Fathers and Sons

Characters: Robin, Kentar, Garnet, Will, Aikuen

Location: Spring, Moledeep

The River Moss - Springs

It's afternoon or so, and Aikuen has left Moledeep, in search of a little private time. He kissed his wife, and left a note, ('Gone to Spring') just for the day. The otter took his javelin and walked to the birth of the river. His quiet spot. He is now sitting on the side of the pool. A pile of pebbles in front of him, that he tosses in a few in a time toward the center. Its very peaceful and quiet here, expect for the sound of the river running west. He enjoys the sights and sounds. He may think about fishing here soon. Maybe.

However, there is already a float in the water when the otter comes across the river. The source of the leaf-made float is not visible as the line runs past a few bushes on the side of the river though.

Aikuen hums to himself quietly, then he sees the leaf. He blinks at it a few times and hmms to himself, "Its not autumn yet..." he blinks at it a few more times. He just think its a leaf, though odd that its floating still and not following the river. He shrugs, and tosses a few pebbles at it. Missing the first few times before nailing it, "Ha ha, gotacha you little leaf you..." he chuckles to himself.

Madison's float looks not unlike a leaf whistle, but they're made from leaves, so that's forgivable! She hears the sound of splashing, and looks up. Who's scaring the fish away? Finally, the squirrel feels the line jerked somewhat as the float is hit. "Oi!" the ranger-clad squirrel calls, peering over the bushes.

Aikuen was congratulating himself when he hears the shout. He gets really surprised and stands quickly looking around. Somebeast in his quiet spot! He spots the very top of the squirrels head, "Oi, Yourself... Squirrel..." he eyes and growls. Other then that, he makes not motion that he will attack. He is just standing like normal.

Madison hmph's. In all honesty, the ranger gear - despite the more masculine garments she's opted for - are rather fetching on her. But the stubborn look isn't. "What did you do that for?" she shoots back, ill-tempered.

Aikuen moves his head back as the squirrel talks back to him, and he growls back, "Do 'what' for? All i was doing was sitting here... then you shouted... I haven't done anything!" Even though Aiks left arm is in a sling, and there is a bandage around his middle. Aik eyes pierce back at her. Showing no fear. He clenches his fist and...Wait a minute. He knows that voice. And that face... And that figure. He blinks a few times and takes a small step forward, "Madison?" he asks quietly. Putting his good arm by his side.

Madison's reply remains angry at first, "You've chased all of the fish away! So much for dinner." But when she is recognized, the squirrel gives a look of surprise, before bolting back into the trees, leaving her fishing rod by the side of the river.

Aikuen says apologetically, "You were fishing? I didn't know, sorry... Huh? Madi? Where you going?" he blinks as she flies back through the trees. He sighs and shrugs, "Well so much for that..." He was about to go back to sitting when he notices the fishing rod. He tilts his head and goes over to it, weighing it in his paw, "Ah, so she was fishing..." he hums to himself. He plops down where it laid, and tosses the line into the water. Aik figures that if she wants her rod back, he mind as well catch her a few fish to go with it. And if she doesn't return, more fish for him. Though he is not very good at angling.

Madison hauls herself with some effort onto a branch above. Her leg might be much better for walking, but climbing still requires a lot of effort. She sits out of sight in the foliage, not ready to be caught...she means, be found or discovered yet.

Aikuen is quietly humming to himself when he hears a light rustle somewhere behind and above him. He tilts his ear in the direction of the noise, while keeping his look ahead. Kinda looks like he has a crick in his neck. The humming stops as he places the rod on the ground, "So..." he starts out with, but doesn't say anything else, lest it may be some other beast. He hugs one knee watching the water and the line. Then the rod is tugged forward and Aik grabs the line and pulls sharply. Well lookie here! He got himself a fighter of a fish!

Madison remains where she is, of course. Once settled, she's quiet in her little hidden spot, watching as the fishing carries on. She isn't about to reveal herself. Someday soon, maybe, but not now. Doesn't stop her hearing the otter though, as he appears to correctly assume she's still around, her eyes peering down as the float disappears.

