Chapter 1: Underlying Hope (It doesn't want to change it chapter name so)
Fall was starting to set on the countryside bringing along many changes for the inhabitants that settled on the land and land itself. One of the best parts of these changes is the leaves for some had already begun to fall from their branches, showering the land below them. The rest that still managed to hang on we're already turning to a much lighter color of orange which really glowed when the sun hit them every afternoon. But like most seasons, fall had its natural drawbacks for the land and its inhabitants. Nights were getting much colder since the sun wasn't out as much and it's natural heat from its rays just weren't nearly as effective like before, causing certain areas to freeze. Some of the local rivers had even started to freeze over but only leaving a thin layer of ice that rested on the edges. This also signified that winter was close behind and the hardships that would come from the snow and ice that eventually litter the earth. Once winter fully hit, nights would be long and much colder, food would be much more scarce and animals would become desperate to find some leading to rash decisions. Those without a plan and unprepared would never make it through but there was one advantage all the animals had right at the moment and that was time. Fall was the time to prepare but knowing the way the world works, life can still be cruel.
Fall may be the time to prepare but that was only on lucky days where the skies were cleared and it was warm. But bad days the sun would be blocked completely by massive dark clouds and the rain would soon begin, drenching the land in the process. In some areas, there would be visible damage caused by flooding where there was a lack of heavy foliage. On other days the rain would be your least concerns for the wind would be your newest enemy you couldn't prepare for. As it became more intense and picked up speed it would throw things over such as unlucky young trees. They would be ripped from their roots and be left to rot on the floor. Wood fences would break apart, windows would be cracked or even worst; broken open by flying objects. Areas with high rock level were some of the worst places to be for many of the rocks would crumble and smash to the ground, leaving certain valleys and cliffs unsafe.
Despite Falls many setbacks, the sun was still one of its beautiful features for when the rays were able to pierce through the thick clouds and hit the ground, it would reflect off the wet grass and leaves, giving off a very enjoyable glow to whoever was lucky enough to see it and an even more gorgeous view when it would start to set. And there would be no better example than to view this on a very certain High Lonely Hill.
This hill was the only area that would stand out from the rest. It was a rather high hill that rested in the middle of the land and it held only 1 massive tree; a beech tree which had seemed to have watched over the area for decades and yet had remained untouched from serious damage. Even on worst stormy days the wind and rain were unable to bend it, let alone force it to crash into the ground and this was because of its massive size, plus its roots which had acted as anchors allowing it to stay level. Another very useful feature was it was used as a home for many different types of small inhabitants but most common attractors were always rabbits for it provided perfect sight over the land, fresh grass for eating and nice shade when summer would roll back around. Even at the moment, there was a group of rabbits taking advantage of the tree and decided to settle down and mark it as there home. When the new inhabitants had arrived, they were surprised to have discovered it was already named; Watership Down but they didn't mind, in fact, they found it very pleasing. But also near the large tree, there were two very big advantages they had discovered; a Farm called Nuthanger and an Orchard.
These two places were perfect when it came to food and the Orchard was the first choice to be picked for visiting for the rabbits would always come across delicious treats called Red Apples. Even better the place was usually unguarded, making it easy to scavenge from and take the treats back to the down. Sure sometimes there were humans picking the apples, putting them into baskets and carrying them off but they were easy to avoid for they came a rare time. The only permanent resident living in the Orchard was a female badger, named Bark but she had become great friends to the rabbits and made a very useful ally when it was needed.
While just North of the Down lied a Farm. This was a favorite because it held a luscious garden and at times could be very rewarding to the rabbits with its selection of carrots, turnips, lettuce, and many other vegetable items, with luck they could also get their paws on some fruit. Yet there were many problems when trying to raid the Farm for it surrounded by a well-maintained metal fence, however, this was an easy obstacle to overcome for it could be easily dug right under. But what they really feared was the farmer who was also the owner of the home and if he would always use his rifle to defend his property. He would immediately kill any animal he spotted that meddling in his garden. Even worst he had a vicious dog that would also guard the area inside the fence, any that dared to enter could be mauled by said dog or shot by the man who would be alerted by series of barks. This is why most of the rabbits wouldn't dare to try and go in for it could always hold much more disastrous results compared to the safe Orchard.
