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It was early in the morning, and the burrow walls were cold, so early that only the a barely distinguishable light coming through the cracks of the burrow entrance would reveal it was morning at all. The cold would ameliorated by the presence of a furry rabbit, together with a thick layer of fur (a mix of mouse and rabbit), lining the floors. The burrow as clean and highly civilzed, with containers of water, a large wash bowl, and bags of food stored neatly in a corner. By now it would be decorated with shiny objects, though this early there'd just be tiny glimmers, without much light to reflect.

A grey rat, foreign to the burrow, would raise a tired eye. He been through much the days before, and upon entering the shelter yesterday. . . almost immedately collapsed in exaustion. When he came-to, he did not reason where he was or what had happened. His head turned, and his body lifted. He soon spotted a sleeping rabbit near him, and blinked. What happened last night?

*Whoosh!* The soundcame from somewhere outside the burrow, low and mysterious, a little like a low gust of wind. It wouldn't be enough to normally wake someone, though if one were already awake and had large ears, it would be distinctive. *Whoosh!* The sound would come again, and then there was silence. Then the morning was quiet again, just a low murmur of a breeze, the breathing of a rabbit, and the calls of some early birds.

Tarik would barely have time to contemplate the lapin, before he heard the first in the series of odd sounds. And. . . it had already stopped? He raised his head, hearing it a second time. The rat shook his head, confused.

Just as it seemed perhaps the sounds had been an illusion, an echo from some forgotten dream, *whoosh!. . .whoosh!. . ." This time the sounds were accompanied by the the light crunch of grass and twigs under paw. There'd be more sounds of movement, then *woosh! * Now there was also the sounds of heavy breathing.

The sounds of motion would increase coming to a crescendo, there'd be the scrape of paw against rock, and then *whoosh!. . .. *whoosh!*. . ..*whoosh!* *crunch!* *squeak!*" The crunch would sound like wood, branches or maybe leaves, like the sound a young one might make diving into a fall leaf pile. The squeak was that of a mouse, though it likely wouldn't be a familiar sort. It certainly wasn't the squeal of fear a rat who went on raids in a mouse colony would be familiar with. Really, it was more like a. .. like a grunt.

Those sounds, they were beginning to make the rat if not a little nervous. He had already woken in an unusual place, and that was unnerving enough. As the noises continued, however, he'd manage to rationalize, bit by bit, where he was, and what had happened. Those thoughts, weren't exactly any more comforting than the noises, but he didn't have time to think on that now. What was happening? A predator? No, sounded too faint. Too small. At least, he didn't think a predator could be that small. He slowly neared the burrow entrance, following the strand of light that peered in from it. That voice. It made Tarik raise his head. "Lich. . . thia? . .. " He'd mumble to himself in question, body stiffing some in slight alarm. It. . . no, she wasn't hurt: Tarik was no hunter, but he could at least distinguish between a squeal of peril and a casual grunt. He waited a moment longer, and no longer hearing the strange bursts of wind, pushed up at the burrow's covering and looked out.

Barely illuminated by the red light from the sliver of sun peeking through the foliage, Lichthia stood with her back to the burrow entrance, shoulders back, feet spread in a practiced stance. Her scent would likely be more evident to the rat, as she was sweating from her exertions, breathing heavily. "Mmmmmm!" Abruptly, she moved, stepping back in a blocking motion, lifting her staff up in a blocking motion against some invisible threat. Turning, she'd roll ducking beneath a rock. "Uh!" *whoosh!* The imaginary creature if it followed her over would be struck as the staff swung over the top. She scampered around, running low on all fours, doing a roll and coming up in a crouch again. "*squeak!* *whoosh!*" There was a counter attack, and it didn't stop there, the mouse turned the staff in her paws, and coming round again and again in a series of blows. "*whoosh!* *uh!*. . .*whoosh!* *uh!*. . .*whoosh!* *UH!*" The squeaks and grunts became lower, and more forceful; it sounded like the rodent was working out her anger issues. Her invisible quarry on the ground, she showed no mercy, but brought her staff around in a full circle and swung it down hard. *whoosh!* *Crunch!* *UGH!*"

Beady eyes peering outward, Tarik didn't know at all what he was seeing. Rat eyes were poor at best, though the scene was close enough that he could make it out, whatever 'it' was. He could tell, by her white fur, that it was Lichthia moving about. Her and her. . . staff? But what was wrong? What poor soul was she attacking? He squinted, thinking perhaps he just couldn't see the assailant. . . or victim. But no, there. . . wasn't anything there. Tarik inched himself out a bit more, body moving upward. He could see a little better now, if not by much. His ears though, were picking out all manner of nosies. . . which further drove at his curiosity. He pulled himself out of the burrow, and made his way forward, slowly. The increased view came just before the series of blows and the completed 'finisher' on her target. The display made Tarik cringe. She could have done the same thing to him! He fidgeted a bit where he stood, feet pressing against a fallen leaf. *crack*

The mouse stood over her fallen foe, her staff in her paws hovering over the ground. Her panting breaths and a few calls of birds were the only sounds in the forest that morning. At the tiny crunch of a rat's foot against a leaf, her ear flicked, and without even thinking, in one fluid motion, she rose, turned, and lifted her staff above her head. She froze in position seeing who it was, and a grin would spread across her face. "Mornin, Tarik!" she called out, cheerful, but not too loud. Jack was still asleep after all. "Sorry," she offered, didn't know it was you. How'd y'sleep?" she'd ask, lowering the staff and walking towards him.

Tarik let out a stifled '*squeal!* as the mouse turned to strike. His arms held out ineffectively, in effort to block, and his face turned away in a wince. He held the pose for a moment, before raising a single eye at the greeting. The rat sighed and slowly calmed as the staff pulled away. "U-uh. . . g-good morning." He took a breath, placing a paw near his heart. It took him a moment, before relaxing completely. "I. . . I slept. . ." he held that thought for a moment, sleeping in and of itself had been a blessing, given the circumstances. "I slept well. . ."

Eyes turning down, the rat would look a bit humbled "Thank you. . ." His head raised. "For. . . letting me come here" Looking off, he'd add "I couldn't have stayed there any longer. . ."

The mouse's breathing was gradually growing more even. At the thanks, her smile would soften and she'd gaze at the rat with something approaching affection. It actually had been annoying having him as a guest. Not that it was his fault, but she disliked sleeping in robes, and even though he'd been asleep and obviously no threat, her instincts wouldn't allow her to disrobe with a pred in her den. But his humble thanks reminded her it was the right thing and made it all worth it. "I understand," she'd answer. Turning her head to gaze at the burrow, she'd ask, "Y'wanna join me for breakfast?" Looking back she'd add, "I don't wanna wake Jack, but I could sneak in and bring out some food for us."

