Chapter Five: Final Spring
Sunset at the warren always made Talia sullen. As she approached, she watched with growing despair while Frith sank low into the sky. Did he watch over his children when Inle fell? Or was he blind to the night time activities of his creations? Perhaps that was why the Warren Council often held their meetings late, once Frith retired in the west. Talia prayed silently for an uneventful retreat to her burrow. She would prefer not to run into anyone, not have to relate the tale of another harrowing escape. Most importantly, no one asking her about Radish-rah's anger and promised punishment. By now the word had probably spread throughout the warren; the higher class rabbits seemed to enjoy such entertainment at the meetings, in the opinions of some, the last punishment had been too long ago.
Many rabbits were silf, enjoying an evening silflay under fine spring weather. Wild lilac carried on the gentle breeze. A trio of young bucks were play fighting, hoping to catch the attention of two near by does who giggled over a patch of clover; pretending not to see the bucks. Talia paused to watch the group for a moment, wondering if a buck would ever show off like that for her attention. This thought brought feelings of guilt, remembering Westeria's remarks about Tamsin and his interest in her. Of course she knew Tamsin would probably go to Inle and back for Talia if she ever needed him to. He was simply that kind of a friend. True. Would he risk emotional, and social exile for me as well? She hoped not. She liked Tamsin, and hoped he would never suffer for any reason; particularly over her.
Like her previous elil baiting runs, Talia had the smallest glimmer of hope in the back of her mind that this time she might be received with good cheer. Perhaps this time the warren would see what a service she had performed. Perhaps they would see not a half grown, runtling; but rather a quick runner with quicker wits. Perhaps they would see her as something remotely valuable. Like her previous runs, this hope was crushed before it could truly blossom.
As Talia continued on, she pretended not to notice the astonished, then amused look on the faces of the sentries. "Made it back, did ya 'Elil Bait?'" A large buck called out as she passed. "I'd swear you made a pact with the Black Rabbit! At any rate, I should thank you! I bet a patch of cowslip that you'd make it back in one piece. I knew you'd make it! After all, it'd spoil our fun at the meeting!"
Talia felt a sharp, stinging, burning lump catch in her throat. Her eyes filled with tears, which she forced herself not to shed. Not until she was alone in her own burrow; far away from everyone else. She wished desperately that the homba had caught her, or that the man had shot and killed her. Anything would be better than accepting her fate here. Yet, if that were true, why remain in the warren. The fear of leaving, mingled with the fear of staying angered, annoyed, and upset Talia greatly. She wished she could make up her mind on what her next action should be. If I'm lucky, the men will fix my problems for me. It would serve Radish-rah and his hanger ons right. Talia started, and stopped in her tracks. Did she really mean that? Guilt joined the tirade of emotions warring with in her. Of course she had not meant that. No rabbit deserved an ill fate. Not at the hands of man. I just need to sleep. Talia thought shaking her head.
"Talia!" Tamsin's voice cut sharply into her thoughts. She looked up, expecting to see her friend smiling, ready to welcome her home. Instead, his expression was taunt with worry. "Thank Frith! I'm glad to see you. Come quick, something is wrong with Westeria." He pranced around in place impatiently, waiting for Talia to catch up.
Talia rushed to his side wordlessly, following him into the warren. "She's been very tired ever since the homba encounter. Tired, short of breath, and well...her lips are pale...she's complaining of pain, and being overheated. I don't know what to do for her, Talia."
Talia frowned deeply. "Tamsin, she is very old," she said with an edge of fear on her voice. They raced through the maze of runs until the came upon Westeria's burrow. "Westeria?" Talia called softly peeking her head into the burrow.
Westeria looked up weakly, a small smile on her face. "Found you did he?" Westeria shook her head slowly. "Ah, Talia. I'm glad you made it back safely. I told Tamsin this was no emergency-"
Talia's eyes narrowed slightly. Westeria seemed very ill, her voice, body language, and even smell told Talia that. "You seem unwell-"
"I'm old," Westeria interrupted, waving a paw. "I'm old, and I would suspect my body is not as fit for a homba encounter as it once was. I appreciate your actions today, you saved my life and the lives of those kittens. I'm sure they'll never forget you for that. Neither will I, Talia." Westeria laid her head back down on the burrow floor. "I wonder if you would stay with me tonight?"
