It took a while to get this done but as compensation it's the longest chapter yet! We shall ignore the fact that I wrote a much longer one-shot in the meantime :p But this chapter even has an actual action scene! Not used to doing those but I think it came out okay.

Anyway, hope you enjoy! :)

Regret & Reconciliation

They weren't that far from Efrafa when Campion abruptly stopped. Vervain followed suit, and looked back at him questioningly. Campion had his ears perked and sat up on his haunches. His face was grave and concentrated as he scanned the area around them. It made Vervain nervous. There could only be one good reason for Campion to be on such high alert all of a sudden. It had to be elil. Vervain inched closer to his friend, wanting to ask what he'd sensed but afraid to break his concentration. So he merely waited. What felt like an eternity passed in silence when a noise reached Vervain's ears as well. He angled them, trying to pick up what direction it was coming from, and when he did he swallowed hard. Efrafa was that way. Had elil found their warren?

"Something is amiss." Campion finally spoke, his voice low and nigh a whisper. The words had barely left him when Vervain saw the undergrowth shake and rustle. Whatever was coming, it was moving fast and heading straight for them. Vervain was just about to suggest they make a run for it when something - or someone- burst from the bushes and skidded to a halt right in front of them. Wide amber eyes stared back at him, panic and surprise whirling in their depths.

"Nashia?"

"Vervain! You're-" Her eyes darted behind her and Vervain only then noticed the numerous wounds covering her. Some, the deeper ones, were still bleeding but Nashia seemed to pay them no heed. Her attention snapped back to him, "No time to explain. Run! Now!" The bushes rustled and for the second time that day a weight slammed into Vervain. At first he thought it was whatever elil had been pursuing Nashia until he realised he was being pushed into the bushes. "Stay there." His sister ordered sharply before hopping away from the bush. Confused, Vervain peered out of it, just in time to see a weasel appear from the bushes in about the same manner Nashia had mere moments earlier.

"Nowhere to go, long earsss." It hissed out, its eyes glinting with menace at Nashia. "Oh! More tasty bitesss!" It added when Campion hopped to stand next to Nashia.

"The only one who'll get bitten is you!" Nashia growled. She crouched down in a pose that resembled that of the weasel's. Her ears lay flat on her back but Vervain doubted it was just in fear. It was folly to fight a weasel head-on! They should run and hide, that was what his instincts were telling him, so didn't they tell his sister the same? Or could she simply ignore them? He looked over at Campion and saw him lowered in a crouch similar to Nashia's -his attention fully focused on the weasel. He didn't appear to have any intention of running either. They were really going to fight it... Every muscle in his body tensed as the moments dragged on. The tension was killing him and he found it harder and harder to obey his sister's command to stay put. He wanted to run, he needed to run, and just when he was about to give in to his instinct, the weasel flew at Nashia. Vervain held his breath, praying to Frith for Nashia and Campion's safety. His friend didn't waste any time and jumped at the weasel, knocking him to the side before he could reach Nashia. The weasel crawled upright again and snapped its jaws at Campion but he'd already jumped safely out of reach. He circled the weasel, his eyes only briefly leaving it to give a small nod at Nashia. She nodded back and approached the weasel from the other side. Vervain was amazed, it was like the elil had become the prey. The weasel snapped its head left and right, trying to keep an eye on both rabbits at once, but Vervain knew it was pointless. Elil didn't have the gift of peripheral vision that rabbits had so it would have to pick an opponent soon. It turned its attention fully on Campion again, maybe because Nashia was already hurt and it thought she wasn't much of a threat.

It thought very wrong. The weasel had barely lowered its guard around her or Nashia charged at it, bit down hard on its hind quarters, taking some fur off, and jumping backwards. The weasel snarled as it whipped around to bite Nashia but as soon as it did, Campion attacked from the other side. He nearly got the weasel's neck but it turned just in time to divert the attack to its face. The weasel screamed in pain as it slashed at Campion to get him off. Campion let go just a little too late and the blow connected. Tiny drops of blood splattered on the ground. The weasel was in much worse shape, blood pouring from the wound Campion had made above its eye. It growled, backing away from Campion and Nashia. Vervain couldn't believe what he was seeing, they were actually driving the weasel off!

Nashia came to the same conclusion, "What? That all you got?" Taunting didn't seem like a smart thing to do to Vervain. The weasel grinned, baring its razor-sharp teeth at her. Vervain thought it was going to reply but instead it charged at Campion with such speed and ferocity that the buck couldn't respond in time. The weasel didn't bite but simply ran him over, hard, and then veered off to the side to attack Nashia.

Or so he'd thought.

In the next horrifying moment the weasel looked straight at him and its grin broadened. "Hello there, little hidden long earssss!" It came at him, completely ignoring Nashia, and Vervain thought he should run but his body refused to move. He was frozen in fear, unable even to close his eyes to await his impending death. He couldn't believe it would end like this...