Aikuen tugs on the line just enough. Somebeast, his wife mainly, told him not to pull the line to hard, or else the line might break. He was also told not to put too much slack or the fish might escape. He tugs just enough and the splashing of the fish can be heard and seen just a little ways away. He grins and keeps on pulling till the fish gets onto the side and gasps for air. Aik chuckles and forgets all about Madison as he goes over to the first fish he has ever caught by line. Its pretty big, not huge, but enough to feed a couple of beasts. He grins and doesn't know what to do... He knows he has to clean it soon. But its still alive, something he is not familiar with when fishing.

Madison, thought she wouldn't have admitted it, was trying to capture her first fish at the time, and quite frankly she doubted that she could have killed the fish. It's something peaceful abbey clergybeasts are oddly much more adept at.

Aikuen is no clergybeast, so killing beasts is no problem, including fish. He looks at the gasping fish and draws his dagger. He eyes it for a minute before saying, "Life we take... only for a meal to make..." and he plunges the blade through the fish's eye and into the ground. The fish flops violently for a few seconds before dying on the ground. Aikuen looks at the floppy (and slightly bloody) fish before heading over to the stream and cutting open the underbelly and cleaning out the guts. He is an otter after all.

Madison actually covers up her eyes as that happens. Agh. So much for being a tough fish-eating traveller. Best sticking to vegetarian diets. She doesn't look up for a long time - well, she's got feelings again. Always good.

Aikuen has cleaned the fish and picks up a river rock, butterflying the fish on it before setting it on the ground. He looks to where he thinks Madison is and says, "Ah... I feel like grilled fish..." he chuckles and grabs some nearby logs and starts to build a makeshift fire, near where he thinks she is. He hums to himself as the flames catches from his blade and flint, and he sets the river rock in the center. Soon the smell of cooking fish fills the air. Aik grins to himself and prods the fire, "Soon... going to be done... wish i had somebeast to share it with..." he hmms to himself.

Madison figures that he knows where she is. Getting smoked out by the fire aside, after a pause she simply calls out, "I'm not talking."

Aikuen chuckles and says keeping his gaze to the fire, "That's Fine... I'm just saying that there is going to be a lot of fish... and i have no beast to share it with... that's all..." he laughs and flips the fish with his claw.

Madison gives an, "I don't want it." in return. Why would she? It was swimming around a few minutes ago... brr.

Aikuen tilts his head and laughs, "You don't want it? But you said you were fishing just a few minutes ago? Did i miss something?" he takes a chunk of the grilled fish and pops it in his mouth, "Yum!... just the way i like it... fresh and oh so warm!" he chuckles.

Madison shrugs, "I was fishing. For relaxation, not for food." Not entirely untrue, the relaxing part appeals to her, to the point where she'd consider fishing an empty pond if it's in the right place.

Aikuen nods some, "Okay so you were fishing for relaxation... I don't think sitting up in a tree is going to relax anybeast...SO!" he pats the ground next to him, "Why don't you come over here and relax... I don't bite, i swear!" he laughs.Madison doesn't want to. Not his fault, she's just not ready. But what else can she do? So she descends and takes up a spot by the fire as the evening grows cooler, the squirrel wordless.

Aikuen smiles. The otter will do all the talking "Well hello friend..." he pops off another chunk, "Madison right? From the abbey? The last time i saw you..." he makes a motion of a big belly, "Heh! Good for you i guess... Why are you so far away from the abbey?" he asks generally, he seems friendly enough.

Madison gives a nod. She's at least glad he's more of a vague acquaintance than someone who knows her really well. "Busy." is her explanation. Not talking!

Aikuen nods, "Busy eh? How so? If you don't mind me asking?" he points to the now cooling fish, "Its good... if you don't want some, that's fine... more for me i guess..." the otter will continue to talk, can't get him down, "So! Madi! Do you know my name, or shall i be referred to as 'the otter' from now on?" he laughs. The otter continues to talk pretty much to himself for the next hour or so. Madison remaining silent through out the whole thing. After a bit she flies off suddenly through the trees. Aik tilts his head and chuckles, "See yah Madi!" he sighs and looks to the sky, "I guess it's this otters time to go back to the home..." he grins and picks up his javelin, and his newly acquired rod, and heads back to Moledeep. May have to take Fira here again. He likes the quiet, except for the random squirrels!

