Gwendolyn's morning started like most mornings. She woke up early, before the sun had come up, and lay in her bed staring at the roof beam above her head for a moment. Clutching the plushy skunk to her chest for a few moments more as she remembered peaking in at Leon and Meredith the prior evening. She couldn't remember what she thought she would see but. She shook her head, and slipped slowly out of her bed, and she straitened up her covers before placing the plushy skunk on top of the pillow.
Gwendolyn then proceeded to get dressed. Instead of her normal outfit though she pulled on her best ankle length earth brown skirt, and a clean white button-down blouse that had a nice stitched rose pattern down the front. Unlike most mornings she took a few extra moments to look at herself in the mirror and even a few more moments to brush out her tail fur. She then went on to her morning duties.
She made her way downstairs and into the kitchen, putting a large brass kettle filled with water on the stove to begin heating. She then went to the large fireplace in the sitting room and stoked the coals within before adding wood to begin warming the house from the chill that had set in over the course of the night. After she was sure the logs she had placed in the fireplace were starting to burn she returned to the kitchen to check their stores. After a quick look she decided that she would have to go to the market after breakfast to restock their food supplies.
When she turned around, she noticed that the rabbit that she had brough into the house the night before along with Leon and the others was standing at the door. He now stood in front of her however in full military uniform, a small block of colored pins on his chest indicating a few minor service ribbons in a single bar. He also now wore contacts that changed his blue eyes to brown. "Good morning my dear, might it be possible to request a cup of tea?"
"The water will be ready in a moment; we only have black tea." Gwen turned around and pulled a tin from a shelf next to the stove, a tea steeper, and a ceramic mug and placed the items on the table. She glanced over the rabbit once more, before silently walking out of the kitchen to see to Grandmother. Her ear twitched when she heard the multiple footpaws moving around on the second floor as the other mammals awoke.
Her morning routine continued as she helped Grandmother from her bed and assisted with dressing as well as grooming. Then assisted her out to the kitchen to a seat at the end of the small table. As Gwen handled making tea for Grandmother and coffee for the others, the other mammals started to gather in the kitchen as well and discuss when they would be leaving. As it turned out they would be leaving within the hour, their transports were to show up soon with their guide. As she turned from the stove, the old tin stovetop coffee percolator in her paw she noticed Leon and Meredith come into the room.
Leon was a commanding presence when he walked in. His uniform was sharply pressed, with Blue slacks and a matching blue jacket, where Jack had a single ribbon bar Leon had four bars, below which were two other honor medals Gwendolyn had no idea about but made the uniform just look all that more impressive. On the cuffs of the jacket were three gold stripes that ran the full circumference, and on his lapels were pinned silver maple leafs above two stars that matched the stitched symbols on his epaulets. He carried his hat under his left arm as he tried to coax Meredith into the room with his right.
The only expression that Gwendolyn made that might have exposed her humor at the situation was a small raise in her eyebrow, that is after staring at Leon for a good few moments before putting the coffee down on the table which had started to get noticed by the others. Meredith had obviously not found the outfit she had been provided something she would prefer to wear and was even now wearing the heavy black wool overcoat that she had also been provided even as the room temperature increased.
"Come on Meredith, you can not be comfortable in that jacket and you do realize you will be seen without it." Leon said with a little note of a chuckle in his voice. Though with the scene she had created she now had the attention of all the mammals.
Grumbling, and having to admit that he was right on both accounts. Meredith removed her jacket while looking at the floor. Garnering a whistle from Zoe who had put her cup down to look at the hybrid female, that reaction also earned her a short kick from the squirrel on her shoulder.
Meredith's ears flicked back at the sound as she shot Zoe a glare. The outfit left little to the imagination, as it was obviously designed to do. The material was a complimentary blue to her 'owner's' uniform. The neckline cut in a deep V that led past her chest and ending just above her navel, showing off much of the grey fur of her chest and belly, the V was hemmed with a lace material that helped to draw the eyes attention to how much fur was exposed. The top was finished with full length covering her arms, silver trim around the cuffs and three silver clasps that gripped the top closed over her belly. Given it was winter she was allowed to wear slacks, but the tight fit of the slacks and the way her top was cut showed off her hips and waistline. A simple pair of knee-high black boots finished the ensemble.
"Miss Wilde, you look." Jack was obviously trying to pick his words carefully. "Amazing."
"I look like a sex slave." Meredith said tartly as she glared at the rabbit. "And you look like the devil bunny himself." This last statement got a chuckle from the others.
"Where is the collar?" Grandmother spoke up.
"I have it here in my pocket Grandmother." Leon said wearily.
"She must wear it Leon, it is the law." Grandmother stated sympathetically.
"I will put it on before we leave." Leon said but saw Grandmother shaking her head.
