A young fox pup sits on the stones next to a gently flowing stream. His eyes, red as his fur, gazing upon the pile of rocks before him. The loose dirt underneath slowing hardening from the frigid cold that wraps his world.
Pulling his knees in closer to fight off the cold he contemplates his fate through his tears. The village where he lives is slowly dying. Those who remain are either too old or too sick to leave. Which is why he was there, his father had left to go Viking, and his mother fell ill shortly after.
She had sent word of her illness nearly two years ago but he never returned or sent word. Fearing the worse, the young fox tended to his mother until her dying breath.
Now he sat by the icy stream as fresh snow began to fall, shivering and hopeless. He had given up all hope and was determined to stay and freeze where he sat close to his mother's grave. Until a voice called his name.
"Nicholas?" Turning his ear and then his head towards the source of the voice he found a red fox dressed as a warrior with an eye patch over his left eye the other a deep blue. A thick fur coat draped across his shoulders.
"Yes?" he replied through chattering teeth, unsure of who this stranger could be. He watched as the warrior approached until he was standing next to the young fox. He stared down at him for a moment before dropping to his knees.
As soon as his knees were on the ground he reached forward and pulled Nicholas into a warm hug and pushes his cheek against his own. "My boy," He whispered into Nick's shoulder. "I've found you."
Stunned, Nicholas wasn't sure what to do. He had given his father up for dead. Yet here was a one-eyed fox who, other than the eye patch, looked very much like the last memory he had of his father. A memory of him sailing away on a Viking long boat waving as he floated off.
"Papa?"
The island of Lagomorph
The young crown prince rabbit is rushing through the gates of the castle he calls home. He has been out in the fields working to ensure a bright future awaits the bundle of joy his wife is soon to grace him with. He has just received word that this bundle is on its way.
Racing inside, he made his way to their chambers to be by her side. Entering the room, he discovers he's too late. She has already given birth to six kits. Five boys and one girl. Their first litter.
As he marveled at the heirs to the kingdom, he was unable to hold back the tears of joy. He made his way to his wife's side as she lay in the bed. Fully cleaned and resting.
He climbs on the bed and wraps his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in to rub his chin to the top of her head and nuzzle their cheeks together.
They sat together on the bed as each kit was brought before them starting with the first-born son, naming each. Until the final child was brought, their daughter.
"What shall we name her Bonnie?" Stu asks.
"How about Judith?" she replies.
"Yes, Judith." Stu remarks as he reaches forward to pet the kits ears.
"Judith Laverne." The couple smiles as they place their first daughter down amongst her brothers. Sitting back, Stu hold bonnie in his arms as she turns her head to nuzzle into his neck. Soon after he listens to her gentle breathing as she falls asleep.
18 years later
It was a warm late summers day. The fields of the Hopps Kingdom were flourishing. Trade from the port next to the castle brought goods from far distant lands and made the Hopps very wealthy and rich. But their good fortune also brought jealousy and anger from the neighboring rabbit kingdoms. Three families have joined together and challenged the Hopps resolve for their lands.
After a year of fighting a stale mate war Stu Hopps, now king, convenes his war council to find an advantage.
"What can we do to push these thieves back?" Stu asked the council of rabbits before him.
"There is not much we can do your majesty. We are outnumbered four to one. It is taking everything we have to defend our vast territories. We are surrounded with our backs to the seas." One of the council members points out.
Stu places one paw on his hip and uses the other to scratch behind his ear in contemplation. Staring down at the map of his kingdom. None of his allies had rallied to his aide when hostilities broke out. All claiming there was nothing they could do. Stu would remember that when the war was over and they wanted to renew trade.
Thinking of trade drew Stu's attention to the port near his castle. It was the only major port on the entire island.
"What of the sea?" he asked his council.
"What of it sire?"
"Can use it to our advantage? To move troops behind our enemies and attack them from where they least expect it?" Stu said while pointed at the port on the map and tracing a route by sea to the nearest enemy strong hold.
"Perhaps, but we would need warriors and ships to send a force strong enough. I'm afraid we have neither majesty."
Feeling defeat weigh heavily on him Stu leaned on the table before him and let out a tired sigh.
"Father?" Gregory, the eldest and crown prince, spoke up. Having attended the war council since its inception, Gregory was aware of all the battles and their cost. Not only was he the crown prince but was also an accomplished warrior and leader.