Moledeep: Mole Hall

Robin and Kentar are sitting in the hall, next to each other, laughing and smiling, both seeming to be in a nice, good mood today. There's a map in front of them and little rocks on the map. "No. We've gotta go...that way." Robin nods. Kentar just smirks. "If we go that way, you'll run into trees. Lots of them. I don't feel like going through a forest." But there's no trees on the map. Only rocks.

Garnet walks in from the Sleeping Hall, Chris in arm because of the absent otter. She walks toward Kentar and says, "Hey Love!" and she puckers up. Demanding isn't she! She laughs and says, "Hello Robin! Planing out a route i see!" she says brightly.

Robin frowns but grins quickly after, brushing all the rocks away. "There! No trees!" he laughs. Kentar laughs too then gives Garnet a quick kiss, smiling and nodding. "Yeah! We are. We've already got one planned." Robin smiles then thinks for a sec. "So...when are we going again?" He asks.

Garnet chuckles and plops down in a chair next to Kentar, and she settles Chris in her arms, "Who do, do you? Really? That was quick!" she then looks to Kentar for the answer to the next question.

Kentar shrugs a little. "Not sure yet. I need to talk to Aik before I know." he nods. "I'll talk to him later tonight about it." He then thinks for a sec. "Robin...can you give us a moment alone please?" Robin huhs and then nods, standing and vanishing.

Garnet nods, "Okay, sounds good talk to the otter of the infirm!" she laughs, and watches as the younger stoat leaves. She blinks and looks to Kentar, "Whats wrong love? Something the matter?"

Kentar laughs. "Otter of the infirm. I got to remember that one." he smiles then thinks for a sec. "I'm not sure. I'll tell you after I get your reaction." he says. "Well. I'm not sure how to tell you this but. Robin isn't my nephew." he says, scratching his ear.

Garnet blinks a bit, and says slowly "Okay... So he is not your nephew... what is he then?" she asks. She is seeming surprised, but still not reacted in that way. She is just mostly confused now.

Kentar turns right towards her. "Look. I don't want you angry for me not telling you right away...I promised not to keep secrets after Bale showed up, and I'm not keeping this from you any more. Robin. Was my first son." he says. He expects to be hit now. "When he was born, I had to make Bale adopt him. Or we'd both have been killed...." he waits for her to smack him.

Garnet stares at Kentar, her eye twitching slightly. Though she doesn't look mad or anything. JUST REALLY CONFUSED! She just glares at him. This was something she was not expecting at all. AT ALL. Now her brain hurts, "Get me some water..." is all she says.

Kentar takes a deep breath and nods, standing and going into the kitchens. He's gone for a few moments before returning with water for her, handing over the cup before sitting down again

Garnet takes the glass and sips a bit of it before slowly placing it on the table. She is not mad, as she rubs a claw over the rim, "So... Robin... is your son... And you didn't tell me sooner... or at all... or mentioned... or didn't even make a glance too..." she is downright confused by this. Kentar never acted like a father to Robin, at least by what she has seen and heard. This is all making her head hurt very much.

Kentar sighs and shakes his head a little. "No. Because I wasn't sure if I'd ever see, or hear from him again. And when he came here...I didn't think to. Because I was busy protecting you from Bale." he says. "And. For a while after, I was too angry to want to be his father. But now that Bale is dead. I had no choice but to tell him. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I only told him yesterday. And that's been kept from him for six seasons. Almost seven."

Garnet shakes her head, "That's still no reason, Not, to tell ME... you could have told me an i would have understood, you did this to protect him... I can understand not telling him for seasons, but... at least me..." she sighs, "That's why you wanted me to be his mother... cause... i am, now..." she looks down.

Kentar sighs a little. "I didn't tell you because I wasn't ready." he says quietly. "I wasn't even sure I wanted to tell him. I was. I guess scared of what you'd do. And after just getting you to trust me again. I didn't want to make you do anything like that. So. I'm sorry for not telling you. But I just...wasn't ready yet."

Garnet rolls her eyes, "You better keep that promise, i'm holding you to that Kenty..." she chuckles and shrugs, "I don't dislike him. but would have been nice to know that i now have a relation to him... That does help you know... I could have just hated him in general you know!" she sighs and kisses him on the nose, "Thank you though... next time though..." she eyes him and laughs.

