A/N: A special thanks, as always, to kt_valmiri and ScaraMedn for not only editing and beta reading, but also lending me their Zoosonas, Luna, Lucian, and Liam.
...
Not a single cloud hung in the sky, so there was nothing to obscure the stars shining brilliant against the inky blackness of the night.
There was no moon to light the way. Paired with eyes not meant to traverse through the dark, it made every hoof step a challenge and added fear to the lone ewe as she rushed as far as she could away from the Burrows. The more distance she put between herself and the war crazed rabbits the better.
...
Luke's question had gone unanswered as another guard had called for him. The scout was conscious again, prompting the buck to leave. Though not without the cold promise of continuing their conversation at a later time. The air was saturated with hostility as he turned to the entrance, Dawn keeping her back to his departure.
She had wasted no time leaving. Not bothering to even turn back to the royal burrow. As soon as the steps died away, she ran… and she did not stop running. Muscle memory helped her navigate the kingdom. Having spent the better part of her life trailing after the king and his heir around their land she quite familiar with it.
A large distance was covered before she paused long enough for exhaustion to sink in.
Still, she refused to stop. Pushing herself as hard as she could, allowing her clothing to become torn and thin with wear until it began to fall off. Only the slightest bit of the fabric was salvaged as a bundle for edible greens that she collected as she fled. She carried on along the same route she had given to the princess, knowing the king would not send mere scouts after her.
But she needed to reach the Sahara. She needed to warn them of what was coming. There was no doubt the scout was speaking true, meaning King Hopps would send his army marching. Many a time she had played dumb for the king and his council, their crazed egos ready to destroy any that challenged them, but
Dawn knew the Burrows would not stand long in a fight.
King Hopps and his army would fall, leaving the Burrows defenseless and at the mercy of three powerful kingdoms.
A weary hoof rose half-heartedly, the tip catching upon the uneven crags. She was sent flying, her tired body barely able to reach out and grasp at anything to halt her fall. The ewe landed hard with the air leaving her lungs in a cry that echoed across the barren land. Panting in pain and exhaustion, she struggled to sit up and refocus her eyesight to get her bearings once more.
Only to find a large paw held out to her.
With a startled gasp, she pushed herself back, not minding the stinging pain shooting up and down her back.
"There, there now…" The voice was tinged with amusement, as a paw shot out to grasp her, coming from what she could now see was a lioness. Her other paw followed, pulling Dawn from the harsh and painful rock she'd landed on and setting her upon more even ground.
"You are near dead upon your hooves, little one!" Dawn tried to protest as she was firmly guided away, small squeaks accompanied by hooves digging into the ground. "Come along," she cajoled. "Come, come! You may fight all you like but you shall never make it to civilization in this state. Lucian! Anaka! Tea, please, and fresh bread. Our guest must rest."
"No, please!" Dawn gasped. "I must continue on! I must go to the Sahara! I must-"
Exhausted, ewe stumbled once more as her consciousness slipped away.
Big brown eyes filled with pity as the lioness scooped her up and carried her back to her camp.
"Uh, Luna?" A grey squirrel crept up, his own eyes on the small figure in her arms. "What did we decide about dragging in strays?"
"Always ask first?" came the gruff reply of their other comrade by the fire. The squirrel sighed and rolled his eyes, fingers going to his temples as though nursing a headache.
"Stick with tea making, Anaka, it'll be less strain on your head." Lucian turned his attention back to Luna as she laid the ewe down upon her sleeping roll.
"She smells of sea air," she whispered, taking in the torn clothing and dirty wool. "And fresh soil. But, also blood. Not fresh as if from her wounds. More like death."
Three pairs of brown eyes exchanged glances. Lucian and Anaka scrambled over to get a better look, the badger cradling a clay cup.
"This pin…" One claw traced the wrought brass of the ornament securing the ewe's makeshift sack. "I've seen this before… But where?"
"It's a Warren Pin."
Luna and Lucian looked in surprise at the badger. His jovial face beamed vacantly at nothing in particular as he took a long drink from the tea he had made. But their stares of incredulity had his smile fading as he blinked at them.
"What?" he asked.
"A Warren Pin?" asked Luna as she tugged the trinket free from its owner.
"Anaka, how do you know about Warren Pins?" Lucian jumped up and tugged it from her paw to give it his own examination.
"Remember that Arctic hare who tied those branches onto his head and demanded he be called a jackalope?"
"Ugg! That guy!" said the squirrel, shuddering at the memory.
"A jackalope?" laughed Luna, accepting the pin back and re-securing it onto Dawn's meager supplies.
"Very crazy," stated Anaka with sage like nod. "He was waving a pin like that around. Said it was his key into the afterlife. Claimed only those who had one were the true voices of the gods. He called it a Warren Pin. It's design marks where it came from."
"You got all of that from that nutter?"
The trio left the sheep for the campfire, were skewers of food were being roasted as a pot of aromatic tea simmered.
"Read between the lines, Lucian. That amount of crazy usually has help achieving it." Anaka smiled towards the lightening horizon, oblivious to his impatiently waiting friends.
"Well…?" prompted Luna.
"Hmm?" The badger looked up at her, brow wrinkled in confusion. "Well what?"
"Aye, geeze!" Lucian swatted his paw in frustration. "Where's the pin from?"
"It had a blossom on it. Probably from somewhere South."
Luna and Lucian rolled their eyes again.
"We are south," said Luna.
"It's not from this South." The badger pulled a skewer from the fire, examining it closely before biting into a beetle. "It's from the other South."
