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Naked, early in the morning, Lichtia woke up snuggling in a furry warm embrace, It was a familiar enough sensation ever since she'd befriended the rabbit Jack, but this time something was strange. The rabbit felt leaner and more angular and . . . . .smaller than Lichthia remembered. Wakefulness and memory of the previous night arose together and she opened her eyes and pushed herself up and looked at the sleeping mouse below. Oh yeah. Not surprisingly the tall thin mouse was still fast asleep, and Lichthia took shameless advantage, staring at her face, even lifting a paw to stroke down her cheek, for the first time seeing her in the the morning light that streamed down through the burrow cover. She was young, perhaps a year younger than Lichthia,. No doubt, before the rat's had caught her, she'd been looking forward to her first outings and to finding a mate and kits, just like Lichthia once had. . . . The mouse swallowed, unexpected emotion flowing through her, as she gently traced her paw along the other's long whiskers. How long had it been since she'd seen another mouse? Not since mid-Spring, and now it was well into Summer.

Pushing herself away, she made an effort to collect herself, to think about the day. Food, and water. Well there was plenty of food as always, but the water basin was dry. Ameira would be thirsty when she woke up, and so Licthia would take care of that chore now. Rising and putting on a robe, she put out some berries and nuts for Ameria to find, on the off chance she woke before she returned. That done, she picked up the basin and made her way to the exit. She'd have a wash and collect the water, and likely be back before the mouse awoke.

Not far off, a thin grey rat stepped cautiously through thick brush His head scanning behind and in all directions. Being careful, looking around you at all times, that was common behavior for a rat outside his burrow. However, the rat wasn't only looking out for signs predators: He was keeping watch of his family. Before they woke, he took opprotunity to sneak off; a hollowed shell fastened to his side, filled with water.

The rat buck sighed, feeling relief there was neither sight nor smell of any of his fellows. He moved between tall grass and high foliage, making his way. After much walking, he slowed his pace, and peered out from his cover. It was all comfortably familiar. Tarik smiled. He had been happy to return to his family and see his friends, but he missed this place. He missed the mouse that saved his life, the friendship and burrow she offered to him; despite his initial misdeed (his failed attempt to eat her). He missed the young rabbit who stayed with the mouse, friendly, sweet, and able to soften the darkest troubles with his presence. He even, to some extend, missed the kindly python; a large snake which the mouse first brought him to, whom the rat was spared by. . . after hours of uncertainty. Now that he was here, the small forest enclosure which concealed the mouse's burrow, he could finally see at least two of them again.

He gave one final look around, before stepping out the foliage toward a pile of dry grass and leaves. He hadn't considered much before, but the mouse's home really was a well hidden. The rat reached down, and carefully took hold of the grass, which was clumped and threaded in a single block. He lifted then, revealing the opening to a small burrow, rich with the scent of mouse and rabbit. Tarik brought his head down, "Lichthia. . ." he called in a whisper; least he startle her or her companion. "Lichthia. . . Jack, It's me. . . Tarik." The rat held for a moment, before climbing in to shut the cover behind him, not wanting to leave the burrow exposed for long. At first he thought both were away; off to stay with the snake, as they do when he is fed and safe to be around. He sniffed as he walked deeper inside. The rabbit's scent was faint, supporting the earlier theory, however, Lichthia's was strong. The rat looked all around, there was certainly no rabbit but. . . hmm, that's strange. He spotted the white furred mouse laid toward the back, appearing as a soft blur from his poor sight. He wouldn't bother to make certain of the scent, this was the mouse's home after all, but still it was strange, that both the rabbit was absent, and the mouse was still asleep.

The rat's stomach clenched, and he'd give a long frown. No. . . it couldn't be, could it? Had. . . something happened to Jack? He moved forward quickly, stopping just before the mouse and looking over, nose sniffing in her scent now voluntarily. He stopped to blink then, an expression of bewilderment. That wasn't Lichthia's smell.

Tarik bent down and peered more closely. The doe was laid out, fur clad, white. It was easy to see how he'd mistake the two from a distance, but up close, he could see the mouse was far longer than Lichthia, and not nearly so. . . wide. Not only that, but she looked rather unkept, her fur matted and covered with dirt; not a state he could ever imagine the well-groomed doe, in any occasion. No, this was another mouse. But why was another mouse in Lichthia's burrow? A freeloader? Stolen into Lichthia's home when she was away?

The rat's gaze drifted up and down her form, eyes taking a slightly different intensity. How many days now, had he been without meat? He couldn't quite recall. Bare furred, even dinghy as it was, the mouse was an appealing one; a long form with plenty of muscle around the legs and arms. It was the sort of mouse the hunters of his colony prefered, able to provide a good meal, even without being fed much itself; they kept them around longer for emergency. The rat blinked as before, taking in a new sniff. He smelled. . . the subtle lingering scent of his own family. Tarik's eyes went wide. Had she . . . ? Was this mouse. . . ? But how?

The sleeping doe would scrunch up her whiskery face, an expression one of disgust. "Ooo. . ." she'd moan softly, her breathing slow, eyes just barely lifting to red slits. What. . . what had happened? Vivid thoughts slowly played along in her mind. She. . . she remembered running, escaping from the rat colony which had her imprisoned. She had twisted her leg on a vine, was nearly caught. . . and was rescued by. . . an angel. "Ooo. . ." No, that couldn't be right. Could it? 'You're safe now. . . I'll get you home. . .' she remembered those words, and they echoed freshly in her mind. Had she really got away? Her eyes came wide then as she blinked and looked around, soon locking with the gaze of. . . a rat. "No. .. . Nooo. . ." she squeaked sadly, tears starting to well up. It was all a dream wasn't it? She was still in the rat's nest, any moment ready to be slaughtered and feasted on. "Nooo. . ." The mouse just sat there, shivering in fear, shaken, her every hope crushed. She couldn't take another second of it, she had reached her limit! Her eyes raised; tired and worn. . . soft red gaze staring up to the rat, her expression beseeching. "Pleeease. . ." she'd beg, "Just. . . just kill me!"

Tarik looked down, raising his head in surprise. He was more than confused, head tilting at the desperate plea. She was terrified, and. . . wanted to die? He didn't know what the make of it at all. The rat would just kind of stare. Was this mouse really held in his own colony? How did it get here now? Did Lichthia. . . save it? That was the only thing he could figure, unless it just happened to find her burrow after its escape. In any case, what should he do with it? The logical and more instinctual approach for a rat, one who had be denined meat for so long, would be to happily grant the request. Though the temptation rose in him, with her bare fur and terror fully visible to even the poorest of sights, he couldn't bring himself to do that or even truly consider. He had resolved to never eat meat again after coming to know Lichthia, and that wasn't something he intended to break. That aside, this was Lichthia's burrow, not his own.

"I can't. . ." he replyed back, and he rose himself up from his crouching position; continuing to stare down over her.

The trembling doe shook her head, teeth gritting. Of course, the rats would never give her any mercy, it didn't matter if she cried or begged, they wanted their meat stored for as long as possible. The mouse gave a look of contempt, a brewing anger that surpassed her fears. "Just g-get with it! You've kept me long enough. . . you damn rats!" Despite the outpouring of emotion, the hatred and longing for death, the mouse still flinched. After an insult like that; he'd either beat her, cut into her with his claws, or kill her on the spot with a quick bite to the neck or back.

The rat buck just continued to stare. He was only further confused by the frantic actions of this little mouse. Why was she so mad at him for not killing her? Tarik paused to consider her words, the mention of 'rats'. If she had been trapped in his colony. . . did she think still was still inside it now? He' glanced down at her, the doe bracing herself to be struck. "I'm not going to kill you. . . or hurt you" he repeated and made clear.

She raised an eye up, slowly bringing down the paws that shielded her. The doe's expression of anger slowly changed to confusion. 'Not going to kill you', that wasn't so surprising; they'd probably punish their own for shortening the shelf-life of their meat, but. . . 'or hurt you'? From what she understood, with how often the guard rats and 'kitchen hands' beat and struck her, there was no penalty for bruising meat. Why did this one act differently? She was still shaking, scared by the grey rat so near her, and her looming fate. The doe let her arms fall, and she sighed, defeated. She sniffed and raised a single paw up her eyes, wiping away the tears. Why couldn't her dream have been true? It had all seemed so real. . . .

In that thought, Aneira began to take notice, she was. . . able to move her paws. In all the days of being stored away in the rat's colony, she had been bound. Her eyes lifted. This. . . this wasn't the rat colony. Or at least if it was, it wasn't the same chamber she was in before. Taking advantage of her discovered mobility, she scooted herself back, slowly distancing herself from the rat. "W-where. . . w-where am I?" she questioned, eyes not quite meeting his own. As she moved herself, the doe quickly found that any pressure to her left leg brought a great deal of pain. She clinched it with a paw.

The rat didn't move, still just watching. The doe really had thought she was still trapped. Oooh, where was Lichthia? He didn't know how to handle this or explain, he didn't know much of what was going on himself. Finally he made attempt to answer her. "You're in. . . Lichthia's burrow. She must have saved you. . ."

"L. . Lich. . . Lichthia? . . ." she'd stammer. That was the name, the name the angel identified herself as, the angel from her. . . dream. The mouse gasped, eyes raising. Maybe it wasn't a dream. Suddenly it made sense, that's why she wasn't in the rat den, that's why her leg was hurt. A surge of hope dwelled inside her. She looked around again, more closely this time. This. . . this didn't look like the home of an angel. At least, not as she would have imagined it to be. It. . . looked like a normal burrow, not a paradise. Maybe this angel chose to live more simply?

Tarik's eyes wouldn't leave her as she peered about. His tail, laid out behind him, partly curled. It looked to him that she was starting to reason things more. And. . . did she recognize Lichthia's name? Origionally he thought Lichthia found the doe unconscience. He noticeed how she held her leg, maybe she passed out shortly after speaking to Lichthia? The grey rat felt for her, sympathic for what she must have went through and the confusion she must be experiencing now. It wasn't too unlike a situation he had recently found himself in. He sighed and took a few steps back, imaging how uncomfortable he was making her feel.