Kentar nods a little and smiles, chuckling. "Thanks. For not being angry I mean." The stoat smiles softly, and leans in to kiss her quick. "He told me earlier today it will take a while to get used to calling me dad rather then uncle. And he sort of asked. What you'd think if he started calling you mum after a while. Not...right away. He said he's still not sure you'd be up for the idea." He then grins a little. "To be honest, I think it would be good. Get used to it sooner...cause eventually, you know..." he rubs through Chris's slowly growing headfur. "He'll never shut up with it one of these days." he laughs.

Garnet shrugs, "I'm not mad... Confused as hell... but still, ill get over it... I don't mind if he calls me Mum, or Garnet... as long as he doesn't call me Gar-mommy or something like that, i don't care..." She does care, but the little stoat will reach age soon enough so it wont matter much anyway, "Chris? Oh yeah still working on his words though... 'Mikey', then i thought i heard him say mum, but i think he was just grugling..." he frowns at him and chuckles.

Kentar laughs and then snorts at Gar-mommy. "I've got to remember that." he smiles then hms at Chris, chuckling a little. He then grins at Garnet. "I love you...Gar-mommy." he laughs, and then cowers, waiting to be smacked.

Garnet does in fact smack him, lightly and playfully, but all the same, "Bad Kentar..." she giggles before leaning in to kiss him, "I love you back... Dad-tar" she chuckles.

Kentar laughs and kisses her then huhs. "Dad-tar?" he frowns. "Yeah, yeah, I get the point." he frowns. He doesn't seem to like the name 'Dad-tar' anymore then she likes -Gar-mommy'.

Garnet nods, "I hope so... or else we are going to confuse the hell out of our son..." then she blinks, "Er Chris... Robin is probably already there..." going to have to get used to that, it will take some time. She sighs and holds Chris closer to her. Rubbing the little ones belly.

Kentar smiles and chuckles a bit. "Yeah. I guess." he nods a bit then sighs, sitting back. "Robin told me today that since I am his father...he'd sort of like to stay. After he comes of age. Rather then go off on his own." he then thinks. "What about Chris...what do you think Chris will think of his big brother?"

Garnet tilts her head at him and blinks, "Really? So he is not going back to his village after he does..." she hmms, as this changes things a tad, "I don't know what Chris will think. Probably grow up thinking that this is his brother from, always... But we will tell him eventually... We are going to have too..." she sighs and starts to think on her own.

Kentar nods a little. "I don't...think he will. He said he might." he nods a little then shrugs before yawning. "So love." he smiles. "How are you today?" he asks, deciding a subject change is needed.

Garnet shrugs, glad to get off that for a bit, back to normal things now, "Fine, mostly... Well i was doing peachy till you told me." she states bluntly, "But i will get over it..."

Kentar sighs a little then nods. "I'm sorry." he mutters quietly. He feels bad now about having ruined her mood. "Um. Yeah. Looking forward to our trip?" he asks.

Garnet sighs, "Its okay... glad you told me eventually. That's always good. And yes im rather looking forward to it... Probably not excited as you guys are, but i think it will be fun all the same..." she hmms for a minute or so, "Especially with all those... Umm... 'Redcoats' out and about..." she thinks she got the name right.

Kentar nods then smiles. "Yeah. I'm not letting anything spoil our trip! Nothing!" He laughs, and then nods. "If those Red thingy beasts show their faces to us on our trip. I'll just..." he looks around then shrugs. "Tell them just...where Aikuen...is." he winks. He hopes she gets what he means.

Garnet blinks, "Isn't Aiky coming with us? Wont that ruin your little plan thing... What is your plan?" if he means by sending them here, to the trap infested Moledeep. She can see a few problems with that. But she might know what he means.

Kentar blinks then slaps his forehead. "Not...what I mean. He is coming with us. But I'd tell them...to just...tuurrrrn around. And poof, there he is. And crack. There they aren't." he nods. In short. He means he'd beat the red cloaks right off them

Garnet is having a hard time believing that, "But if they were able to defeat Aiky, in that way..." she is talking about how he came in mangled, "I don't know, still seems dangerous... but..." she grabs his arm, "I have you to protect me..." she grins.