Other than those two options, most of the rabbit's stayed closed near the beech tree for the grass that would grow would provide enough food for them with little to no risk of their own well-being. But when winter hit, it had a have every heavy negative effect for the rabbits because the grass would either cease to grow or be buried under the snow, making food harder to obtain. And yet sadly this wasn't the only thing for the rabbits to worry about for a greater evil lied to the east and west. The rabbits of Watership Down didn't just fear of being eaten by predators, starvation or hunted down by man, for even their own kind had betrayed them.
To the east of the High Lonely Hill, at least over half a day's away, lied a corrupt and evil warren called Efrafa whose goal was to enslave all that opposed them. It's leader; a large pure black and gray rabbit with a bloodshot eye and the other completely white from blindness was the essence of the warren and his name was Woundwort (or as his men would call him General Woundwort). He was a terrifying ruler, no one would oppose him for he would kill anyone that dared. He had even gone to as far as to enslave his own kind, forcing them to work until they perished from exhaustion in order to expand his ever-growing empire.
His warren wasn't hard to miss for it laid in the middle of a forest with a clearing inside, allowing a perfect line of sight all the way to the trees. The only main entrance to the area was an old, slightly destroyed bridge for the area was surrounded by a river but this was always guarded. Now there was only one tree that lived in the middle but it was completely dead as if it had burned long ago. Underneath this tree was a massive pit where the workers would slave away digging, this had made it easy for the guards who patrol the area to catch or notice anyone trying to escape. Because of this open pit, the tree's many massive roots were exposed but they were dead to which they laid against the dirt. Immediately entering the warren you would be met with a large open chamber made mostly out of stone with a massive podium in the middle (this is where Woundwort would usually sit). Further down inside the warren, there were many different passages, so many a new guard or slave could easily get lost. Some of the passages led to where the warriors would stay which were a lot better maintained than the slave quarters.
But Woundwort wasn't just feared from the inside his warren and among his ranks, he was feared across the land that had or was discovered by him. Now if a new warren was found he would give them an option; either submit to his rule or be destroyed. Most warrens would comply and accept their new ruler and be forced to leave their home which was destroyed afterward regardless to prevent any hope of escaping back to it. Only a few had stood up to the tyrant but all had eventually fallen. His soldiers (or Owsla) accomplished this for they were very large in numbers and very skilled in combat. Usually, they were giving many different assignments; help guards the warren (what some had called a fortress), go scout for other warrens, watch the prisoners, protect his expanding borders and finally fight for him. This did not mean Woundwort was unskilled rather he was best in combat if he chose to fight, he could even take on multiple opponents at once. He even once took down a fully grown fox by himself, predators would even be outmatched to him and his army.
All of this was a very serious threat but there was a certain advantage that the rabbits of Watership Down had over this brute and that was the fact that their warren had yet to be located by him or his owsla. Although most rabbits would try and avoid Woundwort and his empire by moving away or hiding to stay free, the chief of Watership Down would always try and assist other warrens. He would provide a safe place to escape which had in fact brought hope to those enslaved or he would trick his opponent by setting up fake clues to lead them away from his and other warrens. But his last resort, which he had tried to avoid at all cost, was to even help participate in their battles if it was the only way, even if they were complete strangers. Woundwort was clearly a massive threat but there was still another type of danger that loomed over Watership Down and it's inhabitants.
To the west, maybe less than half a days away held someone far more sinister who even Woundwort feared at times. A chief who went by the name of Cowslip and his warren called The Shining Wire. This warren was nothing special, built into the side of a very low hill which was heavily surrounded by bushes, shrubs, and a tree line. Upon the first appearance, it would look nothing out of the ordinary but it was what you couldn't see that created the danger. His home was in fact surrounded by snares or shining wires. If snagged in one of these things it would immediately strangle its prey with a metal wire, wrapping itself around the neck, if no help were to arrive the victim would suffocate. Cowslip, of course, knew about these wires but would never tell anyone that would arrive. Instead, he lured rabbits into staying at his warren but only to be used, for a hunter would always come and take away the body. He found out if he supplied the man with he needed; fresh bodies, then the man would give the remainders fresh food every day and protect them from any predators. The only snag was to betray his own kind which he had no problem doing. But he did rule like Woundwort; by fear but not from his own physical abilities but instead by explaining what wait outside for any "free" rabbit, which laid beyond the tree line.