The doe swallowed, looking back to the rat and feeling just a little more at ease to find he had backed up. She still appeared nervous, frightened by the sight of him. Still, he hadn't harmed her yet, even when she screamed at him. But. . . why? Why was he here? Why wasn't he eating her? And what did he say before when she asked him to kill her, 'I can't'. That made sense when she thought she was still trapped in a colony, but not here. Unless, maybe. . . "a-are. . . are. . ." she began to question meekly, "are you her servant? . . ."

The rat flicked an ear and blinked, soon baring a frown. She must have talked to Lichthia at least some then, but. . . is that what she refered to him as now? Tarik thought himself a friend of Lichthia now more than anything, so it was just a little upsetting to consider the term. Still, it was true, and he certainly owed her more than he could imagine. "Yes. . ." he'd answer back softly, "I am."

Aneira's eye's took on a look of awe. This rat obeyed her, a rat who served a mouse. Of course Lichthia was more than a mouse, she was a higher power. She thought back to that night, the owl's bellowing call overhead. What did she say? . . . 'He's watching over us. He won't hurt you when I'm near'? The the owl must be her servant too! She shook her head, it was all so much to take in. She sighed, raising up her nose to the rat. The mouse couldn't help but shiver at him; those large teeth, coarse fur, big eyes, and overgrown nails. He reminded her so much of the others; but this one serves the angel, she reminded herself. And so, shyly, she leaned herself forward. "W-why do. . . you serve her? . . ." she asked him hesitantly.

Tarik blinked. That was certainly a big question, with a long answer. And if Lichthia hadn't told this mouse much. . . would she know about Jaabir yet? Would Lichthia even want her to know about Jaabir yet? It was probably best to leave that out for now. He opted instead for a simpler reponse, "She saved me."

The albino blinked. Of course! It made perfect sense! The rat's life was saved, and he became her servant. Then, somehow, the same must have happened with the owl? Maybe it was injured, and she healed it? But. . . what about herself? Aneira swallowed, her throat suddenly feeling very dry. She was saved by Lichthia too. Was she suppose to serve her as well? Lichthia told her she would get her home. Maybe she'd be in debt first? The mouse sighed, but quickly considered to be grateful. She was rescused and given life by a divine being, and it's only right she'd be called to serve. It was certainly a better life than the hell she was pulled from. She didn't know how much the rat knew, but thought to ask just the same. "W-will. . ." she'd bring her head down, "will I have t'serve her too?"

The rat sighed internally. This was all very confusing. He didn't know what to say or how to comfort this timid mouse. And the question. . . he caused that one didn't he? He said Lichthia saved her, and then said he was a servant because she saved him. Maybe Lichthia didn't call him that then, considering the doe's own confusion. Still, he might have made things worse. At least he could ease that uncertainty.

"No."

Aneira raised her muzzle. Well, that was good to hear. But why was she any different? Maybe. . . Lichthia was a deity and protector of mice only? She did have the form of a mouse, at least to her, so it made sense. She must shepard the mice she saves to their own burrow. . . and the predators she takes mercy on serve her to pay for their misdeeds: That seemed fair.

The mouse slowly turned her head, careful to keep the rat in her field of vision. She looked for a moment at the light entering, likely the burrow's entrance. "When will. . . she return?" Slowly that nervousness she was feeling toward the rat was directed to the higher power she would soon face. "W-what is she like? . . ." The mouse's voice grew dry, cracking a little as she made effort to speak. She attempted to wet her lips with her tongue.

Tarik began to look around some himself. He stared to Lichthia's water containers, soon finding them to be empty.

"Soon. . ."

Well, that was one question. For the second, he gave further thought. What was Lichthia like? There were many words he could use, but above all, three stood out the most.

"She's quick. . . strong. . . and wise."

The mouse would mull over the vague replies. 'Quick, strong, and wise', what did that mean? The rat certainly carried a strange air about him, the way he presented himself. It almost felt like he was speaking in riddles, that everything held deep, profound meaning. But his behavior seemed expected somehow, for the personal servant of a 'goddess'.

The rat's gaze met her. She seemed to be panting, even apart from fear. Tarik frowned. He imagined if she was kept in his colony for long, they wouldn't have given up much water, only a few drops to last her. He began to approach, grasping the shell at his side.

When the rat began to step forward, Aneira tensed, pressing a paw to the ground and inching herself as far away as could. "P-please. . ." she whispered, eye's down, "d-don't come closer. . ."

It was strange, she knew the rat wasn't going to kill her; he had already rejected doing so when she offered. And yet, the thought of him so close, it frightened her. She had endured so much. The shouting, the kicks, the scratches. She had her clothing torn from her, ridiculed and stripped of any purpose. She was bound for days with so many others, many she had witnessed dragged away, their screams cut off to a bone-chilling silence. And that was only the surface of her misery; all tourment she faced at the paws of rats, and rats alone.

The gray rat slowed, and sighed. She was terrified, wasn't she? Not solely of him, but his kind. What had they done to her? Tarik himself had never went directly into the food storage. It was guarded from all except the leaders and a few rat doe care-takers. Hunters were allowed to enter, to drop in prey that was too large to simply be passed off to the guards, but that was the only exception.

Tarik carefully unfastened the closed shell container, and graspt it in his paws. "Water. . ." he explained, before walking to one of the empty open shells laid near, and bending down to fill it. Refastening his container, the rat picked up the smaller filled shell and walk forward with it. His steps were slow and careful. He approached eight steps off, before leaning forward and laying down the water before her. Tarik then rose to his feet, turned, and distanced himself away.

Aneira raised her head, eyes lifting as she gave the lightest of nods. A rat, bringing her water? Of course, he was a servant. . . but the idea was still alien. She was given only what they had in the rat colony, for their own benefit. There was no gain for this rat to give her anything.

When he filled the 'bowl', her mouth began to part, and she grew anxious. To see water pour. . . to stream down, it reminded her she was no longer in hell.

She tensed a little as the gray walked toward her, nose reflexively lowering. But she tried to stay calm. It's a servant to the angel, she'd reassure herself, he was just bringing her a drink. Never-the-less when the rat sat the shell off at a distance and moved away, she felt relieved.

Carefully she dragged herself close. Dirt covered face and whiskers just over the water, staring back to her reflection. At first, she didn't realize what was looking back at her. Was that her? A weighted tired expression that once always held a smile, her soft white fur so matted and ugly. Had those few days changed her so much? She took a long sigh, before dipping her paws into the cool clean river water, and bringing it up to her lips.

Aniera would shut her eyes, feeling overwhelmed. In that brief moment, she didn't care there was a rat before her. There was water. There really was water. She could taste it. It was all real. She was really in the home of an angel, served by a rat.

Her head lifted up, finding the rat to be watching her from a distance. Did he really care? He must, he brought her a drink and kept himself away for her sake. After what she had seen, Aneira had suspicion rats even had souls. "T-thank. . . you. . ." she replied between laps. There was a short pause as she swallowed. "I'm sorry for. . . yelling. . . at you." She'd took a breath. Talking freely to a rat. . . it felt so strange. "My name. . . is Aneira." she offered softly, "It means. . . snow."

The gray rat continued to study over her, even as she addressed him. He gave a slow delayed nod to her thanks and apologies. She was clearly nervous, but at least she was starting to trust him. In hearing her name, he flicked an ear. "Tarik. . . " he'd answer back. "It means hope."

Aneira blinked, and nodded back in turn. 'Hope', that was a fitting name, she considered; for one who serves a deity.

---

Setting down her burden of water next to the burrow entrance, Licthia reached over for the door. She froze, ears flaring. Had she heard someone speak? Was someone else inside besides the mouse? Cautious, she drew back the portal and peeked in. "Tarik!" she called out in a joyful voice, jumping down head first, then standing up to retrieve the water and pull back the cover. "Oh, Tarik it's good t'see you!"

The albino flicked an ear. That voice, was it. . . was it her? Her stomach clenched, head lowered. Bright white fur, with a smile just as radiant; it was her. . . the angel, the one who saved her. Aniera was suddenly more nervous about this 'other mouse' than the rat. She found herself slowly easing against the wall, staring out in a shy manner. What should she do? What should she say? How should she act? Of course this angel, if she was even an angel and not something even higher, seemed kind. . . but maybe she should show respect? The mouse sat as she was, however, finding it too difficult to move.

Ear flicking a second after, the gray rat turned to look, smiling wide. It had been a long time since he heard that squeaky, excited voice. "Lichthia. . ." he'd call back, quickly moving himself forward. "It's. . . good to see you too. . ." He'd just look to her for a moment gently, leaning forward. After a few prolonged seconds of staring, the rat blinked slow. . . making a subtle gesture with his muzzle over to the little albino mouse in the corner. His expression, hidden from the other mouse, seemed to be one of confusion: A silently implied, 'who's this other mouse?'.

The albino continued to watch, silent. She immediately noticed a difference in the rat's demeanor. His voice wasn't nearly as deep or heavy, and the way he stood. . . his back was hunched, no longer standing so tall and confident. He even had an obvious eagerness about him. Aneira couldn't help but tilt her head. It made sense that the rat was happy; that an angel could be so kind and wonderful to invoke such emotion (even in a rat): It was just. . . she expected a servant would be moreformal to his mistress, not less. Maybe the angel didn't like being revered? She did live in a simple burrow after all. At least, she considered, bowing seemed unnecessary.

Getting up, Lichthia left the water for now, especially as she saw the albino already had some. She turned to discover the rat already standing beside her. Catching the rat's quizical look, she gave a subtle nod in return as if to say, 'I'll explain shortly'. She raised a paw up along the rat's shoulder in an affectionate gesture. Leaning forward, she peered over at the albino. "I see y'already met Aneira," she said, though she wasn't certain that was actually true. Stepping forward, she approached the other doe quickly, and kneeling down to place a gentle paw on the doe's shoulder, asked, "Heya, Aneria, how y'feelin this mornin?"