An angry snarl pierced the air and it took Vervain a few moments to realize it wasn't coming from the weasel. The next thing Vervain saw was a bundle of fur crashing into the weasel just as it was about to pounce on him. Nashia. She clamped her teeth down in the weasel's neck, a growl erupting from deep within her, mingling with the pained screams of her opponent. This time Nashia didn't let go. The weasel shook and snarled, moved this way and that, eventually falling on his side in order to crush the rabbit still stuck to its throat. It seemed to work. Nashia's grip loosened and the weasel wasted no time in counter-attacking. It grabbed her, aiming for the neck, but ending up biting her back instead as she tried to manoeuvre out of the way. Blood splashed around during the struggle. Finally, the weasel had a good grip and flung Nashia away. She landed a few hops away. Motionless. Vervain's heart stopped at the sight. He was faintly aware of Campion hopping in front of her, glaring down at the weasel who hesitated.

"Next time, tastiesss." It hissed, "I know your scent." With those ominous words the weasel disappeared into the undergrowth. Campion collapsed to the ground and Vervain dashed from underneath the bush to his sister's side. She was bleeding heavily but her chest was slowly rising and falling so she was still alive. Vervain let out a breath of relief as he crouched down next to her. Gently, he began cleaning the cuts, trying to wash away the blood and force them to heal. He nearly had to gag at the taste of blood on his tongue but suppressed the feeling, concentrating fully on the task. Briefly, he glanced over at Campion to see how he was doing. "Campion?" He called questioningly. With a groan the other sat up and hopped over to them. He was limping. "I'm okay."

Vervain looked doubtfully at him until Campion gave him a small smile, "I'll be fine." He reassured him as he settled down next to Nashia. He regarded her injuries and a flash of worry appeared in his eyes. Without another word he began to cleaning her wounds as well. There were so many of them. How long had she fought the weasel before running and encountering them? What if she hadn't?

"Are you okay?" Campion asked, nodding his head at Vervain's chest and paws before continuing with his task. Puzzled, Vervain looked down at himself and noticed the blood splattered all over his fur. It had begun to soak in, feeling so sticky he wondered how he hadn't noticed before. He felt sick. This wasn't his blood. It was Nashia's, it was Nashia's because she'd jumped in front of him, because she placed her life on the line to protect him. How could he have ever doubted she cared?

"I'm..." He swallowed, "I'm fine." At least, physically he was. He bent over to clean another one of Nashia's wounds when she stirred. She slowly opened her eyes and groaned, "Vervain..." He was beside her in a flash, bringing his head close to hers. "I'm here."

"The weasel...?" She moved as if to get up but to no avail. Vervain gave her a lick over her head, "It's-" He started but shook his head and rephrased, "You chased it away."

"Vervain, I-" She paused - a pause that stretched on, her eyes fluttering close. Vervain gave her a small nudge, urging her to stay awake, afraid that if she went to sleep she might never wake up again. Campion was still diligently cleaning her wounds. The bleeding had stopped in most places but she had lost so much blood. Her fur was so covered in it, it was difficult to recognize her natural colour.

Her eyes opened again, if only slightly, "I... was brave, wasn't I?" Vervain had never heard his sister sound so fragile, so unsure of herself. So defeated. He didn't like it, didn't like the implications behind her words.

"Don't. Don't talk like that!" He practically yelled at her. A look of hurt appeared on Nashia's face and Vervain wanted to smack himself. Why did things always come out so wrong? "Don't talk like you're going to die." He elaborated. Nashia smiled at him, "I'm so tired..."

Panic rushed through him, "No, you have to stay awake! Please, Nashia, don't go to sleep!" He nudged her again but she didn't respond, "Yes, yes, you were brave! Do you hear me? You were braver than any other rabbit ever was!" Nashia let out a little laugh, it sounded strangled but amused, "Who's being dramatic now?"

Vervain laughed despite the tightness in his throat. If she could joke then she still had enough of her fighting spirit left. She could make it. If any rabbit could, it was Nashia. The Black Rabbit wouldn't take his sister away just yet.

"We need to move." Vervain was startled at Campion's comment. He'd nearly forgotten his friend was still there. Vervain nodded, "The weasel could come back."

"Not only the weasel." Campion replied, his face serious, "Other elil will be attracted by the smell of blood. We've already lingered here for too long."

Vervain knew he was right. "Nashia, can you stand?"

"I'll try." She pushed herself up with her front paws but soon collapsed again, breathing heavily from the effort. Vervain worriedly checked her wounds to see if any had started bleeding again but it was difficult to tell at first glance. He just hoped they hadn't. She tried again, getting a bit further but she still collapsed. She let out a sigh, "This is no good... just leave me." Vervain stared in horror at the suggestion but it was Campion who spoke, "We're not leaving any rabbit behind." His tone was firm and final.

"I might be able to get up but I can't hop one step!" Frustration filled Nashia's voice. "Just go. I'll only bring ruin to Efrafa like this." The scent of blood hung heavily in the air and Vervain realized that if they headed back they could very well lead the elil straight to their warren. Yet, where else would they go?

Campion remained silent. He must see the reason behind Nashia's words. Still, he looked unwilling to leave Nashia behind. He glanced at Vervain, "We could support you if you walk in between us. The going would be slow but we'd make it." Though his voice sounded steady and sure Vervain could see the doubt in his eyes.