Cowslip was not really feared when it came to war with the rabbit's at Watership down for he wasn't skilled in fighting nor his followers, in fact, they were very weak as a warren. Yet one thing they did fear was that Cowslip was trying to seek revenge for the loss of some of his followers. He had put this blame on the inhabitants of Watership Down but unknowing to them, he had a very special hatred against someone among them, a young rabbit called Fiver. But for now, he would have to wait for the right moment to take revenge.
To the inhabitants of Watership Down, a new rule was created; for no one would be allowed to go without permission or alone. On occasion, they would travel to the warren but only in a large group and only to see if they could help anyone escape, they were once successful and had helped some move into an old warren called Red Stone, who was now an ally to Watership Down. And just like Woundwort, Cowslip had no knowledge of where there Warren was hidden thus not posing a massive threat but sometimes it would still make them feel uneasy, knowing someone like that existed.
Danger had always loomed over the area, this was nothing new to the rabbit's but it had only meant they had to be one step ahead of Woundwort his army and Cowslip's corrupted mind. But at the very moment, the danger was in fact far away and the inhabitants of Watership Down could at least enjoy one day of living in peace instead of everyday fear.
On this new day, the sun had just begun to rise over the land and luckily there wasn't a cloud in sight. This had allowed the rays to heat up the land but due to the rain from the previous night, the ground had now become slippery causing some headache for the rabbits. The only one really benefiting was the large beech tree which didn't seem to mind. In fact, the down was benefiting from the water that was left behind for it allowed the grass to grow taller and stay healthy. Even better the colors were able to reflect off said wet grass and some of the leaves that had yet to decompose, allowing a gorgeous glow that shuns right behind the massive tree, revealing it to be real heaven.
The sun had just reached the first set of low hanging branches when two rabbits had emerged from the front entrance which leads underground to their home. The first one that had emerged was the chief of the warren; a male. He was slightly tall with an average frame, his fur was red which was aligned from both tips of his large but semi-thin layered ears and all the way down to his red tail which was shaped slightly like a pointed ball. Yet his ears and certain parts on the top of his head had a much darker form of red. His underbelly and lower mouth were dominated by a lighter vanilla color like most and his eyes, were a pure light brown,
The second one that had immediately followed him was his Captain of Owsla in the warren, he was also male but he was much bigger, taller and clearly stronger than his companion. This rabbit had pure gray fur through his whole body but with a much thicker tail, his underbelly and mouth were also the same color; vanilla. His ears were a bit thicker and not nearly as pointed as his friend. But unlike most, he had a mane around his neck as if he were some type of small lion.
It was clear the two rabbits were going to take full advantage of the nice day that was bestowed upon them for they knew there were would be fewer in the future.
"You know, I was never really a fan of rain." The gray one mumbled, looking over the wet surrounding area and then leaning to the ground, giving a couple of leaves a small sniff before retreating back to a much taller stance. "Doesn't really allow us much warning if something is out here with us."
"You have got to stop being so paranoid Bigwig, It's just rain." His friend replied, smiling towards him before taking a couple of hops forward towards the edge of the hill. Once out from underneath the branches that hung above them, his fur was able to soak up some of the sun's rays which were slightly warmer compared to in the shade.
"I will stop being paranoid when predators have ceased to exist. Also when Efrafa is destroyed and Woundwort is gone." Bigwig reply following his chief glanced to his right and left, acting as if someone was watching them.
"Bigwig," The red one sighed, shutting his eyes and shaking his head slowly, then opened them again before continuing "That Efrafan patrol that was spotted by Orchard was a few days ago. By now they would have found us but I don't see Woundwort or any of his warriors charging up the down at us. We're fine Bigwig"
Seeing as his friend wasn't convinced, he continued. "Well it's been a few seconds and I'm still standing here fine and so are you, look around Bigwig we are safe."