"Anaka, there's only one South."
"But there are many places that make up the South." He took another big bite and jerked his head towards the resting ewe. "And she's from there."
"But she's an ewe." Luna looked over at the resting figure and shook her head. "Why would an ewe have a Warren Pin? Aren't warrens made up of rabbits?"
"They are. She most likely would have worked with a king or other members of a royal council. Same reason you have a pendent with King Bogo's crest." And with that, the badger belched before standing. "Now, I'm going to sleep before we start walking again."
Lucian and Luna watched him walk away, both staring in amazing at their friends retreating back.
"You think you know a guy," muttered Lucian. He pulled his own skewer, this filled with root vegetables, from the flames, juggling it in his paws. "So, what do you think her story is?"
"I don't know." Luna laid back to look at the sky and listened to her companion chew his food. "Nothing good if she came this far without any gear. She won't make it any further if she really is bound for the Sahara."
"Anything we should worry about, boss lady?"
The lioness shook her head. "We can travel with her. We're bound to meet Pack Wolford at some point, we can ask Liam if he knows anything."
A scoff from the squirrel had her angling her head down to frown at him.
"Yeah, and I'm sure you're counting the minutes till that moment."
The lioness blushed at the insinuation. "Shut up and rest, you fool. I want to be traveling before the sun gets too high. We'll rest for an hour, then get ready to move out."
"And the ewe?"
"I'll carry her on my back. Let her rest up and heal. Once we get to the Sahara, she can see a doctor."
The squirrel tossed his stick away and laid back, slipping a broad leaf over his eyes. "Aye, aye cap'n. Move out in an hour."
Luna watched the sky lighten as she stretched out under the fading stars. A hint of worry nibbled at the corners of her mind that she couldn't place. But she knew Liam would have answers for her questions. Though she wasn't sure if she would like them.
...
"Fine day for a celebration."
That soft statement sweetened the air as Sama lifted her nose to the sky to breath deep. The sensation of his mate's tail wrapping itself around his ankles sent pleasant chills down his spine. With a smile, Jak stepped closer to her, relishing the feeling of her fur against his arm.
"That is because you are present, my beloved," came his response, stirring a pleased purr from the vixen. He sighed contentedly as she gave him a kiss on top of his head and finished her descent down the palace's front steps.
Jak waited patiently at the top, enjoying the view of his fox's backside, her white fur shining even brighter thanks to the red silk wrap hugging her trim frame.
He wore his best tunic and trousers with his fur immaculately groomed. Sharp blue eyes watched the progress of the caravans that had traveled great distances to celebrate the prince's birthday. The open gates showed an excited crowd of Saharan mammals, each eagerly waiting for the parade to pass them so they could give their thanks and blessings.
King Adrian Bogo's carts lead the procession. Exotic spices and barrels of fine wine, beers, and spirits jostled with the motion of the cape buffaloes who pulled them closer with each stride. With his kingdom hosting the Zootopian market, King Adrian was unable to attend.
Many matters regarding those who traded within it required much attention from the neighboring king. Though his majordomo, Leodore Lionheart and his assistant Benjamin, were a welcomed sight. They and their entourage tossed coins towards their well-wishers and passed bits of candied fruit to the children running beside them.
Behind them came Emperor Nicholas Big, the prince's namesake. They had traveled from the freezing expanse of the Tundra Empire, the Sahara royal family's ancestral home. When they came to rule the Sahara, an alliance had been struck, old enemies became new allies.
The polar bears that carried his litter also carried another, filled with richly colored tapestries and fine textiles. If one squinted one could see the curtain of the emperor's litter parted to reveal a little shrew maid happily beaming towards the impressive palace.
They were closely followed by Pack Wolford.
The wolf pack pulled their own cart, as was tradition. It was just the one as they only needed a single transport to deliver the most of precious cargo: a delicate, grey rabbit who was swathed in ropes of fresh flowers, braided by their stems. More and more had been thrown upon her at every pause of the cart. Her violet eyes were wide as they moved quickly through the crowd that cried out their blessings and praise to her. Rabbits and foxes, jackals and camels, predator and prey of all kinds came together to view the small creature.
The cart and the wolves that pulled it were coated in colorful powders. Citizens they had passed, rejoicing at the sight of their luck being renewed within the kingdom, had doused them with it as a sign of good fortune. Fruits and nuts, along with flagons of wine and precious water, were tossed to the weary pack members. Beautiful females gifted some with kisses and sashes baring their scents as thanks for their journey back through the desert.
Jak had never seen a coming of age, he himself only being a year older than the prince. But the temples had educated him on what to expect. The three kingdoms making up the Zootopian Market would feast and celebrate, political alliances would be made or reestablished, and any tension within the three would be set aside.
He had also been informed of the clouds that would come.
Already moving swiftly over the horizon, they were dark and heavy, ready to gift the dry lands with rain. Offering jars had been set out by Jak and Sama to catch the holy water, which would be used for the prince's first bath after receiving his rabbit. The air became heavy as the sky grew darker, laced with a charge that promised a truly spectacular storm. Jak pulled his gaze from coming rains back towards the approaching parade, suppressing a shudder as distant lightning made a promise of thunder soon to follow.
His mate stepped forward as the pack's cart came to a halt. The palace gates closed to the crowds, whose cheers were effectively muffled by the thick wood. Theo strode to greet the vixen while Dorian and Rena stood to the side. The she wolf gave a short bow in greeting before turning back to their cart. The pretty, grey bunny flinched slightly as she was lifted from her spot and placed on the ground in front of Sama.