The thought of food, it reminded him just how hungry he really was. He had barely eaten the day before, only the morning before his run in with the grey feline. . . and mildly during. Eating wasn't something he could bring himself to do after that, not at all. He'd nod his head to her quickly. . . then, look to be embarrassed. "I. . . . yes, I would. . ." Since talking with the mouse the day before, he had lost some of his 'submission', having been too distraught to manage. It seemed. . . to have returned, though, not in quite the same way. His submission before was. . . more in fear than anything. Terrified she'd send her python on him, or her giant owl friend. Now it was more from, appreciation. . . from an in-repayable debt: One that kept growing larger.

The mouse grinned. "I'll jus be a minute," she'd say softly, before walking back and disappearing into the den.

---

It was less than a minute later before she reappeared moving silently, carrying a partly filled bag. She walked back to the rat and sat down on rock, spreading the bag open to reveal a small pile of nuts and berries, staring with a nut herself. "I don't usually spar over here," she remarked as she moved. "Usually I practice at Jaabir's nest, or with Morathi." She lifted a nut and crack it, peeling away the shell. "But after yesterday and the day before, I figured m'muscles would get stiff if I didn't get some in."

When the mouse returned, Tarik moved close and took a seat. His eyes grew as the food laid out before him, and he very quickly reached out for a berry. The rat pressed in with his long, powerful, rodent teeth, and closed his eyes in bliss. Fresh juice, from a ripe berry. It felt good to eat and enjoy. He took another large, hungry bite and another, before reaching down for a new berry. The rat looked to have been starved. As hungry as he was, however, he didn't at all consider on making a meal of the mouse . By the manner in which in ate, it would certainly look as if he'd have no problem chewing and tearing through flesh. But no, not only would it be suicidal from the mouse's skill, and her collection of predators, but well. . . there was something else keeping Tarik from such thoughts; he wasn't sure he could even do it, not now.

He doubted he could hunt any mouse after what had happened, not that hunting was ever his strong suite to begin with. Already half done with his second berry, Tarik finally looked up to Lichthia, swallowing a mouthful. He had been listening, but he just had to eat. Tarik slowed his pace now, and nodded slowly. "I. . . I see. I. . .wish i could. . . do that." He'd sigh some, then blink, shaking his head. "Y-you. . . you fight. . . with the owl?"

Lichthia grined over the nut, chewing and swallowing. "He's the one who suggested it actually, put the idea in m'head." She'd grin. "Don't usually use the staff with him, he teacches me more how to move, how to sense m'opponent and respond." She'd reach down and pick up a berry. "Like I told you, Tabatha showed me how t'use the staff." She looked up. "And like I told you, don't spread that around." She'd lean back. "N'I practice sparrin with Jaabir too." She'd sigh, and her smile would soften. "Trouble with him, is it's hard t'put up your best effort when y'like bein caught." Those eyelids lowered shyly. "So with him, I generally lose."

Tarik blinked at that. If a giant owl asked him to fight, he'd politely decline, that is, if he could manage to speak in such an instance. Lichthia was clearly not normal, but. . . the prospect of a mouse dodging an owl of her own accord, and learning to fight from it. . . well, it was impressive to say the least. And it wasn't just that. She dueled the snake. Even Tabatha, whose name made his skin crawl, Lichthia learned from her as well. "W-wow. . ." he'd mutter. She was almost like a legend from the stories of his colony. Well, maybe if she were a rat, and were male. A mouse in a rat story, would more likely be mentioned during a feasting ceremony when a great warrior returned. Glancing upon her form, he reasoned his colony would find her suitable for that role, if nothing else. His thoughts of respect, the idea she could be regarded as some sort of mouse hero, they would tamper off as she explained the end result of the snake fights. She was still crazy. "I. . ." He'd look to attempt understanding, but ultimately come up short. "I see. . ."

The mouse just smiled and nodded, chewing her nut as Tarik took it all in. She couldn't blame him for being confused. She herself thought she was weird. She smirked, thinking to herself Tarik didn't even know the really way out things she and her love (the python) did together.

Looking up and cleaning her whiskers, she changed the subject. "So y'comin with me this mornin, t'check up on y'former burrow?" she'd ask. "I didn't mention this last night, but I'd be doin that on the way t'visitin Jaabir, so I guess y'd becomin with me to see him too."

The rat lowered his muzzle, and finish off his third berry. His eyes showed he was still more-than taken back at all this. At least, it felt him feel better that he wasn't beaten and carried off by, well. . . a normal mouse. But, could she manage the same to others? His eyes drifted to the staff, and considered what he saw the mouse doing. It was certainly possible. At her words, he raised his eyes and reached for a nut; nodding slowly as he did. In many ways, he didn't want to return to that place, but. . . he didn't want anyone to suffer the same fate as the others. The mouse herself could check, but a colony member might harm the mouse. . . or vise versa. No, it was best that he went. At that internal decision, he blinked, taking in the new information for the first time. "H-huh?" He swallowed a mouthful, almost choking. His throat cleared and his ears drooped. "I. . ." He looked down and sighed. The snake was still fairly terrifying to him, considering what had happened, and what had almost happened. But, by comparison to the cat he faced just after, was standing before that python, really so bad? No, it was not. The snake even led to him ultimately being spared. . . and. . . will possibly lead to him returning home. Sooner or later, he'd have to face the snake again. . . he was preforming a service for him, an agreement he did not at all wish to break. "I'll go. . ." he finally said, nervously. He paused for a moment, then looked up. "B-but. . . isn't he. . . hungry now? Would it be. . . safe?"

"Should be safe enough," she answered casually, picking up a berry. More'n likely, he'll just be beginnin t'get hungry," she continued. "We'll see him on the rock, n'if he hasn't fed, I''ll ask him if it's safe to approach. If he says yes, then you'll stay back and I'll go up and talk to him. I know how to approach him without arousing his instincts. If he says no. .. ." She smirked. "Or if he just hisses, we'll leave. Though if he's that hungry I doubt he'd be out at all, he'll be out huntin." She lifted her head up. "And I know most his favorite huntin spots, so we're unlikely t'meet him on the way." And with that she'd start to eat. She was a slower eater than the rat, but not much of a lighter one it seemed.

The words 'should' and 'enough', wern't especially comforting to Tarik. Did the mouse truly understand the danger she put herself in? Was she just lucky that she hadn't been eaten by a snake, a cat, an owl, or a rat? He'd consider the running total, It didn't seem entirely up to luck. However, was this even a danger at all to her, he wondered? The mouse explained to him before, that she didn't care if the snake ate her. The thought of her going ahead first, did make Tarik feel better. While he didn't really want to see her eaten, it would mean, in the worst possible situation, that the snake would take her, and be too full to chase him. The mouse's knowledge of the serpent's hunting spots, would help to convince him they wouldn't be ambushed by a hungry feral-python on the way there. "O-ok. . . then. . ." the rat replyed. He took another large bite of the nut he held, finishing off its meat, and reached out for a new one.

As he ate, Tarik thought to ask the mouse directly about where Jaabir likes to hunt, but he doubted it would yield an answer. If he knew, he might be obligated to tell others. While the mouse showed concern for him, he doubted she would want his entire family to know where her 'love' hunts. Instead he considered other thoughts that concerned him. "T-tabatha. . . said she would hunt me again. . . when. . . I get back, or. . . if I don't make it back." He sat there for a moment, thinking, eyes down. He'd look up a while after, "will. . . Jaabir do the same? Would I. . . be safe if i was near you after that?"