"Ya, well..." He stopped, thinking to himself. "You know me, Hazel, I can never stop worrying, I mean that's why you made me Capt..." "Captain of the Owsla." His Chief mocked him, rolling his eyes in annoyance but followed by a cheeky smile.
"You know if I know you were going to keep saying that, I wouldn't have given you the job." He joked then starting his trip in the direction of the Orchard, disappearing over the edge of Down. Bigwig just watched him go before mumbled to himself before following.
Since the ground was still wet they were being careful when descending the sloped hill, watching their next steps so they didn't accidentally slip on the grass and slide down into something below. But of course, since Bigwig was, in fact, a bit heavier, he had much more trouble controlling where he was landing after each hop. And the wet ground and leaves weren't making this any easier, eventually, halfway down the hill, his front paws had landed a very wet section of leaves which slipped from underneath him.
"Oh no." He could only think for immediately his front paws slid forward landing him on his stomach. But because of the previous night, the ground was wet enough to prevent him from staying in one place and instead he started to slide down the hill.
"I HATE RAIN!" Bigwig shouted as he immediately slid past his friend who was up in front. Hazel could only watch in horror and a bit amusement as Bigwig picked up more speed before hitting the bottom. Though he didn't stop at the bottom, no instead he continued to slide. Luckily he did finally stop but stopping as in he slide into a pile of wet leaves under a nearby tree, shooting some up in the air yet he didn't emerge from the opposite side and instead a slight groaning could be heard from it.
Hazel had finally made his way down to the bottom but in a much more safe manner compared to Bigwigs faster alternative. He then calmly hopped over to his buried friend but was still unable to see him, even though he was directly in front of the pile.
"Bigwig?" He asked curiously when no response was given, he gave it a couple of sniffs before looking around to see if any part of his friend was sticking out, there wasn't. The only indication he was still there was from his low moaning but it had soon stopped.
Hazel leaned in a bit more, squinted his eyes to see if he could find anything, instead he was thrown back in fright when Bigwig's head popped out. His mane was entangled with leaves and he had a very annoyed look on his face.
"Don't do that!" Hazel demand, who was still panting while lying on his back, using his paws to prop half his body up. Bigwig didn't change his look and only stared at his chief, not really showing any sort of sympathy for his sacred friend and instead begun to emerge out of the pile.
Once out, Bigwig's full body could be seen which was so plastered in leaves he looked like he was growing them in place of fur. Lucky it was only temporary but before shaking them off, he had hopped over to where Hazel was still lying and stared down at the now calmer rabbit. He then shook his body, trying to get most of the leaves off of him and land on Hazel which he was successful for the most part but unknowing to him, some had still clung to his mane.
"Thanks..." Hazel sighed as he was soon covered in wet leaves like his friend was. But Bigwig wasn't complete cold-hearted for he had grabbed one of his chiefs wrists and helped pulled him to his feet. Now standing, Hazel shook off the leaves but unlike his friend, he had managed to get them all off in one large shake.
"Anytime Hazel." The large buck replied with a semi-sincere smile. "Alright, let's get moving into the Orchard, I want to see if I can still find a couple of Apples for me."
"Umm Bigwig, I thought we were going to see if we could salvage apples for the ENTIRE warren?" "Sure, Hazel, for everyone... but mostly me." The large buck laughed and soon took the lead to the Orchard.
Hazel couldn't help but give a couple of light chuckles at that and then chased after him. As a little payback, though, he didn't tell Bigwig about the leaves that were still entangled in his mane and instead left it for him to find later or for someone else.
Their journey was rather short for soon they had entered the large Orchard but it wasn't looking very hopeful in regards to food. It was hit hard this season for most of the trees had already lost their leaves and little to no apples were still hanging. A majority had already fallen and were crushed when they had made contact with the forest floor. The very few that indeed survived the fall were already beginning to rot away from being rained on leaving a not so desirable meal.
