The walk back to the cabin had been pleasant, if a little dull. John had hummed to distract himself from the silence that came with it. He could not remember when he had been completely alone like this. Surely it was before Nick had been born. Though that was a much darker time.
He always had his son or wife around him. Though he was happy his family finally found a place, he also felt slightly jealous. Though, upon reaching their cabin, he pushed those thoughts back. They both deserved any and all joy they found in this world.
Our luck is definitely changing, thought John
He drew water from the well before entering the run down cabin, intending on straightening himself out before dirtying himself up again in the garden. An odd habit that he never seemed to outgrow. After rinsing his muzzle and changing his clothes, the todd gathered his tools before leaving again.
The garden plots were small. Four in total, the Wildes had wisely decided to not test Demeter's patience and stuck with what would be easier to maintain. The closest plot housed the sweet peas. Having retrieved the basket from the night before, John finished collecting them and checked that the aphids had not returned or spread, before moving onto the second plot.
These were the onions, most of which needed a just a good drink and some weeding, growing almost faster than John could keep up with. The green onions he had planted needed almost constant clipping. Though the slight yellowing of their tips was troubling. He made a mental note to consult his almanac.
He worked on his herbs next. They were his favorite. The mint and bay took residence next to the front door for the bugs, but his basil, rosemary, and thyme were coming in beautifully. A bit of pruning and a good drink, and they would be ready to be harvested for the market on Saturday.
The tomatoes had the largest plot, though John tried to keep himself from cursing them. He had tried every combination of soil his almanac had recommended. Less water, more water, switching plots for more sun, building plots for less sun, his tomatoes refused everything. This tiny garden was what paid the rent and the tomatoes were calling for an eviction.
Which someone had heard, apparently.
John was stooped over the final plot, gently lecturing the plants to help motivate them grow, when his ears picked up three pairs of paw steps approaching. A quick sniff had him groaning internally and bracing himself with a fake smile on his muzzle.
"And what brings you fine gentle mammals to my humble farm this lovely day?" He called, not looking up.
"Nothing but jokes as usual, eh, fox?"
Turning to face the new arrivals, John's smile had a bit more mocking in it. He cooly looked the pudgy mud brown rabbit in his equally muddy eyes before replying.
"Jokes? No, my dear Mr. Maxillary." John let himself think of the sweet little bunny who had befriended his son to keep his loathing for this rabbit down. "I prefer to call them manners. And again, what do I owe the honor?"
His land lord, Paul Maxillary, hooked his thumbs in his waistcoat and rocked back onto the heels of his hind paws. His ears had folded slightly with irritation at the jab but were now held up right as he tried to make himself as big as possible. Considering the fox todd had at least a foot and a half on him, it was no easy task.
"You're late on rent." Came his reply. John simply raised his eyebrows at the the bunny. More than ever he wished he could kick the soil colored imbecile. "I'm not sure how things worked in Zootopia, but here rent is paid on time."
"Considering, we have been your tenets for close to eight years, Mr. Maxillary, you know we have never been late with you rent. Ever."
The last word held a bit more force then John had intended. The buck glanced at his companions, a dark grey furred rabbit buck and a white tailed deer buck, before scowling at the fox.
"None the less, you are late now. And I do have mammals interested in renting this fine piece of property."
John tried not to scoff at that. One room, just big enough for the three of them, with shoddy patch jobs done where the wooden walls had rotted away. The bit of land around it made it look quaint, but living in the cabin during inclement weather stole that illusion away fast.
"However, I am not a heartless mammal." The buck meandered a bit closer to the todd. John smelt the bitter stench of the rabbit's fear. He obviously was very much intimidated by the predator in front of him. "I could never turn a young family out with such short notice. So either, pay what is owed, along with the late fees that have accumulated by the end of the week or leave."
"Speaking of, where is your charming wife and…energetic….kit?" The deer buck asked as he glanced around the garden.
"My wife has gotten a position at the Hopps' Estate. My son is helping her today." John said, only sharing to keep some civility to the conversation. "I am due to collect them this afternoon."
"Ahhh! Yes, the Hopps family." Maxillary gave a smug grin to his companions. "I am in the process of setting up arrangements between our children. It is said they have a little hellion on their hands. I have no doubt my George could keep her under wraps once they have married. IF she doesn't grow out of it by then."
John had felt his world tilt at the thought of their over due rent. This idiotic rabbit's blatant disregard for Judy Hopps' adventurous spirit made him feel both nauseous and angry. Such a match would have to be stopped!
