Both young otters walked for several minutes without speaking. Clearing his throat loudly, Cheek decided to try to find out a little more about this curious maiden.

"You said you were not from these parts, what part o'Mossflower do you come from?"

Inlet slowed her pace allowing the plumper Cheek to walk alongside her. "Not from Mossflower. My folk come from the Eastern shores."

"Folk? I thought you said you weren't part of jolly ole crew."

"Jolly ole… listen t'you, yer the fanciest talking otter I ever did hear. " Chuckling she jovially shoved Cheek's shoulder with a strength he hadn't expected the maid to have. She suddenly became very quiet, and those endless eyes glanced despairingly towards the riverbed. "I said I ain't part of no crew, never said it was always that way. Aye, there was a whole clan of us up that 'a' ways. Corsairs picked off most of us. The sea just about took the rest when they sailed to rid the eastern shore of those vermin scum. Meself and a pawful of others headed out on our own. I 'eared some say we was cursed, you believe in curses Cheek?"

Cheek had listened closely to the ottermaids tale. He felt deeply for her loss of her kin. Cheek could not remember his own parents, nor could he recall much of his life prior to his encounter with the Redwallers at Slagar's cart. Her question had unsettled him some, Redwallers tended not to be overly superstitious. The only supernatural lore he had encountered during his time at Abbey school pertained to Martin the Warrior, who was always a positive influence in the life of the Abbey. Realizing that Inlet was waiting for a reply he hastily gathered his thoughts.

"Well… I'm not sure if I do or not Inlet. "Rolling his shoulders he could think of no more to say on that matter.

"I'm sure you will soon enough Cheek, I've met plenty o'beasts who said they didn't believe in curses. They all start out the same, but in two thuds of a rudder they're cowering, and distancing themselves from me. No offence matey, but you and these otters will be the same way come another sunset. "Sighing heavily she licked dry lips and found Cheek blocking her steps forward. The young otter squared his shoulders trying to look brave or as he saw it, warrior like.

"I won't be like that Inlet. An' Skipper's crew won't neither. I promise you that miss." His belly rumbled, and peering up towards the sky he noted that it was nearing midday. "What say you to a spot o'lunch?"

Inlet was quick to agree and the pair settled against the riverbank for a noontide picnic. Cheek rummaged through his pack taking out the neatly wrapped food packets Sister Pansy had prepared for him. The good Sister, knowing Cheek's eating habits had tried to control his portions by dividing his traveling rations in neat barkcloth packets. Of course at breakfast Cheek had already devoured some of the packages marked for lunch and supper. Now there was little left to do him the rest of the trip, and he wasn't about to begrudge Inlet some of his food.

Untying the strings from the packages of cheese and bread he cut two even portions and passed one to Inlet. Smiling gently she accepted the food and watched as Cheek quickly set into his.

"Whoa, there matey slow down ye'll give yerself a tummy ache. Have you been fasting all season?"

Blushing behind his whiskers Cheek took a swig of spring water from his canteen and wiped his lips with the back of his paw. "Er, no."

Giggling Inlet chewed slowly on the bread, savoring the humble yet delicious Abbey fare. Her eyes glanced towards the river. "Don't suppose you could get me a fish? That would make this a fine little meal." She fluttered her lashes towards him imploringly.

Looking out towards the water, then back to the pretty ottermaid Cheek slowly got to his paws. He was far from a champion fisher, but he couldn't let Inlet know that. "I'll get you the biggest blooming fish I can find." He announced wading into the cool river.

Shivering some, he looked through the crystal clear waters all he could spy was the smooth pebbles and water grasses below. Wading deeper he caught sight of silver, a fish. It was a small one but large enough to make a meal for two young otters. He stood stalk still unsure of what manner of fish it was. Perhaps a carp, perch or even a young pike Cheek only knew the taste of fish not the look of them. Leaning downward he made to grab the fish with his bare paws. Catching the fish in such a manner was bound to impress young Inlet. As he made his attack, Cheek slipped on a loose river stone and went headlong into the river. The fish darted away, and the young otter went under, pulled along by the current. Sputtering Cheek found himself in a dangerous predicament. The weeds had snagged about his belt and hindpaws. Kicking madly he fought to free himself, his efforts kicked up river mud blocking his vision. At what felt like a life time, but was only a matter of moments Cheek finally freed himself. Getting up to his paws he spied a worried looking Inlet rushing towards him.

"You alright Matey?" The maid was about to dive in when Cheek nodded signaling all was well.

Shaking the water out of his ears, he felt a smack at his chest. Glancing down he saw his tunic was moving as though his heart was flapping out of his chest. Blinking he reached down the neck of his tunic, and these was the fish.

The two otters laughed as Cheek held aloft his catch in victory.

"Ye sure have an odd way of catching fish Cheek." Inlet giggled.

A/N

Well it is official this fic has taken on a life of its own. I started out trying to write a short fic about Cheek overcoming his awkward adolescent years, then next thing I know there's cursed otters… oh boy…

Don't fret I will keep writing, I hope you are all enjoying this crazy little journey we are taking.