"Well, this isn't what I was hoping for..." Hazel sighed, looking around at the many rotting apples that laid about. He leaned down to the nearest one which half of it was squished and the other half was rotting away. He then gave a light sniff, immediately pulling back from the unpleasant smell. "Not at all."
Bigwig wasn't any more pleased with the situation, he looked upon the branches to find maybe just one that was still in good shape. His faith soon faded away when there were none, darting his eyes from one tree to the next, all had the same disappointing result. Just as he was about to give up, he spotted an intact apple which was lying under one of the bare trees, he proceeds to hope over to it but when he had tried to pick it up, it only oozed between his paw.
He had let out a disgusting grunt then proceed to scrape the nasty remanence off on the same tree. "Nooo, this is perfect." Bigwig sarcastically said, mocking his chief. "Come on Hazel, maybe there are some still salvageable if we go deeper in." With that said Bigwig continued onwards with his chief in tow.
As they continued further in, their hopes were shattered for all around was the same result, smashed and rotten apples. It seemed like the previous storms had knocked them all from their branches for none could be seen hanging, no matter which tree they looked at. So far they had only found two that still remained somewhat intact, not very delicious looking but they still looked edible and thus they took them, Bigwig had already begun to eat his.
Bigwig munched away at his not so desirable treat but had soon noticed that Hazel wasn't eating his and instead was only staring back at him, periodically looked around while waiting for his friend to finish eating. "Hazel, aren't you going to eat yours?" he asked between mouthfuls. "I mean it doesn't taste all that great but it's better than constant grass."
Hazel lightly laughed, knowing he wasn't lying since that was the only type of food they were eating back at the warren. "This is true. But I'm saving it for someone else." He answered while Bigwig was already half done with his and couldn't help to ask who this special one was. But instead of answering, Hazel just deflected it by coming up with a new idea to get Apples.
"Hey, I got an idea! Bark might have some apples stored up at her place, let's go ask her and see if she has any to spare!" With that said he picked up his treat with his teeth and proceeded to hop away, leaving poor Bigwig who wasn't quite done. Seeing as his friend was leaving without him, he immediately finished the apple by stuffing it down, turning the last two bits into one and proceed to follow Hazel.
As they continued through the Orchard, he couldn't help but wonder why Hazel hadn't answered the question and decided to ask again. "So, who's the apple for?" He repeated, hoping for an answer yet he would have no such luck.
"I think... Bark's place... is just... up ahead, that is... if I... remember... correctly." He replied, trying desperately not to drop his apple in the process while simultaneously looking for the specific opening to their friend's den. It laid under one of the many Apple trees and was definitely much bigger than their own since it had to house a large badger. He would constantly glance down at the roots of the tree where an opening could be found but still nothing.
Luckily after one more round of tree looking, they soon found it. They both stopped in front of it, Hazel then dropped his apple in front of him. Now that his mouth was cleared of obstruction he yelled for Bark which echoed down the empty run until it faded away. But there was no response so they decided to wait outside, feeling as it was kinda rude to just walk in without having permission. While they were waiting, there was something nagging at Hazel.
"You know, now that I really think about. I don't think I have been back here since we first met her. Did you ever come back and... visit?" He looked to his captain of Oswal. "Ummm... no actually... not that I can remember."
Bigwig felt rather ashamed for that answer even though he was in the same boat as Hazel. "I think the only frequent visitor to Bark's is your little brother." Which was only acknowledged by a small "hm" from Hazel who was now thinking about something else.
They both sat there, waiting for Bark to come up or give any gesture to come inside. But Hazel decided to break the silence with a name, "Fiver." which only had left Bigwig confused.
"What?" He asked, confused by the random name.
"About who I was saving this apple for," Looking down at it and attempted to scrap some of the bad pieces that remained part of it. After doing the best he could, he looked back at Bigwig. "I was saving it for Fiver." Before Bigwig could get a chance to ask why his question was answered.
"He's been acting a bit strange lately... like something is bothering him but I'm not sure what. I'm hoping if I bring him this apple," Hazel gesturing to it, "It might cheer him up, at least I hope."
"Well that be a good idea but it might send a bad message with an apple like... That." Bigwig pointed at the very sad looking thing before continuing. "Did you trying asking what's bother him?"