Jak smiled at the sight of her.
Even lovelier than he had imagined, she backed up against the wolf, obviously terrified of her new surroundings. Her expression became thunder struck as the vixen sank to the ground in front of her. The striped buck had no doubt that she would be over whelmed by the long journey and commotion. He wasn't even the subject of the jubilation and he still felt like he was drowning in noise and activity.
Rising, Sama reached out a paw to grasp hers and gently pulled her towards the palace steps. Dorian started forward with them, a protective look on his face, only to be halted by Rena. The guards that lined their way turned their heads in unison towards the bunny, before dropping onto their knees.
"Oh," came the doe's startled voice. Sama gave her an amused smile and guided her up the steps towards Jak. "Why do you bow?"
Her curiosity obviously overcoming her fear of her guide, she turned to glance back at the vixen.
"Because," answered Jak, stepping forward with a kind smile, before he sank into his own obeisance. "Our Idol has come home."
...
Nick wandered the halls of his father's palace.
He had been up since before dawn broke over the horizon, the image of Serendipity boring into his skull. She had taunted him all night, it seemed. Dreams that had always been fragmented and easily forgotten now blared back at him with overwhelming clarity.
And all he had dreamt about was strolling through the gardens with her and resting upon a sunny green hill overlooking a vast sea. Yet her silent presence had set his nerves off. His head was swimming with from close proximity and he woke more exhausted than when he had gone to sleep. He was confused and slightly troubled about the dream's meaning, causing him to forget his surroundings.
In his distracted state, he nearly stumbled into the last mammal he ever wished to see.
"Beg your pardon, Rose."
The bitterness he always felt when he saw her managed to stay out of his voice, allowing him to give a sincere, yet shallow bow before the current Idol.
"My prince." A small paw rested upon his head, a sign of her blessing. "I share the fault of our near collision. I was paying attention, yet still managed to upset your walk."
"No harm done." With a strained smile, Nick straightened and began to continue on his way.
"Nicholas," Rose halted his attempts with her quiet evocation. "I wish to speak with you about your rabbit."
"Jealous that you shall lose the affections of the kingdom?" The snide question caused a dangerous flash of anger to flare in the blue eyes of the doe.
"As long as I hold the affections of your father, I need naught much else," came the biting reply. Nick couldn't stop his face from scowling. Her head rose further as her back straightened, her gaze meeting his head on. "I come to you as Omar came to your father, as Sarah came to your grandmother, as every Idol of the past came to the Heir of the future.
"Your rabbit has arrived and is being tended to. Make no mistake, the fact that I am not present for her welcoming and cleansing, and the meaning behind it, is not lost on me. Thankfully, Jak is well trained and Sama will care for her better than even her own mother.
"But, to the point. Your rabbit is terrified." Nick's focus had been waning up until that point. Green eyes narrowed upon the doe's face and his ears flattened on his head. "I was, when I was captured and brought here. Whether she loved her home, or hated it, her thoughts are there. She will be regretting every move she made that led her to this point and will be wondering how she can best escape."
Alarm rung up in the todd's chest at her words. The kingdom would be in ruin if she left!
"Which is why, when she is presented to you, she will be moderately drugged."
"Drugged?" Alarm was replaced with anger and outrage at the idea of his Idol being tainted.
"Yes," Rose looked amused at the prince's response and continued. "Drugged. She will be told her role in the kingdom, be allowed to express her feelings about her old life, and then presented with a cup of tea. If she should choose to drink it,
it will relax her and keep her anxiety from marring the occasion."
"What if she refuses?" Nick wasn't sure what upset him more; the idea of his Idol, the fortune of the Sahara Kingdom, running away or the idea of her being drugged to submit to the will of the royal family.
Smiling a bit more kindly, Rose shook her head. "She will not refuse." Nick's expression turned puzzled at that. "Rabbits are notorious for staying within their groups, Nicholas. It is rare that you find one of us on our own. Even rarer still, on our own, out in the open. We're too skittish for that.
"Pack Wolford chooses us rabbits well. They find those who wish not to return to their warrens. Those who are brave enough to risk being on their own. Rabbits who live by the phrase 'Fortune favors the bold'."
Nick allowed Rose to place a cautious paw upon his own. "It is my duty to ensure her transition is peaceful and calm. To ease any worries and doubts and fears. In both her and you."
The todd studied her expression, silent as the weight of her words sunk in. Like those before him, he was fully prepared to embrace the new Idol as part of his life. Any relief he may have felt at the idea of being given fish instead was replaced by the excitement of having a companion. A friend he could look to for constant support. Naturally, he assumed his rabbit would be honored at position she was in.
He was not prepared for her possible fear and resentment.
"After the feast, escort the Idol to my suite. Take Jak with you. Be sure she is comfortable and has what she needs."
Rose's eyes widened as she looked at the young prince in surprise. Surprise that only deepened as he sank into a proper bow in front of her. Her paw rested upon his head once more before she took her leave.
In the last twenty years of her knowing his highness, never once was she ever met with more than the barest hints of curtesy. He never openly scorned her, more out of fear for the gods' retribution than anything else. But she was kept at an arms-length.
Progress, she though with satisfaction. It is slight, but I'll take it.
...
Upon entering the cool interior of the palace, the striped buck and vixen had introduced themselves and guided her to the hall off the side of the entrance. Ears remained drooped and eyes cast down, though they flickered up to the other rabbit in curiosity.