Licthia licked the berry juice from her lips, and preened her whiskers, shaking her head. "I expect y'd be safe regardless," she answeedr. "S'long as he wasn't real hungry," she amended with a smile. "But then even I keep m'distance when he's that hungry."

"He's beginnin t'like you," she explained. "The more he gets t'know you, the more he won't wanna pred you." She smiled. "And just as importantly, I'm growin t'like you more," she added. "And despite all I say about its his decision who he hunts, I don't interfere, he won't hunt someone if he thinks it might make me feel bad." She'd shrug, "Less he's real hungry, and not in full possession of his senses."

The reassurance was met with a relieved sigh. Though, the rat blinked at the idea of the snake 'liking' him. Not only was the snake initially eager to make a meal of him, but was none to happy that a rat tried to hurt his mouse. Even not considering that, it was strange to think a snake 'liked' any rodent as more than a prospective dinner. Still, it was comforting at least, that a predator might have some general fondness of you. . . provided the serpent wasn't affectionate enough to 'hug' him.

As the mouse continued, Tarik couldn't help but smile, at least a little. He had tried to eat his mouse, and further still, she tried to feed him to her python. . . so it felt good to know she was accepting of him now. She demonstrated part-way, of some minor desire to see him outside of her snake than on the inside, but it felt minimal at best. He doubted she'd have been upset at all at the time, if Jaabir had chosen to eaten him. But now? It felt like she thought a little more of him: He had that feeling when she allowed him to stay with her, but feeling her say it helped. Tarik nodded to her, smile still displayed, "Thanks. . . I'm. . . I'm glad. . ."

He put the remainder of his nut down, and began to groom some himself. Rat's wern't regarded as especially cleanly, but like most rodents, they could be compulsive about dirty fur. Whiskers and face free of berry juice and nut crumbs, he looked over a little awkwardly to Lichthia, attempting to speak, but struggling to think of what to say. "I am. . . sorry. . . for. . . trying to. . . hurt you." The rat paused for a moment and shook his head. "Well. . . if i d-didn't try. . . Tabatha would have. ." Tarik was unsure of what he was trying to even get across. Not atempting to hunt the mouse, would have meant he'd never have been in service for Jaabir, without that service. . . Tabatha would have surely eaten him. That considered, even now, he wasn't 'sorry', at least in how things turned out. "I. . . wouldn't try to hurt you now. . ." he sighed "or. . . anyone else. . ."

Lichthia nodded. and smiled "I accept y'apology," she'd answer. "And I understand.. . .least I think I do. . . .We all end up doing things we regret. . ." . .. She briefly considered if she should say she was sorry for nearly feeding him to Jaabir, but she wasn't really, even if she was glad it hadn't happened now.

The rat raised his head. "Yeah. . ." There would be another sigh, "I. . . I still don't know what I'd of done, If I caught you. . ." He'd look away. "I've never killed anything before. . . and I don't think I could now." There was some desire in Tarik, telling him the mouse was edible, but. . . there was a voice just as strong telling him they wern't much different. Did all rats have that voice, in being 'prey' to others themselves? Was he only feeling that now from what he had experienced? Tarik didn't know. "I'm a gatherer. . . was a gatherer. I helped collect berries and sometimes brought back water. . ." He paused for a moment, and considered "I was suppose to be a hunter though. . ."

The mouse smiled, tilting the staff in her paws against the ground as she sat. "I didn't b'lieve you when y'told me that b'fore," she admitted. "Figured y'were tryin t'talk y'way out of a bad situation." She smirked. "I b'lieve y'now, and it makes me happy t'know." She'd hunch up her knees, evidently finished eating for the moment.

Tarik began to shake his head, "I. . . I didn't think you did. . ." He'd sigh, "I. . . I wasn't lying. . ." He'd nod his head, "I'm. . . glad you believe me now. . . "

"For I metcha, I never cared for rats. . .for obvious reasons" she admited further. "We'd have huntin parties come in every once in a while. . .one time they carried off some of the young'uns. . ." She looked up and think to added, "Wasn't your folk. M'former colony is nowhere near here." Really, it didn't make any moral difference of course, she was sure Tarik's colony had done the same, just not to her colony. Rats were rats after all. But she thought perhaps he'd feel more at ease knowing his kin wasn't personally responsible for her losses.

The rat couldn't exactly fault the mouse for not liking rats, given they ate them. It was a common occurrence in his colony, to hear the sound of squealing mice coming from the food storage. But what about snakes? Owls? They ate mice, and the mouse didn't seem to have any low opinions of them. When she made a mention of colony raiding, his ears would fall quite quickly. He looked to be bothered by the subject, shifting in his seat a bit. He raised his head some when she assured it couldn't have been her family, but. . . not by much.

"Ni'It's part of the natural order and all. . .. " she continued in a tone of resignation, for a moment to taking the role of prey, dealing with her fate by accepting it. "Jaabir eats mice," she'd continue, " n'I love him!" She'd shake her head, smiling ruefully. "But he doesn't have a choice. He can't live on nuts or berries, can't even eat fish." A soft look would come over the mouse's eyes. "Sometimes he'll tell his prey that. He's sorry, but he needs to eat. He told that to me when he caught me, a little apologetic, back when both he and I thought I was gonna be his dinner." The mouse's eyes were low now, as she thought wistfuly of the past. "He was very grateful to me that I understood, that I didn't hold it against him. . .." She smiled a little, touching her chin to her staff. "Guess that's how it started b'tween us."

The rat noded slow, but something was clearly bothering him. He considered now that his family didn't entirely need to end the lives of others for their own. They wern't like snakes, they did have a choice. Rats could eat meat, and were at least collectively, stronger than those they captured, but did that make it right? If all the hunters were instead gatherers, would they have just as much food? Maybe. . . it was possible there would be more gatherers than there was to gather nearby, but still, he liked to think it would be better. That, however, was only part of what troubled Tarik. "I. . . I see. . ." he'd muttered, not smiling himself, soon looking off. "I. . . I was sent out before. . . to a mouse a colony. . ."

While she was quite aware of the rat's understandable discomfort, her mind was still dwelling nostalgically on the past. An ear would flick at his words, and at his further elaboration, she'd be very interested indeed. She didn't show it though, sitting hunched over stock still in her robes, leaning against her staff, entirely silent, giving him whatever space he needed to speak.

