" he exclaimed excited, "I'll sneak into the Council Chamber!"
Rain wasn't convinced that was such a good idea. "And what will that prove?"
"That I'm sneaky, of course."
"What if you get caught?"
"I won't." Orchis answered, "That's the whole idea, Rain."
Rain didn't like Orchis' tone - like she was some stupid kitten who failed to comprehend basic concepts- and replied, a tad annoyed, "Well just because that's the idea doesn't mean it'll go that way."
"It will. You'll see. I'll follow the Captains so quietly that they'll never know I'm there. Then I'll hop into the Council Chamber and announce my presence and my brother will be impressed that I managed to sneak in and all the Captains will be too and the General will be impressed and then they'll decide I can start my training right then and there!" Orchis moved his paws widely as he explained his plan in one breath.
"Even the General?" Rain echoed in complete disbelief.
"Sure. Not that it matters much."
Rain knew Orchis valued his brother more than any other rabbit but she hadn't expected him to be this neglectful of their Chief. Not that Rain had any higher of an opinion of him; she didn't even know what he looked like. It was rather hard for her to respect or fear a rabbit that didn't even seem to bother coming above ground all that much. Though, judging from the other Mark rabbits' response to the mere mention of his name, she was pretty alone in this thought and so she at least knew she was supposed to fear him. Maybe she'd learn the reason for this once she was an adult? She shuddered; not something to look forward to.
Captain Vervain on the other paw was often among the Marks and if he weren't Orchis' brother, Rain would very much fear him. He had a loud, deep, booming voice and no tolerance for disrespect or slacking off. Rain had witnessed this first-paw. Yet when Orchis talked about him, it was as if he was describing a completely different rabbit. Rain figured not even a rabbit like Vervain was immune to affection for his family. As hard as that was to imagine.
"If you say so." She still had her doubts but she knew better than anyone that there was no changing Orchis' mind now. And when she thought about it, it was at least not really dangerous. If Orchis got caught, Rain was pretty sure his brother would make sure he didn't get punished. So instead of protesting further, she hopped over to a nice patch of grass and began to
silflay. Orchis joined her and they
silflayed in companionable silence until Black called for the Mark to return to their burrows.
~
~
Another day, another Council meeting. General Woundwort had grown tired of them
hrair moons ago and thus no longer attended every single one of them. Only on the rare occasion that he himself had called the meeting or he had heard an interesting topic pop up, did he bother to show his muzzle to his captains. Yet he still remained close-by to listen. In the tunnel above the chamber which let to his own burrow, Woundwort now lay as he did almost every meeting, and listened to his captains discussing whatever mundane issue had their attention at the moment. Woundwort didn't really pay much attention to what was being said nor did he bother to listen to any rabbit except one in particular.
"...that means I need an additional patrol to head to the area. We won't tolerate any
elil on Efrafan grounds. They need to learn their place." Vervain's voice resounded louder than any of the others. It was deep, commanding, and so nostalgic for Woundwort. When he closed his eyes and listened to it, he could remember a time when he had been younger and sleeping on a soft Man thing near a warm fire. Woundwort had marvelled at the Man's ability to control the flames and bend them to his will, completely overturning the natural instincts of all creatures to avoid fire. The Man would talk to him, slowly, deeply, a bit hoarse- Woundwort had no idea what he said but the sound of his voice had been comforting.
But the man had been old and one day he did not wake again and Woundwort had to leave that home and live in the natural world again. Yet he had refused to give in to the natural order ever again. Like the man controlled fire, he would control the
elil, and nothing would he ever fear ever again.
"That concludes that. Now-"
"Brother!"
A small high-pitched voice cut through Vervain's deep one, startling Woundwort from his reverie. Snickers filled the Council Chamber; something obviously amused the Council and Woundwort angled his ears to listen more carefully.
"Is your little brother the next point on the agenda, Vervain?"
Ah. The little brother Vervain so doted on. What was he doing here? Woundwort waited, deciding not to intervene and see how Vervain would react to the interruption. He always acted as if Orchis was just another Efrafan around every other rabbit but Woundwort had heard the pride and affection in Vervain's voice when he spoke of his little brother. Not to mention he spend almost every free moment visiting the kitten, much to Woundwort's annoyance. And yet- on some level Woundwort understood -he had had brothers once- and so he let it slide.
There was a pause, short but noticeable, before Vervain spoke again. "Orchis." His voice was calm, neutral, yet his gaze must tell his fellow captains more than words for they became quiet again. "How did you get here?"
"I knew there was a meeting when Captain Black was called away and followed him here." Pride laced the kitten's words and Woundwort knew he was expecting his brother to praise him for his actions. The other captains however would be expecting the complete opposite: this insolent kitten needed to be disciplined. The General waited to see what Vervain's judgement would be but all that followed was silence. Heavy, uncomfortable silence. Woundwort was tempted to go look but he wanted to stay out of this. If he showed up he'd have to send the kitten away harshly and he knew Vervain would get him back for that somehow.
Orchis broke the silence with a quivering, "B-brother?" and that was Vervain's queue to speak as well.
"Return to your Mark with Captain Black, Orchis." There was shuffling as the two made to leave. "Oh and Black? We will have a word later."
"Yes sir." Black responded dutifully before leaving with Orchis. When the sound of their paw-steps had faded, Vervain addressed the rest, "As for everyone else, make sure such an interruption can never happen again. These meetings are not for every rabbit to join as they please." And with that he ended the meeting and dismissed every other member before they could protest. Woundwort waited until he was sure every captain had left before entering the Council Chamber. As expected, Vervain had remained behind, seated atop his high rock from which he could overlook the entire Council. He stared into the distance, a small smile on his muzzle.