"Are you a slave, too?" She asked in a worn voice. His laughter and the vixen's snort caused her ears to twitch and perk slightly.
"No," came the amused reply. "There are no slave rabbits within the Sahara Kingdom."
"So, you serve foxes by choice?"
"Yes," his bright blue eyes twinkled over towards the vixen beside them. She returned his smile, laced with what Judy could have sworn was desire. "And no."
Before she could ask, he continued.
"I am a temple rabbit, as was my mother before I and her parents before her. It is said that I am a direct descent of Amber, the first rabbit to be a living Idol in the Sahara. And as I was born within an Idol lineage, it is my duty to help prepare the heir for the responsibilities of caring for you.
"We are the bringers of fortune for the Kingdom. To care for a rabbit within your home is to harvest luck for you and yours. It is a crime to insult or cause harm to one of us and the penalties are severe." The striped buck spoke without turning to her nor breaking his stride.
"You make it sound as though we're gods." Judy gave a nervous chuckle which died at the smile forming on Jak's face.
"In a way we are. We are afforded a great deal of influence and respect within the kingdom. It's common for even the poorest mammal to offer to wash the feet of a rabbit, with hope of their fortune changing. And you, my dear, will be the most revered." He paused and turned first to the vixen, a paw reaching out to grasp hers, before smiling at Judy. "This is where I leave you. Sama will care for you until it is time for the feast. So please, relax and make yourself comfortable."
They had reached the threshold of the bathing room, Jak opening the door to allow her through first. The room's beautiful turquoise and white tiled walls and floors were unlike any she had ever seen, stealing her breath away. A pool filled with steaming water lay sunken into the floor in the center of the room. The space itself was not overly large, just enough to trap the heat of the bath water, with an arched entryway into another chamber across from where they stood.
Jak gave another bow before allowing the door to close as he took his leave. Sama continued on, stooping before an ornamental jar and pouring its contents into the water. The scent of roses filled the air, the fragrant steam wrapping around her and calming her frazzled nerves. The vixen dipped her paw in the water and nodded in satisfaction. With a smile she rose and turned, jar held to her side, and beckoned Judy forward.
"I will not harm you, my dear." Her soft voice was filled with affection. "Come."
Judy slowly walked towards her, her arms wrapped around her torso and ears flat down her back. When she stood before the tall vixen, the jar was set down and her clothing gently removed. The makeshift skirt released a small cloud of dust as it was unbuttoned; her flower necklaces were pulled off, the white petals stained with the colorful powder that had been tossed at her cart. Embarrassment flooded her face when she was stripped bare by a perfect stranger once more, her clothing set aside.
"This bath will cleanse the journey from you." Sama pulled another jar towards them, the small crystals within it poured into the fragrant water. "It represents the new life that you'll build here and the good fortune you will bring to the Kingdom."
"What if I wish to build a life elsewhere?" Tears filled her eyes as she stared blankly into the water. "What if I wish not to be an… an… Idol? Wh-what if Pack Wolford chose poorly?"
Two large paws rested lightly upon her shoulders, the doe tensing at the feel of them.
"They haven't been wrong in nearly four hundred years." She gave a gentle sigh and removed her paws from the frightened bunny.
Large purple eyes followed Sama as she crossed to a small grate with red coals
burning under it. A kettle was set upon them, before she turned to the table next to it. Tea leaves were measured out and set aside before Sama focused back on her.
"Please. Bathe and tell me about your home."
Taking in a deep breath, Judy cautiously stepped down the pool's steps into the hot water. Closing her eyes against the heat and steam, her body sank into the bath, the dirt and grime that accumulated lifting off her fur.
Home….
Rolling green hills as far as the eye could see sprawling in one direction and giving way to finely sanded beaches in the other, stirred in her mind as she submerged herself. Dunking her head briefly, she resurfaced with a sigh.
"It's very green and warm," she said, her eyes still closed. "The land is good for farming and my country produces the best fruits and vegetables. Some of them even make their way to the Savanna. And there is the sea close by. My brothers and I used to swim and sail in the summer and build campfires at night in the sand."
A cool, odd liquid like substance was poured upon her head, the vixen's paws following to massage it in. Its light, floral scent caused an ache of longing to fill her heart.
"Go on. Tell me about your family."
"They're a loud bunch. The bucks are at least. Most of my sisters have been married off and most of my brothers are warriors." She opened her eyes and stared down at the decorative tile at the bottom of the tub. "I longed to be one as well."
Sama paused her ministrations and looked at her curiously.
"I wanted to be a warrior," she explained, prompted by the vixen's pause. "I wanted to fight for my country, to uphold peace and honor for my family. But my father said I could not. As a… doe… my duty was to either our gods or a husband. And he chose husband."
"You were betrothed?"
Judy nodded. "To a horrible buck, decades older than I. Already buried three young brides. Had hordes of kits, all from multiple does… not just his wives."
"So, you left." The first jug was filled with water from the tub and poured over the bunny's ears to rinse the soap from them. "You find yourself in a position of honor, you know."
Pushing water from her eyes, she looked up at the vixen.
"You are in a land that honors, not only females, but rabbits especially. They are afforded more opportunities and freedom than any other mammal. Any mammal who can wield a sword may join the army and any that wish to learn to fight may do so.
"Should you stay, you will learn the art of our combat, along with how to serve Serendipity, Karma, and the Bactrian God. You may wed another, should you choose to do so, and the decision will be yours and yours alone. And your voice shall be the deciding factor for nearly all of the issues the future king will face."