"Of course," Talia said, laying down beside her elderly friend. She looked back at Tamsin with a grim smile, nodding him off. He frowned in concern, nodded once in ackowledgement of the dismissal and left.
"Beautiful day, today, wasn't it?" Westeria asked wistfully. "I've always loved the spring. Frith's rays are warming, comforting. The flowers, and the kittens." She sighed, closing her eyes. "Spring is always good; although I wonder if this one won't be my last."
"Of course it won't be," Talia said, wishing Westeria would change the subject to something other than death.
Westeria said nothing for awhile. "I'm sorry, Talia. Forgive an old doe's rambling. Tell me about the homba." She managed to look at Talia, her expression interested.
Talia related the entire tale, including the information Barney had given her. As she spoke, she got the feeling Westeria might not be entirely with her on the conversation. "Hum...I've never seen a fire before either," Westeria commented at length. "Don't think I want to either. Sounds dreadful. I don't know how dependable man's information is, passed down by a dog. But, Talia, I have a feeling it will be important for you to be on alert. Watch for any strange activity." "All human activity is strange," Talia said dryly. Westeria chuckled, but said nothing else. At length, the two does drifted off to sleep.
"What?" Talia demanded, shying away from her brother, Raist. "Please Raist, your scaring me." The buck was covered in wounds, rotting and foul smelling wounds. Do dreams smell? His head hung in an unnatural side lolling position as though his neck was broken.
Alone, Talia. Poor Talia. All alone, soon to be in flame. Then you will join us; Skhan, Marli, Parli, and I. Although Raist did not speak directly, Talia could sense his words. She shook her head miserably.
"No...."
"No!" Talia cried out, kicking at air. She glanced about in the dark burrow feeling as though she were being smothered in death. Her heart seemed to beat in her throat, blood rushing to her ears. She suddenly felt cold, as if the Black Rabbit himself were watching over her. "That's foolish," she whispered to herself, standing. She turned, suddenly remembering where she was. Hopefully she had not disturbed Westeria's rest with her nightmare. Talia sniffed, her eyes widening. "No," she repeated, this time in a whisper. She felt tears forming, as her heart left her throat and took residence somewhere considerably lower. Talia held a trembling forepaw over Westeria, afraid to shake her friend and confirm her fears. There was a stiffness to Westeria's posture. Too stiff.
Talia choked back a sob as she placed a paw gently on Westeria's unnaturally cold shoulder. "Oh. Oh no." She cried then, allowing the hot tears to fall freely in large drops. "M-m-my heart has joined a thousand," she said through sobs, "f-f-for my friend stopped running today." She did not hear the footsteps outside of the burrow. Nor did she hear the sharp intake of breath from the buck behind her.
Talia jumped when she felt Quickmoss nuzzle the back of her head briefly. "I'm so very sorry, Talia." He said. "She was old," he added as if that were supposed to make Westeria's death all better. "Her body probably could not handle the stress of yesterday. She was very brave."
Talia shook her head, wiping at the tears with her left paw. "She was wonderful," Talia said softly, sniffing. "Like my own Marli." Talia shook her head and turned. "I really want to be alone, Quickmoss."
"Uh..." Quickmoss looked down at her guiltily, pain in his eyes. "I was sent to summon you before the Captains and Radish-rah." His ears drooped. "I tried to talk to my uncle, but..."
"He would not listen," Talia finished for him, shaking her head. She nodded without further word and followed him silf, and across the warren to where the Rah and Captains had their burrows. The warren was not connected, with the thought that if disease hit, or something similar; it would not spread through the runs. If it happened to the outskirter, commoner side; the Owsla would be ordered to fill in the burrows, trapping the inhabitants and burying them alive.
"Would you find Tamsin, and tell him about Westeria, please?" Talia begged, thinking Tamsin would never forgive her for not delivery the important news herself. Quickmoss nodded silently, leading her back inside. The runs were larger, and smelled of flayrah as fresh carrots had recently been carried in. Her grief for Westeria prevented Talia from registering the snickering, and some aloof gazes of the Owsla members they passed on the way.