"But enough idle chit chat! You have till the end of the week, fox!" Maxillary and his companions turned to leave, the pompous rabbit waving his paw in the air as if dismissing the fox's very presence.
Once they were out of sight and the overbearing smell of bad cologne dissipated, John sank to the ground and buried his head in his paws.
…
Lord Stewart Hopps sat in his chair, at his desk, in his study. To anyone looking at him at first glance, it would seem as though he were perfectly normal. Maybe a tad stressed, but otherwise unperturbed. And it was this illusion that had Marty, his valet, fighting to stay stoic for the first time in his life.
Fredrick Taxus, the badger gardener, was very much oblivious to anything wrong with Lord Hopps. Angry and in the middle of his resignation rant, he paced in front of the lord's desk as the buck swayed ever so slightly in his chair. A delicate hiccup escaped him as the lord tried to focus his eyes on the three badgers he saw in front of him.
They are very coordinated with their words, thought Lord Hopps.
"…I can not perform my duties with such a little….BEAST…running around willy nilly!…..TRIED TO BE PATIENT…I can't take it anymore!…GOOD LUCK TO THE NEXT POOR DEVIL YOU REPLACE ME WITH….Good bye and GOOD RIDDANCE!"
The badger stalked to the study door and vanished. Angry paw steps could be heard stomping towards the entry hall, followed by a slam of the front door.
"Good luck!" the drunk lord hiccuped, just now seeming to realize the gardener had left. "My goodness, Marty! They were quite in sync, they were! Could make a show out of it and take it on the road." Lord Hopps tried to focus his gaze on the impala coming towards him with the water pitcher.
"Oh and remind me to speak to Fredrick about the carrot fields. The festival is coming up, you know!" Marty allowed himself a sigh and a head shake as his lord lowered his head onto his desk and was soon snoring.
The silly rabbit had drank his whiskey in record time while watching Bogo give Judy and her friend a reprimand. The guards had just dispersed and Bogo had walked away when the angry badger stormed in to quit his position. Marty had not allowed his delight to show. Most of the servants and grounds keepers had disliked the surly gardener.
Marty and Martha had been with the family the longest, Marty being the lord's valet since they had been sixteen. The mated impalas had helped welcome each litter born and while he played no favorites, the male had disliked Fredrick's treatment of Judy Hopps. Even if it was partially deserved.
Lifting Lord Hopps' head, he removed some paperwork to keep it drool free. Without thinking, Marty looked over what he held. And felt slight indignation at the sight of a marriage contract. They were common, especially among rabbits, and several of the Hopps kits were already betrothed.
But seeing Judy's name attached to George Maxillary was sickening. The buck in question was only nine, but from what Marty had seen while accompanying the Lord and Lady Hopps for visits to their home, he was the very definition of a spoiled nouveau riche brat.
And the dowery attached to it had to some odd joke. Judy was worth several times the sum offered but the Maxillary family were demanding a small fortune from Lord Hopps for the arrangement. And the idea of that horrible family tainting the sweet doe was almost too much. Even the little fox kit she had befriended would be a better match than him…
Marty walked to the book shelf and pulled out the largest one he could find, the dictionary. Still holding the marriage contract, he folded it in half and slipped it between the pages. It wouldn't stop anything but it would buy him enough time to perform some well meaning meddling. Mrs. Wilde seemed to be becoming rather friendly with Lady Hopps and neither of the females were fools.
Something had to be done.
…..
Both mothers at the moment were enjoying the last of their tea and nibbling at the snacks Martha had set out. The young bunnies had been given a break from their lessons after running outside to cheer on their sister and Nick. The two kits had made their way to the patio where Judy's brother's and sisters were waiting. The youngest litters were secure in their nurseries for nap time.
Any fear her siblings had over foxes were dispelled by their governess' kind disposition. And seeing a fox their size made them all way too happy. Nick had never had many friends, other than Finnick from the village. The only other fox family in Bunnyburrow were rather bad tempered. Though they had a son his age, Nick found himself at constant odds with him.
And the only other rabbit he had directly interacted with was George Maxillary himself. And Nick would gladly be a perfect angel forever in lieu of that bunny's company.
So when a kerfluffle of young bunnies came hopping towards him, he really didn't know what to expect. It certainly wasn't praise and slaps on the back for, as they called it, "taming a tiger". And many of the older ones thanked him for making the tiger pick up Judy instead of eat her. Needless to say, the young todd was quite overwhelmed by all the attention. But that didn't stop the shy grin from forming on his muzzle.
Bonnie and Francine allowed their tea service to be cleared as they watched Nick interact with the other Hopps' kits. While the vixen had an obviously cheerful glow at her son being well received, Bonnie was a touch more contemplative.