"Careful now Captain. One might start to suspect you've grown soft." Woundwort commented as he hopped over to the rock Vervain sat on.
Vervain's smile fell. "I have not." He replied, "I am simply glad to see such great potential in an Efrafan kitten."
"You're proud of your little brother, you mean."
"I am merely stating it is impressive for one so young to sneak past Efrafan captains unmarked."
"Vervain, if it had been any other rabbit- kitten or not- that had stumbled in here you would have berated the intruder instead of praising him."
Vervain didn't reply. Woundwort moved even closer and put a paw on Vervain's, bringing his muzzle close. "Did I hit a sour spot? Or a soft spot rather?"
Vervain briefly closed his eyes, lifting his paw away from Woundwort's touch. "Yes, I care for him and I plan on personally training him so he can become the greatest officer Efrafa has ever seen." He opened his eyes again and looked straight at Woundwort. "You've known this. Why protest now?"
Woundwort was taken aback by Vervain's straightforward reply. Moments of candid honesty were rare between them; Woundwort recalled a cold, snowy evening in his burrow when Vervain had told him more than he had ever before, or long trips in the woods in summer before Efrafa was founded when Woundwort had found in Vervain a kindred spirit and told him of his plans and ideas. Those were the moments this happened in; not simple everyday conversation.
"You have gone soft." Woundwort replied. Vervain snorted, clearly annoyed, not hiding his emotions as well as he usually did.
"If I had, Efrafa would have fallen into disarray." Woundwort didn't reply; they both knew he was right, that without Vervain Efrafa would be an organizational mess since Woundwort had little interest in dealing with everyday business.
"Or do you have reason to complain?" Vervain asked and Woundwort knew the same old Vervain was back. And that he was not expecting an actual answer. So Woundwort answered. "I fear I have noticed a certain neglect in your other ... duties..." Woundwort moved closer until their fur brushed together. "Not very acceptable for my Head of the Owslafa."
"Is that so?" Vervain chuckled; the sound sent a shiver down Woundwort's spine. So lovely. "We all have our soft spots, don't we, Woundwort?" Vervain moved closer, reaching out with one paw to put it over Woundwort's just as he had done earlier. "But I suppose I must redouble my efforts in giving my attention where it is most desired." He brushed his muzzle against the slightly larger rabbit's. A deep rumbling purr resonated through the Council Chamber. Vervain was all too familiar with that sound. Woundwort made to move closer; his voice thick as he mumbled Vervain's name.
"And so-" Briskly, before Woundwort had a chance to react, Vervain pulled back; his paw leaving the General's, the distance between them more than a
yona's length once more. "- I shall now go make an extra round around the Marks to see if everything is in order." He jumped down a few rocks, ignoring Woundwort's frustrated growling. At the entrance, he stopped to look at him again, "As the Head of the Owslafa should, right, General?" - before hopping off.
"VERVAIN!" Woundwort shouted. "That Inlé-cursed-"
"Sir?" Campion had hopped to the Council Chamber as soon as he'd heard the General shout. "Is something the matter?"
Woundwort ignored the question, "Tell Captain Vervain I expect a full report on his patrol as soon as possible."
"Understood Sir." Campion replied. "Should we call a meeting to-"
"No." Woundwort interrupted him. As much as he enjoyed listening to him talk, another dull Council meeting was the last thing he wanted Vervain to spend his time on. "Now leave me be."
~
~
"Rain! Rain!" Orchis ran across the grass towards his friend who was
siflaying with her brother Reed. When Reed saw Orchis approach, he turned to his sister and whispered, "Remember what father said."
Rain nodded sadly and Reed sighed, "Go on. I won't tell." He hopped off and Rain mentally thanked him.
"Rain!" Orchis said again as he skidded to a halt in front of her.
"Rain? Nonsense! Nothing but sunshine all day!" Rain answered. Orchis ignored her pun as he excitedly hopped round her. "Guess what?"
Rain didn't answer; she already knew Orchis had successfully sneaked into the Council Chamber. Her father had told her when he'd returned Orchis to his mother. Orchis seemed completely unaware of the trouble he'd gotten her father in. She refused to believe he didn't care- as her father and mother had implied.
Orchis stopped, a bit disappointed at her lack of reaction, so she said, "They were so in awe of your stealth skills they made you a Captain on the spot?"
"Almost." He paused dramatically, "My brother was so impressed that he said I could start my training tomorrow! And he's going to train me!"
"I'm happy for you." She answered and she genuinely was but then Orchis spoke again and his next words hit her hard.
"And he said Captain Mallow will take me in as an aspiring sergeant!"
"You- you're changing Marks?"
Then how can I stay with you?"We'll still see each other." Orchis tried to assuage her worries but Rain knew better. Marks didn't mingle with other Marks and changing Mark was only done at the order of the Owslafa. It just wasn't that simple, not even for rabbits in such privileged positions as they were. She looked down sadly; her chest hollow at the thought of losing her best friend.
Well at least my parents will be pleased, she thought bitterly. Orchis hopped closer and nuzzled her. "Don't worry,
Loseer. I'll come visit and when I'm Owslafa I'll get you into my Mark."
Rain looked up uncertainly, "You won't forget me?"
"I promise,
vahra voith varu ma."
~~~~
Topic: Writing event #3: Valentine's Day (Read 1297 times)