Kentar eeps as she grabs his arm. "But you see. Aikuen is an otter. No matter what he's trained in, he just won't have the will to fight. Where as I am a stoat. I have the will to fight. And I enjoy it by nature!" He laughs. "That, and I'm stronger. I could fight circles around him!" he laughs.

Garnet rolls her eyes, and chuckles "As much as you say that... I believe i got told, by you, non the less... That he knocked you out twice with a single punch both times... and then i saw him dislocate your arm, without even trying... OH, and here is kicker, you told me that if you came in looking like how Aiky came in the other day, you would be out like a light... Yet he was up and walking and seeming normal... Just saying is all..." she doesn't let go of his arm, "But he is still no match in softness of fur..." she mmms, then shakes her head, "And that 'will', is what i'm afraid of..." she frowns.

Kentar huhs and then frowns. "I never said that. That must have been my evil twin." he nods. "He's weak as anything." the stoat pauses then sighs at the afraid part. "My will to fight is powered by my family. And its only to fight to protect." he says. "I'd never fight for any other reason." he nods.

Garnet shrugs, "Yah, your evil twin... called Kentar my husband... Just don't tell Aiky that, he might punch you, just to prove it" No matter what her husband says, she will still think Aik is stronger. Stupid as hell, and his head full of mud, but stronger. She then chuckles and nods, "Well good... Keep it that way... or else I'm going to be one unhappy mother stoat." she grins.

Kentar laughs and nods, smiling and sighing happily. "Alright. It will be kept that way. I promise! I'd hate to have you on my tail when your angry." he grins.

Garnet smirks and tweaks Kentar's tail, "Yah that's right... keep it that way! Im a very angry stoat mum" she roars, and chuckles, before placing her head on his shoulder.

Kentar eeps and moves his tail away from her, curling it as best as he can around his waist, laughing. "Oh no! Don't hurt me please!" he laughs and slips his arm around her. "I love you." he smiles softly

Garnet growls playfully, "I don't think I can keep that!" she laughs and wraps her arms around him as well, "You do? Really? Oh well, may have to love you as well!" she gins and plants a small on, "I love you" she says softly.

Kentar smiles softly and chuckles, the stoat so happy now. He loves her. He's got a family. He's going on a trip with them...so happy. He does, though, drift off to sleep by mistake. Long day.

Moledeep: Tunnel Entrance

Will is sitting by the entrance plucking at the grass around him. The ginger rat chew on his lip wondering what to do to fix things with Kentar. He knows if word reaches Aikuen or even Fira he will be in more trouble and he really doubts just saying he's sorry will do much good with the way the stoat is. He sighs and continues to mull it over and pick at the grass and flowers around the entrance.

Aikuen comes in from the forest. He is humming to himself. He is carrying his javelin, and what looks like a fishing rod. He espies Will, and waves. Wondering if the rat got the note, "Hiya Will!"

Will had seen the otter's note and had been a little relieved to learn he wouldn't be around for a while, it gave him time to think and maybe talk to Kentar before the otter found out he was in trouble again. The rat raises his head at the greeting and tries to look as if nothing were wrong. "Hi," he says quietly as the otter comes closer.

Aikuen smiles, as acting like nothing is ever wrong. He chuckles and jogs up to Will and plops down next him, "Wheh! Heya Son!" and puts and arm around him to tap him on the other shoulder, "Hows your day been?" he puts the javelin and the fishing rod next to him and smiles at Will.

"Ok," the rat answers shrugging a little. It had been an ok day, he hadn't seen Kentar since he and Garnet had fallen asleep by the pond the other day. "You catch anything?" he asks nodding at the fishing rod.

Aikuen nods, "Well good! My day was fun... Meet someone from the abbey. She was very quiet. And she 'gave' me this!" he holds the rod up, "And yes i did catch something... i was very surprised, wasn't even paying attention, and BAM! One gets caught on the hook!" he laughs, "I like angling, its a lot more quiet, and less swimming and stabbing!" he chuckles. Obviously the otter had a good day.

Will nods not really caring. "You talk t Kentar lately?" he asks figuring he could try and explain things to the otter first since he's sure to find out anyway and if he finds out sooner the punishment may be less then if he finds out later and the rat could think of many ways for the punishment to be worse even though he believes the outcome would be the same. Will is still unaware the otter won't make good his threat from the last time he was punished.