Her oldest litter was reaching a proper age to be introduced to society. While manners and etiquette were being constantly practiced within their home, they would soon be instructed in polite conversation, dance, and proper grooming and dress.
Most of her older does in Francine's care were already happily taking care in their appearance. Some of them would even smash their strawberries, raspberries, or other fruit to use as lipstick. And soon, the older bucks and does would meet their betrothed. And this is what worried her.
Arranged marriages were common for rabbits as a way of ensuring family didn't marry family. And to ensure a sense of harmony within the species. The Hopps held the highest title in Bunnyburrow among the rabbits. There would, of course, be several inquiries about their offspring.
And many of those families inquiring would know about Judith. She wasn't quite sure why, but Bonnie felt relived that none had asked for arrangements with her. Perhaps because the rules governing a wife of their standing were too ridged. Her Judith would never take to them.
With a small sigh, Bonnie pulled herself from her unpleasant thoughts and focused on the young fox being interrogated by her kits.
Knowing that their sister had snuck out the previous night and returned with foxes, Judy's younger brothers and sisters wanted to know all about it. Those older than her pretended to be uninterested as she and Nick exaggerated the events.
"There were fifty of them! And they had me all surrounded!" Growled Judy making eye contact with those listening. "I had my sword and was ready to fight as they closed in…. THEN THE FIRST ONE STRUCK!" Her sudden shout caused the crowd to cry out in fright.
"Were you 'fraid?" Squeaked out Quentin, one of her litter mates.
"Of course not! But I was mighty nervous, I'll tell ya! I thought I was going to be an ogre's supper!"
"What happened next?!" Shouted her younger sister, Mary. Nick wasn't going to let Judy steal the glory.
"I came along!" He exclaimed proudly. "Saw all of them surrounding her, I did, and knew there was no way I would let a warrior like her fight alone!" Her brothers and sisters gasped in awe.
"What did you do!" Brooke, another litter mate, put her paws to her mouth and let her eyes widen with fright.
"What could I do?!" Nick smirked at Judy, who returned the gesture. He spotted on old tree just off the patio with sticks laying at it's base. He darted over to grab two of them, one quickly tossed one to his friend. Judy laughed in delight as the pair struck their warrior poses and made themselves ready for another dual with monsters.
"Back to back we were!" Nick began. The kits ran towards each other before turning away and facing opposite directions. The bunnies they were entertaining vanished from the patio. The two kits faces morphed into fierce determination as the ogres, trolls, demons, and other foul beasts from last night reappeared.
"Nick was almost burned by a dragon! It came charging out towards him, smoke in it's nose and ready to gobble him up!" Nick repeated his moves, bending back to avoid the flame, and brought the foe down with a thrust of his 'sword'. "The dragon was quick, but Nick was quikerest!'
"And Carrots laughed in the face of an ogre and gave a mighty leap," Judy leaped high and slashed with her new 'sword', "and OFF CAME HIS HEAD!"
For the second time, the fox and bunny battled together, with their mothers and Judy's siblings watching with great interest. They talked their way through their battle, though Francine noted they didn't mention her or John's sudden appearance. All too soon, the pair were pulled back into reality, amid cries of excitement and questions.
"When we get to Salamandastron, we shall be the bravest warriors in the land!" Judy exclaimed, 'sword' held high and eyes shining. Nick wrinkled his brow as he looked over at her.
"What's that?"
"It's a fable." A new voice spoke up. Nick looked over at the bunny doe who had spoken. White furred with hazel eyes, she sat at one of the stone benches, her dainty nose twitching in distaste. "And even if it were true, are you not forgetting one little detail, Judith?"
"Maple!" Lady Hopps called out in a warning voice from her spot by the doors.
"But Mother, Judith isn't telling the whole story," Maple looked over at her mother with wide eyes. Her mother gave her a dark glare, as though daring her to continue. Francine looked on with a frown.
"You will mind yourself, my dear. This is a guest in our home." Maple gave a snobby huff, before hopping from her seat and looking down her nose at Nick and Judy. She turned on her heel and went inside, several of her sister's following.
Nick looked from the mothers then to Judy with a confused look on his face. Judy's ears had dropped and the stick in her hand became very interesting. Fortunately, Francine picked up on the awkward environment and stood.
"Break time is over, my dears! Let us continue our lessons!" One by one, kits filed inside and headed back to the schoolroom. Nick put his paw out to stop Judy from following.