"Wait here," Quickmoss whispered, leaving Talia at the base of a run. He whispered briefly with a large, imposing sentry before entering the burrow. The sentry glared at Talia for a moment before looking away. Talia was dismissed as being too small to be a threat to anyone. Talia sat miserably, wondering if the Council would perform the punishment now. And thinking of Westeria.
"Send in 'Elil Bait,'" Captain Oakleaf's voice boomed from inside. The sound of snickering rabbits was audible.
"You heard 'em," the sentry said gruffly, with a sneer. "Better get along, tail-less ratling."
Talia's ears could not possibly have drooped lower. Ashamed, she mused coldly to herself in surprise that she had not yet rubbed them off on the ground by this time. Talia approached the burrow slowly, taking a moment to glance around at the sets of paws within. She did not dare look up into their faces. The burrow was filled with carrots, the fragrent root making Talia wanting to sneeze. Captain Oysten, Bark, Radish-rah, and Radish- rah's tyrant of a daughter, Rosestem were all present.
"You made it back," Bark said gruffly. "Hombil must not think you're worth their effort." The rabbits present all snickered except for Quickmoss. Talia silently wished Frith would bless the young officer.
"You're punishment will commence in three days time," Captain Oysten spoke, "We've moved the meeting date up. At that meeting, you will...." he broke off. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you, stupid doe!" He snarled, his paw flashing out quickly to cuff Talia. He caught a claw on her chin, forcing her to look up into his face. "This is the last time you'll see my face, runt. You're petulent behavior will cost you both your ears, and both of your eyes. That is the punishment deemed fitting for undermining the Rah's authority."
"But my burrows aren't finished yet!" Rosestem complained loudly, glaring at Talia.
Radish-rah made an odd clucking sound, patting Rosestem on the head. "She's replaceable my dear." He fixed a stern, cold gaze on Talia. "Have you anything to say?"
Talia looked to Quickmoss hopelessly, trying to comprehend what was being said. Quickmoss shook his head slightly, indicating she should be silent. Instead she stammered. "Y-yes, sir. I-I did not mean to be disrespectful, I was...only trying to offer a warning..."
"Oh?" Radish-rah contemplated a wrinkle on the carrot he was nibbling. "Huh. Well, this is only your first offense. In that case, perhaps we'll leave you with one good eye. Dismissed." He looked up sharply to Quickmoss. "You'll escort her to her burrow. She is to remain there, under guard until the meeting."
"Yes sir," Quickmoss saluted and nudged Talia out of the burrow gently. He said nothing to her as they worked their way silf once more. He followed along closely behind her, until they were in an open area near the edge of the warren. "You should run, Talia," he whispered into her ear. "Run away from the warren. You can find another one..."
"Who would take me?" Talia countered bitterly, rounding on him angrily.
"Talia," Quickmoss said shaking his head. "They're going to shred both of your ears, and blind you. Run. You're too valuable to waste like that. There are warrens who respect other qualities in a rabbit besides size and physical strength..." His voice cut off as an alarm was sounded. Stamping could be heard across the warren. Both looked around sharply to see several men approaching the warren.
The men walked slowly, casually surveying the surroundings. They spoke in their odd language, one laughed around a smoking stick in his mouth. "Run now," Quickmoss whispered. "No one would dare pursue you with the humans about."
Talia tensed, hesitating. "But...you'll get into trouble." The comment surprised Talia as she realized she feared more for Quickmoss than for her own safety with the humans nearby.
"Nah. I'll tell them that you didn't have the sense to take cover when the humans arrived." Quickmoss flashed a brief, tense smile. "Now go," he insisted, shoving Talia hard enough to knock her off balance momentarily.
Without thinking, she dashed away from the warren, into the underbrush to the left of the men. One of them said something, and seemed to watch her run; yet nothing happened. Encouraged by this Talia continued to run until she was deep within the wood. Breathless, and exhausted, she found a hollow log and collapsed. She closed her eyes against the events of the day. Westeria was gone, that pain alone ate at Talia's heart. Then it coupled with the knowledge she had escaped from the warren. If she attempted to return, Talia would be killed on sight. Talia shook her head numbly. What had she been thinking? Alone, silf, and warren-less; Talia was just as dead out here. With a snort, Talia remembered Westeria's comments. "Spring is always good." Talia lay her head down upon her paws, thinking miserably, This one certainly isn't.