"Yes... well... not exactly. Every time I try and get a one on one with him I get interrupted with something more important." He replied with a bit of anger in his voice but soon relaxed afterward. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't be getting upset over something so small compared to what's going on outside the warren."
"No, it's ok Hazel, I mean clearly this is bothering you but have you thought maybe that's the problem," Bigwig responded leaving Hazel just a little confused. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, maybe it's bothering Fiver that you don't spend really any time with him anymore. Like you said you are constantly being dragged away for something else. Maybe Fiver feels... forgotten." It came out a bit harsher than intended since his chief was now frowning, fearing Bigwig might be right.
"Alright, let's say if that was the problem. How could I fix it if everything gets in the way?" He asked, waiting a bit longer for Bigwig to respond for he was clearly trying to think of an answer.
"Well Hazel I'm going, to be honest, I'm not really sure. I mean I can help by trying to lighten the load by doing some of those things for you. Or maybe I can try and spend time with him when I got nothing to do." It was nice Bigwig was trying, even though those ideas seem fairly impossible for they were both dealing with the outside problems but it still has Hazel a little hope, forcing a small smile out of him.
See as his chief was now slightly smiling, Bigwig decided to add in a little joke to lighten the mood. "Heck, maybe I can help him in his fighting skills, do a one on one." This didn't go very well since Hazel was now frowning again.
"No Bigwig, don't you dare! You are not to involve him any type of fighting and if see you touch one hair on his head I will..." "kill you. Yes, Hazel, I have heard it before, I was only joking. Trust me I'm wouldn't even think of it. To be honest the little guy has grown on me." Hazel nodded at this and they both fell silent afterward. Once some time had passed they both decided to lay on the ground and stare down the empty hole while periodically calling Bark's name, this waiting had allowed Hazel to think more about the whole Fiver situation.
There seemed to always be some type of problem with his younger brother, he was born a runt which resulted in him to be hated and bullied in their old warren; Sandleford. Even Fiver's own family didn't like him; not his father, brothers or sisters. The only ones that really cared for him were his Mother and Hazel. But if it wasn't hard enough that he was a runt and disliked by his own family, Fiver was also was given a special ability to be able to see into the future which has also caused him to alienated. And yet without Fiver's visions, they would have all been killed by man back in Sandelford which was destroyed. It was also Fiver who had led them to Watership Down yet sometimes, even in their peaceful warren, he could still be bullied but this was done very rarely and usually out of a bad sistatution with tempers are flaring.
It gave Hazel some comfort knowing that not everyone hated his little brother and treated him with kindness, in fact, most of the other occupants in the Warren loved him but at times this didn't seem to heal the many mental scars Fiver had gotten from his old warren. It got especially worse one day back in Sandelford when their mother had caught the white blindness and was forced away to die alone to prevent it from spreading. Fiver had often blamed himself for not seeing it and thus resulted in long nights since the only remaining family he had was his older brother; Hazel.
Hazel took his new role as provider for his little brother serious and had vowed to his mother before she died to protect him yet sometimes he still couldn't shake the feeling that maybe it was his fault, maybe he was forgetting about Fiver. Hell, the last time they did anything fun together was weeks ago perhaps even a whole month. They hadn't played a game of bobstones (even though Hazel knew he would lose to Fiver every time,) nor did he watch Fiver's game where he'd mostly beat every challenger. He didn't go out and greet his brother during silflay nor did he sit down just to talk but instead laid inside thinking about what problems laid ahead for the warren. But probably the worst part was being told by Fiver that he had a vision. The visions weren't bad themselves but then it was the fact that Hazel was rarely there to help comfort him for the visions had caused him discomfort and distress in the past. There was a lot more than Hazel had on his mind, he didn't even get around to think of how to fix it before a familiar voice could be heard from the entrance.
"Yes! Hello!"
