Raising her paw to shade her eyes from the sun, the hare took stock of the landscape. Her eyes carefully adjusted as she stared over the water. She couldn't see what she was waiting for just yet, but she knew it would be today. Lady Wildstripe had received word that the ship would be arriving this week and there was no way the Major was going to miss it.
"Marm?"
She turned to face the young hare who had addressed her. He was tall and lean, but she could see the inexperience in his features. Well, that was her job after all, to whip these young recruits into shape.
"What is it, master Boggs? She asked, turning her attention back to the sea.
Well, marm, please forgive me but I come bearing a message from Lady Wildstripe. She has requested you attend her in her chambers."
The major considered this for a second. She really did not want to leave her post, but she knew the Badger Lady would not call upon her unless it was dire. With a huff, she turned her attention once more to face the young hare.
"Very well. Boggs, please stay here. Send someone to fetch me the instant you see it!" She shouted the last line back as she had already taken off for the mountain. Boggs smiled to himself. The major had always been tough, rather hard on the young hares. Of course since she was responsible for the scouts in the long patrol, it made sense for her to be so hard. Since news had come of the upcoming visit, however, she had almost become a different person. Several young hares were wondering what had cause such a big change. Boggs didn't need to guess, he knew. He had seen it before and knew a bit of it himself.
Love.
VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXV
Arriving at the door to Lady Wildstripe's chambers, the major paused. She took a moment to compose herself before knocking. After a minute, she heard a loud grunt come from behind the great door inviting her in. Using quite a bit of force, the hare was soon able to force open the great door. She came in and stood at attention before the large Badger Lady who had risen to her feet.
"Reporting as ordered, Marm!"
"Thank you, Major." Here the Badger's tone softened as she sellted back down into her seat. "Buff, please. At ease. Won't you come sit with me for a moment?"
Buff came at ease, but still stared straight at the Badger Lady. She wasn't in the mood for this right now. She desperately wanted to return to the shore to keep an eye out.
"Buff Redspore, I am asking you not as your Badger Lady, but as a friend. Won't you please come and sit with me?"
As she felt the earnest tone in Wildstripe's tone, Buff relented. She came over and dropped herself into a seat beside the Badger Lady.
"What can I do for you, milady?"
"Buff, I want to know how you are feeling…about this coming visit." Here she stared down at the hare before her. Buff had always been tough and hid her emotions well. While she was not the youngest hare on the mountain, she was still in her youth and had the looks to prove it. Buff had made a name for herself during the Rogue Crew mission and had risen to the rank of Major though she herself was still only a few seasons removed from her own training. But there had been a change in the tough female hare since this visit was announced.
"Excited, Marm. It should be a pleasant visit and it is always nice to see old friends."
"And what do you know of the purpose for their visit, Buff?"
"Not much, milady. We know there are several long hares coming into town as well as a good portion of the rogue crew."
"I see. And how are you feeling about seeing…him?" Lady Wildstripe wondered if she should clarify, but the look on Buff's face and the blush penetrating her cheeks suggested there was no need.
"I have no idea what you mean, marm. It should be a pleasant visit all the way around." Wildstrip just smiled at the uncomfortable hare before her.
"Indeed it should be. Well then, Buff. I brought you here to ask if you would take over setting up for their arrival."Buff opened her mouth to object, but Lady Wildstripe continued. "No buts, my dear major, we can't have one of our majors making pouty eyes at the ocean all day. Wouldn't sit well with the troops. I promise to have someone come for you the instant the ship is spotted." Here Lady Wildstripe waited. Buff took stock of what the Badger Lady had just said.
"Right you are, Marm. With your leave, I'll be off to get things rolling now, wot." Buff stood back to attention. As she turned to leave, Lady Wildstripe stopped her with a gentle paw on her arm.
"Buff, I'm glad to see them all too. It really is ok to be excited, especially if there is one or even a few you may have missed a bit more. I won't fault you." She let that sink in before standing to salute the Major. "Now then, off to your duties Major Redspore!"
Buff shook herself from the stupor that had arisen when she heard the Badger Lady's words. She sharply returned the salute before moving quickly from the room.
That had been an interesting conversation to say the least.
VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVX
"There she is! I can see her! Right there lads, it is the Posy Gurdy!" Boggs turned his attention to the young hare who had been shouting. He had been out here for a few hours waiting and even got in some training and boxing with some of his fellow hares in the process. Looking up and seeing the sail approach, he knew there was no mistaking that ship. He turned sharply on his heel and went off to find Major Redspore.
Lady Wildstripe came down in full regalia. She had all of the long patrol lined up in full dress uniform and turned out for the arrival of their friends. The patrol looked sharp as the ship came to dock. Buff came running into her own position, finishing putting her own uniform on.
Settling the anchor into the water, the ships occupants began to depart. They were each welcomed like a hero and a close friend. The cheering was bright and the order of the patrol quickly fell apart in celebration. Ruggan came off with a lovely female otter by his side. Captain Miggory came along as well, stopping to speak with his Badger Lady. Finally Buff saw the flash of dark fur she had been waiting for.