"Yes, my son? Do you have something to add?" Stu stood a little taller as he looked upon his son with pride.
After hesitating for only a moment Gregory spoke up. "What about mercenaries?" The atmosphere of the room changed immediately. Others began to shift uneasily and whispers filled the room. Holding up a paw to silence the room Stu waiting until it was quiet for a moment before speaking.
"Go on." He said with a gesture to Gregory. Who walked to the center of the group and next to his father.
"I have heard tell of a mercenary who is honest and loyal to his contracts. One who has ships and would be able to attack our enemies from sea."
"And who is the mercenary you speak of?" Stuart asked.
"Johannes Wilde."
Behind the closed doors of the secret passage to the council room, Judy Hopps' eyes grow wide. In a whispered voice, she spoke "a fox!".
"The Red Devil!" one of the council members yelled. The entire room had erupted in loud voices, most protesting the suggestion.
Speaking above the group Gregory continued. "There are several merchants and traders who frequent our port that vouched for his reputation as honorable! And one I know personally that can arrange a meeting with him."
"Who son?" the king asked, confused how his son would know anyone who might be associated with the Viking mercenary known as the Red Devil.
"Gideon Grey."
"The pie merchants?!" another council member shouted.
"Yes! He is in port today and is awaiting our response." The council erupted into another loud argument and Judy had disappeared from behind the hidden door.
Among the many merchants and traders that were at the port buying and selling goods, Princess Judith Laverne Hopps was searching for one in particular. As she surveyed the many ships that were docked she caught sight of her target. A pudgy red fox loading baskets onto a modest looking ship.
After making her way through the crowd she found him preparing another bundle to load onto his ship with his back turned to her.
"Gideon Grey?" she asked still unsure if it was truly him or not. She had not seen him since she was nine. Where they had met on a field near the ports. She was playing with her friends when he came and began to bully them. When Judy stood up to him he pressed her to the ground and used his claws to scar her face.
"Princess Judith!" he exclaimed and dropped to a knee bowing before her. "I-I would like to explain myself! I-I had a lot of self-doubt that-that expressed itself as unchecked rage. I beg your forgiveness."
Judy reached her paw up and placed it on his shoulder. "Well, I can see that you're sincere and I forgive you."
"Oh, thanks." He said while standing up. "It really means a lot."
"Judy?" Gregory was now standing behind her.
"Gregory!" she said in a startled voice. "What are you doing here?" Placing her paws behind her back with a forced smile.
"I have some business with Gideon. Are you alright?"
"Oh me? Yeah, I'm fine, you're fine, Gideon's fine, we're all fine!"
"Uh-hu. Well if you don't mind I'd like to speak with Gideon."
"Oh ok!" she said while standing still with a big smile. While Gregory looked on for a moment.
"Alone please." He finally spoke up.
"Oh right, uh, it was good seeing you again Gideon. Hope I see you again! Bu-bye!"
"You as well princess." The smiling fox said as he waved goodbye. Once Judy was out of sight Gideon leaned down close to Gregory's head and whispered in a low voice.
"Has the council reached a decision?"
Smiling back at the pudgy fox he once hated but now calls friend he gave his reply. "They have."
Rodrevland 2 months later
Sitting in his home next to the fire. Johannes Wilde is mending a fishing net while humming a tune. Having forgotten the words long ago, only the melody remains in his mind. Filling the small hall, he called home, with a sense of security and welcome.
Voices from just beyond his door cause him to turn his head. As the door opens he observes a younger version of himself walking in, save for his mother's green eyes. A basket full of fish in his arms and a friend, a short fennec fox, following behind him.
"Ah! You've finally returned!" he greeted.
"Yes, and we've managed quite the catch!" Nick exclaimed holding up the basket of fish.
"So, I can see. Any news from the village?"
"Politics as usual. They want to make you an Earl."
"I am nothing more than a sword for hire." Johannes said with a sigh. Watching his son and friend prepare the fish to be cooked.
"Father, perhaps you should reconsider. You already fulfill many of the duties of Earl when you're not away. Besides, you aren't getting any younger you know."
The older vulpine chuckled and leaned back in his chair. He had to admit, he was beginning to feel his age. His joints ached and many of his old battle wounds would inform him of when the rain approached.