Aikuen thinks for a minute, "Umm not since yesterday... nope, haven't seen him since then... Well i did see him this morning, but he was asleep. So i don't think that counts. Er, Why do you ask?" he is totally clue less to what is going on. As both parties vigorously tried to cover it up.

"Um so he didn't tell you? That's good I guess, kinda. ..." Will says and picks up a stray stick. It's a thick stick, not easy to break though right now he seems to prefer to doodle with it in the grass. "... Well, th other day. Not yesterday but th day before that when he an Robin an me were in th infirmary with you. You were sleeping, kinda dropped off an Kentar was talking about that trip he's taking again and I said I was sorry for getting mad at him when he was trying t get me t go with him on th trip back east and he was happy for a minute and then started talking more about it and asking me if I wanted him t bring me back something and I was tired an didn't want anything and wanted him t be quiet about it and said 'no' I didn't want anything and he didn't like how I said it and kept on about it an that trip and I got mad at him and he wanted t talk t me in th hall away from you an Robin.

So we went out t th hall and he was yelling at me and I yelled at him and I tried t go outside t get away from him cause he wouldn't stop and just kept at it and was making me madder an madder at him cause he wouldn't (curse word) shut up! And he got in my way and kept on about it and yelled at him more and he said maybe he'd leave and I tried t go outside again and that time he let me. If he hadn't ..." Will snaps the stick in his paw with little effort, "... I had t get away from him. ... he said he might leave but he's said that before and he's still here," the young rat explains angrily. He isn't angry that the stoat is still living in Moledeep, he's just gotten himself worked up over the whole thing again after stress over it on and off since it happened a hoping beyond hope that Aikuen hadn't been told and dreading what he'd do once he did know. Which is rather a moot point now he may soon realize.

Aikuen at first was thinking that Will was just going to something. Like something needs fixing or the traps, or something bad for the otter. He expects that. But when Will starts to talk about that. He looks away and frowns, drawing his dagger and putting a finer point on his javelin. He remains quiet the whole time the rat is talking, so he can get the full picture. He feels tired all of a sudden. When the rat finishes, Aik tests the point and draws blood on his claw. He doesn't even react as he shows it to the rat, before making a bloody circle on his pants. He sighs, "Okay... Before i do anything. I want to makes this very clear... If that ever happens again... Before you guys kill each other. Before you storm off... Find me... I don't care if i'm sleeping. Wake me... Find me... and tell me..." he shakes his head slowly.

Will nods and involuntarily braces himself for whatever the otter may do next. "I ... I thought he would ave told you by now. .... I didn't mean t cause trouble," Will says much quieter now not wanting to give the otter any more reasons to punish him.

Aikuen nods, "He didn't tell me... In fact he seemed perfectly fine when he came in after the yelling..." he was awake when he heard the yelling, didn't know it was this, but the time he explained seams it together. He sighs, "You didn't mean to cause trouble... and yet you did... Now don't worry, I'm going to talk to Kentar about this." to get the other side of the story, and to give him a talking too "Since he should have realized that a No, means No. You could have also said it better or tried to apologize. Or not yell back... but still, the damage is done... Now what shall i do..." he hmms. So many options that he has come up with. all of them bad, but none of them will hurt the rat. At least, not by the paw of the otter, "So Will... William... What do you think i should do... to reprimand you, for talking back to your elder..." he states in a monotone voice.

Will chews on his lip, "I don't know. .... Ma'd probably switch me, unless I'm too old for that, an uncle'd just beat me til Ma stopped him or he just stopped. Whenever she caught him she'd yell at him and sometimes hit him for it. ... I don't know what you should do. I don't want you t do what you did before ... when I threatened t kill a beast at th Abbey one th order beasts just switched me an before that I had t stay with Jullian or Corbyn for a week an I couldn't leave th Abbey when I was with Jullian an I was with him most of th time cause Corbyn was busy a lot. .... What do you think you should do?"