Now clean and smelling of roses, Sama guided the doe from the water, back up the steps of the tub. A soft towel was wrapped around her before she was lead to the archway.
"Have a seat on the cushions. I shall attend you in a moment."
With a nod, feeling less anxious than she had been, Judy did as she was told. Holding the towel tightly around her naked shoulders, the buck she thought she loved crossed her mind again.
Luke. A bold, strong male, always looking for a fight and always wanting a tumble with her. Not that he ever got the chance. He made her laugh on occasion and there were times she wished for nothing more than to kiss him. But when she brought up her desire to be a fighter, he had scorned her. Made her feel foolish for wishing to do so. She thought it was heartbreak, realizing her love only loved her body.
But, as she waited for Sama to return, it came to her. She wasn't heartbroken. Just disappointed. Judy never loved Luke, never wanted him, she just enjoyed the closeness of another. Otherwise, she would have ran off with him, not without him.
The sound of a cup being placed before her brought her back to reality. Sama smiled kindly at her before filling it with tea. Its scent was unlike any she had ever known. While the bath had calmed her, this made her body melt as she inhaled deeply. With a dazed smile, one small grey paw reached for it, only to have Sama halt her.
"Before you drink, you must listen." Judy's ears stood straight and swiveled towards her. "The feast will be loud and filled with activity. You may find it overwhelming. This tea will keep you relaxed when you are presented to the prince. By drinking this, you accept your role as the Idol. It is not something you may go back on."
Purple eyes went to the amber liquid as she thought over her words.
"You are given a choice, Judy. Refuse to drink and you will be allowed to leave the Sahara, and build whatever life you choose. However, if you drink, you will be the right paw of the throne, allowed to voice thoughts and opinions on every matter within the Kingdom. Drink, and you will have the power to change the world."
I won't have my freedom I stay, she thought.
You won't be taken seriously anywhere else, her mind argued. You may lose your freedom to another, much more violently, if you leave.
I shall be a slave.
You already were a slave. Leave here and you may become a slave again. Drink, and you will have more than you ever dreamed you could possess. You will be able to change the world, make it better. Drink and you will be a GODDESS.
Purple met blue. Sama felt her heart drop for a moment as the beautiful bunny's ears did the same. The short silence stretched through eternity.
Judy picked up her cup and drank.
...
Nick sat impatiently at his spot at the table. King Taiem and Rose conversed with Jamila and her husband while Tame and his wife cooed and nuzzled the twins. The infants were delighted by the music and bright colors, trying their hardest to crawl away for a closer look whenever possible. Only to be snatched back, much to their amusement.
Tame had requested dancers to be present for the celebration, which Taiem agreed with. Several of the most talented females performed for the prince, each leaving a faint kiss mark upon the fur of his cheek. Nick could only sit and bear through, wishing for the moment Pack Wolford would arrive and present his rabbit to him.
The visitors from the Tundra lands and the Savanna laughed and drank with the members of Taiem's court. Emperor Big's young daughter, Princess Francesca, danced with any and all who asked. Her small form twirled around her table, much to the amusement of those around her. Even Nick smiled at the sight.
But all fell silent as the doors leading into the great hall opened.
Judy had never felt more at peace.
She was pure relaxation and every ounce of worry had melted upon drinking the warm, surprisingly delicious tea she was given. Its lightly sweet, floral flavor had coursed through her body, waltzed along her nerves, and helped calm her worried mind.
It made her cheerfully passive as her towel was removed and her fur brushed and smoothed to perfection. And slightly clumsy as she tried to help Sama and another vixen servant redress her in a new outfit for the feast. The light white silk skirt was split up either side, covering her front and backside, but revealing her legs when she walked.
Her belly was exposed again, though this time gold paint had been applied to her fur in delicate designs. The matching white top covered her modest breasts, cap sleeves hugging just off her shoulders. Gold bands were placed on her forearms and more paint decorated her feet, paws, and ears.
Sama brought her to the entrance hall, where Pack Wolford stood in waiting. Each wolf had been washed and groomed, before dressing in their best clothing. Dorian and Rena stood on either side of a ruby red litter, a soft cushion waiting for Judy to be placed upon it. It was then the doe realized just how unsteady she was on her feet, thanks to the tea.
Jak came forward and, with Sama's assistance, guided her upon it. Liam and Theo stood tall and faced the doors to the banquet hall. Behind them were two others followed by Judy and her litter. Dorian and Rena raised it to their shoulders while rest of the pack fell in line behind them. Jak and Sama stood at the doors next to the alpha and beta, waiting for their cue to open them.
"Judy..." Dorian's voice cut through the nerves of those who waited, most of whom had never been to the Sahara, let alone for a coming of age feast. "I-"
Judy reached over to place a paw upon his. "You have been forgiven, my friend."
Dorian looked at her sadly and nodded before once more facing forward, just as the buck and vixen pushed the banquet doors open.
...
The females who had been dancing gracefully moved to line one side of the hall before dropping to the floor as the familiar leader of Pack Wolford strode forward. Guests within the hall reassembled themselves, falling silent in respect as he and Theo passed them.
Liam's amber eyes were full of delight as they rested on Taiem. The king himself grinned broadly at his old friends, standing in welcome at the sight of them. Nick, his brother and sister followed suit, as did their spouses, each of the vixens holding a kit.
"My King!" boomed the alpha. "The years have greyed my fur, yet you remain untouched! Thank you for the generous welcome into your fair kingdom."
Taiem laughed loudly, one paw going out to pull Rose to his side.