"You will put it on now my boy. If the authorities decide to visit it will be hard enough to explain the uniforms in my house that they were not aware of were in town. It will be another thing all together to explain a hybrid without a control collar." While Leon and Jack were in dress uniform, the others were in fatigues as their guard. She looked at Meredith with an apologetic expression as the fox hybrids ears pinned to the back of her head.
"Just do it Leon." Meredith looked at Leon, "I came along knowing this was necessary."
Leon's shoulders slumped slightly as he pulled a black collar from his pocket. Similar to her outfit the material was luxurious in nature, even if it were for such an evil device. On the collar was a small box with a red light. As he clasped the collar around her neck, he heard her slight whimper. "I'm sorry Meredith." He kissed her cheek as he finished locking the collar in place and the red light flashed green before turning off. Mercifully the others at the table had become overly occupied in fixing cups of coffee or partaking in one of the various fruit items that Gwen had since put out for them. Jack even found himself unusually interested in his mug of tea.
Gwendolyn turned to Grandmother and said, "Grandmother I must go to the market. If you are fine for now." When the elderly skunk nodded, she turned to the others. "I wish you all good luck and hope you all return safe." Once she walked to the front door she started putting on her well worn heavy wool jacket, it had some patches on the elbows and had been hemmed from its original size so that the full length jacket wouldn't drag on the ground. As she turned to the door she felt a tug on her shoulder and turned to look up at Leon.
"Hay, not going to leave without a hug young lady." Leon smiled.
Gwendolyn managed one of her few smiles, even if it looked a little forced due to lack of practice. "Of course." She whispered and wrapped her arms around Leon with a brief nuzzle against his chest. "You will come back." Her voice was still nearly expressionless, but Leon heard the difference.
Leon returned the hug silently for a moment before stepping a half a step back and tilted her vision up to his with a paw under her chin. "Hay, don't I always?" When she nodded. "Good, now off with you. And stay out of trouble."
Gwendolyn nodded her head and turned to leave when Leon called back to her. "Oh and Gwen, perhaps when this is over you can come visit Zootopia with me? Think on it." She watched him turn and leave before she walked out into the crisp winter air outside. She pulled her jacket closer to her as she watched the fog of her breath drift away from her muzzle. The sun was newly up but had not yet warmed the air and the night's chill left a visible layer of fog over the lake in the distance as she began her walk to the market.
On her way the two black SUVs that were heading to pick up the group passed her, a familiar ferret in military fatigues was in the lead truck to whom she nodded to as they drove by. Once she made it to the market she went about her typical routine, that was until she made it to the stall where she always picked up the tea. A wonderful old porcupine she had grown to trust to get her the better tins of tea that could be acquired in the region. On her way she noticed a group of skunks in military fatigues all wearing red berets and rifles on their backs. In the square were also positioned three heavily armored tanks and a command jeep. Kits that had gone out to the market early with their parents were being helped up onto the tracks of some of the tanks and talking excitedly with the operators.
Gwen continued on her way, keeping her head down as she tried not to get the attention of three soldiers that were talking to each other near the tea stall. She slowed her walk as she found herself able to listen in to what the skunks were saying.
"Yah I heard that traitor might have been dropped off here. That's what the cookie was saying anyways." The taller of the three said.
"Right, like he would be stupid enough to come back. He should just stay under what ever rock he slipped under." The shorter commented.
"Why, I'd love to be the one to take care of him. Quickest way to rank advancement right there." The fat one said. He wasn't actually fat but the line of conversation had Gwen clenching her paws as she walked up to the tea stall.
"Well it doesn't matter they are sending Natalia herself after him now. My cousin in the capital said she left the general's offices last night, and she looked like she was on the warpath." The mention of the assassin sent a child down the other skunk's spines.
Almost everyone in the country knew about the guild of assassins, and had heard at least a few of the stories about the ruthlessness of Natalia, so when Gwen heard that she was being sent after Leon she dropped one of her shopping bags, which startled the porcupine she had been handing payment to but also got the attention of the soldiers behind her.
"Miss are you ok?" The short ugly skunk asked Gwen as he walked over and picked the bag she had dropped up. "You seem to have a lot to carry Miss, do you need a little help?" He said with a smile.
"No, I'm ok mister." Putting the tea, she purchased in one of her bags she retrieved the bag the soldier was holding. "Thank you though." She quickly started her way back home, not bothering with the last few stops she was supposed to make. As she retreated, she heard the three skunks laughing, probably at her she thought. She had heard the remarks before, 'what's wrong with her' or 'she talks so weird'. Once she was out of view she picked up her pace hoping she might catch the two vehicle caravan before they left.
Brushing past a few animals she knew with a quick but polite nod when they greeted her she made it back to her home in relatively quick time even with the one time she slid past the turn she wanted to make due to the cold and icy brick under paw. She didn't bother taking off her coat as she made her way through the main room and into the kitchen where Grandmother was still seated and reading a news paper.
Grandmother looked up with a raised eyebrow. "Good heavens what's wrong my dear?"