"Perhaps you're right." Both Nick and Fin stopped preparing fish and looked at each other and then the older fox in front of them, eyebrows raised.
"What? It's like you said Nicholas," stroking the fur on the bottom of his greying muzzle, "I'm not getting any younger." He said with a somber voice.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!
Their contemplating was interrupted by someone knocking on the door. Nick, having left the fish to Fin, opened the door to find a large red fox bent over wheezing to catch his breath. Causing him to chuckle at the sight.
"I swear Gideon you eat more pies than you sell by the look of you."
Straightening himself up to look at the shorter fox, Gideon took a deep breath and opened him mouth to reply only to double over again struggling for breath. The sight had Nick laughing out right.
"Come in Gideon before you pass out in the door way."
"Thank you." He managed to strain.
"Gideon!" Johannes exclaimed. "How good to see you."
"It is good to see you as well Mr. Wilde!"
"That's Earl Wilde chubby!" yelled the fennec fox in his always surprising deep voice. Gaining a look of surprise on Gideon's face.
"No, it's not. I haven't decided if I want the job." Hearing this gave Gideon an idea. The villagers had always said they would like for Johannes Wilde to be an Earl. In fox culture, a commoner who showed they were worthy of the title and the nobility it came with, could be voted into the position by the Elders.
"You should accept the offer Mr. Wilde!" He nearly shouted.
"Oh," he replied raising an eye brow at Gideon with interest. While Gideon had often voiced his approval of the idea, he had never encouraged him directly. "and why is that Gideon?"
"Because I come with an offer for a contract! If you were Earl your price would increase significantly!" Now with a big smile, Gideon reached into this satchel and produced a letter.
Scowling at the paper presented to him Johannes eyed the paper warily. "While I may or may not accept the position of Earl I am certainly no longer a mercenary." Turning his head to gaze on the mesmerizing flames he continued. "My time wielding a blade for gold has passed."
Now wearing a frown, Gideon was uncertain of what to do next. How could he return to his friend Gregory with the news that their much-needed help wouldn't be coming?
Noticing his friends sudden change of mood, "Who is offering the contract?" Nick asks.
All three foxes turned to look at him, each with a different expression on their face. Fin with one of curiosity, Gideon with hope and his father with worry.
While Nicholas has joined him for most of the contracts he undertook after finding his son, Nick had admitted that he wasn't interested in the life of a mercenary. To which Johannes was grateful.
Both Fin and Gideon were aware of his decision and both were intrigued by the questions. Turning to present the letter to Nick Gideon answered his question.
"It's from King Hopps of the Island of Lagomorph." Nick accepted the letter and studied the closed envelope. The wax that was used to ensure it stay closed with the family crest of the Hopps pressed into it.
"Why would rabbits offer a contract to a fox mercenary? The few I've met both despise and fear us without cause." Nick said while dropping the unopened letter to the table and leaning back in his chair.
"They are in dire need of assistance. They are surrounded with their backs to the sea assaulted by enemies that wish to overtake their lands. They have waged war for over a year now and have only held their ground."
"Sounds like a lost cause to me." Said Fin.
"Sounds like an opportunity to me." Nick replied with a grin.
"Oh?" His father spoke now more curious than worried that his son might have decided to pick up where he left off. "And what opportunity is that Nicholas?"
Leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table, Nicholas pointed one of his clawed fingers at his father. "If you become Earl one of your responsibilities would be to ensure a steady economic future for Rodrevland right?"
"Yes." His father conceded.
"How better to start off than to ally yourself with one of the richest kingdoms north of Puris?"
"Wait a second." Fin interrupted. "So, you're saying instead of just taking their gold, you wanna be allies with the bunnies?"
"Lagomorph is one of the most fertile nations I have ever seen." Gideon added. Being a merchant, he often sailed between many different nations bartering and selling goods. "And Rodrevland has many resources in abundance that they would be willing to trade for."
"One of which would be warriors." Johannes bluntly stated. Looking from Gideon to Nicholas he asked, "I thought you weren't interested in fighting?"
"I'm not," he replied with a shrugged, "not as a mercenary anyway. But if it is to better the state of our people I would face any foe and show them the blood of the Red Devil courses through my veins."