"It is you I should thank," he responded, eyes twinkling down at the bunny in his arms. "I feel the years will never catch up with me, thanks to the best gift I have ever received."
"Your Majesty is far too kind," said Rose with a delighted grin.
Nick withheld his scoff at the display. Jamila and Tame both merely smiled and turned their focus on the alpha and beta, dying for a glimpse of the rabbit hidden behind them. Liam moved his attention to the prince.
"And his highness, Prince Nicholas. It seems only yesterday, you were a tiny little thing upon your mother's lap." Nick's ears quivered at the mention of his mother.
"Now, I stand before a grown todd. Come forth, your highness. We of Pack Wolford have a gift for you."
Nick glanced at his father, who met his gaze with a patient look. Taiem nudged him from his spot and the prince stepped from his chair to walk the length of the head table. His feet felt heavy as he made his way toward the pack, but all too soon, he was staring up at the tall wolf alpha, his mouth going dry.
"Prince Nicholas of the Sahara Kingdom. Heir to the Wilde Throne. You will, all too soon, be tasked with running this great land of yours, it's fate and place in the world resting upon your shoulders.
"But, you shall not be alone in this." Liam smiled at Theo who stepped to the side. Nick's eyes went to the litter raised over his head, held there by Dorian and Rena. Both wolves lowered their heads first, their bodies following gradually so as not to upset their burden.
"We gift to you, Judy of the Southern Burrows. Happy birthday to you, your highness. May the gods bless this land for the rest of its days."
How many years had the prince known about his father's affection for Rose? And the whole time, he had felt scorn for it. A fox loving a rabbit. His father trading the perfection of his mother for a bunny, whether or not said bunny was the Idol. It was something he never understood.
Attraction was something he never understood.
Purple met green.
Nick took in the delicate form of the grey bunny blinking at him with eyes that were slightly glassy from the tea. She stood from the cushion, Dorian guiding her from her seat, and stepped onto the polished marble floor. Head and ears were held high as she strode towards him, eyes never leaving his face. Recognition bloomed as he watched her move carefully.
Green met purple.
Anxiety that was not anxiety filled his belly as his eyes traveled her small form.
Emotions he had never experienced before raced through him like the sweetest fire he had ever felt. The goddess who had kept him company throughout the night had joined him. And Jak had been right. She was a vision he wanted within his sights at all times.
I will die for her, he thought as he sank into a bow.
...
Judy blinked at the array of mammals surrounding her. The wolves held her litter high enough for everyone to view the decorated bunny, if only for the brief moments before their deep bows. Such an act still surprised her.
As a lower princess, it was not customary to bow before her. With as many brothers and sisters as she, bowing before every royal would take up most of the day. So, it was the custom to do so only for the king, queen, and first-born litter. She had never had another soul show such reverence before.
Not even Luke had gazed upon her the way those in the banquet hall did; as though she was the only thing worth looking at.
She kept herself still on her cushion, head, ears, and eyes swiveling around the great banquet hall. They landed briefly upon the Emperor and his daughter. Francesca lifted her head cautiously and made eye contact with doe, a shy smile forming on her little face. Judy smiled back and gave a short wave.
The halting of the litter drew her attention forward. Two tall wolves in front of her blocked the view of the main table. Liam's loud greeting to the king had her shaking her head to refocus on the present. The tea was doing wondrous things for her. Except for feeling a bit fuzzy headed, she had never felt better.
Drawing her knees to her chest, she took a moment to examine the designs painted upon her feet. Each curve of gold meant luck and prosperity, Sama had told her. Every dot a blessing from each Idol of the past, asking her to carry their luck with her into the future. There was a slight sensation of vertigo as the litter was lowered and her ears perked in curiosity as she tried to stop herself from leaning over the edge.
"We gift to you, Judy of the Southern Burrows. Happy birthday to you, your highness. May the gods bless this land until the end of its days."
Good bye, she thought as images of her old life came to and faded from her memory. Her father, her siblings, her disgusting betrothed, and Luke. Raising her eyes and rising from the cushion as the litter hit the floor, she held in her gasp as she was met with familiar emerald green.
Barely aware of being lead from her spot, she stopped before the figure that had made himself at home in her dreams. His eyes were wide in surprise, like her own. They held their gazes as he sunk to his knees before her. She took a step back in uncertainty, only to be halted by the paw of another bunny.
A harlequin with bright blue eyes, the doe took Judy's paw and placed it on the fox's head.
"He asks for your blessing," she explained with a smile. "This is how you give it."
Her paw was still upon his head when he rose. It trailed down his muzzle before she pulled it back. With a smile, Prince Nick extended his arm to her.
"It is a pleasure, Judy," the voice was pleasant and send a comfortable shiver down her spine when it reached her ears. "Welcome to the Sahara. It is honor to have you here."
She allowed him to lead her to the main table, the wolves smiling after them as they took their places amongst the other guests. Approaching her seat, a camel servant stepped forward to fill her glass, her plate already set with a selection of vegetables. She settled into the chair the camel pulled out for her, the prince taking his place by her side.
Throughout the meal, her eyes wandered over to the fox beside her. She had never seen one before, her ancestors having run them out of the Burrows serval centuries before her birth. Every story she had been told, all the fables passed around the campfire, tales of warning for little bunnies who even thought of disobeying their parents…
Were wrong.
Granted, she had been within the presence of one for less than an hour. But the murals were nothing like this graceful creature beside her. His gold adornments did not take away from the fiery red of his fur, nor did they mute the lush, cream colored fur of his chest. The crown he wore complimented his dark, pointed ears, though the thing looked heavy with its turquoise embellishments.