Tarik ears stayed drooped. "It was. . . the first time I left the colony." h explained. "I was sent with a. . . hunting party." For a new hunter, a raid to a known location, was considered the safest task. Mice themselves would run, but not an entire colony, there was nothing to track. They didn't even need to move as one body as they would when unifying an attack on a bird or rabbit, didn't even need to communicate through signs or gestures. While a mouse colony's males could fight and attack rats in great numbers, there were ways to go about avoiding such. "Another party. . . had found a way into. . ." His head lowered. " A nursery. . . I don't think the mice knew yet. . . there were no guards"

Though it took effort on her part, the mouse's face remained completely placid, her eyes lowered, staff in her fists, no sign of any inner agitation, except her ears were splayed to catch every word, and perhaps her paws were clutching her staff just a little bit tighter than usual. Was this a confession? she wondered. Tarik might not personally have killed a mouse, but if he carried off a child and handed it off to another hunter, well that was a distinction without a difference. Despite her placid exterior, inside her stomach tighened. She might be the lover of a pred now, but she still remembered the terrified squeals, the crush of bodies, everyone running every which way at once. 'The nestlings .. the nestlings. . they're taking the nestlings. . .'

The rat continued, looking guilty all the while. "My group was sent to make the raid. . . I and a few others had to watch outside, while elders. . . took the ones they could, and handed them off outside. We each had one. . . the elders two. . ." Tarik paused for a moment, and looked up. ""Mine. . . was crying. It was a girl . . and" he'd attempt to remember, "had. . . dark grey fur. . ." He'd frown. "I. . . I was told to keep it quiet or. . . bite its neck. . ." He paused at that thought, "I. . . lost my grip. . . and she got away." His eyes lowered, "that's what I told them." He'd sighed. "The. . . elders hunters decided I should be a gatherer after that, since mistakes from a hunter. . . could hurt the group."

The mouse listened silently, though inside she was sad. She'd forgive Tarik, she knew that already. She couldn't blame a young buck doing what his colony told him to do. Indeed, though she hesitated to admit it, it took courage for him to tell her the truth. Still, her heart ached, and she nearly had to bite her tongue to keep still. And so she was taken by surprise when the story took an unexpected turn, and her face lit up in a small smile. She'd stretch out a paw and place it on Tarik's shoulder and squeeze it firmly. "Good on ya. . ." she'd say in a firm whisper. She kept a hold of his shoulder, and inhaled deeply. "Good on ya. . ." she repeated. Drawing back her paw to her staff, she rested her chin against it, regarding the rat silently.

As he finished, Tarik considered if it was wise to speak about this at all. It was a risk, if he upset Lichthia any number of things could happen: Some of which include ending up inside a python. Maybe he should have just stayed quiet? Somehow, he had felt compelled to speak on it despite the risk. This wasn't the only time that event troubled him. His entire life in the colony, in-fact, had changed as a result.

The mouse's touch along his shoulder and reassuring words, helped to calm his initial worry, and he continued to speak. "I. . . I was picked to be a hunter. . . because they thought I'd be better for it. . . I was going to be trained after the raid. . ." He sighed. "When. . . they sent me to. . . the gathers. . . I. . . I don't think they liked it." Disputes between the gatherer leaders and the hunters were more than common, Tarik suspected they regarded him as a reject. . . one that was forced on them. "I wasn't taught well. . . " he went on to explain. "I had to pull the water container. . . or just wait to the side and watch for danger. . . I. . . wasn't as good as the others because of that". Often Tarik considered, if he had just made that bite, his life in the colony would have been significantly better. It was only now. . . that he felt relief. . . relief that he had made the right choice.

The mouse continued to regard the rat silently. She wasn't certain why, but inwardly she knew in that moment when he'd told her he let the nestling go, they had crossed a line together. If Jaabir were to come now and ask if he could take the rat, she wouldn't pretend it was Jaabir's decision any longer, she'd tell him no, she didn't want him to. He was her friend now. It was a confusing idea to her having a friend who was a rat. What did that actually mean? She'd have to wait and see. She listened to the rest with interest, partly interested in Tarik, and partly the way they did things in a rat colony. It wasn't so different than a mouse colony. Of course they didn't have a hunter group, but the play of personalities and resentment were all too familiar.

She was silent for a moment after Tarik finished speaking. Eventually she'd begin, "I never really resented preds. . ." She said softly. "Rats were kind of an exception maybe. . . mostly I think cause y'like us." She gave a small shrug and a half smile. "But in general, I figured s'not they're fault." She swallowed. "It is the maker of all things after all. . . who gave the strong power over the weak, n'made them hunger for their flesh." She shook her head. "N'even back when I was first year livin in the colony, I understood if preds were to disappear, we mice'd just fornicate and multiply, til there wasn't enough food and we starve." She'd shake her head slowly. "S'happened b'fore." She lowered her eyes. "The maker of all things obviously intended that the strong should pred upon the weak." Her eyes narrowed as she stared forward, and despite her words, there was an odd intensity to her voice, perhaps even a hint of anger. "So who am I. . . . a mere mouse. . . . t'object?"

Tarik nodded slow, an ear flicking at the words of rats being much like mice. He. . . certainly thought the same. To the colony, however, mice were considered to be lower creatures, nothing at all like a rat: They were often regarded as unintelligent, weak and slow. Given what he had been through and seen, it was not at all a view he could share, not now. If anything, he and others were under Lichthia by the same standards. Tarik considered, that perhaps his family, at least the hunters, had to think as they did: Killing something that was under you. . . made it easier.

As the mouse continued to speak, the rat continued to nod. In many ways, he was thankful she was still speaking with him at after what was said. Her views, he couldn't find disagreement with, though, he wasn't exactly one to be existential. Still, he had had similar thoughts, and the views. . . did seem to follow his colony's own beliefs. . . particularly the emphasis of one's own strength over another. The change in tone as she posted her question, would make Tarik ease back a little, before nodding his head slowly. . . uncertainly.

She'd sigh, face softening. "But I discovered somethin. . . when I met my love." She'd lift her head and look at Tarik in the eye. "I discovered. . .that I am grateful that I was born a prey, and not a pred." She would gaze up evenly at the rat. "Because I would much rather be weak, and live in fear. . . than to have t'sustain m'flesh by takin that of others. . . . " Eyes would drop and her paws slid down her staff. "And I do not wish to have the power of given life an death over others, to choose who lives and who dies." Even as she spoke, she knew it was a lie. She did have that power. Everything that lived had that power, and she was beginning to suspect that might actually be the nature of life itself. But these thoughts were only just beginning to form in her mind, and as the owl had taught her, sometimes it was necessary for the sake of one's sanity to cling to a lie.

Tarik looked down and met the mouse's gaze. He'd regard her words, and how they might apply to him. A rat. . . he. . . still had desire for the meat of others and was large enough to take it. "I. . . I'm glad I. . . have a choice. . ." he considered, raising a paw and looking to his claws. "To just. . . not kill." His paw lowered and he looked back. "I. . . do have. . . hunger for meat. . ." his eyes drifted along the mouse's form, "and I ate what was brought by others. . . " The rat paused and look down, "but. . . I rather ignore it. . and. . . just not. . ." Looking back up, he'd add. "I'm. . . not sure how hard that will be. . . when I go back. . ."

The mouse was at ease now, smiling. "It would certainly make me happy, if you were able to give up meat," she answered, then sigh. "But I wan'cha t'know somethin," she'd quickly add. "If y'do end up eatin meat when y'get home, I may be disappointed, but I won't hold it against you." She looked at him evenly. "You'll still be m'friend." That last she expected would be a surprise to the rat, that she considered him a friend. It ought to be a surprise, she'd only become aware of it herself in the last five minutes or so.