Taking pride in his son's resolve Johannes address the group. "Gideon, join us for the night. Tomorrow we'll all go to the village and present this idea to the Elders. If they still want me as Earl after this then we'll make preparations."
The night was spent planning for the next day's meeting with the Elders. Hopefully they would agree that an alliance with a wealthy and agriculturally rich nation would be worth the risk of sending warriors to fight someone else's war.
The next morning the group arose and began to pack their belongings. This trip would require an extended stay in the village. As Nicholas prepared his pack his father placed his paw on his shoulder.
"Son," Nicholas stood straight to look his father in the eye, "you know that if we do this you will have to stay in Lagomorph to fight and lead our warriors into battle."
Placing one of his paws over his fathers he replied, "I do and I am prepared." Nicholas had proven the last few times they were in combat that he was an excellent fighter and leader.
Giving his son a worried smile, he released his grip and returned to packing his own belongings.
After a lengthy meeting with the Elders of the village in which they discussed the many concerns of this possible alliance, it was decided that it would be worth the risk of sending warriors in order to secure a promising trade deal.
The following week was a blur of activity. Johannes was given the title of Earl and began building his small Kingdom. Word was sent for warriors to gather and Gideon was appointed as trade master. Fin was given the position of Guardian and would oversee public order.
After all preparations were made and the last of the expected warriors arrived, their cargo of offerings and trade goods were loaded alongside provisions for the journey. A total of 10 long boats with 250 warriors, all varying species of foxes although mainly red, arctic and grey, were loaded and set to sea for the long journey to the Island of Lagomorph.
The Island of Lagomorph 2 weeks later
Judy's POV
Walking along the castle wall, Judy glances through the crenels as she passes. Wearing her black pants and a white shirt that fits loosely and ends at her knees. A belt wrapped loosely around her waist with the tip dangling nearly to her knees, her bow and quiver slung across her back.
It had been nearly three months since Gideon had left the port to contact the fox known as the Red Devil. After Gregory had caught her talking with Gideon he quickly tracked her down and interrogated her about what she was doing there.
She had tried to say she coincidently found him but Gregory knew her better than anyone. They had both been very competitive growing up and he was the only one of all 27 siblings that could best her at almost anything.
After his insistent questioning, Judy reluctantly admitted to eavesdropping on the council meeting and learned of the plan to contact the mercenary through Gideon. She had planned on question him about his relationship and everything he knew about the fox.
That was until Gregory had caught her talking with Gideon. Fortunately, he hadn't told their father about her spying on the war council. He also made her promise not to continue such activities. In exchange, he told her everything Gideon had told him.
This morning she had hoped for a chance to challenge Gregory to a match of archery, however, fate had trapped him in the council chambers to discuss more pressing issues. So as the early morning fog began to recede out to sea, Judy paced atop the castle walls looking for any sign that Gideon had contacted the mercenary that Gregory had sent an offer to.
Stopping midway across the wall she leaned into the crenel she had stopped at and leaned into it resting on her elbows. She looked down at the port below the walls. The many merchant huts opening doors and windows. Preparing for the day's events of bartering and selling.
Sparing one last glance out to sea she turned and started walking back to nearest flight of stairs. As she stepped behind the first merlon she stopped mid stride. Her eyes began to open wide as she slowly stepped back and looked out to sea once again. There exiting the fog she could see a Viking long boat slowly drifting out.
It was like watching a dream. The ship seamed to materialize out of the fog. It's long stempost jutting towards the sky before curling in on itself. The mast holding up a large sail with a striped red and white pattern.
Judy watched as it made its way into port and docked at one of the many piers. She watched as two red foxes leapt from the boat to the pier. Followed shortly by a larger red fox that she recognized as Gideon. The seemed to be having a conversation amongst themselves before one laughed and said something to a grey fox, the first Judy had ever seen. She then noticed that there were several red, grey and white foxes on the boat.
All started making their way off the boat. It was then she noticed that the mammals of the marketplace had begun to make their way up to the castle. They were retreating from the fierce looking warriors that were gathering on the banks.
She looked back at the boat to see one fox holding a horn to his lips. As she listened to its deep single toned melody she noticed that this fox was facing towards the sea. Looking back at the fog bank she then saw what he had signaled.
Now she could count nine ships as they made their way out of the fog and towards the docks. Shortly after the castle alarms began to sound. Rabbits were running everywhere. Taking position along the walls and gates, preparing to defend against and assault.