Tarik nodded back slow, head turned down to meet her eyes. He lifted a large paw to her, returning the friendly gesture. At her word's he looked behind and nodded again. "Yes, we. . . have. I just got here. . . a few minutes ago." As Lichthia moved away, the rat stepped aside. . . still keeping a notable distance from the doe in the corner.

Aniera gave a slight cringe as the rat lifted his paw, that alone enough to bring memories of being struck. The gentle touch along the shoulder, brought her to sigh. Would she ever get used to this?

Her head raised quickly, at the mention of her name. Did she. . . even tell the angel her name last night? She couldn't remember. It certainly made sense if she already knew, but the initial surprise brought her to tense. When Lichthia turned, nearing her, Aniera could only stare. . . body shaking. It wasn't the same fear that she shedded to a rat, but instead a kind of growing nervousness based in respect and admiration.

The distance before them closed, the albino brought her head lower. She felt the paw, so soft and gentle, graze against her fur. Her soft red eyes lifted, but wouldn't lock their gaze. Swallowing hard, the mouse parted her whiskery muzzle to speak and couldn't manage a single word.

Lichthia's paw tightened on the mouse's shoulder, in a gesture she hoped would reassure her. She felt an outpouring affection for the young albino who was too nervous to even look her in the eye, almost as though she were the daughter she would never have. "S'alright, y'don't have t'say anything," she told her gently. Raising her muzzle towards the grey rat, she added, "And you don't have to be scared of Tarik. He's a sweet fellow, he doesn't hurt mice." She reached a paw over, to gather over some berries and nuts. "There's food here, if you're hungry, and I see Tarik brought you some water." Leaning over to inspect Aneira's back, she added, "Now I'm gonna need t'clean y'wounds. Jus need t'get some things that'll help you, and I'll be right back." She rose again, stroking the younger mouse's shoulder once more, and turning to walk over towards a small alcove in the corner where the medical supplies were kept.

The pressure of Lichthia's paw, brought the albino to a slow calm. Aneira was still nervous on all accounts. She wanted to answer her, to bring up her paws, to hug her. . . but it was still too hard to move. In being addressed, she managed a tiny nod; inwardly the albino wondered if Lichthia could hear her thoughts. Looking back over to the gray rat as directed, her head would lift, with a second nod. Aneira was already beginning to trust the 'servant', but it was comforting to hear the confirmation, to know that the rat didn't eat mice. Head turning back she looked over the outpouring of food, the offering bringing her mouth to water. She spent her time in the rat colony laid near a large mound of food. However. . . it wasn't something she could actually indulge in. A drop of water or two was nessary for a mouse to survive after a few days in the rat's burrow; food, however, was not. She gave another long swallow as she reached out for a berry. "T-th. . . thank. . . thank you. . ." she said meekly, a tone barely audiable even to the sensitive ears of a mouse. Her teeth gave a light nibble, and she shut her eyes; drops of juice hanging against her wiskers. Aneira took in the words, that Lichthia would heal her; it was a little unexpected that she just didn't lift a paw and make it so, that she needed 'things'. Still, the albino didn't question her.

At the thanks, the white mouse held the doe's shoulder just a little longer. Oh, it melted her heart. As if she needed any more reason to protect this mouse and bring her home! She got up to fetch the supplies. No rats had better stand in her and Aneria's way; she'd kill a colony of rats if that's what it took to bring the albino doe home. She shook her head slightly, kneeling down to pick up the bag with the needles and bandages and medicine and such. It surprised her how protective she felt towards this doe, this doe she scarcely knew, and who'd been a stranger the previous night. "So, Tarik," the mouse called back casually from the far corner of the den as she picked up the little bag of supplies. Turning around, she walked back towards the doe. "I'm guessin, y'got up real early t'see me?" she asked, smiling at the rat. "For any of y'kin happened t'be awake?"

The gray rat moved toward the burrow's entrance, observing the two from there. It was strange to him, that the other doe looked so nervous around Lichthia. Fear to him made sense, he was rat, a natural predator to mice. But. . . Lichthia was just another mouse. He blinked in reconsideration, suddenly finding the albino's behavior to be entirely justified.

He raised his head, and nodded to the question. "Y-yeah. . ." he replied with a smile. As he spoke, he stepped just a little closer, only moving against the wall to approach Lichthia and keep himself distant to Aniera. Tarik heard Lichthia assure the doe, but thought it best to give her time.

"I filled up some water. . ." he'd gesture to his container strapped along his waist, "this morning before I came here. When I go back, if anyone asks, I'll tell them I went to the river." Tarik gave a reaffirming nod, finding his own idea to be a good one. He paused for a moment, in thought, before raising his muzzle to speak again, "Last night. . . a few gaurds and hunters. . . came back with one injured. They said it was. . . the. . . 'demon I told them about'. " His eyes very slowly gestured to Aniera in realization. "No one said. . . why they had left. . ." In further realization, this time more concerned, he looked back to Lichthia. "You were. . . out there. . . at night?"

Sitting down beside the albino, the Lichthia inspected her. She smiled at the rat's question, but didn't answer right away. "Alright, I'm gonna clean some spots," she told Ameira gently. "If it hurts, just tell me, and I'll stop." She wetted a clean cloth and gently dabbed the patches of dirt, avoiding any heavier injuries for the moment.

Aneira sat quietly, eyes shut. Her wide ears would turn forward, only listening half-way.

What she did happened to catch sent her mind wandering. Did. . .Tarik, live in the rat nest? The same colony she escaped? The mouse frowned some at that thought. And further. . . it didn't make much sense. Why wouldn't she keep her servant in her own home? Maybe he was allowed to go freely? Serve outside of her own burrow? Aneira continue to eat at the berry she held, turning it slowly in her paws. She lifted an eye only when Lichthia came near and spoke. The albino turned her head, uncertain. She still kind of expected an aura of light to come over her, not a rag. "O-ok. . ." she whispered.

"Yeah, that was me," she answered Tarik. "I can tell you why the other rats were out there too," she added. "That black rat who was injured,' she began, "he was in charge of guardin the . . . prisoners." She'd been about to say food, but changed her mind, fearing Ameira would find it painful to be described as such.. "Some of 'em, at least one of 'em, got away on his watch." She nodded meaningfully at the albino at that. "So, seein as he didn't wanna lose his status, I'm guessin he persuaded some of his friends to come rectify his mistake, and hunt up the escaped prisoners.. . . sneakin out at night." She shook her head. "Not a good idea."

Tarik had already begun to reason what had happened, and would nod as Lichthia confirmed. That mouse escaped and she was chased. He'd shake his head himself. To bring so many out of the colony at night, was perhaps more incompetent than losing 'food' in the first. He put all of them in danger for his status. The gray rat furrowed a brow, his expression suggesting disapproval. "That was. . . Ryker. . ." he commented. "I. . . don't think he'll keep his post." Tarik's expression softened, carrying just a little sympathy. "Hasn't woken up yet. . ." It wasn't too long ago that he himself was struck by Lichthia's staff, blacking out, with his forehead throbbing days after. . . and that was only one hit!

Aneira listened close now. The angel spoke so casually. And. . . she didn't speak with certainty. She seemed to know some of what happened, but it didn't sound like she knew for sure. At the mention of 'Ryker', the mouse flinched. That was a name she recognized. That was one of the rats who kept watch. That was the one she heard chasing her. That was the one Lichthia brought to the ground squealing. That meant Tarik really had lived in the same very same colony. And again, the mouse didn't know the name already? Why did the rat have to tell her these things? Maybe Lichthia's power. . . was limited? That didn't sound right, not for a divine being. Aneira would mask a frown. The smaller doe. . . might not be a diety then. Maybe. . . still an angel of some sort? She was certainly greater than a mouse should be; stopped a rat cold, even had one that was her servant! And then there was that owl. . .

Lichthia placed a paw on Ameira's shoulder when she flinched and held it there a while. "S'alright," she told her gently, "he can't you hurt you no more.He will never hurt you again." Rykar, huh? Lychthia rolled the name around in her head. Looking at the gash on Ameria, she found herself wishing she hadn't shown him mercy. Carrying him to Jaabri would have been impractical, but Morathi would have appreciated the meal.

Sighing, she shook her head, and continued cleaning the albino. "M'sorry t'hear they're still callin me a demon though," she added, a tone of regret in her voice. " I believe I was quite polite. Only ended up hittin that one fellow, and only as hard as I had to. . Which was pretty hard," she admitted. "He was stubborn."

The albino felt the paw's touch, and her body settled. And with Lichthia's words, felt a little more at ease. Aneira wasn't sure what this shorter mouse was now, and she didn't talk like she'd expect of angel. And what did they mean. . . 'demon'? That was what the rat's had called her that night, wasn't it? No. . . no. That couldn't be true, she had saved her, she was friendly and kind. . . she even seemed to resent being called that word.

Tarik put a paw on the back of his neck and rubbed. "Y-yeah. . ." Demon, evil spirit, ghost; there were a few terms thrown around that night, and debated. At least this occurrence had made his task easier, anyone who doubted the story about the 'mouse with the staff' was certainly now a believer.

"I appreciate what y'done, Tarik," she said softly. "Only one 'em dared come for me. Other's recognized me right away. Could've been considerably bloodier if they'd all come for me." She set a dirty cloth aside and wet a fresh one. "Morathi was actually not far away."

Tarik smiled at the praise. For as much as he got wrong, it felt good to do something right. Of course it didn't go quite according to plan. . . but the end result couldn't have been better: Though upon consideration, that tended to happen often. Regardless, he still appeared happy. At least, until Lichthia mentioned the blood. Surely she didn't think she could stop all five. . . did she? And even kill them? Tarik's left eye gave a twitch. "O-oh. Morathi? . . . he was. . . close?" The rat gave a nervous laugh. Well, his efforts saved at least five lives at worst. And at best, in the unlikely event one killed Lichthia before being maimed by the owl, potentially the whole colony.