Tarik felt better himself knowing the mouse was happy with his choice. As she continued, he tilted his head part way. He'd considered that she was letting him know that if he went back on his 'vow' she wouldn't be angry or otherwise sic her snake on him. While the other alone was comforting, the actuality. . . was more-so. Tarik smiled. It felt good to know. . . the mouse thought of him like that, despite everything. But. . . what of him? There was a time that he considered the mouse to be the source of all his terrors. . . before being a salvation of them. Not just by the unintented chain of events that led to his life in the physical sense, but. . . her comforting words the day before, pulling him out of his internal darkness. . . sheltering him. . . in more ways than one. "You're. . . my friend too. . ."

Those words silenced the mouse for a moment, as she lowered her head and smiled, ears lowered, seemingly bashful. After a pause, she continued, "I just don't wanch beatin y'self up if that's something y'find y'can't do. Not hunting or killing is enough for me. I understand abstainin from eatin meat wouldn't be easy. Y'kin might look at y'funny, and y'got y'position t'worry about and all." She sighed. "An I know the hunger for meat is a very hard one t'deny." She smiled, tilting her staff. "Not that I have it m'self," she quickly amended, "but I experience it through m'bond with Jaabir," she finished. "I know how strong it can be, cause I can see how it works on him." She had to suppress a smirk then. Of course what she wouldn't tell Tarik was she was familiar with the strength of that desire, through long practice of tantalizing, tempting, and leading her love with it. Tarik was her friend now, but there were some things that were still too personal too share. Plus he already thought she was strange; and he didn't know the half of it.

Tarik nodded his head as the subject changed, feeling if not a little embarrassed for his earlier statement. He considered, as she spoke, just what he might have to go through, and. . . the urges he'd have to fight. "It. . . it won't be easy. . ." he admited. "The. . . colony is fed at one time each day. . . and. . . the food that day is divided out among everyone. Sometimes. . . it's just berries. . . or a number of things. . . sometimes. . . just meat. . ." The rat wondered if it would even be possible to hold out, not only dealing with a natural urge for the flesh of another. . . but also an increased hunger from skipping meals. He looked down and sighed, "I'll try. . ."

The mouse's ears would fall at that. A mouse colony was not nearly so organized; sh had no idea it would be so difficult. "Y'know, we haven't worked out what y'gonna tell y'kin about me and Jaabir when you return." This was originally the topic the mouse had expected to be working out with Tarik and Jack, only the rat's encounter with Tabatha had taken all their attention. "If you really don't wanna eat meat when y'get back, y'could use that somehow." She'd purse her lips and furrow her brow thoughtfully. "F'example, maybe you were out explorin in the rain, when you saw an unsuspectin mouse doe passin by, carryin a stick." Lichthia would grin. "Y'don't generally hunt much, but y'were hungry, and she looked t'be an easy target, so y'snuck up on her, n'took her down without much trouble." She'd lean back. "Next thing y'knew y'were in a python's coils, and he was mad as fire attcha for goin after his mouse." Lichthia smiled, enjoying the activity of story telling. "Y'apologized profusely, and surprisingly the mouse spoke up for you too. And so he lettcha go in return for apologizin profusely, n'promising never to eat any meat no more, n'to warn y'kin folk the mouse with the stick was his, and his anger would be great indeed against any who did harm to her."

Tarik rose his head. How could he use that, he wondered, ears flicking as he listened. He began to nod slow, head lowering briefly at 'took her down without much trouble'. It at least seemed possible to him, and wasn't especially far from the truth. "M-maybe. . ." he replied as he finished. "But. . . I. . . don't know. . . if they would make exceptions. . . a colony leader can eat what they like. . . everyone else eats what they are given." He'd consider if he was given special treatment, it could even anger others. "It could. . . keep them from wondering though. . . if I just didn't eat."

There was a pause before Tarik looked back, seeming to recall something important. "I. . . I would have to be careful. They. . . couldn't think Jaabir sent me. . . to follow."

Lichthia pursed her lips, thinking. "Though Jaabir is rather large," she'd mutter, giving a smile. "He's got many talents, hiding in cover, striking like lightning, crushing his catch. . . but stalking them, following them unseen over a long distance is not among 'em."

Tarik considered the mouse's point and nod slow. Snakes. . . usually don't stalk. They lay in wait. . . ambush. "They. . . they might understand that." He nodded again, in thought, frowning some. "The hunters. . . gatherers, maybe. The. . . mystics think. . . snakes are evil, that they. . . can hide in shadows. . ." appeared embarrassed "be invisible."

"Do they?" the mouse answered leaning in, for the moment more interested than perturbed by the observation. "I guess that makes sense," she'd say speculatively. "A snake can hide in shadows after all." She'd smirk. "They can blend right in so y'can hardly see 'em, then wrap you up tight 'for y'know what caught you!" There was a tone of admiration in the mouse's voice, no doubt a result of her close association with the python. "I can understand how they could seem like magic." She'd smile, tilting her staff closer. "M'gonna have t'tell Jaabir, I expect he'll be pleased." She'd chuckle. "But it does create a difficulty. Especially if we're dealing with a snake who keeps a mouse as a companion and talks to rats, I can see how they'd be prone t'be suspicious." She'd sigh. "Maybe y'should tell 'em I'm the one who sent you." She'd furrow her brow. "Though dunno why they'd listen to a mouse. Probably just make fun of you for not preddin me when y'had the opportunity."

The rat considered now, some of the more superstitious members of his colony. Like most, he part way looked to their tales and stories; at least, he had. Only recently did stop trusting everything they spouted. After he spoke with some of the hunters, he learned of disasters that they've faced in following the 'mystics' advice. In recalling of the hunters was ex-hunting-leader Aidan, an outcast before him, Tarik frowned: Aidan had surely died too. Flicking an ear, he'd quiet his thoughts for now and look back to the mouse. He wasn't sure why, but hearing and talking with her did make him feel better, it didn't replace the sting from losing his other friends, but it helped.

Tarik nodded to her. All considering, the mystics, wern't entirely wrong at least. The rat blinked, looking just a tad confused at the mouse's excitement on what a snake might do to their victim. While she took delight in it, he himself only felt uneasy. He suspected, that was one of many aspects of Lichthia he would never get used to. And. . . why would the snake be pleased his colony thought him to be demonic? Maybe. . . he was? Tarik shook his head. Confused state aside, he nod to her as she went on. "Yeah. . ." he'd answer back to her, " Maybe. . . if I. . . couldn't get close to you. . . or. . . something was. . . separating us. " The rat would shrug some. "They. . . they might. . . understand anyway. . ." The rat would put a paw to his neck and rub, "Sometimes. . . gatherers listen to others to find food, we've. . . talked to rabbits before, when berries were scarce. We. . . wouldn't be able to hunt them, or expected to. The colony would know I'm not a hunter."