"Judy? What did Maple mean? What is the whole story? And Salamandastron?" He asked. Judy ducked her head again and felt her ears go red as they fell against her back.
"It's a mountain. Warriors who are brave and true hear it's call. They say those that serve Salamandastron are the bravest. But…..emmmm, well… there are no foxes at there," she said quietly. Nick's eyes widened as his ears and tail dropped in thought. "Foxes are actually the baddies in the old legends. They were the pirates and murderers and thieves. Nick, there has never been a fox warrior." Judy gave him a sad and uncertain look. "I'm sorry I forgot to tell you….."
Nick look at the ground as he brought his tail up to stroke it thoughtfully. His little face was scrunched up as he worked through what was said. He suddenly dropped his tail, perked up his ears, and looked at her with a bold grin on his face.
"Then I guess I'll be the first!"
Judy's ears went up with surprise and a small smile started to form on her muzzle. Nick proudly turned to march after her brothers and sisters. Bonnie and Francine smiled at him while Judy rushed to catch up. The fox was stopped by his mother before entering so she could whisper into his ear.
"You may join us today. Tomorrow, your father will enroll you in the schoolhouse."
Both kits gave her looks of horror. After all this time, it never occurred to them that they would eventually be separated. Bonnie frowned at Francine as the vixen straightened. Catching her eye, the bunny doe raised her eyebrows and shook her head slightly. Francine allowed herself a smirk as she understood the message. Bonnie nodded back in confirmation.
"Though," she began after the two pairs of eyes on her welled with tears, "I may be able to convince Lady Hopps to allow you stay," Both wheeled around to Bonnie looking hopeful, "if you, Nicholas, are on your best behavior. And by that I mean no jumping off furniture, no coloring on furniture or yourself or the others, no irritating the staff. Anything you do at home…..WILL NOT BE DONE HERE. And you will follow direction at all times." Both kits frantically nodded their heads.
"And you, Judith," started Bonnie, "you will stay with your brothers and sisters during lessons. You will NOT climb up the ivy, nor through the windows. You will not dig up any of the gardens unless you are going to help plant. Everything we scolded you for in the past WILL NOT BE REPEATED." Both mothers looked at each other with satisfaction. Their kits were eagerly agreeing to everything.
"If you break any of these rules," Francine continued, "Nicholas goes to the schoolhouse."
Bonnie smiled, "Agreed?"
One look at each other and a firm head nod later, they both happily shouted together.
"Agreed!"
….
Marty had set a glass of water and two capsules next to Steward's head as he slept off his whiskey. He smiled as the lord shifted and groaned in pain. As he came to, the impala arranged to have Fredrick's resignation letter be the first thing he saw. Marty had taken the liberty to also draw up the papers for who would take over as head gardener. They still had a spot to fill, but at least there would be a solid leader in place.
As he double checked his work, his ears picked up the firm knock at the front doors. The lord was now groaning as he sat up, blearily accepting the paperwork being handed to him. Marty gave a short bow and left for the door as the second knock came.
The fox todd on the other side of it was an unexpected surprise.
What a curious day this is, he thought.
"Good day, Mr. Wilde. I am afraid you are several hours early. The kits have not even luncheoned yet."
The usually smiling and cheerful todd gave a soft sigh as the Marty allowed him into the entry hall. Eyes closed briefly before turning to the impala with a touch of exhaustion.
"I shall be brief. I must speak to my wife and I do not wish to do so front of our son. He would surely hear us at home," he said. Marty furrowed his brows at him as John brought his paws up to rub his muzzle.
"I apologize for my rudeness, but may inquire as to why?"
"Our land lord paid a visit to me today. It… was not pleasant," John dropped his paws as he muttered something about Paul Maxillary and male activities he could perform on himself.
"Ah, I understand. That rabbit, if I may say so sir, is an insult to the rabbit community," John chuckled at that as Marty continued, "and out of curiosity, did he seem overly smug about anything?"
"Subtly, thy name is Marty," John said with a smirk. "I assume you know of this arranged marriage?" The fox huffed at the impala's nod.
"I only just found out a few hours ago," he met the fox's frown with one of his own, "and what is your opinion on him and his son?"
"Both are prats!" He blurted out. "From what I've heard of Lord Hopps, I would think that he would take greater care in his daughter's future. Maxillary has brought this George around a few times to collect rent. Nick always ends up sullen and despondent after."
Marty nodded. "Perhaps we can come into some sort of….alliance?"
"That won't be necessary." Both males jumped and turned towards the lord who stood just outside of the entrance hall. "Good day, Mr. Wilde. Will you join me in the study?"
….