Aneira was still sitting silent. She was calmer now, though shy and uncertain. What were they talking about now? Did the rat help her somehow last night? He. . . wasn't there, she was sure of that. And who was, 'Morathi'? That didn't like a name for a mouse. . . or even a rat. Tarik seemed a little shook up in hearing about him. And. . . 'he wasn't far away'? The mouse swallowed. That couldn't be. . . the owl she heard? The one Lichthia told her was. . . 'watching over us'? She shook her head, and reached for a walnut.

Lichthia took a moment to stroke the albino's shoulder. "M'sorry Ameira, I know this must be confusin for you. Maybe I can explain later, but there's just a lotta things I need t'tell Tarik about, n'm not sure how long he can stay." She returned to her washing.

The albino raised her head, and offered another nod. Confusing was an understatement at this point, but she was glad Lichthia understood. For now she'd quiet her thoughts, and just focused on eating.

"Wish y'could stay all day, Tarik," she continued cheerfully. "Got so much to talk about," she added, wringing out her cloth. "But I expect you'll be needin t'get home. Y'kin are gonna be wonderin where y'are, especially after last night."

The gray rat smiled back. "Yeah. . . I. . . can't stay too long." Tarik wondered if there might be a way he could, but it was doubtful given how difficult it was to sneak away. Still, half an hour didn't seem nearly enough.

She looked up. "I did wanna tell you, Jack is just fine." Eyes dropped. "He had a bad scare. Fox nearly caught him. Unpleasant Vixen name of Paige." She shook her head. "You'll wanna keep a look out for her on y'way out. She's been down by the river a couple times, so y'should avoid that area on the way out, n'take the long way around."

At the mention of Jack, Tarik raised his muzzle. In all the surprise of dealing with the albino doe, he forgot to ask. That rabbit always stayed with Lichthia. "A fox? . . ." he muttered, with concern, soon nodding. "T-thanks for warning me, yes. . . I'll go around." That was going to make his stay and all future stays even shorter, but it paid to be careful. He sniffed around the nest again, still not picking up any recent sign of the friendly lapine. "Where is he now? . . ."

"He is with Tabatha," the mouse answered, a bit reluctantly, knowing this wouldn't be happy news for the rat, or the albinio if she were to figure it out. "Tabatha saved his life," she added. "She was. . . unhappy he was in danger, so she took him to her den, says she'll bring him back in a few days."

The gray rat would tilt his head, his voice growing softer. "Tabatha? . . ." That feline had eaten several family members, so it was difficult to imagine her helping a friend. He Immedately felt torn. Should he be grateful to her? He wasn't sure. Didn't she try to eat the rabbit once herself? And. . . now she was unhappy he was in danger? Tarik sighed, doubtful he could ever understand the cat's reasoning. "m-maybe I could come back. . . in a few days then. . ."

The mouse smiled and nodded. "Y'know I'd love it if y'did!" She looked down and smiled at the alibino, who seemed to be rather hungry. Well that was understandable. . . the rats wouldn't have fed her much now would they? How long had she been there? she wondered. Out loud, she said, "I really wish Jack was here an you could meet him, Aneira. He's a rabbit, and one of the sweetest most innocent creatures I know." She smiled. "If y'look around, most the fur linin the tunnels are his." She gave a light laugh; poor bunny was always shedding. "I expect it's gonna be a few days for you heal and are ready to go home, so you should get to meet him. I know y'll like him. And he's good at comfortin folk who've been through a hard time."

*crunch* *crunch* *crunch* The albino had her ears down. She was concentrating only in breaking the walnut's shell, and nibbling out its center. She paused in feeling Lichthia looking down at her, and raised her head up. Jack?. . . who was Jack? Tarik was a rat. Morathi. . . it sounded like he was the owl. Was Jack her pet wolverine? Maybe a jackal? She felt more at ease upon hearing it was a rabbit. She glanced around to confirm. She hadn't noticed all the rabbit fur. Was the rabbit a servant too maybe? Just a pet? How many other creatures did she have? She knew of three so far. . . and was pretty sure a fourth name was mentioned while she was eating. At least, Aneira suspected, waking up to a rabbit instead of a rat would have been more comforting; especially one described as 'the sweetest most innocent creature'.

Seeing a friendly rabbit would be alright, but it wasn't a priority. Seeing her family again, showing them she was still alive. . . telling them what had happened: That's what she truly wanted.

The albino would swallow a mouthful, feeling relaxed enough to finally speak. "T-that's . . good. . ." she whisper back, voice still meek and overwhelmed.

Lichthia smiled at the response, squeezing the albino's shoulder. It was hard for her in this strange company, she reasoned, and she wanted to encourage her as much she could.

"I got some good news for y'Tarik," Licthia continued jovially. "I located one of y'missin kin." She smiled. "Mr. Bylun has a secure nest in the hills, way over south near a creek that comes off the river."

Tarik raised his muzzle. 'Good news' could mean any number of things coming from Lichthia. As she continued, however, his face brightened. There was a surge of emotion in him. Though he had a little hope, he suspected Bylun was dead with the rest. "R-really?" He fought an urge to walk nearer and throw his arms around her. "I. . ." Tarik took a breath and lowered his head. "Thanks Lichthia. . ." He'd be silent for a moment, and appear to raise a paw and wipe his eyes. "How did you find him?"

*crunch* *crunch* *crun. . .* Aneira slowed her eating. 'Bylun?' She considered what this one might be. But Lichthia said it was one of Tarik's kin so. . . another rat? And it lived. . . 'near a creek that comes off the river'. The albino's eyes went a little wide. That sounded near where her own colony was. There wern't any rats that lived nearby except. . . no it couldn't be. . . could it?

Lichthia smiled, and give a small shrug of her shoulders. "Got lucky," she answered simply. "Just happened t'take a different route 'tween here and home." She decided to skip over the part where Bylun came after her. She didn't want to worry the albino. . .. who was suddenly looking just a little nervous. Once again, she interrupted her cleaning and place comforting paw on her charge. "Y'feelin alright, Aneria?" she asked genty.

Tarik nodded softly, still looking quite excited, a wide smile bared. It was unfortunate that he wouldn't have time to go see him, not yet. He blinked slow, and passed a glance over to the albino mouse. Was something wrong with her?

Aneira kept a long frown, her stomach tightening. She felt the paw, but have a harder time calming than before. At the question, she managed a swallow. "W-who's. . . Bylun? . . ." Her voice sounded uneasy.

Licthia put her rag down and placed both her paws on the albino's shoulders, holding her. "Bylun's a rat," she told her. "He's an outcast from Tarik's clan. He lives alone in the hills." She took a breath; she'd know in a second if the albino knew him. "He's a huge fellow. Like a giant rat; got a big tooth stickin out, he's not like Tarik, he's someone you wanna stay away from."

Aneira looked on. She already gathered it was a rat. And by. . . Tarik's excitement, it that it was one from 'his clan'. As Lichthia went on, the doe trembled. It was him. There could be no other like it. And of course the other rats outcasted him, even they must fear him! "y-you know. . ." Her voice near cracked, "thetroll?" Maybe she. . . just saw it? Didn't know how horrible it was? How it devoured ones of her colony, and made bags of their skin?

Tarik continued to watch, head tilted. When the albino doe spoke up, he wasn't quite sure how to respond. He almost thought to laugh, but it didn't seem appropriate. Bylun was a big rat. . . so maybe the term fit. Still, he was about as gentle as the rabbit. Did he even hunt? He was a gatherer before being outcasted, Tarik suspected he wouldn't even be a danger to mice. Probably. . .

Sitting behind the taller mouse, Lichthia held her. She'd be strong for her, but Tarik could see her face looked sad. "Yeah I know him," she answered gently. What had she told Tarik? If somehow she ever found her back to her colony, they would fear her? "I know a lotta scarey folk." She thought to herself, how could she explain it? She looked up at the rat. "I know Bylun used to be a gatherer, but he's taken up huntin since y'knew him, Tarik. He even came after me." She gave a small half chuckle; it might have been fuller if she wasn't so concerned for Aneira. "I was able to sweet talk him, convince him I was a friend. Knowin his name and your name helped." She gently stroked the mouse's cheek. "N'I gotta talent for that sort'a thing. . .. " she said softly.

Tarik blinked. So Bylun was hunting after all. And. . . Lichthia still managed to talk him down? Well, that actually wasn't too surprising. Even if he was eating mice, he was still friendly deep down. She probably had an easier time with him than the giant owl. And he imagined if Bylun heard his name, he'd stop in his tracks anyway. "O-oh. . . well. . ." He began to smile again, "that's good though." Spying Lichthia's expression, he frowned instead. This was hard for her, wasn't it? He nodded slow, attempting to be supportive from a distance.

Looking back to the albino the gray rat returned to thought. How did the mouse know of him? Had Bylun been eating them, he wondered. Tarik couldn't exactly fault the lumbering oaf, if he found a burrow close by a mouse colony, shortly after being exiled. . . he might have taken advantage of it too.

Aneira's heart was sinking as the others took in her words. Lichthia. . . actually knew him. And she didn't kill him? Didn't stop him from hurting anyone else? The albino looked up at her, almost a look of betrayal in her eyes. And. . . what did she mean, she knew 'lots of scary folk'. There was that owl. . . was there even more? Suddenly Lichthia didn't seem like an angel. Not anymore. She spoke with an owl, and rats. . . even that. . . troll. Who knows what else. She was powerful, strong enough to at least stop a few rats on her own, but didn't sound immortal. As the mouse brushed her face, she peered at the small bag laid near. There looked to be all manner of strange tools, unlike any she had seen before. One little container even looked to be a potion of some sort. She slowly looked back, just as the word 'talent' was mentioned. "A-are. . ." she paused, hesitant to offend her. She swallowed to start again. "Are you. . . a witch?"