The mouse smiled and nodded, enjoying plotting out one plausible story after another. "Maybe I was friendly, n'offered y'food," she answered. "Y'thought about huntin me, but bein an outcast, y'figured y'shouldn't pass up any opportunity t'learn about y'surroundins. Plus y'were curious, cause I didn't seem normal. I was all alone, but I was all cheerful, and didn't seem scared of you." She'd chuckle. "At first y'though I was some sort of insane mouse, cause I told y'stories about m'love bein a python. But then y'spied on me, and you saw me playing with him." She'd lower her eyes in thought. "Maybe I told you a story, bout a rat or even a jackal who tried to pred me." The mouse would stop there and her expression would become serious. "Jackal did try to pred me once. . . never seen Jaabir use his fangs before, never seen him so angry." She sighed. "I'm sure it's only cause I was there, and he knew I'd want him to, that he was merciful, and ate him without inflictin additional sufferin." With a somber expression she'd address Tarik, "We're tellin stories, but this part is true. Jaabir and I love each other with all hearts. Each one of us wouldn't hesitate to give our life for the other. If a rat huntin party ever were t'kill me, I tremble t'think what he'd do." She'd lift her head and lower her eyelids. "Tabatha wouldn't feel any personal grievance on my behalf, but she might help Jaabir for friendship's sake. She might locate y'colony, tell Jaabir where t'find you. I'm pretty sure she could if she set her mind to it. Unlike snakes, she really is proficient at stalkin and trailin. She almost could be invisible. I'd guess only reason she hasn't done something like that already is ideas of fairness." Eyelids still lowered, she'd lick her lips. "Morathi doesn't love me the way Jaabir does, but he likes me a great deal. I expect if he heard I was killed by rats, he'd start huntin in this area." Her head would bow. "He can be exceedingly cruel. I expect any rats he caught would die slow and in pain." She'd open her eyes and lift her head to gaze at the rat. "Y'really do need to get home, n'warn 'em about me."

The rat seemed to respond positively to the new suggestion, leaning forward a bit and giving subtle nods. "Maybe. . ." he'd mutter. He'd consider that, it's possible he'd look wise in such a tale. If he wasn't one to hunt normally, it at least wouldn't be thought as particularly strange behavior. And seeing as he'd be the only one of the last many outcasts to return with food, and survive, it would be hard for his actions to be looked down upon. Of course, describing Lichthia, would certainly get some odd looks, others may question the truth. Was it really possible to sway everyone, he wondered. Would most be enough?

He'd raise his ears to Lichthia as she went on, speaking of her past, and the devotion shared by she and the serpent. It was bizarre. . . but he certainly didn't doubt it anymore, and would even begin to smile. However, the smile would quickly fade. To no longer have any doubt in their devotion, it brought fear to him. Jaabir would seek out his colony. Tarik's ears would go low and he'd wince. If the snake wasn't bad enough, the cat would provide assistance. Given how the feline appeared from nowhere in his encounter, he had little doubt she could follow behind a gatherer or hunter on their rounds, and discover them all. And . . . and. . . the owl? His eyes went wide. The rat would recall now, not only could the mouse stand her own, but she had an entire army. . . and according to Lichthia, they would together provide a swift and terrible vengeance to all responsible for her death. If. . . if he really wanted to help his family, he couldn't afford for even one rat to not believe him, he'd have to beg them if it came to it. Tarik would swallow nervously, and meet Lichthia's gaze. "Y-yeah. . ."

Licthia looked with sympathy at the rat. She hadn't set out to scare him. She was just thinking through the consequences out loud. Well, it was important they both face the truth; he'd certainly be motivated. "You'll do it," she'd say softly. "I have confidence in ya." She'd press her staff to her cheek. "N'you don't have t'do it all at once. I imagine at first y'kin'll be happy you're back. Some'll think y'crazy, some won't b'lieve you, and some won't be sure. It'll probably start a conversation." She'd smile. "Maybe y'could arrange for a foragin party t'come to the clearing where Jaabir n'I sometimes play together. Y'can spy on us, and when some of y'folk see us t'gether, they'll start to take the rest of what y'say more seriously. Understandin can grow naturally." She'd tilt her staff back. "Y'should tell the truth as much as y'can. Only deviate where y'have a reason, like not tellin 'em y'talked to Jaabir, cause they'd be suspicious for example. But y'really have seen me t'gether with Jaabir. And what I told y'about the jackal is true." She'd pause a moment. "Oh, and be sure to mention the lop eared rabbit, Jack should have protection too."

The rat gave a shaken nod. The encouragement brought him back, however. Given what he'd already faced, what else couldn't be done? "Thanks. . ." He commented in a whisper as she went on, smiling once more. He considered her suggestions, part way imagining his own return. The mention of involving others, brought him lean in. "That. . . would work. . " he commented soft. He then quickly nodded as she finished. "I'll have to. . . speak to everyone. I'll. . . have a ceremony. Lying too much. . . wouldn't work." He stated in agreement, giving another nod, before raising his head. "Jack?" he questioned initially, tilting his head. "Oh. . ." The rat turned and look toward the burrow's entrance. "I. . . didn't know his name. . . or. . . I didn't remember it." Tarik rubbed his head and looked back. The rabbit had helped him the day before just as much as the mouse, and. . . he had felt an odd bond with them both: They went through what he had, at least, part-way. "Yeah. . ." the rat would nod, "I. . . wouldn't want him hurt." There had been a few times, where Tarik had witnessed a squealing rabbit brought in, legs tied, covered in bites and badly wounded from the initial capture. Sometimes a leg was broke, sometimes the neck. The rat frowned. "It. . . will be harder. But. . . maybe we can."

Tarik looked to be in further thought. "I'll. . . be with the gatherers again. If. . . a lead gatherer saw something. . . the rest of the colony would trust them."

Licthia nodded. "Would be easy 'nough t'arrange, I can tell y'where we'd be, and when Jaabir's fed," she'd remark. "And as far as not wanting to eat meat, y'could jus be honest about that too. Tell 'em even though I was strange, I helped you and y'grew to like me. I found a burrow for you to hide in after y'met Tabatha for example, and I kept m'word not tellin Jaabir where to find you. And so after bein friends with me, y'd rather not eat meat anymore." She'd purse her lips. "I dunno how y'gonna explain how y'got away from Tabatha though. Of course y'gonna wanna tell them what happened to the other outcasts and warn 'em about the burrow, but I don't see how you explain how you got away without tellin them you convinced her to let you go cause y'were doin a favor for Jaabir."