And then there were the eyes. Emerald eyes that shone brighter than anything she had ever known. Combined with his angular face, she felt they had spent the last three days chasing each other. The dreams she had been having were returning to her full force.
Judging by his reaction to her, it was not at all one sided. Her ears grew hot whenever she chanced a glance at him, only to find his eyes on her. They looked away to their plates or wine, both trying to resist another glance.
She was incredibly thrown by the events that had so changed her fortune.
...
King Taiem had caught the eye of his old friend and nodded in understanding as Liam jerked his head towards the exit. Rising from his spot, with Rose being bade to stay and a gentle squeeze to Nick's shoulder followed by a smile to the new Idol, he obliged.
The sun had been hidden since mid-morning. A glance out the large windows lining the corridor saw the heavy clouds gently release their burden. Liam stood towering beside him, also observing the way the light rain jostled the trees and leaves.
"You never pull me from a meal unless it's important, Liam." The king smiled up at the alpha. "What have you to say, old friend."
"It's about your son's rabbit," he replied, eyes still focused outside. "You heard the rumors about Nick being presented with fish for his birthday?"
With a chuckle, Taiem nodded. "Indeed. I was quite worried there was fact in that. Happy to see that is not the case."
"There was fact in it." Taiem's ears and head snapped up to him. "Dorian made a very impassioned speech against us bringing one. I humored him. Let him go off on his own to bring back the best catch he could find for the prince."
"And how did that work out?"
With a smile, Liam shook his head. "The idiot got caught in a storm. Says the bunny saved his life. After she was brought to the village, I learned a very interesting tid-bit…"
Annoyance filled the king as he waited for him to continue. Confusion replaced it as Liam's face darkened.
"She's a lower daughter of King Hopps, Taiem." The todd's mouth dropped open in surprise. "A run away. I have reason to believe that the Burrows think her dead, but you know King Hopps. Should he become aware of her presence in the Sahara, he may send his army marching."
Breathing deep, Taiem turned back to the window as the rain became stronger. It was a good sign. Nick's rabbit was their true Idol, a creature to be defended and fought for. She, like those before her, had brought rain after long drought. There would be no giving her back.
Not to mention the look Nick had when he gazed upon her. The way his scent had deepened when he settled beside her and how he could not seem to stop himself from staring at her. Adding to that, Taiem had seen his son's paw twitch, obviously trying to keep himself from reaching for her.
Nick had mirrored his own reactions when he was first presented with Rose.
"You and your pack have truly out done yourself," he stated lowly. "Such a rabbit chosen as the Idol cannot be mere coincidence."
The red fox inhaled deeply before turning back to his friend.
"She will go nowhere."
Liam was not surprised by the statement. Foxes were quite superstitious, especially those in the Sahara.
"Stay alert," the king said as he strode back towards the banquet hall doors at a leisurely pace. "I shall consult Jak and see if I can find a few hares or rabbits willing to relocate for a time. Should you receive word King Hopps marches towards my kingdom, alert them. They will bring us the message and we shall meet them in battle."
...
Judy trailed behind Jak and Rose, her eyes roving the rich colored marble and tile decorating the corridors. Like the bathing room, the designs were breathtaking. Added to that were the spectacular arching windows showcasing the view of the windswept, rainy desert. The young doe felt she could see this place as home.
She nearly ran into the backs of her guides when they came to a stop in front of a pair of ornate doors. Both turned to smile at her before the portals were pushed open.
"You and the prince will be sharing living spaces, as per custom and his request." Jak continued to smile as she cautiously tip toed into the suite. "He has asked to that you make yourself at home. You are welcomed to explore this and the adjoining rooms. The left is his sleeping quarters, to the right are yours. Lavatory is through here, bathing pool there."
Rose turned from her spot at the door to tug a cart inside that Judy had not noticed. Pushing it to the center of the room, where a collection of cushions lay within a sunken space, she unloaded a selection of fresh fruit and a decanter of wine, paired with glasses.
"Please," she said turning to Judy and gazing at her affectionately. "Follow me."
She left the cart for the room that had been designated to Judy. Its entrance, mirroring the prince's own, was covered by curtains which were parted to reveal a bed large enough for several bunnies. Gossamer hung from the ceiling surrounding the large expanse which was covered in numerous pillows and luxuriously colorful blankets. The window just beyond it was dark, the land it revealed being lit up with the occasional bolt of lightning.
Rose strode to a chest in the corner. Lifting the lid and rifling through it, a deep red robe was pulled free. After she placed it upon the bed, Rose turned to leave.
"That will be more comfortable than what you wear now," she explained as she walked. "You will receive a bath in the morning. It is custom to leave the gold on through the night. Change and enjoy the refreshments. Prince Nicholas will be joining you soon."
The older doe turned to give her a final smile, only to have it fade at the despondent expression.
"Are you alright, your holiness?" She stepped towards her.
"I'm fine," Judy whispered. "It's just… been a trying day."
With a nod of understanding, Rose went to her and placed a comforting arm lightly across her shoulders.
"This I know." Judy gave a small huff at the statement. "I, too, was captured unaware by Pack Wolford. I, too, was bound and brought the many miles from my home to this land. But you will find, it is a good life here."
Judy looked at the older doe, remembering that she had only just relinquished the title of Idol.
"Dress now. And try the wine. King Adrian's lands are famed for their wines. You shall find them quite agreeable."