Lichthia's ears fell at the question, and for a moment she looked sad. The question had caught her completely by surprise, and the worst of it was, she didn't know the answer. Sure there were witches of old. There'd been Helga, who flew through the hills, stoll fodder from the rat's lairs, and lead naughty kits to their doom. There'd been Mina, an old crone, who lived high in a hill, chasing away visitors, alone. And there'd been Elsha, a good witch, who'd prepare healing balms and help with hard deliveries, to those who brought her food or curried her favor. They were all witches, but what did that mean? If you stripped away the fantasy, weren't they just outcast does, making a living how ever they could? Weren't they. . . . just like her?

Slowly, she took the doe's paw in both of hers. "All that matters. . .. " she told her, "is that I'm here to protect you. And I'm gonna make sure y'get safely home." She lifted a paw once again to her shoulder. "I'll tell y'more about me when we have time. But now I gotta go outside n'talk with Tarik. Y'stay in here and rest."

Tarik raised his head at Aneira's question. Even out of all the terms his own colony came up with for her, 'witch' might be the most accurate term yet. If he didn't know Lichthia, he certainly wouldn't doubt it. Even knowing her. . . it seemed plausible. Noticing Lichthia's reaction, however, he felt for her. She probably didn't like being referred to by any of these things. He sighed, and at her words, would head toward the nest's entrance, beginning to raise up the door.

The albino was feeling nervous again. Was she really in a witches lair? It made just as much sense as anything else. . . even more-so. A witch could probably talk freely with any dark scary creature, could even walk alone in the night without fear. They were powerful, but their spells and magiks were limited. They weren't quite 'demons', so that could be why she'd resent being called one. She hadn't seen her fly, but she imagined the rat that keeled over in-front of her, might have been cursed.

Aneira felt both her paws cuffed, and tensed lightly. She stared up, turning forward her ears. Lichthia. . . wasn't denying it. Before growing too frightened, she clinged to the assurances. She was. . . protected, and she'd go home. Even if Lichthia was a witch, she still saved her. There didn't seem to be any personal gain for rescuing her, if she was wicked or evil. No, she still sounded kindly. Maybe. . . she was a good witch? The albino took a breath, and nodded lightly, "o-ok. . ." Laying aside the last of her walnut, she eased herself down.

Lichthia gave the albino's shoulder one last stroke. Picking up her staff, she walked toward the nest's exit which the rat was already holding open for her. "Thank y'Tarik," she spoke in a voice just above a whisper. She walked outside the burrow just a few feet, and knelt down. She sat her staff on the earth before her, and covered her chest; her arms crossed, her paws laid on her shoulders, head cast downwards, looking a little glum.

Tarik nodded at the thanks, and close the entrance behind. He turned to see. . . the mouse lay down her staff. The rat frowned and moved close. Lichthia and himself confided much in each other, in the few short weeks they were together. He already looked to know what was going on in her mind and heart, or at least seemed ready to sympathize. Tarik stopped just before her, and crouched down to get lower. He knew he was a rat, a natural predator to mice, and an embrace from him would at the very least bring discomfort to her instincts. Even so he slowly stretched out his arms, and held her tight. "It's ok. . ." he whispered, muzzle lowered, "I know. . . you're none of those things. . ."

The mouse didn't flinch as she felt those large paws on her, even with a rat in perfect position to bite her back, as such were wont to do. She felt touched he'd crouch down for her, and in his words, she managed a small smile. She took in a breath and opened her jaws as though to speak, but then froze, as though the words sticking in her throat. Finally she spoke. "I used to be just like her, Tarik." She trembled slightly, not quite at the point of tears. She inhaled and repeated, "I used to be. . . . .just. . . . . .like. . . . . . . her."

The rat peered down, and smiled back to her. Still, he did not release. When she spoke, when she. . . shook, he held just a little tighter. Though Tarik bared a smile, inside he frowned. For all the different creatures she spoke with and befriended, for all the danger she came near, for all the training she had done. . . she was still a mouse, just like Aneira below. She just. . . had different experiences. She just. . . grew. "I know. . ." he continued to whisper, "I know. . . and you saved her." The rat sighed and he raised a paw up, stroking along the back of her head. "You changed. . . but you're still the same." He pause for a moment. What was it that she had said to comfort Jaabir? What had the serpent worried of, that had made her upset? He lowered his muzzle, and met her eyes, "You're not a monster. . ."

The white mouse lifted her head as he stroked her, his warmth and concern comforting her as much as his words. As he lowered his muzzle to look into ther eyes, she returned his gaze. How funny. Not so long ago, she thought rats were monsters, the worst of the worst. Fouler than snakes, owls, fox's, even cats, because, well, probably because they were like mice. She smiled at his words, and raised a paw to squeeze his arm. "Y'know I miss y'terribly,"she said in a warm voice, still smiling. And in just a little bit of a joking voice, she added, "Y'ever decide life with y'family is just too borin, and y'crave the adventure of livin with a huge snake and a crazy mouse, y'more'n welcome t'return."

Hearing her words, Tarik slowed his strokes. He kept his smile, though looked to falter. "I. . ." Taking a sigh, he started again, "I miss you too. . ."

As much as he liked being with his own kind again; Lichthia, Jack, and to some extent Jaabir, were family just the same. And. . . what was better? When he returned, several of his kin had missed him, many were impressed he made it back and wished to hear his stories, but just as before. . . there were few he truly connected with. And most of his time now was spent working. He lost his smile, briefly. "And I. . . I'll keep that in mind. . ." He hugged her once more, and lowered his head to whisper, "thanks. . ." before releasing and stepping up.

The mouse smiled at that, squeezing his arm. She made it into a joke, because she didn't want to sound needy, or to put pressure on him. It was natural he'd want to live in his colony after all. She accepted the hug, touching her head to her shoulder. Then she inhaled and straightened, evidently deciding she'd been depressed enough for one day. "So, y'kin call me anything sides demon?" she asked, head tilted, curious expression on her face. Her tone was business-like now. This was their project after all, to keep her and his colony both safe by building her reputation. A project that appeared to be working. As she listened to his reply, she reached out a paw and picked up her staff again.

The rat took a few steps back and stared down, long tail curling behind him. At the question, he flicked an ear, and pursed his lips some in thought. "Well. . ." he'd rub a paw along his neck. "when I told everyone what had happened. . . about you, and. . . about Jaabir, most wern't sure what to think, probably a few thought I was lying. Then. . . a few of the mystics spoke up." He began to take on a look of embarrassment. "They had lots of explanations, and most believed at least one. Netri, one of the elder mystics, thought you might be a. . . spirit, a ghost." Tarik paused, having some difficulty repeating what was discussed. "He thought. . . the snake had eaten you." The rat shook his head, finding this idea silly at best. "He said. . . snakes were wicked creatures. . . and could trap souls. He thought that the snake. . . Jaabir kept your spirit near him, to lure rats close. He thought your soul might be innocent, and that you try to warn and help others, or even sometimes get away before he. . . catches you again."

The mouse leaned against her staff, seemingly unperturbed by Tarik's explanations. Indeed, she actually smiled at Netri's ideas. Perhaps she didn't care what rats thought of her. Or perhaps she was just over being depressed, it seemed she rarely stayed sad for long. She leaned forward against her staff, a pensive look on her face as she considered this information. Then she turned to give the grey rat a nod, wordlessly encouraging him to continue.

Tarik took another sigh, "Several didn't agree with that, they. . ." He'd lower his muzzle, "they didn't think. . . mice have souls. They thought you might just be a demon or a. . . darker spirit that took on the form of a mouse, or possessed one. Some thought you just might be a. . . 'mischievous spirit', and liked causing trouble, but might still show kindness or give blessings. Both of those believed you could make the snake appear around you, or the owl, whenever you needed to. . . that you controled them. They all agreed, it was best to stay away. They knew I had spoke with you. . . that you helped me. The ones that thought you were evil, looked me over first. . . to make sure I was safe."

The mouse tapped her chin, an amused smile on her face. "Kind'a like mischievous spirit," she muttered. She thought a moment. "Don't wanna be too demonic. No one should think they're doin y'warren a favor gettin rid of me. Just that it's safer if I'm left alone."

Tarik gave a slow nod. He wasn't sure if any of his kin would seek her out if they thought she was evil, but it was certainly possible. "Yeah. . ." he'd agree. He gave consideration to the mouse being a 'mischievous spirit'. She certainly had caused trouble after all, in protecting the escaped mouse doe. "And. . . I guess since you. . . didn't kill Ryker, it makes the most sense." He'd wait a moment and add, "And I think they said. . . you threatened to. . . call the snake?"

She rocked back and forth slightly, brow nodded pensively. "Not exactly. Just said m'love was hungry. Wasn't thinkin of it that way at all! Though I guess that works. Certainly helps if they think he's at m'call. And it's fair enough, y'certainly never know when he might be nearby." She rubbed her chin.

Tarik gave a slightened, nervous chuckle in reply. No wonder the ones who returned seemed just as confused as they were terrified. Most of their versions had their own elaborations, though he thought the term 'love' was used at one point. When she finished, he offered a slow nod.

Slowly a mischievous smirk covered the doe's face. She glanced up at the rat. "I got an idea. . ."

The grey rat blinked, and was a little hesitant in seeing that smirk. Nevertheless he leaned in. "What? . . ." He questioned, gaining curiosity to his tone.

The mouse's smirk widened, and she rocked back and forth. "Well, y'gonna t'explain why it took y'so t'gather some water," she'd begin. "So while y'were sittin by a rock restin from y'chores," she glanced over towards a rock next to the pair, "I appeared and I approached you. And I told you a story."

Tarik slowly eyed the shell at his waist. She was right, he had already been out longer than he expected to, and he was even going to take the long way back. Someone would notice, and his first excuse, that he left to get water, wouldn't be enough on its own. His muzzle turned back, and his ears raised, ready to hear out her proposal. Glancing slowly to the rock she gestured to, before looking back with a tilted head. 'Appearing to him'? 'Telling him a story?' He wasn't sure what to make of that yet, though he slowly nodded just the same.