Tarik thought back to his days gathering. While gatherers in his colony were less structured than hunters, they would still form parties for certain tasks: A group of three or more would always include a leader. Being out on his own, and being able to bring back sacks and sacks of food. . . he'd probably be asked to show where he gathered. He could lead them. But. . . was it be wrong to risk the lives of friends, Jaabir was still a snake. The mouse's assurance that the python would be full helped to remedy the concern. As she went on he'd look less certain, however. Would his colony understand that? Many wouldn't even think a mouse to be any more intelligent than a berry: It would still be thought of as strange behavior, but given what he'd been through, maybe he'd be allowed some eccentricities? He'd frown as Tabatha was mentioned, it would be hard to explain. All the others were claimed, yet he survived. "They. . . would know I didn't get away in a chase. . . if Hunter hadn't." He'd frown at that, ears lowering at the memory. "Aidan. . . who was just before. . . he was a lead hunter. . . he was fast. . . strong, and. . . v-very wise. They would. . . question how I made it." Tariksighed, maybe he'd have to tell the truth in its entirely and hope they didn't toss him right back out? "I. . . I could warn any new outcasts as they leave. . . without telling the others. . . it. . . it might be easier that way. . . outcasts would probably. . . come to me for advice " He'd nod slow, "If. . . I tell the colony I haven't seen the others. . . they would assume they were gone already. . . they just wouldn't know why. . ."

The mouse sat and pursed her lips. "Maybe I told you. . ." she ventured after a while. "Maybe that's partly why you were so grateful to me, cause I warned you that den was dangerous. I know Tabatha because she's a friend of Jaabir's, and I heard her talkin with him bout how she found this den of outcast rats." She'd furrow her brow and sigh. "I'd rather y'were able t'tell the truth of what happened. S'hard going through what y'did and not bein able to share it with y'kin." She'd sigh. "Y'can share it with me and Jack of course, but it'd be better if y'could share it with 'em too." Her reverie would be interupted, hearing voice behind her.

Tarik raised his head at the new suggestion. It. . . seemed possible to him. The mouse warned him, and he survived as a result. He could at least tell them all who claimed the others. The rat would lower his head some as Lichthia went on. It. . . would be good to tell them everything, of vivek's final challenge, how he approached the cat directly, and faced her with his knowledge, dueling her with only his wit for hours . . . of dalek's brave effort to fight the feline head-on, how he charged at her, and managed several bites. They. . . lost, but deserved honor for their efforts, respect. And experience itself. . . could he truly shoulder such thing? To pretend to others that he never found himself trapped in the coils of a serpent, uncertainity at every passing second. . . if the coils about him would tighten. To act as though. . . he never faced Tabatha, never approached her. . endured her. Even if he didn't say anything, the effects of both weighted at him, changed him. Would he, seasons from now, (the equilvelent of years for a rat) still be recounting it all in nightmares? It was difficult to thin about, but. . . if it was the best chance to return home and save others, he'd have no choice but to bare it alone. Alone? No. . . he would still have Lichthia, the rabbit. At that thought, Tarik flicked an ear, head turning.

Just behind the pair, a small lop-ear rabbit would raise his head from the burrow. He dud so carefully, cautiously. The rabbit could hear voices of the rat and mouse, and it didn't sound like there were any foxes, cats, or hawks. . . but he was uncertain. Nose twitching, he'd give a scan and ease himself up, hopping near. "G-good morning. . . " he said in a whisper, not content with talking outside, even if he was only a quick hop from safety.

The mouse turned and grinned from ear to ear. "G'mornin t'you too Jack, come on over hear where you can feel the sun and I can give y'a hug. We were just chattin."

Tarik looked to the rabbit, not unkindly. He didn't exactly share Lichthia's enthusiasm, but he was glad to see the lop. Jack had helped him recover in the day prior. A wild rat, a male wild rat, he wasn't the sort to typically want a hug from a rabbit, but he couldn't deny the tharuputic qualities. . . especially given the circumstance. "Good morning. . ." he'd pause, "Jack. . ." The rat briefly considered asking why his name was Jack, when he was not a 'Jack Rabbit'. . . but would decide against it. All names had meaning in his colony, but. . . that probably wasn't true for most he'd reason.

The rabbit himself was unaware of such confusion, hopping near to Lichthia's side and returning her smile. He looked to be calmer at being closer to the others, but still passed a look around before he flopped down beside the mouse. "Hi Lichthia. . ." He'd nuzzle her gently before turning his head to the rat. "Hi Tarik. . ." The lapin looked back, "What are you talking about?" he question with a tilted head.

The mouse smiled. "We're talkin 'bout what Tarik will tell his kin when he gets home. What he should say to best protect us, and to ingratiate himself." She'd look back over at the rat. "If y'can't tell them bout meetin Tabatha, then I think tellin 'em I warned you and told you what happened t'your kin works well. It'll help explain why you're grateful to me, n'why y'd rather not eat meat." She'd sigh. "Be sure to tell 'em how crazy I am, I don't mind. They'll feel better if they think y've got some sense left."

Jack blinked, before nodding. Lichthia had told him before figuring out what stories Tarik will tell and helping him gather food, would be their 'project'. "Oh. . ." he'd respond. The lapin couldn't think of anything before, so would decide to watch the others, ears twitching lightly as Lichthia continued.

Reaching down for a nut, Tarik looked to be patient with the minor interruption. He cracked the shell slow, no longer famished. As Lichthia began to address him, he'd nod, and swallow his mouthful. Her mention of being 'crazy' would make Tarik's ears lower. He had clearly been thinking it before, and the subject made him just a little embarrassed. The mouse said she didn't mind, but rat does were known to be manipulative in that way, were mice does as well? He'd shake his head. "Y-you're not crazy. . ." he'd reply with uncertainty, "but. . . I think. . . it would work. . . that you had have heard it. . . and told me. They. . . might not believe at first. . . when i say how you knew. . . but. . . it should work. I. . . could say I didn't believe it either. . . then saw. . ." He'd take a new bite, chew, and swallow once more, "Then. . . I could get the other gatherers to see too." His words would gain a sense of confidence at that thought.

The mouse seemed happy with the rabbit's company, even if he wasn't contributing directly to the conversation. She'd hold him and scratch his neck, evidently done eating for the moment. She'd think and nod. "Eccentric then," she'd reply. "S'alright, m'perfectly s'not normal for mice t'make friends with snakes n'owls," she'd venture. "M'just lettin y'know, I want y't'get home and accepted, and if sayin that sort o'thing helps you with your folk, I don't mind a bit." She'd sigh. "Jack and I could both be with Jaabir when y'happen t'come along."

Jack made a content grunt as the mouse scritched, leaning himself against her. It was only the day before that Lichthia had returned. He had missed not being alone, having someone near to cuddle. It felt good to the rabbit, to now have not only one friend near, but two! While he hadn't spoken to Tarik enough to get to know him personally, Jack did have a near immediate fondness for the rat, if only out of sympathy. He'd twitch an ear as Lichthia mentioned himself, still. . . the lapin wouldn't interrupt, instead offering an kind nuzzle.