"Exactly. Get up, Nashia. We can do this." He added, praying to Frith he appeared more sure than he actually felt. "You're not gonna let that weasel win, are you?" That got her attention. She pushed herself upright again and with great effort remained so. Vervain and Campion rushed to either side of her, supporting her, and they started off in the direction of Efrafa.

The going was even slower than Vervain had expected but he didn't show it. They moved in silence, the only sounds being an occasional groan from Nashia. Vervain could see that Campion was struggling as well. He was still limping and the extra weight on his sprained leg wasn't doing it any good either. The trail of blood they were leaving behind still worried him but there was no time to make a detour to the river and wash up first. Nashia needed to return to Efrafa where she could properly recover before she grew too weak from fatigue and blood-loss. The entire way Vervain kept his ears perked for any sounds but miraculously enough they came across no elil at all. Vervain had no idea what'd they'd done if they had. Nashia was in no state to fight or run and neither was Campion really. That only left him but what use was he in battle? He'd proven his worth as a warrior already and it wasn't much. He shouldn't be in a battle at all. Look what his presence had gotten Nashia! And Campion too.

After what felt like an eternity, Efrafa came into sight and they were soon stumbling through the entrance. The Captain rushed out to meet them, asking too many questions at a time until Campion interrupted him with a simple "I'll explain later." Fatigue laced his voice.

"Nashia needs help." Vervain added, though the remark was rather obsolete. They'd barely entered Efrafa or Thyme rushed over to them, her face contorted into an odd mixture of relief, worry and anger. Phyla lagged behind, stopping a small distance away from them. Her ears were drooping, and her face looked worried but when Vervain caught her gaze she quickly cast it down, shuffling her paws. She looked guilty and upset.

"Bring her to our burrow. She needs rest." At Thyme's command, several rabbits rushed forward to support Nashia and take her away. Vervain let them though he was intent on following. Thyme stopped him, "I need you to fetch Cloudberry and Hyacinth." Vervain nodded and sped off in search for the two does. They knew more about healing injuries than any other rabbit in Efrafa. Nashia would be in good paws with them. He quickly found them -they'd been alerted by the commotion and had come to see what was going on- and explained where and why they were needed.

Cloudberry shared a brief look with Hyacinth, "You go check on her. I'll go gather some herbs." Hyacinth nodded. When Cloudberry had left she turned to Vervain, "Don't worry. Nashia is tough and we'll make sure she pulls through. Now, lead on." Vervain did just that and guided her to his family burrow. Nashia had already been settled in. The other rabbits had left except for Phyla who sat next to her sister, gently lapping her fur and murmuring encouragement. Hyacinth hopped past him and settled down next to Nashia. Her gaze slipped up and down her body, her eyes narrowed in thought and concentration. Nashia's eyes briefly fluttered open and Vervain gave her a smile. She meekly smiled back before closing her eyes again.

"Shouldn't she stay awake?" Vervain asked worriedly.

"No, it's fine. We're here to keep an eye on her." Hyacinth answered without turning her attention away from her patient. After completely checking Nashia over for the third time she cast a glance at the entrance, then back at Nashia and finally on Vervain. She opened her mouth as if to say something but seemed to change her mind.

"What is it?" Vervain prompted.

"There's something I need to get..." She trailed off.

"Well then go get it!" Vervain practically snapped. This was no time to hesitate! "We'll keep watch." Phyla added. Hyacinth nodded at her and hopped off, completely ignoring Vervain. He sighed and hopped closer to Nashia. Her flank slowly rose and fell. Her breathing was still rather shallow but it had at least evened out. He gave a quick lick over her head. She didn't respond.

"She's going to make it, right?" Phyla's voice was soft and low, Vervain almost missed it. There was fear in it, deep fear and worry, and also... guilt.

"Yes." He answered without missing a beat. "Yes, she is."

"How do you know that for sure? What if she- I don't- I-"

"Because, this is Nashia we're talking about." Vervain lifted his gaze and looked straight at Phyla. It was strange. He was scared and worried as well but for some reason the words came out steady now. "She's too stubborn to die."

Phyla let out a small laugh, "That she certainly is."

"Phyla." Vervain started when he saw the dark look in his sister's eyes return. "This isn't your fault."

Her eyes widened but she quickly looked away. "But it is... if I hadn't-" She stopped and Vervain didn't prompt her to continue.

"It isn't your fault." He repeated firmly. A silence settled over them. They both lay close to their sister, hoping to comfort her with their presence. If she was even aware of their presence.

"I'm sorry." Phyla murmured, her voice muffled. Vervain was about to repeat that it wasn't her fault -he'd say it as often as needed- but she continued before he could. "I shouldn't have said those things to you. I-" She paused and sighed, "Just... I regret all of it."

"I'm sorry too." Vervain replied at length. The words weren't just aimed at Phyla. He hoped Nashia could hear him too. He didn't plan on apologizing often after all. "I really am." He wanted to add 'for being blunt', he wanted to say he still thought Flax and the Owsla don't mix but he didn't, afraid of getting into another argument. The last thing he wanted was to fight with either Phyla or Nashia. Once had been enough.

Thanks for reading! :)

Chibiscuit~