"Once upon a time," she began, "there was a python, great in size, n'black n'heart and evil in intent as all pythons are." Her smirk dissolved into a smile as she started to enjoy making up a story.

"Now this python hungered for Selna, the princess of the rats." She glanced up to Tarik. "You'd need to fill in some real admirable figure there. Not too important, but important enough for what follows."

The rat looked on, attentive. When she paused, he blinked and thought who might be important, he wasn't certain about princess, as the leaders of his colony earned their places with no lineage. An especially beautiful doe rat maybe? A breeder only to the highest of leaders? Maybe. Even the mouse's own explaination was still a possibility. He nodded, choosing to just listen for now, curious to how this would tie in.

Returning to her story, she continued, "Of course the princess was beloved of not just her people but of the gods. But the python scoffed at the gods. He tracked her by night. He strangled her and he took her, which never should have been done. And he laughed at the gods."

The mouse's voice became weighty as she continued. The gods were wroth for what the python had done. And so, they gave him the greatest punishment they could devise. They gave him a heart, they give a soul. They made him feel regret for every creature is hunger made him take, from the greatest of rats to the simplest of mice."

"And his name became Jaabir, the compassionate one, the comforter, who, unique among all snakes, is gentle to his prey, and regrets what he must do."

The mouse swallowed. "Now one day, as he hunted, he came upon a doe, plump and fair as any other, yet barren and outcast from her clan, alone, vulnerable. He took her in his coils then, preparing to eat her."

"But she cried and begged him for just a few more days of life. And as he was lonely and compassionate, he granted her request, and they became companions."

"Now this doe was unusual, in that unlike any other prey he caught, she did not blame him for his nature. She held no anger for him, even as she knew he'd consume her. And because she, like he, was alone in the world, she returned his affection. And for the first time, knowing a creature who did not fear or hate him, found to his surprise, that he cared very much for this one, and he did not want to eat her."

"But this was when the times were hard, prey was rare, and the snake could find no other catch, and his hunger began to take him. And so he begged the mouse to leave before his hunger took him over, for he would rather starve than take his one friend in the world."

"But then an even more amazing thing happened, the mouse refused to leave. He was her only friend in the world, she loved him, and her life would have no meaning if keeping it meant her love would starve. And so, one beautiful moonlit night, she gave herself to him, willingly feeding him herself. Bliss, bliss, nothing but bliss, for there can be no finer end than to give oneself up for one's love so they might live.

"And as the python took her, and he felt her go still inside him, he cried and shook and sobbed and sprayed his musk across the ground. For he had lost his only companion, his love, the only one he'd ever cared for, when she gave herself to him. And the gods heard his cries, and they relented. His crime had been great, but his punishment was even greater. They took pity on him. And they sent her spirit back to be his companion."

"And she's with him to this day. Sometimes you can see them play in the fields, for the two of them love each other very much. Sometimes you can even see him eat her, as they re-enact their joining, though she always comes back, for the gods have decreed she is his companion. Yet let no one else touch her or do her harm, for her love's anger will be great indeed, and even the gods will be offended. For what the gods have decided, let no mortal put aside."

As her tale came to an end, she went silent a long moment. Then her smile reappeared and she tilted her head. "Whuddya think?"

The rat peered with wide eyes, as he had been through most of the story. It took him a few more seconds before he parted his muzzle. Even so, all he could manage was, "wow. . ." For all the elders and mystics in his colony, none seemed quite as elegant a story teller as the mouse. Even aside from her other accomplishments, it was rather impressive. "That. . . that was good. . ." He paused for a moment, "they. . . might believe it. . ." Indeed, such a fable after the night before, would be likely to startle the colony worse than it was. Though he didn't particularly like frightening his family, it was for their own safety: The story was true after all, at least as much truth as they could handle. All he would need to do is repeat the tale. Tarik started to frown, head lowering, "I'm not sure I can tell it as well. . . or remember everything." He sighed.

The mouse grinned at the praise. She had rather enjoyed making that up. She shook her head at the rat's reservations. "Doesn't have to be perfect. Might even be better if it's not. That's how stories and myths grow, y'get people tellin different of stories n'try t'put them together. Y'know I understand no two foxes ever tell a story the same way."

Tarik's head started to lift, his confidence growing just a little. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, he considered. He had thought his first account was handled poorly. . . but the results spoke otherwise.

He blinked suddenly, and his expression faltered. How did she know anything about foxes? How would any mouse know anything about foxes? No. . . no, he wouldn't ask. Not only for his own self-comfort, but for Lichthia's.

She looked up at the rat. "All I'm worried about is I don't want y'gettin in trouble. If they think I'm an evil spirit, they might not like that I'm talkin t'you." Her smile widened. "As much as I'd love t'have you back, I wouldn't want y't'get in trouble, and undo all our hard work." She pulled her staff to her chin. "But I'll leave it up t'you t'proceed how ever you think best. These are all just suggestions."

"I was. . . worried about that too. . . at first." he began to admit. "Some of the mystics showed concern. But. . . I don't think they'd send me out. Not enough agreed, since you helped me. Then all of that food, I don't remember if I said it. . . but some thought you gave me that too. Thought it was a blessing." Tarik eyes glanced down to the mouse's staff "And last night you didn't kill anyone. . . just. . ." He smiled, "caused trouble." There was be a pause as the rat thought it over. "I. . . think it would work. . . I think I'd be fine." His muzzle lifted, "Maybe it would help. . . if I could show them something. . . to prove I saw you. . ."

The mouse nodded. "Take anything y'like. . . .xept m'staff." She lowered her head, thinking. "Y'could have these robes. . .or the one's I was wearin last night." She glanced back over in the direction of the den. "Or I could give y'a skin of Jaabir's." She gave an apologetic smile. "Used t'leave it out t'scare folk, but since people like Paige know Jaabir's m'love , I don't wanna give'em a clue m'burrow is near."

Tarik held a paw to his chin, thinking. At the mention of Jaabir's shedded skin, the rat blinked. He had forgotten about that, and didn't notice the absence. He wasn't sure why the vixen Lichthia mentioned before knew of Jaabir, but he gave a slow nod just the same. "That might work. . . they'd know it would be hard to find any without going near a snake nest. . ." He glanced down at the robe, "Maybe. . . the robe too." the rat would pause, "at least a piece. The ones who saw you last night, would remember the scent." Raising a paw slightly, he'd add, "Could. . . also put your scent on the skin."

"Be happy too!" the mouse answered, grinning, finding the idea amusing. "Maybe next time I see Morathi, I'll ask him for a few feathers. . ." she pondered. Slowly, a smile formed her face. "Dunno if this is possible, but wonder if we could somehow arrange it for some of y'kin t'happen to come by an open field when Jaabir and I are playin." She bit her lip. She confided practically everything about herself to the rat, but there was one thing she never mentioned to him. "If we timed it right. . . . ." she muttered, stroking her staff along the ground, ". . .we could even arrange it so they'd see Jaabir makin a meal of me."

The rat nodded, feeling a bit more confident now. Even if he messed up the story, he stood a better chance of being taken seriously with proof in his paws. He nodded at the mention of owl feathers, and met the mouse's smile with his own. Before he left to be with his colony, they discussed something similar, that some of his family might could see Lichthia and Jaabir together. Tarik began to part his muzzle, to approve of the idea. . . until the mouse continued. An ear flicked. "Huh? . . ." Did he hear that right? She couldn't be serious. His head straightened, "Oh. . ." he'd sigh, "you mean. . . to. . . make them think he ate you?" That made sense, he considered. Jaabir could take her into thick brush, and exit mouseless. It wouldn't be too hard to fake.

The mouse nodded, smiling. "S'right!" she affirmed, and she was very tempted to leave it at that. She looked at the sweet face of the rat (when had it become possible for a rat to look so sweet to her, she wondered). True, their introduction had been rough, but he'd been through so much on her account, he'd been through hell. It wouldn't be right to keep this from him, especially if he might witness it himself some day. "Y'remember those games I told y'about?" she ventured. "Those games I play with Jaabir. . where I face m'deepest fears?"

Tarik's smile returned to him. That would take some effort to set up, but it seemed possible. He knew the routes gatherers in his colony took, so it could be arranged.

As Lichthia spoke her question, the rat would raise a curious eye. Now. . . when did she tell him that? "Oh. . . " He recalled then, it was when she told him how she stopped being afraid. She had mentioned 'playing games' with the snake, and that they 'acted out nightmares' until she lost her fears. He thought the idea was crazy at the time, but couldn't deny it had worked. She never did explain much though. . . he considered. "I. . . think so." he'd reply.

The mouse nodded, lowering her head, suddenly becoming a little uncharacteristically shy. "I never told y'the details of those game. Didn't wanna disturb you. . . " She sighed, looked up with an embarrassed smile, "N'I figured I already seemed crazy enough to you as it was," she admitted.

Tarik turned his head. Why was she getting embarrassed? He raised an ear. 'disturbed'? What was. . . she implying? How could she do anything that was 'crazier' than what he'd already seen and heard? Even at the time, that didn't seem possible. Well. . . a few days after that talk, she did tell him she killed an owl. That was certainly 'crazier' than anything up to that point, though he calmed quickly: Strangely that one felt more impressive than disturbing. Not even the most experienced hunters of his colony, had ever slain an owl. Still, the news had initially shocked him. His stomach began to clench. Was this going to be worse? Tarik gave a sigh, and shook his head. He had been trying to make the mouse feel 'normal', and resolved to continue. "It. . ." he forced a short laugh. "I mean. . . it can't be too bad. . ."

The mouse chuckled lightly. She wondered if cushioning the blow had made things worse or better? Well, no use worrying over that now. "S'a little known fact," she told him, "if a python's recently eaten a decent sized meal?" She tilted her head, glancing up. "He can't eat again for a while." She shook her head. "If he tries. . . after a few minutes. . . .he just spits whatever it was right up."