Jak appeared, his head poking through the curtain. With a nod to Judy, he gave Rose a meaningful look, before vanishing. She smiled to herself before turning back to the new Idol.
"I shall see you in the morning."
And with that, Rose left. Now alone for the first time since meeting Dorian, the young bunny strode towards a bed. She sank to the floor beside it, her paws pulling her top free of her body as tears filled her eyes.
The tea had long since started to wear off, the emotional toll the day had taken catching up with her. And surprisingly, she was not sad about the loss of her old life. More so, she was relieved that she never had to return to it.
The fine robe was pulled from the bed and slipped on, fitting her form to perfection. It buttoned in the front, spaced just enough to preserve her modesty, yet still allowed for free movement. Though, had anyone from her kingdom seen it they would have thought it scandalous. Rising, she wandered back into main room of the suit, taking a seat upon the cushions to await the prince.
...
Nick paused in front of the doors of his suite. He could smell her presence, its sweetness making his heart pound in his ears. Coupled with the sound of the rain pattering around the palace grounds, the young todd felt conflicting calm and nervous tension.
Adding to the cocktail of emotions was his father's request for an audience with him before retiring for the evening with his own bunny. The king had had little to say, stating he wished only to walk with his eldest son. He had given Nick a slightly sad look when he obliged.
"Seems like yesterday, you were taking your first steps," he remarked. The prince gave him a thoughtful smile. "Now you're of age, preparing to care for the kingdom, with your rabbit by your side."
"Getting sentimental on me, Father?" Nick smirked at the older todd, before Taiem stopped to pull his son into his arms.
"You are more than your mother or I could have ever hoped for," he whispered."And Judy will be the greatest thing to ever happen to you."
His words had concluded as Rose came into view with Jak, the buck bowing to the king and prince. Taiem had pulled away from his son, his paw reaching to tug Jak towards him. He leaned down to murmur something into his ear, something that caused the buck to frown. Jak gave a nod to the king before excusing himself to find his mate, a clap of thunder adding an undignified hop to his step as he hurried away. The three who had all watched his retreat gave low laughs, though the doe was a bit more sympathetic.
Taiem released his son from his presence as Rose stepped forward, the two drinking in the sight of the other. Offering his paw to his lover, she gave a short bow to the prince before allowing Taiem to lead her away. Nick had stared after them, the resentment he normally felt not rising as it had in the past. Not even when his father pulled the bunny closer to his side as they walked, his tail wrapping protectively around her waist.
Drawing himself into the present, Nick pushed the doors open. His eyes immediately fell upon the bunny seated in the center of the room. Her body was craned towards the balcony doors as rain and wind rattled them. Ears held high, dropping slightly as the thunder crashed again, only to pick back up as it faded away.
His breath caught as her eyes turned to him. She scrambled to her feet, paws clasped in front of her and ears falling back. The robe she wore made the gold decorating her glow, making her appear like the goddess she was supposed to represent.
They stood in awkward silence for a beat before Nick cleared his throat and rushed to the small table filled with wine. Judy kept still, her eyes not leaving his face, until a clap of thunder drew her attention back to the balcony. He smiled as her ears straightened at the sight of the lightening dancing across the sky.
"It's magnificent isn't it?" he whispered, coming to stand beside her.
She turned her gaze to him, accepting the glass of wine he held out to her. "On the other side of the palace, the view of the desert is the best. You can see the lightening illuminate the whole of the Sahara when it flashes." They both turned to the balcony again.
"It's beautiful," she agreed. "I always heard this land was ugly, barren and unsavory." The prince scoffed at that. Judy turned to smile at him. "I disagree. I found there are a great many things worth looking at."
His ears burned and his breath caught in his chest. Eyes softening as he continued to gaze at her, his brain tried to operate through her alluring scent. The illumination of the balcony doors drew her attention away from him again, this time causing her to move towards them. Her expression of enchantment at the powerful flashes of lightning brought a chuckle from the prince.
"You enjoy storms?"
"Very much so," she breathed out in wonderment as the sky became alive again. "Back home, we would have hurricanes. Everyone else would hide, yet I always found myself drawn to the sky light. Watching the heavens in all their glory and beauty… Oh, it just took my breath away."
I know the feeling, he thought as her small form was illuminated against the glass of the doors.
Nick took a long drink from his wine, stepping towards the bunny as he did.
"Judy?" Her ears quirked towards him before tearing her gaze away from the storm. Raising what was left in his glass, she smiled and mimicked the gesture. "I pray you find happiness here… With me…"
Lightening moved across the sky in a grace that no dancer could match.
The easy rain filled the rivers and hydrated the fields. Bit by bit, the Sahara Kingdom became renewed in life and bounty as the fox and bunny stood together, side by side. Cool winds carried a sweetness within them as lavender eyes savored their view.
With her anxiety gone for the moment, thanks to the wine and residual tea, Judy smiled at the temporarily darkened view.
"Thank you, Prince Nicholas."
"Please," he whispered. "Call me Nick."
...
Exhaustion.
It wrapped itself around her and rendered her useless to the world. Everything that mattered was forgotten as she sank into a blissful oblivion that dulled the pain of her fall and lulled her road-weary body to rest. The fear she'd felt throughout her long journey was pushed from her mind and the reasons for her breakneck flight vanished.
At that moment all she knew was comfort.
For now she was safe and snug with no one and nothing to worry over. For now she could forget about the dire warning she carried and the war she was compelled to prevent.
Dawn Bellwether was in good paws.
For now.