Sunset at the warren always made Talia sullen. As she approached, she watched with growing despair while Frith sank low into the sky. Did he watch over his children when Inle fell? Or was he blind to the night time activities of his creations? Perhaps that was why the Warren Council often held their meetings late, once Frith retired in the west. Talia prayed silently for an uneventful retreat to her burrow. She would prefer not to run into anyone, not have to relate the tale of another harrowing escape. Most importantly, no one asking her about Radish-rah's anger and promised punishment. By now the word had probably spread throughout the warren; the higher class rabbits seemed to enjoy such entertainment at the meetings, in the opinions of some, the last punishment had been too long ago.
Many rabbits were silf, enjoying an evening silflay under fine spring weather. Wild lilac carried on the gentle breeze. A trio of young bucks were play fighting, hoping to catch the attention of two near by does who giggled over a patch of clover; pretending not to see the bucks. Talia paused to watch the group for a moment, wondering if a buck would ever show off like that for her attention. This thought brought feelings of guilt, remembering Westeria's remarks about Tamsin and his interest in her. Of course she knew Tamsin would probably go to Inle and back for Talia if she ever needed him to. He was simply that kind of a friend. True. Would he risk emotional, and social exile for me as well? She hoped not. She liked Tamsin, and hoped he would never suffer for any reason; particularly over her.
Like her previous elil baiting runs, Talia had the smallest glimmer of hope in the back of her mind that this time she might be received with good cheer. Perhaps this time the warren would see what a service she had performed. Perhaps they would see not a half grown, runtling; but rather a quick runner with quicker wits. Perhaps they would see her as something remotely valuable. Like her previous runs, this hope was crushed before it could truly blossom.
As Talia continued on, she pretended not to notice the astonished, then amused look on the faces of the sentries. "Made it back, did ya 'Elil Bait?'" A large buck called out as she passed. "I'd swear you made a pact with the Black Rabbit! At any rate, I should thank you! I bet a patch of cowslip that you'd make it back in one piece. I knew you'd make it! After all, it'd spoil our fun at the meeting!"
Talia felt a sharp, stinging, burning lump catch in her throat. Her eyes filled with tears, which she forced herself not to shed. Not until she was alone in her own burrow; far away from everyone else. She wished desperately that the homba had caught her, or that the man had shot and killed her. Anything would be better than accepting her fate here. Yet, if that were true, why remain in the warren. The fear of leaving, mingled with the fear of staying angered, annoyed, and upset Talia greatly. She wished she could make up her mind on what her next action should be. If I'm lucky, the men will fix my problems for me. It would serve Radish-rah and his hanger ons right. Talia started, and stopped in her tracks. Did she really mean that? Guilt joined the tirade of emotions warring with in her. Of course she had not meant that. No rabbit deserved an ill fate. Not at the hands of man. I just need to sleep. Talia thought shaking her head.
"Talia!" Tamsin's voice cut sharply into her thoughts. She looked up, expecting to see her friend smiling, ready to welcome her home. Instead, his expression was taunt with worry. "Thank Frith! I'm glad to see you. Come quick, something is wrong with Westeria." He pranced around in place impatiently, waiting for Talia to catch up.
Talia rushed to his side wordlessly, following him into the warren. "She's been very tired ever since the homba encounter. Tired, short of breath, and well...her lips are pale...she's complaining of pain, and being overheated. I don't know what to do for her, Talia."
Talia frowned deeply. "Tamsin, she is very old," she said with an edge of fear on her voice. They raced through the maze of runs until the came upon Westeria's burrow. "Westeria?" Talia called softly peeking her head into the burrow.
Westeria looked up weakly, a small smile on her face. "Found you did he?" Westeria shook her head slowly. "Ah, Talia. I'm glad you made it back safely. I told Tamsin this was no emergency-"
Talia's eyes narrowed slightly. Westeria seemed very ill, her voice, body language, and even smell told Talia that. "You seem unwell-"
"I'm old," Westeria interrupted, waving a paw. "I'm old, and I would suspect my body is not as fit for a homba encounter as it once was. I appreciate your actions today, you saved my life and the lives of those kittens. I'm sure they'll never forget you for that. Neither will I, Talia." Westeria laid her head back down on the burrow floor. "I wonder if you would stay with me tonight?"