The rat continued to smile, nodding, supportively. This was his friend, and he wasn't going to make her feel bad. He was going to make her feel accepted. She needed that now, with the albino mouse in her burrow. As she spoke, however, he tilted his head. Why was she telling him snake-based trivia? That didn't seem relevant. Why would she bring up. . .

His thoughts trailed, and eyes raised. That little clench in his stomach, tightened. "Y-you. .." he paused, feeling his mouth growing dry, having to swallow. "You d-don't mean he. . ." Tarik took a breath. "he actually. . . s-swallows you?" The rat's ears would fall, taking in the full realization. Though, they lifted some, soon after. Maybe she was just joking, he reasoned. And so, laughed again nervously, reminding himself to not jump to conclusions. The idea was silly after all, she wouldn't do that. No rodent would. Not even her. . . right?

The mouse looked up, a little concerned for the rat's reaction. She tilted her head, smiling. . . . why was he laughing? she wondered. Oh. . . . it was too much for him, wasn't it. . . . .Her smile faded, and she just looked into his eyes.

That gaze peering into him, Tarik's laughter silenced. He started to appear uneasy. His ears lowered as before, tail curling nearer. It wasn't a joke. . . was it? He took a slow breath, and met her eyes. . . returning her gaze with hesitation.

The mouse gave a smile, nodded, and sighed. "First time was right after the owl," she explained. "Took me by surprise. . . and it was just a little way that first time. . . ..but I loved it." She swallowed. "I was really torn up then. . . .killin that owl was the hardest thing I ever done. . . n'that I ever hope to do. . . and it helped me." She gave a small shrug. "We don't do it all that often. . . but every once in a while. Play out all sorts of possibilities."

Tarik's muzzle slowly parted and hung there. Even after hearing about the owl, this was still a shock. He didn't know what she had meant about 'playing games', but never imagined THIS. The mouse let the python physically ingest her?! And it wasn't just that. She actually liked it! Being swallowed down into the dark innards of a serpent, barely able to move or breathe. . . no certainty of ever escaping; how could a mouse, or any creature, enjoy such a thing?! The rat gave a heavy, internal, sigh. Of course, if anyone would, it would be the mouse who talked with owls, the mouse who fought rats, the mouse who loved a snake and already proved herself willing to give up her life to him. He had been trying to see Lichthia as normal, and this wasn't helping. The rat shook his head. "H-how. . . Y-you. . ." His words failed him briefly, and he went silent. Taking another breath, he leaned in. "That doesn't. . . hurt you? You d-don't. . . get. . . worried that. . ." his eyes drifted down, "you won't come back out?" Though his voice faltered, the rat was making every effort to appear calm.

Mmmmmmmm. The mouse was careful not to let it show, but the last words of the rat sent a pleasant tingle down her spine. If only! But no, she could still keep that one last secret. She shook her head. "I trust Jaabir," she said softly. She gave a small smile. "He worries about me more'n I worry about m'self, he'd never do nothin t'harm me." There wasn't the least bit of doubt in the mouse's voice, though the truth of the matter was, the python couldn't hurt her. If the worst ever did happen, he'd only hurt himself.

Even in the shock of it all, the mouse's answer was almost expected. She wouldn't doubt the snake, he realized that. And though it took time to believe, Tarik couldn't imagine the snake doing her harm. . . at least not by intention. And. . . of course she wouldn't be afraid, she didn't feel fear. This was probably why, wasn't it? If she managed going through the most legitimately terrifying situation nature has to offer, why would anything else bother her? He finally nodded, and raised his muzzle. "And you. . ." his eyes looked to the side, the rat unsure if he should broach the subject. "You. . . enjoy it?"

The mouse tried to hide her reaction to the question, but it took her by surprise, and she inhaled, eyelids fluttering just slightly, and nod. "S'pure bliss. . . ." she answered. "I never. . . ." she smiled, looking down, ". . . never feel safer."

Tarik faltered at the display. Her words and expression. She actually liked being swallowed alive by the python. And from the sound of it, she liked it more than anything else. The rat looked back, with a slight frown. Could he ever truly sympathize with this mouse? Probably not, he reasoned. Be it through her experiences, or birth, she was different: But wasn't every creature, even of the same species? She was just. . . a little more different than others. Even with this, she was still at her heart, a mouse. . . and she was still his friend. He slowly regained composure. "I. . . I don't think. . . I understand. . ." The rat shook his head, his frown fading him. "But. . . I'll try. . ." He put on a small smile, attempting to make light of the situation, "But I think. . . outside the coils. . was enough for me. . ."

The mouse tilted her head and rest her chin on a paw, a wry smile on her face. "This is somethin, y'don't need t'understand," she answered in an amused voice. "Fact. . . . t'be honest. . . .I think I'd worry about you if y'did." She gave a small laugh, and looked over to the burrow where the albino was resting. "I know i've gone very very far. . . . " she'd whisper. "I know I can never return."

The rat relaxed further, not looking quiet as shook up. It was still strange to him, but after all the other things he had learned of Lichthia. . . it was easier to accept after the initial shock. He returned her laugh, and nod in turn. As she continued, however, he went quiet and and moved near. Tarik wanted to tell her it wasn't true, but wondered if he even believed that himself. He didn't know much about mice culture, but if a rat ever entered his colony and was discovered to have spoken with snakes, owls, and cats; they'd be outcasted soon enough. Just like their stories, she would be thought a demon, or at best. . . a witch. The albino in her burrow had already proven that true, hadn't she? He placed a paw on her shoulder, thoughtfully.

Despite her words, the mouse appeared to be in a very good humor again, a wide smile on her face as she leaned against her staff. "Y'could tell y'kin I found Bylun for 'em if y'like, my way of tellin 'm I hold no hard feelings for last night. I offered to show you where he lives, y'can even bring y'friends if y'like, just not close t'the burrow of course." She looked forward, thinking. "If y'do happen t'see Bylun for I do, I appreciate if y'could explain Jaabir to him. I told him 'bout m'love, but didn't explain who he was. . . . ." She smiled. "Thought I'd leave that to you."

Seeing the mouse to be in good spirits, he smiled, and retracted his paw. He looked to her then, considering the proposal. "They might be happy he's alive but. . . I don't think they'd care too much." he answered, his voice just a little weighted. "He'd still be an outcast, wouldn't be. . . considered family by most. I might not either if I didn't go through the same." Tarik sighed, doubting he could truly explain the ways of his kind.

In hearing her second request, he couldn't help but to laugh. How would he ever explain such a thing to Bylun? "I'm not sure how. . ." he confessed, still smiling. Just the same, he nodded to her. At least an attempt would be easier than his talks to the colony. "I'll let him know. . ." he replied, beginning to stretch his legs.

The mouse smiled and rose, nodding. She glanced back to her burrow again. "One other thing," she said softly. "Now I don't want y'gettin trouble. . . but I promised that doe in there I would get her home, and I intend to deliver." She looked up at the rat. "Which means I need t'figure out where her colony is. From what she said, it sounds like it's somewhere near Bylun." She looked back at the burrow again. "I'm hopin she can tell me, but she's been through a lot. She might be lost." Looking back up at the rat, she finished, "Now, it seems y'colony might be doin raids on there's. If that's the case, it must mean y'hunters know where it is." She shrugged. "If y'hear anything, I'd appreciate knowin."

Tarik continued to prepare himself, grooming his muzzle a bit. He still nodded as the mouse spoke, soon pausing and peering down to her. At that thought the rat began to frown. The colony had been serving more mice lately, he considered, especially in the last few days. He recalled then, that the hunters had brought in several not too long ago, Aneira was likely among then. He sighed a little sadly. "Yeah. . . they. . . should know where it is." He glanced over to the burrow, staring, just trying to imagine what his family must have put her through. Finally he looked back. "I'll ask them. . ."

The mouse continued to look off in the direction of the burrow, giving a nod at the rat's reply. After a pause, she spoke, not moving her head, speaking in a voice just above a whisper. "When I became Jaabir's. . . . when I gave him my heart. I knew I'd never go home, I knew I was part of his world then." She took a breath. "And I knew, I wasn't prey nor pred no more, I's a neutral party in the great war." She gestured with her nose to the burrow. "I had to help her, cause she crossed m'path and I couldn't say no. . . but most the time, what a pred does is their business." Her lips twitched into a smile and she glanced at the rat. "Y'kin are lucky though, cause with a snake n'and an owl. . . " She got up then and made her way towards the burrow, ". . . I could be an avengin angel."

Tarik listened closely, head turning. He recalled she told him similar once, when she knocked him out and carried him to the python's nest. She told him he lost her neutrality, because he tried to eat her. The rat frowned at that thought, though would force a smile as she turned back. . . followed by a nervous chuckle. She really could 'average' them, couldn't she? He knew there was danger if something happened to her, the python growing enraged and seeking out his kind, but. . . it could still happen anyway. Jaabir would do anything she asked. And Morathi, he carried her around in his talons. . . he would probably help slaughter a colony, if she requested. Tarik sunk his head, "Yeah. . . you could. . ." he'd admit.

The mouse blinked, tilting her head. Where had that come from? She raised a paw as she walked, touching the rat's arm. It had been Aneira, hadn't it. The disappointment, the betrayal in her voice when she learned she'd met the troll. . .and done nothing. She could do more than just bring one rat doe home, she could help that whole colony. But she already knew she wasn't going to. "I belong to m'love, now and forever," she muttered, whispering to be sure the albino wouldn't hear as she approached the entrance. "And I shall be content, to be a witch,' she finished, lifting the burrow door.