Buff felt her eyes go wide as she saw Rake NIghtfur reach the top of the gang plank. He stood tall and cool, his twin claymores draped across his back. Following his time chasing the wererat, Rake had served as a liaison to Skor for a few seasons, reaching the rank of Colonel. Then, about three seasons back he had left. Very few people knew why, just that he was gone. Buff, who had grown close to the tough hare over the seasons, knew it was about family. He wouldn't say much else, just that he had to go.
Then, Rake turned and helped someone up onto the gangplank beside him. She was a beautiful young hare with brown fur and streaks of gray blond as well. And then Buff saw that she was pregnant. As Rake carefully helped her onto the gangplank, he gave her a small peck on the cheek and Buff felt her heart crash. It fell and broke in that instant. Feeling her eyes begin to water, Buff turned. In the excitement of the event, she would not be missed.
VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVX
As Buff disappeared, Rake turned his attention to the crowd. He was seeking one face in particular, but as he searched he could not find it. He wrapped his arm around the hare beside him and carefully led her down the gangplank. He came to stand before Lady Wildstripe and threw a sharp salute.
"Weel now, milady. Tis a pleasure ta be back in yon mountain. I'd like ta introduce ye to ma sister, Rosalind." He offered the Badger Lady a smile as he directed her attention toward the young hare. Wildstripe smiled. She had forgotten how difficult the northen hares could be to understand.
"Welcome back, Colonel. And welcome to you my dear. You are both welcome to our mountain. I understand we are to have a wedding, at least if what Captain Miggory tells me is correct?"
"Ach, so tis. Ruggan seems ta have foud hisself a wee maid who can stand him." Smiling at this, Rake gave a quick glance around. "Forgive me, milady, but do ye happen ta know where-"
Wildstripe was already being drawn away to congratulate the couple. Hearing this, however, she pulled herself back to face him. "I'm sorry, Rake. She was just here. I'm not sure where she is now." Seeing his face fall at this, Lady Wildstripe smiled. She began to think of a plan which may get the two stubborn hares to speak. "Rake, go and wait for me in my forge room, would you?" As she turned away from him completely, She found Boggs walking past her.
"Boggs, do me two favors please?"
"Anything, milady."
"First, go find Major Redspore and tell her I need to speak with her in the dinig hall immediately. Then," here she took his hand and brought him to see Rosalind. "Please be so kind as to escort Colonel Nightfur's sister, quietly and peacefully, around the mountain. For her sake and for our good Colonel's perhaps you shouldn't mention whom she is to anyone?"
"Yes, milady." He turned and carefully took Rosalind's hand. Bowing carefully, his placed a kiss upon her paw. "I shall return shortly, madam."
Wildstrip smiled. Perhaps things would work out just fine.
VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVX
Buff was slumped just inside the gate with her back to the wall when he came in. She could not mistake those broad shoulders draped with claymores, and the black fur was certainly unique. She smiled, thinking of him. Then she pictures the hare who had been by his side when he came off the ship and felt her stomach flip. She turned to sneak quietly out the door as he moved toward the stairs. Hearing her move, Rake turned back just in time to see her slip through the door. He shouted after her.
"Buff!" But it was too late, she was gone and out the door.
Buff sat outside, once again fighting off the tears when she heard footfalls coming nearer. She hastily wiped her eyes and turned to face the hare approaching her.
"Boggs?"
"Major, Lady Wildstripe has requested you meet her immediately in the dining hall." Without waiting for an answer, Boggs turned and walked away. Buff heaved out a groan. She didn't want to chance going back in, just in case he was still waiting. Not that it mattered too much. Eventually she would have to face him. She picked herself up and made her way to the dining hall. Luckily she did not see him anywhere.
Lady Wildstripe snuck in quietly behind her. The Badger Lady cleared her throat to get Buff's attention.
"Major Redspore, next time you plan on leaving formation, I would appreciate being informed." She said this in a stern voice before noting the redness in Buff's eyes. She softened immediately toward the hare. "What is it Buff?"
"Nothing." Buff sniffed, wiping her eyes.
"Ah, so you saw him?" Another sniffle and a choke.
"I guess you saw her as well." Here she saw Buff nod.
"And have you heard we are to have a wedding?" Seeing Buff's eyes drop, WIldstripe almost felt bad for what she was doing. It was too late now, however. Those two needed to get over hiding and just say it.
"It is supposed to take place in two days. It has been asked for you to be the maid of honor. The bride has heard all about you and thinks you would be perfect." Buff just stared at the Badger Lady. When she said nothing, WIldstripe spoke again.
"Unless there is some reason you feel you cannot?" Again, Buff just stared. So Wildstripe took a different tactic.
"My dear Major, you have stared down vermin and watched comrades die. Yet you cannot tell him you love him?"
"Have you ever been in love, marm?"