The two rabbits both proceed to look down the dark entrance and soon a large female badger had emerged from the hole who went by the name of Bark. She was mostly grey with the exceptions of some lighter shade types on her face and her fur around her eyes was pure black and also led up to the top of her head. She seemed to have a very certain ritual when greeting her friends which were a type of large yet very strong hug, lifting her 'victims' in the air and decided Hazel was a perfect target
"Hello friends, Bark miss you." She shouted while still squeezing Hazel in her arms, who was losing what little air he had left in his body. Bigwig couldn't help but only watch, he feared if he intervened he too might be squashed by the strong badger.
"Bark... Hello! I missed you too... but... can you... let me... down!" Hazel pleaded which luckily the large badger complied, setting him back on the ground where he could be heard wheezing. Bigwig couldn't help but lightly chuckle at his friend who was now glaring at him but sweet revenge would come for him since now Bark had also picked up Bigwig and squeezed him in a similar fashion. He tried to fight, pushing away from the badger, straining against the massive badger's grip but it was to no use, she was too strong, even for this captain of owsla. Lucky for him she was done with her ritual and sat the large bunny back down.
"Alright... thank you for that... but let's never do it again." Bigwig said, putting his paws in a 'no' fashion for it looked like the badger wanted to go another round but it seemed he was going to be spared... for now anyway.
"What Bark owe pleasure for friends visiting?" She asked with a love full smile, glancing between the two while waiting for an answer. "Well Bark, we came to ask for a favor from you. We seem to be in a certain predicament involving... food." Hazel answered with a smile, hoping the large badger could help.
"Food?" She asked curiously, frowning now. She was replied, received a nod from the red and grey rabbit. "Bark don't understand. What wrong with food?"
"Well that's the thing Bark, nothing is 'wrong' with the food itself, it's just we don't have... enough," Bigwig explained, seeing if he could do a better job than Hazel. "Are usually storage of food that comes from the nearby farm is lower than usual." Bark still didn't seem to fully understand what they were asking so he continued.
"We were wondering if maybe we could... ummm borrow, some of your food? If you have any to spear that is." They had to wait for maybe just a few extra seconds until Bark understood what her friends were asking of her. "Ohh, Bark understand now!" You no have food!" It wasn't exactly correct for they had a few scrapes here and there back at the warren but not nearly the amount needed to survive winter.
"You wondering if you could have some of Barks!" She replied in excitement and it seemed she was rather pleased with herself, especially since she could help her rabbit friends with this predicament. "Yes, Bark has food in home."
"Yes! That's perfect Bark!" Hazel replied excitedly, it seemed their food shortage problem would be solved! "We were mainly wondering if you had some of those delicious red apples, especially the ones that hadn't gone... bad." He grabbed his half-rotted one and proceed to show her it, turning it to the main sloppy side to give her a better picture of what he talking about. She replied in a nod, clearly understanding what he meant by 'bad'.
"Yes, Apples go nasty around time." She had taken the Apple from Hazel's paw to get a better look. She wasn't to please with it decided to squish in her strong paw, letting it ooze all over it. Hazel was at first shocked but remembered that she claimed to have more and better ones. "No good, But Bark collect before apples go bad! Bark show you." And with that said, she proceed to turn and walk down into her home, with no real other choice, the two rabbits followed.
As the two followed there friend, they made sure to keep up with her for they could get easily lost down in her den for she seemed to have a hobby to expand it. The only problem was she never finished some of the passages she started, leading into a dead end and losing her now would be like getting lost a maze. Although it wasn't too hard to keep up with the badger due to her much larger statue, she wasn't fast but she could definitely beat you in a fight.
The two rabbits still followed, proceeding through a couple passages. You could say at one point they thought Bark had even got lost in her own home. "Well, you really did expand this the last time we were here, huh." Hazel said "Oh yes, Bark likes digging. Bark likes big home." They had finally they made it to her main living quarters which was just a massive empty room with a few roots dangling from the ceiling, it was rather bare compared to the honeycomb back home.
"Here we are rabbits! Center of Orchard!" She shouted, echoing down each passage around them. "Yes, Hazel. I think she did some expanding of her home..." Bigwig whispered as he proceeded to look down a nearby passage which leads to an immediate dead end.
"Oh yes, big bunny. Bark loves big home. Much space for self."