Tarik head was still turned down. The idea bothered him, to know how easily Lichthia could bring harm to his family. Still, he trusted her. He knew they were 'safe' so long as nothing happened to her. He wasn't even sure why the topic made him feel uneasy. Maybe. . . because they deserve it? Well, didn't they? He frowned lower. Mice and all others, were really no different than their own. He didn't know for sure, but he imagined the ones stored away were practically tortured for days on end. He reminded himself that he was only bound for a few hours by Lichthia, when he awaited what he thought would be his end. And as he waited. . . as he pleaded, the mouse spoke kindly to him, gave him food and water. Aniera, and who knows how many others, we're forced to wait days, and judging by her soars and her reaction to him. . . we're likely bit and beaten. They wern't even given food, and at best a few drops of water to keep them alive. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

The rat looked back as that paw brushed him, his muzzle lifting. He still appeared a somber, but did his best to hide it. He gave a nod back, sighing. At her decision to take on the budern, her new 'intendenity' and life, he looked to her eyes; a look of sympany and understanding that carried over his own struggles. Tarik returned her gesture then, rubbing her arm as she had for him.

The mouse crawled into the den's interior. "Heya, Aneria," she greeted the albino as she passed. "M'just gettin some things for Tarik over here!" She bustled about, gathering berries some of her fur, the robe she had worn the previous night that was still dirty and full of her scent and a snake skin that had been hidden down tunnel. "Take what y'need," she told the rat, "Don wancha to be overloaded."

Tarik entered in behind, passing a small glance to the uneasy doe. He'd quickly turn back to Lichthia, standing near. "Oh. . . alright." he answered, his voice soft. The gray rat began to look over, his nose twitching some at the robe. He faced the snake skin, almost feeling a chill. He knew it was just skin, and that the owner wasn't anywhere close. . . but it still gave him chills. The head was undamaged, and with sub-par sight, it looked like a snake was staring right at him. He'd shake his head, and look over the various items, deciding.

Inside the albino laid just as she was was left. The half eaten walnut still sit beside, the mouse seeming to have got her fill for the moment. Her head slowly rose, seeing that light enter in. . . followed by the witch, and her servant. The doe was clearly nervous. She inched herself back, and nodded lightly to Lichthia's greeting. She thought the witch was probably good. . . or at least, she hoped. Still, she wasn't sure. How good could a witch be anyway? This one saved her, but she didn't stop 'the troll', the large monster-rat that killed and ate mice from her colony. There was also all those. . . 'scary friends' she has. And who knows what all strange tools and potions were for? Aneira winced as she put a paw to her leg, soon giving a sigh. She couldn't run away. She'd never make it to her colony before something attacked her. . . she wasn't even sure where she was, or how to get home.

Aneira's head lifted, silencing her thoughts as she observed the rat and witch. From her angle, she couldn't quite see what the two were doing.

Lichthia smiled, glancing over at the doe. She didn't face her though, keeping what she carried partially blocked in the hopes that Aneira wouldn't see it. "I was wearin this last night, still got m'fur and m'scent on it. Y'can jus take it, I got plenty of robes. ..." she suggested.

"Y'can give 'em the food, tell m'it's my way of letting 'em know, I bare 'em no grudge from last night. S'long as they're respectful to me, and the one who's under m'protection, and t'Jack, they have nothin t'fear." She gave a nod in the direction of Aniera, and thought of repeating what she had said about Bylun, but didn't want to mention his name around the doe. Perhaps she'd walk out with him as he took his leave. "Up to you, but I don't think y'want this. . .." she said, gesturing at the skin. "It'd impress 'em I'm sure, but they'd think I was threatenin them, other stuff should be enough to prove to 'em I really did talk t'you."

The rat looked to the robe, and at her say reached down. His muzzle twitched as he brought it close. "Yeah. . . they'd recognize that." He turned back, smiling. "Thanks. . . the food will help. . . " Tarik sounded just a little more reserved since entering the burrow now, not really sure what he should or should not be saying around the shy albino. What he wanted to say. . . is the food would help prevent her being thought a demon to his kin. He left his words at what was spoken, and nodded, then looking to snake skin. He 'admired' it for a moment. Even with the food, dragging home a large intimidating snake skin would make his kin nervous. "You're. . . probably right, something like that would worry them." He thought maybe to just take the head, but somehow that didn't seem any better. "Maybe. . ." his words trailed and he looked down once more.

Tarik then crouched and lowered a paw. Staring for a moment, he began to slowly stroke along the skin. Several pieces seemed to chip off, collecting in his own fur. His paw pulled away, and carefully, he'd rub along the robe. The rat smiled a little wider, happy with his idea. When done, he'd raise up, and show his efforts, the mouse's robe coated lightly with bits of snake skin. "That should work. . . they'd know Ja. . ." He paused, glancing quickly to Aneira and back, "they'd know. . . you were near him."

The albino continued to lay, watching. Though she was in a witch's lair, and nervous, mice had a natural curiosity. She wanted to see what they were doing. The best she could do was listen, her ears turning up. Aneira turned her head at what was spoken. What would 'threaten them'. . . what would 'worry them'? Whatever it was, she still couldn't see it. Maybe it was a rat's head on a stick? A skull maybe? Thinking about what sort of scary things a witch might have, did bring worry, but she couldn't let that stop her from finding out what they were. After all, if she found something to prove Lichthia as a 'bad witch', then, her only hope might be. . . escaping. The doe frowned. She was 'trapped' again wasn't she? It might not be torture (yet), but she was still stuck in a witch's home, and as long as her leg was injured. . . she couldn't leave.

The mouse grinned approvingly. "Tha's a good idea!" she exclaimed. She looked down at the skin, it really was falling apart. She ran back and gingerly placed it around the corner with some bags. Returning again, this time she walked by the albino to give her a smile and a pat on the shoulder, inwardly a little sad when the albino leaned back. "Need anything else, Tarik?" she asked brightly, turning to the rat. "Otherwise I'll walk y'out."

Aneira leaned forward, still both confused and curious. She saw that Lichthia was moving something. . . something large, and had sat it down. What was it? Was it. . . what they were talking about? Her interest would come to a slow, as the witch neared her. The albino would lean back, noticeably a little hesitant as that paw laid against her, slowly looking up to her. . . and over to the rat she called to.

Tarik had beamed at the praise from Lichthia, before shaking his head slow. "No, I think this is plently. And alright." He turned around then, nearing the entrance as Lichthia saw to the other doe.

Moving swiftly as she normally did, Lichthia lifted the door and head out.

The albino's eyes followed as the two made their exit. She sighed a bit, considering, before. . . turning her head to the opposite corner. The witch had sat that large. . . 'something', over there hadn't she? It wasn't too far away. . . .

Slowly Aneia lifted herself up. She began to hobble over, careful not to put too much pressure on her leg.

Lichthia headed out a few steps and stopped when they were far enough she was confident a soft voice couldn't be heard. "Just wanted t'remind you, y'can mention I found Bylun, if y'think that'd help." She grinned. "He was very friendly with me, and I gave him berries, and offered him no harm. And I offered t'show you where he lives, if y'wanted."

Tarik was already waiting outside, smiling kindly with both robe and food in tow. He raised an ear as she spoke, nodding slow. "I could. . . let them know" he answered, though frowned just a little. "They be happy he's alive, but he is still an outcast to them, not considered family. . ." The rat sighed, "they probably wouldn't care to see him." He paused, raising his head, "I do though. I've went through the same, we're still family." He stretched out his back and looked toward his path, "I'll come back in a few days. . . or try to find a way to. Then I can visit Bylun, and see Jack again. . ." His head turned back, "and you. . ."

The white mouse smiled and nodded. She'd look about and pick up a large stone. "If I'm gone from this burrow a while but am coming back soon I'll leave this stone by the food bags," she told him. "If I'm gone to be with Jaabir, I'll leave two. If I decide t'abandon this burrow, and I'm not with Jaabir I'll leave three." She grinned. "But I don't think I'll abandon it for I've shown you where Bylun is at least."

The grey rat looked to the stone, head tilted. He smiled slowly as she explained, and gave a nod. The third scenario, however, was met with confusion. Tarik couldn't imagine why she would leave her burrow. Unless, she was going to stay with the owl? No no, surely she wouldn't do something like that (though he'd been wrong before). Regardless, that seemed unlikely. Maybe. . . someone else?

His eyes lifted at the mention of Bylun's location, and his smile grew. "You're thinking of staying with. . ." his voice grew a little quieter, and he held back a laugh, "the troll?"

The mouse's eyes widened and she lifted her head back at the question. "Well nooooo. .." she'd answer. "Hadn't thought about doin that. Just thinkin if I did move I'd tell him where I was." She tilted her head, considering the idea. "But it's not such a bad idea, now y'bring it up," she replied and sighed. "It beats. . . ."

"SQUEEEEEEEEAL!"

Tarik blinked, head lowering lightly at the incorrect guess. Still, his smile remained. He even chuckled as she considered it anyway. Lichthia staying with a rat several times her size. . . wouldn't be much a surprise. He leaned in as she continued, only to pause and flick an ear sharply. That shrill squeak was coming right from the burrow. The albino's cry sparked a latent predatory urge in the rat. He found himself becoming more erect, tense. . . focused. The reaction was brief, however, and the rat quickly frowned. What had frightened Aneria, he wondered.

The mouse's ears fell, and she sighed and smiled, looking over her shoulder. "Mmm'thinkin I should've hid Jaabir's skin better," she muttered, looking back up at the rat. Still smiling, she lifted a paw up to him. "I'd better go take care of her, Tarik. Y'take care, and y'stay safe. I feel blessed havin you as m'friend." And without waiting for a response, she scampered back to her nest, quickly ducking down and through the door.

Looking back to Lichthia, the rat raised his eyes. Of course. . . the snake skin. No wonder she was squealing. He almost screamed the first time he saw the serpent's shedding. And if she thought the skin was bad, just think if she sees the actual snake. Tarik gave a sigh himself. That poor mouse was going have a lot to adjust to. . . and he should know.

Tarik began to nod. However, his ears would raise at her final words. . . the rat looking touched. He lifted his muzzle to comment, but sighed as Lichthia left to tend to her guest. The grey rat bore a sort smile and whispered, "see you soon. . ." He turn then, heading on his way.