"Indeed. Once long ago. It was magical. It was terrifying. And I was a fool. I let him walk out of my life. Don't be a fool Buff."
"But I can't ruin his wedding."
"He is waiting in my chambers." When Buff opened her mouth to interrupt, Lady Wildstripe raised her paw. "I'm just saying talk to him, that's all." With that, Lady Wildstripe walked out of the room. She felt a bit bad for teasing her friend, but she knew they did indeed care for one another. It was time for them to admit it.
Buss just stared blankly at the disappearing Badger Lady's back. Go talk to him? BE in his wedding? How could he be so…rude. But he had talked about her? Enough that they wanted her to be in the wedding? SO he thought about her. Ugh, this was wonderful and terrible.
Ok, just like Wildstripe said, just talk. She could do that. With a newfound determination, Buff made her way from the dining hall and toward the stairs, intent on confronting the black furred hare waiting for her in Lady Wildstripe's chambers.
VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVX
Rake was pacing back and forth across the chambers. All he could think of was her. He had seen her brown fur as she darted away from him and it worried him. He needed to talk to her. He needed to see her. He wanted to…no, that was wrong. Besides, he was up here because Lady WIldstripe had asked for his presence. Focus now, worry later.
There was a knock at the door, drawing Rake's attention from his thoughts. He turned to face the door as it opened, expecting the Badger Lady.
"Milady, I was…." He faded off as he saw who was entering the room. It was her. The focus of his thoughts. Her eyes were red, as if she had been crying, but she looked angry. And Rake was sure that an angry Buff Redspore was not at all what he wanted, especially if he were the cause.
"Buff?" He shook himself from his stupor and rushed over to her. "Whats wrong Buff, you don't look well."
*SMACK*
Taken aback by this action, he looked at her dumbly.
"Don't you just stare at me, you jerk. You don't get to act all wounded here. Not after…after…" Unable to hold it, Buff felt her eyes begin to water and she turned away from him to try and hide them. Rake, thought still confused, was worried about her. He reached out a hand to hold her shoulder.
"Come now, lass, please tell me whats wrong. What did I do? I'd give me own claymore ta make it better." This caught her off guard. Nothing in the world could separate the hare from his cutlasses. No one else had even been allowed to touch them, so him willing to give them up, will…
No, focus. He deserved it. "Don't, Rake, just Don't. I know, Lady Wildstripe told me. She told me I was asked to be the maid of honor."
"And did you accept?" He ventured. He knew that Ruggan had hoped desperately that she would say yes.
"How can I? How can I do that when I l-…care so much about the groom."
Seeing Rake's face fall, Buff took a deep breath. Apparently it did mean a lot to him and even if it upset her, she still loved him. If it meant that much, she could get over it. She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Rake, just tell me this, do you love her?"
"Love who?" Rake looked genuinely confused. Buff huffed. He really wasn't making this any easier.
"Rake, I saw you with her on the ship. That's why…well, that was why I left. I love you and it hurt to see you standing there with her. Then I heard about your wedding and wanting me to be the maid of honor. It was…upsetting. But if you love her, and it means so much to you, I will do it." Buff stopped. It had hurt to say that and now she wasn't sure how he would react, so she went on.
"Rake, do you love her?"
The gruff hare stared into her eyes. She saw something there…almost laughter. It frustrated her and she wondered why he wouldn't just answer her question. Letting out a sigh and letting her arms drop, she looked down to the ground. As she prepared to turn away, she felt strong black paws grab her shoulders.
"Yes, Buff, I do love her." Buff gasped. It had hurt more than she expected to hear that. She carefully looked up into his eyes and saw him…smiling? Ok, now she was mad. She was angry. She was…
Wait, he was kissing her? Buff took stock of the situation and realized that yes, in fact, his lips were pressed to hers. She knew she shouldn't. He had just said he loved the other hare, but here he was kissing her. As she fought to try not to give into the kiss, he pulled away.
"Butt, I love me sister dearly. But no were near as much as I love you, lass."
Buff was already drawing back a hand to hit him again but he caught it. Then she registered his words.
"Sister? But the wedding?"
Here Rake let out a howling laugh. "Yea, I suppose that Lady Wildstripe might have had something ta do wit that. There is gon ta be a wedding. I was actually hoping you would be the maid of honor because I happen ta know that the best man is rather smitten wit you. All he has been able to do for the entire journey is talk about how amazing you are and the bride, Ruggan's I should mention, decided she had to meet you and wanted you to be her maid of honor."
Buff looked down, unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry Rake."
"No, I'm sorry. I've known for seasons how I felt, but I was too scared ta say anything. I was actually shaking till you said you loved me just a few minutes ago. Then I realized what it was that was missing from my life. More specifically who."
Here, Rake drew the now trembling Buff into his arms. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, one which she actively returned this time.
Buff Redspore, I have missed you so much. And Buff?" He smiled down at her as she looked with a question into his eyes. "I love you too. Stay wit me forever?"
Buff smiled as she nodded into his chest.