Judy looked back down to see the foxes had nearly completely disembarked from their ships and were starting to make their way towards the castle gates. She looked back into the ward and searched for Gregory. Spotting him exiting the palace door she made her way to the stairs.
Passing a captain of the guard along the way she informed him not to fire that they were expected. Judy then ran to Gregory and called his name.
"Gregory! It's them! Gideon is with them!"
Turning to face her he replied. "You say Gideon is with them!" His tone and face taking one of urgency. The rest of the palace guards were under the impression that they were just raiders and were preparing to fire arrows upon their heads as soon as they were within range.
"Yes! I saw Gideon approaching with them." Turning to face the nearest officers Gregory began to shout orders to hold their fire. After ensuring the order was relayed Gregory and Judy along with the council members that had joined them began making their way towards the castle gates.
Opening the view port, Gregory could see the foxes had stopped just outside of the range of their arrows. Looking closer he could see Gideon standing next to a fox with an eye patch over the left eye. From the description, he had been given, this had to be Johannes Wilde.
"Open the gate." He commanded. Two guards come forward and hefted the large piece of timber that had been used to bar the gate closed. As the gates opened Judy could see Gideon standing alongside the many foxes that had returned with him.
Gregory raised his paw and beckoned them to approach. The one-eyed fox walked in front, followed by six others in two columns behind him. Gideon and another red fox that strongly resembled Johannes at the front of the two columns.
Looking on Judy noticed Gideon was still wearing his merchants attire. She was somewhat grateful for it, he did not seem like the type that would fare well in battle. The others though left no doubt as to their profession. All wearing similar clothing with body armor made of metal plates sown into the shirts they wore over their undershirts. With chainmail hanging as sleeves.
Each carried a variety of weapons. Most had swords that were to long for a rabbit. A short ax, a round shield carried across their back and spear. Once inside the gate they stopped in front of Gregory and the one-eyed fox spoke.
"Vi er her for å svare på anropet ditt og gjøre et skranketilbud" And then produced the letter that Gideon had been given. Gregory leaned over slightly to look at Gideon quizzically.
"He said 'we are here to answer your call and make a counter offer'."
While the three of them went back and forth in conversation, Judy seemed only able to focus on the third red fox that stood beside Gideon. His emerald eyes seeming to captivate her. She watched as he looked around him taking in everything. Head almost on a swivel until he met her gaze.
Embarrassed at being caught staring Judy's ears began to turn a deeper shade of pink as her face heated up. That seemed to get a smile from the fox as he leaned down to be eye level with her and spoke.
"Vel, du er sikker på at det er en søt gulrot"
The other three seemed to stop their conversation and look at them. Judy leaned over to look at Gideon around the fox that was still bent over looking at her.
"What did he say?" she almost whispered. Gideon swallowed nervously as he looked around trying to avoid her gaze.
"He, um-uh, he said you look like a cute carrot." His eyes still darting among the group of rabbits around them as he whispered the last part.
Every rabbit who heard visibly shifted as their eyes opened wide. Which didn't go unnoticed by the now nervous group of foxes. Uncertain of what might happen next or what caused the sudden change. The only one who seemed un-phased was the fox in front of Judy.
She stared at him wide eyed with their muzzles mere inches from each other before Judy suddenly raised her paw and slapped the smirking vulpine across the muzzle. She watched as he stumbled slightly before rising. His ears flat as he brought his own paw up to his muzzle.
"Don't call me cute!" she shouted before dropping her ears behind her back in frustration and stomped off. Nearing the palace door, she could hear a chuckle. Once inside she slammed the door and heard the entire courtyard erupt in laughter.
Nick's POV
The fog had been heavy throughout the morning. They were nearly blind and had placed their faith completely in Gideon and his knowledge of the waters they were in. Upon passing a large rock barely above the water line Gideon called out.
"We're 100 yards from the port Earl Wilde."
"Very good, inform the other ships to stay here until we signal."
Another fox called out into the fog as he untied a rope from the back of the boat. Listening as other voices seem to come from the fog in reply. Shortly afterwards, the fog slowly cleared and they could now see the docks that awaited them.
Just beyond the piers, Nick could see a market place with all the activity you would expect of such a place. The market seemed to extend up a hill until it was stopped by an open field which led to a grand castle wall with a gate.