Tarik thought for a moment before agreeing with the mouse. It was tricky to him, but he'd reason the mouse. . . really didn't seem to care what was thought of her. The rat would finally nod, if not reluctantly. "I. . . I guess so. . ." he'd admit. In truth, he reasoned, it wasn't normal for any creature to make friends with snakes or owls, unless they were in-fact snakes or owls themselves. . . even then he wondered if that itself was common. "Thanks. . . it. . . it might. I'm not sure. . . if they'd understand. . . " How would his colony react, he wondered, of a staff-wielding mouse that was friends with a snake, an owl and. . . acquaintanced with a cat? Either he would be crazy. . . or she would. Even if they believed the mouse to be insane and not him, they would probably question how she could even be alive. They might not believe it. . . at least until others saw her. At the change of subject, Tarik would nod quite quickly. "Y-yeah. . . if. . . if the other gatherers saw both of you. . . with Jaabir. . . that. . . that would help."

The mouse smiled, and turned to address the rabbit, explaining to him, "We're just discussing what Tarik can do when he gets home, to persuade his colony not to hunt us if they should ever come upon us." She'd glance back at the rat. "The idea is, if Tarik and some of his friends happened to come along when you and I were out in the fields with Jaabir foraging or lazing around, they'd see you and I were Jaabir's friends, they'd tell the rest of the rat's back home, and they'd figure it wasn't worth goin after a mouse or a rabbit that had a huge python like Jaabir for a friend."

The lapin tilted as he was addressed, pausing his displays of affection. He then looked up and blinked slow, attempting to take in this new information. After an additional few head-tilts his muzzle leveled out, "Oh. . ." He nodded, then looked to fidget a bit. Would it be safe to be around a whole group of rats? The rabbit was unsure. One rat didn't make him too nervous, at least not naturally. A pack though. . . that made his head lower. He stayed quiet for a moment, looking to the rat and then back at Lichthia, "If. . . J-jaabir is there. . . I. . . I guess that would be ok. . ."

Tarik smiled soft as Lichthia explained for the rabbit. Usually keeping to his colony or with a group, the rat rarely ever interacted with any aside from his own kind. It was strange to do so now. Were all rabbits like this he wondered. Tarik frowned. It actually made him cringe some to think of the other potentially innocent rabbits that were bitten and torn at by his own family. When Jack began to show concern, the rat would lean forward and force back a smile. "It would be with gatherers" he'd explain calmly, "they don't hunt. . . you wouldn't be in danger."

Turning his head, Jack looked back to Tarik, looking if not a little shy. While he liked the rat, he wasn't at all used to talking with him: It was only the rat's sadness yesterday, that forced him past that. Shy as he was, he listened close to Tarik's words. . . feeling comforted. It made Jack feel better to learn these rats wouldn't try to eat him. He still didn't want to see them without Jaabir close. . . but it helped ease his concern. "That's good. . ." he'd reply, with a smile.

The rat's affection for the rabbit and his kind words now further endeared him to the mouse. Anyone who liked Jack couldn't be all bad, although who could fail to like such an adorable bunny. "Tarik n'I are gonna head over t'Jaabir's this mornin," she'd continue. "Doubt he'll have caught anything this soon, but we'll check." This was a common procedure with for the mouse though usually not so early, going to check up on Jaabir, then returning later in the morning to be with Jack. "If he's eaten, we can join him." She'd glance over at the rat. She hadn't thought about that; it wasn't likely he was used enough to the python to spend the night his lair, fed or not. She'd give the rat what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, this time y'won't have t'sleep in his coils if y'don't care too." Turning back, she'd finish,"If Jaabir's still huntin, we'll come back, n'spend the rest of the day here."

Tarik would be sitting calmly as the mouse and rabbit spoke, that is until 'joining' the python was brought up. Did that mean. . . staying. . . the night? The rat would soon be filled with anxiety. Sleeping in the nest before was nothing short of a nightmare. It was a comparatively less horrific nightmare than his encounter with the feline. . . but a nightmare none-the-less! He'd take a long, deep breath as Lichthia turned to him and reassured he wouldn't have to sleep in the coils. He'd reply with a small nervous chuckle, that masked great relief. Staying in the nest at all, however, was still fairly troubling to the rat.

Looking back to Lichthia, the rabbit nodded slow. Jack didn't feel left-out. While he thought Jaabir to be a friend, he was not at all comfortable with visiting a hungry python. When the mouse mentioned the potential of Jaabir being full. . . and a resulting stay, he'd smile. "Ok." He really did want to be near Jaabir again. . . and the only way that would happen is if he was fed. Jack didn't like to think about who the snake might have eaten. . . so would do his best to put that out of his mind: He didn't like for others to be hurt. . . though didn't blame the snake either way. He'd blink slow as Lichthia addressed the rat, part-way forgetting what was being referenced. When she turned back, he'd give a nod. While he rather see Jaabir again, staying with the others for the day would be good too. Jack would lower his head, now looking bothered "If Jaabir is still hungry. . . are you gonna. . . see the owl tonight?"

The mouse smiled at the rabbit's question; she'd been hoping to avoid that subject. After all, why worry Jack or Tarick if it turned out Jaabir had fed? But as Jack had brought it up, she wouldn't avoid it. "Yeah," she'd answer nodding. "S'been a while since I've seen Mr. Morathi. I've overdue for a visit." She'd lean back smiling, pulling her staff to her chin. "I expect he misses me." The truth of the matter was she was looking forward to her next conversation with the owl. She'd spent a long blissful time with her love as he digested the gazelle, but she was more than ready to gain the benefit of the owl's keen wit once again. She'd glance over to the rat, thinking to herself she had quite a lot to tell Morathi. She'd promised to tell him all the details if she ever used her martial skills after all. "You'll have Tarik t'keep y'company though, if that happens," she'd reassure the rabbit.

Tarik was still fretting internally about the subject of staying with Jaabir. . . when the subject of staying with the owl was brought up. He swallowed hard, recalling Lichthia's description of Morathi. . . very much not wanting to see him. Even hearing of the mouse's plans to visit him. . . it was worrisome. While Tarik was polite enough not to call Lichthia crazy directly, he was certainly thinking it! The rat flicked an ear as Lichthia implied he would keep Jack company. Staying with a large scary owl, or staying with a small cute rabbit, It wasn't much of a dilemma for Tarik. He nodded quick "Yeah. . . I. . . I'll s-stay with Jack. . ."

Hearing the news of Morathi, Jack would frown. "Oh. . ." He was never comfortable with Lichthia staying in the scary owl nest. The owl didn't sound very nice either. He didn't panic quite as much as he used to: Lichthia always came back. . . and unharmed. The worst part now, was staying in the burrow alone. Jack would blink, looking to Tarik, and then back at the mouse. He'd seem a little uncertain. Tarik didn't look scary or dangerous, not now. But. . . would he be alright without Lichthia? Staying alone with the rat wasn't something he was used to. . . but it sounded better than being by himself. Jack would smile soft, "That would be ok. . ."

The mouse raised her head, looking to where the sun was just clearing the horizon. "Think Tarik and I should head out," she'd say softly. She turned to smile at Jack, putting a paw on her shoulder. "Sooner we go, soone we can get back." She'd give the rabbit a quick hug, and look over at the rat.

Tarik cleaned at his whiskers, amidst a nod. His face properly groomed, he'd get to his feet. "I. . . I think I'm ready. . ." he sighed out, fearful he'd never truly be ready for another encounter with the python.