"Have they left yet?" A crack of urgency creeping into her voice. Which had Grandmother attempting to stand. It had been many years since she had heard anything other than the girls monotone voice.
"Yes, perhaps just under an hour ago. Why?" Getting to her feet but leaning heavily against the table she watched as the skunkette dropped the items she had purchased unceremoniously on the floor by her feet and turned to leave. "Gwendolyn, stop this moment." Her voice commanding and betraying her age.
Gwendolyn did stop, and turned back around but she rocked from foot to foot in frustration. "Yes Grandmother."
"Now, what is this all about?"
"There are solders in town, as well as tanks. They were talking when I was to pick up the tea. They spoke of suspicious of Leon returning, and that there are rumors of sending Natalia after him." She said flatly, while still dancing from footpaw to footpaw.
"Dear god." Grandmother's right paw went to her muzzle. Before she could say another world Gwen had already decided enough time had been wasted and dashed upstairs to her room. When she came back down, she had quickly changed drawing a smile from Grandmother whom had made her way out to the sitting room.
Gwendolyn had changed into a light brown double-breasted jacket with two rows of buttons going up the length and a triple buttoned collar that was lined with wool. Her pants had been changed for thick charcoal colored wool pants and knee-high hard leather boots. She had a long winter scarf around her neck tied expertly so it would not blow off her neck, a hard leather helmet with glass goggles against the forehead. She was just pulling on long cuffed, matching, leather gloves.
"And what do you plan to do young lady?" Grandmother knew exactly what she planned to do but she wanted to hear the young skunk say it.
"Warn them Grandmother." She pulled the second glove on before walking to the door. "I've called Jonathan to come to take care of you until I am back."
"I could send a runner." Grandmother offered but smirked when the skunk turned, the door halfway open. "Ok, but you deliver the message and you come right now." When the young woman left without another word Grandmother shook her head with a look upwards before returning to her newspaper.
Gwendolyn walked to a small shed that was around the back of the row of homes she had left. Inside the tight space and under a tarp was the motorcycle Leon had rebuilt while she watched, and then taught her to ride. Since he had left she had made sure to keep it in running order and even took it for short rides out into the country side to keep the lubrication flowing. Pulling off the canvas tarp she looked it over quickly. Spoked rims looked ok, tires were in good condition, tank was full of fuel, shocks all looked good so she hoped on and turned the key into the ignition position. She checked the paw shifter to ensure that the bike was in neutral before pushing the kickstart lever out and made sure to catch it with the heal of her boot. With a quick hop up and pushing on that footpaw the bike coughed but made no attempt to start.
With a growl to herself she went over the checks again key was on, transmission was in neutral, she rolled her eyes as she pulled out the choke leaver and turned the fuel tank selector to on. She gave the throttle one quick twist before pushing down on the kick start again. This time it coughed afew times and the headlight got brighter for a moment before the engine stopped again. She pushed the choke half in and gave it one good hard kick on the starter. The engine roared and sounded as if it might die again, "Come on you piece," the headlight flickered a few times and just as she through the engine would shut down again it seemed to get new life with a spit of black smoke out of the tailpipe the engine roared to life. "Finally."
Gwen hopped off the bike she pushed the bike out of the shed and shut the door behind her, listening as the sound of the engine improved the more it warmed up. Once she hopped back on the bike she pushed the choke the rest of the way off and revved the four stroke engine once before flipping up the kick stand and slowly driving up the dirt pathway, that was currently coated in snow, to get around the homes. She followed this little pathway to the main road before with a slight fishtail she took off towards the edge of town and the main road leading to the north.
The drive through town was easy with only a few mammals giving her odd looks. Once she hit the edge of town she was able to pick up the pace, which also reminded her to pull down her goggles. She had to blink her eyes a few times to remove the icy sting in her eyes. As she was leaving the town proper a jeep passed her, with small flags mounted near the headlights. On the drivers side was the nations flag, on the passenger side was an all green flag with the image of two cannons crossed in the center. Behind the jeep was a line of four diesel powered heavy tanks. The hatches were all open with the driver's head visible below the turret, his helmet and ear protection clearly visible. The tank commanders were all standing and watching from atop the turrets as they drove in. The treads of the tanks making a racket as they rumbled across the stone and dirt road, blooms of exhaust billowing from each tank slowly into the sky along with the snow kicked up by the tracks.
One the tanks closed in she had to pull over and watch as they moved by, the last tank's commander gave her a long look as they passed. Gwen noticed him talking into the mic positioned in front of his muzzle before he turned, and they continued their way. Gwen released a tense breath she hadn't realized she had been holding with the tanks continued their slow march towards the town. Turning herself to sit back on the bike and facing further into the country she took off again. She would have to avoid the checkpoints, not having travel papers, but she had memorized the positions of them the night before and there were ways around them on a motorcycle that the larger trucks couldn't have accomplished.