Looking along the wall, he could see a couple of guards at the towers and in the middle of the wall leaning through on of the crenels was a grey rabbit. It didn't look like the guards he could see. Must have been one of the royal family perhaps.
As they approached the pier, the foxes began to disembark and tie off the boat. Nick's father looked at the marketplace as the rabbits and a few other species that saw them were frantically trying to leave. He looked at Gideon.
"Are they not expecting us?" he asked.
"I could not tell them when we would return for sure." He replied. "After all this time, they may have given up hope."
Looking back at the fleeing merchants he laughed and signaled for the rest of the warriors to disembark and to signal the rest of the ships to approach. Once all had arrived and their crew on land the band of foxes made their way to the castle gate.
As they walked Nick looked at the many abandoned stands of the merchants. "You were not lying Gideon, this place truly has riches beyond what I imagined." Gideon simply smiled as his friend continued to look upon the trinkets and produce on display.
As they approached the castle they came into the open field between the buildings and the castle walls. "No doubt this is their archers' limits." Nicholas pointed out.
"Indeed," Johannes agreed, "we will wait for them to invite us further. Gideon be sure to make yourself visible. They'll be more welcoming once they know it's you who brought us here." Gideon took a step forward away from the gathered warriors to make himself easily seen as Johannes had suggested.
They didn't have to wait long for the gates to open. In the gateway stood a brown rabbit dressed what appeared to be plain clothing ushering them to approach. "Nicholas, Gideon and the captains only." Johannes commanded and the group of seven foxes began walking across the large field.
"Who is that?" Johannes asked.
"That would-be Gregory the crown prince Earl Wilde." Gideon replied.
"He doesn't look like any prince I've heard of." Nicholas added. The brown rabbit was wearing a simple white shirt under a plain tan colored vest and dark brown pants. With no symbols to mark his status.
"Prince Gregory is a very humble servant of the people. He is also an accomplished fighter and leader in the war." Gideon informed the other foxes as they entered the gate. Once inside they stopped in front of the prince.
"We are here to answer your call and make a counter offer." Johannes announced while pulling the letter Gideon had brought to them and offered it back to the rabbit. With the seal still unbroken.
The prince leaned over to glance at Gideon, an unspoken question on his face. Johannes heard Gideon reply in the rabbit's native tongue. "tá muid anseo chun do ghlao a fhreagairt agus tairiscint chuntar a dhéanamh"
As the trio went back and forth with Gideon translating for them Nicholas looked around at the many different rabbits before him. He marveled at how different each looked from the next and how some seemed nearly identical.
He was also accessing the size of the force in the castle. It had seemed Gideon had not exaggerated on their situation. He could only see enough warriors to guard the castle against a moderate attack. This worried him as he contemplated what that meant for him and the other fox warriors.
Looking around further at the rabbits gathered around them he caught sight of one that looked familiar. Staring at him was the grey bunny that he saw on the wall. The unmistakable grey fur and black tips on its ears. Only now could he tell that it was a she.
"Well isn't this a pretty one." Almost as if she heard his thoughts the inside of her ears turned a deeper shade of pink. "I wonder if rabbits tease easy?" He thought and then bent over to look her in the eyes. "Well you sure are a cute carrot."
He heard the conversation behind him stop. No doubt everyone was looking at the two of them now. Nick took the moment to admire the pretty rabbit before him a bit more as she leaned over to look at Gideon.
The loose-fitting shirt she wore hid her modesty well except for where the strap and string of the bow and arrows came across her chest. Causing her shirt to contour to her humble breast. The belt she wore hugged it to her waist hinting at just how curvy her hips might truly be.
After conversing with Gideon, a moment, she leaned back to face him. Her expression had changed as well as the atmosphere of all the rabbits. They all shifted slightly and she had anger in her eyes. Before Nicholas could pull back she had brought her paw up and slapped him across his muzzle.
Stunned and nearly knocked over by the surprising strength this rabbit had he stumbled back up and brought his paw to rub the spot she had assaulted laying his ears back flat against his skull. She yelled at him.
"ná glaoch orm gleoite" and dropped her ears behind her back before stomping off.
He turned to Gideon and asked in an innocent manner, "Why did she do that?" Gideon hesitated a moment before answering. Scratching behind his neck.