Stewart Hopps sat back into his chair and refilled the water glass. He took a long drink while considering the fox that sat across from him. He settled back as the empty glass was put down, all watched by John with his narrow dark brown eyes.
"Not that my family affairs are any of your business, but I am well aware of who the Maxillarys are." Stewart tried to keep his nose still and ears up as John straightened in his seat.
"This arrangement has been in the works for several weeks and I have fear that it may the only one I can get for my Judith," he raised a paw as John made to protest. "However, most likely due to some very recent….events," at this he glared at John, "I am fearing that the Judith that makes this household so lively will not be well received by her future in laws."
John's ears perked up and he held his breath.
"The arrangement will be dissolved. My wife would have insisted once she became aware of it."
The fox gave a sigh and slumped in his seat, earning smile from the lord. Marty had been standing just outside the study and was mindful of the sensitive ears of his lord. Stewart would hear him if he gave a victory shout. But that didn't stop the pleased grin. Which dropped at his lord's next words.
"Which means, MARTY, that the contracts that have mysteriously disappeared will magically reappear."
Stewart gave his own sigh, this one a bit defeated, as he notice the whiskey decanter was low as it rested on his desk. Just enough for two, with a clean glass next to it. He reached over to both, dividing the alcohol between his empty water glass and the other. John glanced at the tall clock, observing it was barely after noon. The fox shrugged and excepted it anyway.
"Now, knowing Mr. Maxillary, you are in need of employment and housing."
John looked up from his glass at that and gave the lord a cautious look.
"I am indeed. And I will happily find both. I wish not to offend, my lord, but the Wildes don't need charity. There are plenty of other farms here in Bunnyburrow." At that, Stewart laughed.
"My dear fox, this is not charity," a small sip was taking from the glass in the lord's paw, "this is business. And you will not find employment at another farm, I promise you." John couldn't stop his scoff and eyeroll. The lord kept his smile, the nervousness he felt at the fox's presence being replaced with amusement.
"John, it is easy to assume that because of my title, I have inherited my wealth along with it. Nothing can be further from the truth. I built this property, with many helping hands of course, but I worked very, VERY hard to make it what it is today. Do not think me fool that throws jobs and money at any who ask."
John's ears went flat at his words, but the lord continued, near burning him with his stare.
"My farm has done very well, obviously," a small gesture to the well appointed study around them, "and has kept my family well feed and surrounded by comfort. If Zootopia keeps growing the way it is and as long as I stay on top of the game, this farm will outlive us all.
"There are only four other farms here in Bunnyburrow that employee outside their species or even families. Mine is not only the largest, but most successful. Two of them are owned by bunnies as well, one of which is Paul Maxillary, your former land lord. They only grow, and have only just begun to refine, corn and have been operational for but a couple of years. The other, well, let's just say it's more of a tourist trap than anything productive." John wrinkled his brow at that, but the lord didn't elaborate.
"The third is a chicken farm ran by the Prong family and I don't believe I need to explain why they wouldn't hire you," John nodded sadly in agreement. "The forth is the Bellwethers and they will not employ predators to save their lives."
Stewart rested his paws on his stomach and smiled again.
"Which leaves me." John frowned at the rabbit in confusion, "All areas of my farm were doing quite well until about six years ago." The lord gave the fox a pointed look. "My herb sells declined. Noticeably, too, I may add. I will not lie, my ego took a hit. Even more so when I found out a fox from the city with no farming experience was out farming me with herbs.
"I won't say I'm not pleased you will be out of business. I am not fond of or use to such direct competition. However, I find myself with an open position on my grounds and the grower of such fine herbs wanting to provide for his family. If he should accept the position, he will not only find himself well paid, but with room and board. The old head gardener's cabin is now available and it's big enough for his family.
"This mystery herb genius will be working alongside his wife and his son will have a playmate close at hand," the lord gave him a slight look of distaste at that. "And he will not suffer the shame of his wife being the sole provider and give his kit, as well as my own, the childhoods they deserve."
Stewart held up his glass of whiskey towards John, the fox considered the words before nodding and lifting his own.
"I'll send help to collect your things. Take today and tomorrow to get yourself to rights. I'll have the necessary paperwork drawn up. Marty will show you to your new home once it has been cleaned and inspected. Oh, and there is a small party my wife will be hosting on Saturday with our kits. I would like your son to be there."
Both males downed their drinks in one gulp, the fox gasping at the burn while the bunny pulled a face and ignored the unpleasant way his belly flopped. With a still pained face he looked over at John trying to compose himself.
"Welcome to the estate. I think you'll like this new arrangement."