"Umm, yes Bark it is very nice and roomy. But I think you were showing us the apples?" Hazel reminded her which was immediately followed by nodding from there large badger friend. "Oh right. Sorry Bark sometime gets distracted."
Following this she proceeds to walk down the same run Bigwig had looked down with the apparent dead end. This confused both rabbit's as they could clearly see it lead to nothing but a slope of rocks and dirt, indicating a collapse.
"Hazel, she does know that run leads to nothing right?" His large friend asked as they both proceed to stare down the passage at her since now she was sitting in front of the slope blocked run. "Well hold on my friend, I think she's a bit more clever than we are lead to believe"
Before the two could even make an attempt to follow her after, rocks and dirt were now flying out of the run, she was digging into the side of the slope at an alarming rate. The only thing the two could see was a cloud of dust with an outline shape of a badger. Bigwig was still confused as before but Hazel was now starting to catch on what she was trying to accomplish or at the very least he knew she wanted to get through the debris. It didn't take the badger long before she finally broke through and had ceased digging, she didn't fully clear the run but enough for her to get through with ease and soon disappeared on the other side.
Assuming it was clear now from flying rocks and dirt, the two followed down after. They had stopped just before the newly dug entrance as they were a little concern on what lies ahead or where even their friend had ended up too.
"Nothing ventured, nothing gain," Hazel said and proceed to hop forward with Bigwig in toll, to his surprised Hazel wounded up in another room which was a bit smaller than the one they were previously in but big enough to fit them all in. As Hazel continued to look around his new surroundings he couldn't help but notice that Bark was hunched over and eating something. "Oh yes. Come bunnies! This what you looking for."
At first, it was rather hard to tell what she eating for her body was covering up what they were supposed to be looking at but as Hazel and Bigwig continued, they were pleased with what she was referring to. She was eating apples but not just ordinary apples. These were what looked to be some of the healthiest red apples they two had ever seen and were all lying in a big pile, none looked too bad or even remotely inedible. Once the big captain of owsla saw this, he immediately left his chief's side, nearly pushing him over and begun to much down on the apples, eating two at a time. "Oh my lord Frith! These are so delicious!" At the rate he was going would think Bigwig would eat the entire supply.
"Bark this is amazing! How did you come by so many of these? And in prime condition too." Hazel exclaimed once he had reached the pile, picking on up and examining the whole thing before biting into it. Bigwig wasn't joking, they were rather delicious and moist as the apple just melted in Hazel's mouth.
"Oh Bark always collects apples, every season." She answered before biting into another one of her delicious treats and in two more bites the apple was gone. "I start as soon as leaf turns color."
"Well thank you, Bark. I know this will help us very much if you are allowing us to take some?" Hazel asked, concerned she might say no. "Oh yes Mr chief Hazel, you have as much you need. Bark always find more food, easier for me to scavenge than smaller bunny."
"Wonderful Bark, thank you so much. Once we get back I bring back a couple of us to collect them." He thanked her, her generosity was more than enough to save them this winter. Bark had now moved into giving Hazel another hug who was at first was hesitant but knew it was the least he could do. Some sacrifices had to made for his people, maybe even a broke back.
After some time, the two rabbits found themselves back outside. Bark had led them back out a new entrance, this one was much closer the edge of the orchard where the rabbit's home was in clear sight. Lucky for Hazel he was able to take a much better and healthy looking apple for his little brother.
He proceeded to put his new apple down to speak, "Thank you so much Bark. You have no idea how much this helps us. Thank you." Hazel couldn't help himself thanking the large badger again for her kindness. Bigwig, on the other hand, was having a hard time keeping himself level "Ohhh. I think I ate too much!" he groaned.
"It no trouble. Bark like helping friends." She replied, clearly pleased with her decision. With that said Hazel picked up his apple and then proceed to hop away back towards the down with Bigwig in toll. It was finally nice to be able to win one, be able to bring some good news back to the struggling warren. Although with the good news, Hazel still couldn't help shake the nagging feeling about his younger brother. Was he really neglecting him or was all his time being taken by the much bigger events unfolding each day? Whatever the case was, it was high time to have a much-needed chat with his little brother.