"Bunnies don't like to be called cute."
Hearing this Johannes couldn't stop the chuckle that started to build up inside him. Seeing his son be slapped by a female for trying to tease her was probably the funniest thing he had ever seen. His laughter became contagious amongst the other foxes and soon the bunnies that had witnessed the exchange.
As the laughter died down Johannes turned his attention back to the young rabbit before him. "Now then, what was this about meeting the king?"
Inside the palace
As the group made their way down the halls of the palace the foxes began to feel nervous. When Gideon had mentioned their desire to become allies the young prince seemed to be put on edge and it caused quite a stir among the other rabbits. When Johannes asked Gideon about it he had no answer.
Nicholas just assumed that it was the same as back home. The idea would have to be brought before the king and approved by a council or some other fashion. He spent his time admiring the stone and wood work of the rabbits who built the palace.
As they entered the throne room, Nick looked around to see most of the rabbits that were with Gregory outside had taken seats on either side of the throne where the king sat. He also noticed a certain grey doe that was staring daggers into him. He did his best not to look at her.
The king was a mirror image of Gregory only being much older and plumper. He sat on the thrown wearing clothes suiting his position. Black velvet pants with a red velvet shirt that had gold trim.
Gregory began speaking with the king in their native tongue. At one point the king dropped his ears and stared at Nick's father with a look of disbelief. The fox interpreted this as a good sign that they were willing to be allies and embark on a lucrative trade deal for both parties.
Allowing Gideon to do most of the talking, the group watched curiously at the exchange. Gideon who had started out with his ears erect and his tail held high had slowly withered. His tail now rested on the ground and his ears slumped to the side. When he turned around Johannes could see the concern in his eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"Well," he started, scratching behind his ears and looking to the side, "they are willing to accept your offer."
"But?" Nicholas added.
"But they would require a marriage to consecrate the alliance." All the foxes in the group opened their eyes wide and their ears and tails went flat. A couple even dropped their jaws open in disbelief. They had heard of arranged marriages before but in their culture, they didn't exist. No one even considered it.
Having watched the entire exchange Judy was growing nervous. If an arrange marriage was to take place it would be her hand that was offered. She was counting on the fact that her father disliked predators, especially foxes. Hoping he was simply trying to discourage them from seeking this alliance.
Judy truly hoped they would just take the gold her father had offered and leave. Seeing how they reacted to what must have been the marriage proposal gave Judy hope. They truly seemed shocked at the idea.
Stu had been extremely nervous allowing these predators into his palace. Even more so when they said they wanted an alliance. The law of the land demanded such a sacrifice by both parties. He hoped that the offer would cause them to turn away and just take the gold he was offering.
Looking at the letter he had written, he noticed that the seal had not been broken. They had not even considered his offer and came here with offers of trade, claiming that Johannes Wilde had been elevated to the ranks of Nobility among his kind.
Stu's hopes for simply paying these mercenaries the gold he had in abundance and being rid of them were sinking quickly. When he saw how they were shocked after speaking with Gideon, his hopes slowly began to rise again. As the foxes conversed amongst themselves Stu looked upon his son Gregory.
His ears were drooping with sadness that he had put himself out in front of everyone vouching for this mercenary. And this was the result. He would have to either face the failure of not being able to help his people or see his favorite sister married off to some brute warrior.
When the conversation between the foxes had ended Gideon turned to face the rabbits waiting for their decision. They all felt a since of hope that these foxes would see reason. That an alliance between their species was something ridiculous.
By the appearance of the group in front of them, with their ears back and their tails low all but the one who had insulted Judith who stood tall with his ears erect and tail up, the rabbits assumed they had accepted defeat.
"Your terms for the alliance have been accepted." Gideon spoke in a sad voice. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. "I present to you, the heir to Earl Wilde, Nicholas Wilde." With a gesture towards Nick as he spoke.
Taking his queue Nick stepped forward looking at the king and bowed down to one knee. The room stayed quiet as everyone waited for King Stuart to respond. Before he really knew what he was doing, he held his paw out towards Judy and spoke.
"Agus mé a thabhairt duit mo iníon Judith Hopps." Nick looked up and followed to where the king's paw was pointed. Only to see the face of an irate doe with piercing amethyst eyes staring back at him. His jaw dropped realizing it was the same he had tried to tease in the courtyards.
