A/N: I am aware that 'Tales From Watership Down' exists and that some of the does may have been given names therein; however, this was written before I read the sequel (or was even made aware that it was a thing) and I wasn't terribly fond of the does' characterization. I do consider 'Tales' canon, so if anything doesn't mesh with it (I left my copy at the dorm over Spring Break) don't hesitate to let me know.

Hyzenthlay, of course, s co-Chief Rabbit with Hazel in time; but I don't hold that this necessarily means she's his mate. I don't think Hazel would be that close-minded, and furthermore given that they're rabbits its entirely possible that she just mated with him because they were friends and liked each other, but that this did not imply exclusivity. I choose to believe that Hyze is Co-Chief solely on her merits, however, and that any connection to Hazel is one of respect, affection and understanding. Also, seriously, you expect me to believe there was NOTHING between her and Bigwig? C'mon.


Hyzenthlay was thoroughly disgusted with herself.

She was Thlayli's ally, nothing more. Never mind that he was the only buck besides Blackavar who had ever treated her with respect; never mind that there had been honest admiration in his eyes just now, along with that reassuring, subtly confident spark and the surprisingly tender note in his voice as he spoke to her, so gently…

Oh, Frith in a toadstool. She was his ally

"Hyzenthlay!" breathed Thethuthinnang. "Oh, Hyze, are you all right? I-" she stopped when she saw the look on her friend's face.

"I'm better than all right," Hyzenthlay responded quietly.

Thethuthinnang turned her head, peering quizzically at her. "Care to explain that?" she whispered.

Hyzenthlay wanted desperately to tell Thethuthinnang everything, but that would be foolish in the extreme, and would endanger not only their escape but Thlayli's life.

Why did the second concern suddenly seem as important as the first? Well, she told herself, because Thlayli was her ally. Yes. That was it…

She realized Thethuthinnang was looking at her oddly, still waiting for an answer. "Thlayli is a fine buck," she said, tilting her head meaningfully at the sleeping shape of Nelthilta, who was breathing a bit too deeply to be absolutely convincing. "He's unusual for an officer…he treated me more like Blackavar did than Chervil." A spasm of pain flashed across Thethuthinnang's face, and Hyzenthlay immediately regretted the comparison; the mention of Thethuthinnang's mate always hurt her. But her slightly raised eyebrow told Hyzenthlay that she had understood the veiled hint. Blackavar was, of course, the rabbit who had first encouraged his mate and her friends in their first escape attempt.

Nelthilta's slow breathing paused for a moment as if in shock, then resumed hastily. Neither Hyzenthlay nor her partner said another word until her breaths became quieter and more natural.

Thethuthinnang whispered in Hyzenthlay's ear, so quiet she could barely be heard. "Blackavar, eh?"

Hyzenthlay nodded her head mutely. "Morning silflay," she breathed. "I'll explain everything." A twinge of unease entered her stomach. "Do you think Nelthilta understood?"

Thethuthinnang chuckled drily. "I think she thinks she did." There was still that bone-deep pain in her eyes that thinking about Blackavar always caused her, but now there was a twinkle of amusement as well.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean," said Thethuthinnang, "that there will soon be some mighty funny rumors flying around about you and my mate."

It took a few moments for Hyzenthlay to understand what she meant.

"Go to sleep," she grumbled, and Thethuthinnang, still chuckling, obliged.