"Of course," Talia said, laying down beside her elderly friend. She looked back at Tamsin with a grim smile, nodding him off. He frowned in concern, nodded once in ackowledgement of the dismissal and left.
"Beautiful day, today, wasn't it?" Westeria asked wistfully. "I've always loved the spring. Frith's rays are warming, comforting. The flowers, and the kittens." She sighed, closing her eyes. "Spring is always good; although I wonder if this one won't be my last."
"Of course it won't be," Talia said, wishing Westeria would change the subject to something other than death.
Westeria said nothing for awhile. "I'm sorry, Talia. Forgive an old doe's rambling. Tell me about the homba." She managed to look at Talia, her expression interested.
Talia related the entire tale, including the information Barney had given her. As she spoke, she got the feeling Westeria might not be entirely with her on the conversation. "Hum...I've never seen a fire before either," Westeria commented at length. "Don't think I want to either. Sounds dreadful. I don't know how dependable man's information is, passed down by a dog. But, Talia, I have a feeling it will be important for you to be on alert. Watch for any strange activity." "All human activity is strange," Talia said dryly. Westeria chuckled, but said nothing else. At length, the two does drifted off to sleep.
"What?" Talia demanded, shying away from her brother, Raist. "Please Raist, your scaring me." The buck was covered in wounds, rotting and foul smelling wounds. Do dreams smell? His head hung in an unnatural side lolling position as though his neck was broken.
Alone, Talia. Poor Talia. All alone, soon to be in flame. Then you will join us; Skhan, Marli, Parli, and I. Although Raist did not speak directly, Talia could sense his words. She shook her head miserably.
"No...."
"No!" Talia cried out, kicking at air. She glanced about in the dark burrow feeling as though she were being smothered in death. Her heart seemed to beat in her throat, blood rushing to her ears. She suddenly felt cold, as if the Black Rabbit himself were watching over her. "That's foolish," she whispered to herself, standing. She turned, suddenly remembering where she was. Hopefully she had not disturbed Westeria's rest with her nightmare. Talia sniffed, her eyes widening. "No," she repeated, this time in a whisper. She felt tears forming, as her heart left her throat and took residence somewhere considerably lower. Talia held a trembling forepaw over Westeria, afraid to shake her friend and confirm her fears. There was a stiffness to Westeria's posture. Too stiff.
Talia choked back a sob as she placed a paw gently on Westeria's unnaturally cold shoulder. "Oh. Oh no." She cried then, allowing the hot tears to fall freely in large drops. "M-m-my heart has joined a thousand," she said through sobs, "f-f-for my friend stopped running today." She did not hear the footsteps outside of the burrow. Nor did she hear the sharp intake of breath from the buck behind her.
Talia jumped when she felt Quickmoss nuzzle the back of her head briefly. "I'm so very sorry, Talia." He said. "She was old," he added as if that were supposed to make Westeria's death all better. "Her body probably could not handle the stress of yesterday. She was very brave."
Talia shook her head, wiping at the tears with her left paw. "She was wonderful," Talia said softly, sniffing. "Like my own Marli." Talia shook her head and turned. "I really want to be alone, Quickmoss."
"Uh..." Quickmoss looked down at her guiltily, pain in his eyes. "I was sent to summon you before the Captains and Radish-rah." His ears drooped. "I tried to talk to my uncle, but..."
"He would not listen," Talia finished for him, shaking her head. She nodded without further word and followed him silf, and across the warren to where the Rah and Captains had their burrows. The warren was not connected, with the thought that if disease hit, or something similar; it would not spread through the runs. If it happened to the outskirter, commoner side; the Owsla would be ordered to fill in the burrows, trapping the inhabitants and burying them alive.
"Would you find Tamsin, and tell him about Westeria, please?" Talia begged, thinking Tamsin would never forgive her for not delivery the important news herself. Quickmoss nodded silently, leading her back inside. The runs were larger, and smelled of flayrah as fresh carrots had recently been carried in. Her grief for Westeria prevented Talia from registering the snickering, and some aloof gazes of the Owsla members they passed on the way.