The remainder of the day was a blur. Having accepted the offer, both sides agreed to hold the ceremony immediately to get the formality out of the way. There were more important things to discuss about trade and the war.
Judith was rushed to her room where she was hurriedly sized and dressed in an elegant white gown. All the while tears flowed down her cheeks. This was not how she had imagined romance. There had been plenty of suiters to try and win her hand but none were ever in a high enough status for her father's approval. Sometime during the madness her mother had appeared.
"Oh Judith!" she cried. "I was just told what happened. I will speak with your father and have this matter resolved immediately!" Bonnie then ran out of the room in search for Stu.
Sometime after her mother had left Judy's eyes had stopped shedding tears. She began to wonder about her now husband to be. Remembering the name Nicholas Wilde, she had never heard of him. But Gideon has introduced him as the heir of Johannes Wilde the Red Devil. That could only mean he was the one known as the Devil's Spawn!
Nick had watched as the poor doe that had been betrothed him was rushed out of the throne room. He watched as her face went from fierce anger to one of fear. After that he had been rushed to a room where tailors were measuring him. Once their measurements were finished they turned to their work.
Seeing an opportunity, he slipped out of the room unnoticed. He made his way out of the palace and through the open gates towards the marketplace. The merchants had returned to their stands and were now bartering with the many new vulpine customers.
Making his way to a certain stand he had seen on the way up to the castle walls, Nick stopped as he looked down on the many ornate pieces of jewelry spread out before him. The female rabbit standing behind the table was visibly shaking in his presence.
He pointed to a piece of jewelry that caught his eye and with his other paw held out several silver coins. The rabbit stopped shaking and slowly reached out to take the offered coins. After inspecting them she then grabbed the piece of jewelry he had selected and placed it into a small box and tied a string around it.
Taking the box and placing it into his pocket he made his way back to the castle. Once in the courtyard he began looking up at the many windows and balconies jutting out. He had no idea which one could possibly belong to the rabbit he had been betrothed.
Just when he was about to give up, he spotted her. She had just stepped out onto a balcony and was looking out to sea. She was wearing a white dress that accentuated her figure nicely. Noticing that the balcony had vines that were growing up the wall next to it, he made for the foot of the palace and started working his way up.
By the time he made it to the balcony, she had retreated into her room. Nick leaned in to see if he could see her inside, only to see a sight that broke his heart. She was crying into the shoulder of an older doe. If he had to guess her mother by the way she was dressed and the similarity in their features. He leaned back, out of sight, and waited till she was alone or left the room.
Judy's mother had finally returned. She had been standing on the balcony looking out at the sea hoping that the long boats would magically disappear just as they had appeared early that morning. She heard a knock at the door and turned to see her mother entering her room.
Judy ran to her mother's arms and her crying continued. "Mother what will I do! He is the Devil's Spawn! The one in the stories!" Bonnie pulled her daughter close to her and gently ran her paws down Judy's ears trying to comfort her.
"I have spoken to your father. I tried to make him see reason but this war has clouded his judgement."
After gathering herself she separated herself and put on a brave smile for her mother. "Thank you for trying. I know it puts you at odds with him. But if this will help our people, then it is a sacrifice I must make."
Bonnie cupped one of Judy's cheeks in her paw and kissed the other. Turning to leave the room, she looked back once at the door way and gave her eldest daughter a reassuring smile. Once the door was closed, and she was all alone, Judy felt more tears begin to fall.
She was stopped when a she heard a thumping sound behind her. Her ears turning and then her body just enough to see what caused the noise. There on the balcony stood the fox she was to marry. On his face, he held a gentle smile and a box in his paw.
Judy watched as he placed the box on the floor in front of him and then leapt out of sight. She rushed over to see where he had gone. Looking over the balcony side she could see him working his way down the vines that had covered the palace walls.
She watched as he made his way to the bottom. Once there the stepped back a few paces and looked up at her, still smiling. Then made his way out of sight. Judy then turned to the box that was on her floor. She picked it up hesitantly and removed the string. Opening the box, she found a gold necklace. A pendant in the shape of a fox with an emerald stone for an eye.
So how will Judy react to Nick's gift? Will she accept it and him? And why were the foxes so upset over the proposed marriage? Are they specist or is there more to it? Let me know what you think.
