Chapter 2

Working her way down to the bottom of the hill, Thethuthannang eagerly sniffed the air. She wanted to dart off quickly but hesitated. It wasn't in a rabbit to put itself in such a danger with a protected warren so close by. The urge to turn back was very strong. Raking across the doe's senses like claws. She took a couple steps back and bounded up the hill. "I can't go alone," she exclaimed looking between her two companions expectingly.

"It would be foolish to go at all," Cherrywood proclaimed finally. Her voice was stern and serious. "Its best to stay near the warren. I shouldnt have said anything." She turned away from them, flashing her white tai before bounding away.

"I think she is right," Snowberry mumbled nibbling some green. "You know Thlayli would be quite sore, if he knew you were even thinking about doing this." A part of her wanted to let the delirious doe do it. Bigwig would surely be sore with her. It might give him more cause to stir himself her way instead. Males did fight for females, but females themselves often tried to push their way into the interest of the biggest and best looking males. They weren't near as violent as the males were when choosing their mate though. Their war was fought on a much more devious ground. Striving to be more appealing to the eyes.

Thethuthannang cocked her head to the side, broadcasting her confusion freely. Her nose twitched in an irritated manner as she tried to decode the feelings in the albino's words. Her body raised up showing her annoyance. She didn't speak again but, began to clean her fore paws furiously.

Drifting away, Snowberry ate her way inconspicuously toward the large captain. She hoped he was in a better mood by now and cautiously approached keeping her head low. He glanced up at her momentarily then continued on with his eating until he could see her coming even closer.

"You planning on being sneaky the whole way?" He asked turning his large form to face her. His ears layed at a slant. showed the concerning doe that he was indeed at ease. She read his body language easily and darted over, hastily extending her nose to touch his.

"Frith smiles on us today," she said gleefully. "I see that you are taking in his warmth and welcoming the ease that it brings." The buck ruffled his fur happily and rose up above his companion. He was showing off now. Placing his thick frame up for all to see.

Snowberry gave a chuckle and raised her nose to him in a show of interest then lowered it quickly in case his mate was looking that way. Bigwig caught her signal anyway and knocked a paw onto her head as a gesture of playful acknowledgment. It was apparent he cared not if two does were interested, and with the latter having the trouble she was he was going to take a look at the other options.

If he could see inside the albinos heart, he would be witness to the war that raged inside. Yes, she wanted him but, at the same time she felt a heavy guilt for it and even though she was trying her best to help the pair stay together instinct was giving way to personal want and the young doe often found herself making it known to Thlayli through actions behind Thethuthannang's back. 'This was not what was supposed to be happening', she would often think.

Bigwig, gave her an awkward look and fluffed his fur. "What's the matter with ya" he asked boldly. "Ya see something?" His ears perked up and he surveyed the area.

"No," the albino remarked quickly. "I apologize, I was lost in thought that's all." She nuzzled his leg as a show of friendliness then stopped when she saw the scars on his thigh. Efrafa. That horrible place had branded him permanently. Swallowing, the doe looked up at him, her eyes holding onto a sad memory.

"The're gone forever," Bigwig broke in. "All the bad that crack brained, slave driver did is gone. We're allies now with a bold and brighter future." His words were strong and true, giving the doe a sense of calm once more.

The wind blew hard and suddenly, causing most of the rabbits to shiver. A young, orange female named Pumpkin skidded to a halt as her mate Pipkin toppled,over her. They could sense what all the others were sensing. Something was very wrong. The happy sounds of Watership Down had given way to an eerie silence. All that could be heard was the frantic thumping of the sentries. Quick as lightning all the rabbits scurried to the burrows as a circling hawk came into view.

Snowberry was pressed tightly against the large Bigwig as she fearfully shivered. The loud screech the hawk belted through the air made her muscles jump, ready to bolt.

"Keep it calm," her companion assured her. "It can't reach us." He looked up through the burrow cautiously, looking to the sky then around the ground before tucking back in. "No body is out there. She's safe." Snowberry knew he was talking about Thethuthannang. In the scurry they had just hit a burrow, not even bothering to see who was running with them.

"There you are Bigwig," came Hazel's voice from the,darkness. Both rabbits turned to see him hopping up the run. "Your mate has been looking for you."

"Hazel-rah," proclaimed the captain. "All our warren made it in." He stepped to him.

"That's good to hear," the chief rabbit sighed in relief. He touched noses with the captain of his owsla then turned to make his way back. Bigwig followed of course, and Snowberry behind him. She was still shaking from the encounter and vowed to stay as close to him as possible until the danger had passed.