"Wait here," Quickmoss whispered, leaving Talia at the base of a run. He whispered briefly with a large, imposing sentry before entering the burrow. The sentry glared at Talia for a moment before looking away. Talia was dismissed as being too small to be a threat to anyone. Talia sat miserably, wondering if the Council would perform the punishment now. And thinking of Westeria.
"Send in 'Elil Bait,'" Captain Oakleaf's voice boomed from inside. The sound of snickering rabbits was audible.
"You heard 'em," the sentry said gruffly, with a sneer. "Better get along, tail-less ratling."
Talia's ears could not possibly have drooped lower. Ashamed, she mused coldly to herself in surprise that she had not yet rubbed them off on the ground by this time. Talia approached the burrow slowly, taking a moment to glance around at the sets of paws within. She did not dare look up into their faces. The burrow was filled with carrots, the fragrent root making Talia wanting to sneeze. Captain Oysten, Bark, Radish-rah, and Radish- rah's tyrant of a daughter, Rosestem were all present.
"You made it back," Bark said gruffly. "Hombil must not think you're worth their effort." The rabbits present all snickered except for Quickmoss. Talia silently wished Frith would bless the young officer.
"You're punishment will commence in three days time," Captain Oysten spoke, "We've moved the meeting date up. At that meeting, you will...." he broke off. "Look at me when I'm speaking to you, stupid doe!" He snarled, his paw flashing out quickly to cuff Talia. He caught a claw on her chin, forcing her to look up into his face. "This is the last time you'll see my face, runt. You're petulent behavior will cost you both your ears, and both of your eyes. That is the punishment deemed fitting for undermining the Rah's authority."
"But my burrows aren't finished yet!" Rosestem complained loudly, glaring at Talia.
Radish-rah made an odd clucking sound, patting Rosestem on the head. "She's replaceable my dear." He fixed a stern, cold gaze on Talia. "Have you anything to say?"
Talia looked to Quickmoss hopelessly, trying to comprehend what was being said. Quickmoss shook his head slightly, indicating she should be silent. Instead she stammered. "Y-yes, sir. I-I did not mean to be disrespectful, I was...only trying to offer a warning..."
"Oh?" Radish-rah contemplated a wrinkle on the carrot he was nibbling. "Huh. Well, this is only your first offense. In that case, perhaps we'll leave you with one good eye. Dismissed." He looked up sharply to Quickmoss. "You'll escort her to her burrow. She is to remain there, under guard until the meeting."
"Yes sir," Quickmoss saluted and nudged Talia out of the burrow gently. He said nothing to her as they worked their way silf once more. He followed along closely behind her, until they were in an open area near the edge of the warren. "You should run, Talia," he whispered into her ear. "Run away from the warren. You can find another one..."
"Who would take me?" Talia countered bitterly, rounding on him angrily.
"Talia," Quickmoss said shaking his head. "They're going to shred both of your ears, and blind you. Run. You're too valuable to waste like that. There are warrens who respect other qualities in a rabbit besides size and physical strength..." His voice cut off as an alarm was sounded. Stamping could be heard across the warren. Both looked around sharply to see several men approaching the warren.
The men walked slowly, casually surveying the surroundings. They spoke in their odd language, one laughed around a smoking stick in his mouth. "Run now," Quickmoss whispered. "No one would dare pursue you with the humans about."
Talia tensed, hesitating. "But...you'll get into trouble." The comment surprised Talia as she realized she feared more for Quickmoss than for her own safety with the humans nearby.
"Nah. I'll tell them that you didn't have the sense to take cover when the humans arrived." Quickmoss flashed a brief, tense smile. "Now go," he insisted, shoving Talia hard enough to knock her off balance momentarily.
Without thinking, she dashed away from the warren, into the underbrush to the left of the men. One of them said something, and seemed to watch her run; yet nothing happened. Encouraged by this Talia continued to run until she was deep within the wood. Breathless, and exhausted, she found a hollow log and collapsed. She closed her eyes against the events of the day. Westeria was gone, that pain alone ate at Talia's heart. Then it coupled with the knowledge she had escaped from the warren. If she attempted to return, Talia would be killed on sight. Talia shook her head numbly. What had she been thinking? Alone, silf, and warren-less; Talia was just as dead out here. With a snort, Talia remembered Westeria's comments. "Spring is always good." Talia lay her head down upon her paws, thinking miserably, This one certainly isn't.