Aikuen eyes Will for a second and tilts his head, "Well those are all good ideas. But this is not the abbey." he starts to walk off toward the woods. But before he enters he turns around and says "Follow me Will... I want to talk... Make sure you have your sword..." Aik taps his hilt before crossing his arm with the splinted one.

Will sighs and nods a little standing to follow the otter to what may be his own doom. He's a little puzzled by the otter's request that he have his sword which /is/ with him, as usual. He takes a moment to ready himself for whatever the otter may have planned and follows after him eye and ears open since he knows the woods aren't always as safe as they often seem to be.

The River Moss - Springs

Aikuen leads Will into the woods, easily avoiding the traps, as he took the same path this morning. He gets the river and goes east following in the opposite direction of the water flow. He eventually gets to the large spring of the river moss. Where he was this morning. He leads Will to a recently put out fire pit, and asks him to sit down on the ground near it. The otter then sits himself on the other side and starts to reignite the embers, "So Will... This is the spring, but i bet you know that already. Its nice and secluded... not a beast for miles in any direction..." he hmms to himself, as the fire comes to light.

Will nods, "I've been here before. ... kinda warm out for a fire. ... When adults yell at each other they don't get in trouble for it, I don't think. ... in a few more seasons I won't be a dibbun anymore. ... You probably know that already though. ..." he sighs, "I'm sorry I yelled at Kentar, again. ... it's not that quiet here th water coming up from th spring makes noise an th river does too. ...." The rat falls silent not having much else to say.

Aikuen flicks a rock into the pond before looking back to Will, "When adults yell at each other... They don't get in trouble, in the way that you think they do... When we yell. He hurt the beast, and therefore hurting ourself in the process... Like with me a Fira, when we had are... spat..." he sighs, "I would have rather been beating to a pulp then have to live through that again... You do more permanent damage, things that cant be healed over time..." he takes a deep breath, "Okay. Now as adults its out job to teach the dibbins. Morals and good ethics. Yelling is not one of them. So its our job to make sure that when they do come of age. That they will retain that knowledge..." sounds like he has been studying up, "I'm glad that you are sorry for Kentar, and i want a full apology to him when we get back... Now..." he puts a random stick in the fire to heat, "we have done this dance before... But I'm giving you a choice this time..." he pulls out the stick, and the end is red hot.

Will eyes the stick and looks up at the otter. "What are th choices?" he asks simply.

Aikuen puts the stick back into the fire, and it proceeds to burn away, "I have two... First choice, You will perform the same military training i had when i was only four. Hunter and scout training. Weeks of running, jumping, hiding, killing, hunting, slaying, climbing... and various other activities with little to no sleep or food... for a month. This one will be interesting. But you will never be the same beast ever again. as it was designed to... break down the spirit of whoever. I don't like this, as Amy will most likely no longer like you after that... as you will be mean and hard to everything... and everybody..." he takes another breath, "The other choice is simple. Swear to never do anything like this again. And that'll be it... But break that swear... And getting hit in the face with a shovel, will seem like a good dream..." he states, and pulls out the burnt stick.

Will sighs, "The first one doesn't sound much different then th way things were before I found th Abbey, maybe a little better since I'd be told how t do things so I'd be less likely t get killed. A dead mouse suggested I not go about killing beasts for no reason and while you could send me to th dark forest with ease he can probably do worse once I get there and he's scarier then you. I've gone longer then a month without food before, not saying I liked it but I'm still alive. Wouldn't be that bad t have some training in tracking and things. ... I'd /like/ to pick th second one but I don't think I can keep that promise. I can't just wish away my temper, it's a part of me. ... I don't want t do some thing that will hurt Amy ... but .... You like hurting beasts don't you. .... I pick th second one, not cause it's 'easy' but case I don't want t be like you ... not in /that/ way. I'm sorry, Pa. What exactly do you want me t swear?

Am I t say 'I won't' do this again or 'I try not to' what do you want me t swear t do or not do?" The rat looks up at his father waiting of a response as tears start to prick at his eye and run down his left cheek since he can't keep them back on that side. He doubts he can keep this promise but he doesn't want to gamble Amy's affection by picking the other choice.

Aikuen shakes his head, "I hate hurting beasts... Especially you..." he sighs, "I don't want to be like me, but i have gotten more cheerful since i grew up... this is fun Aik, you see before you... that's, what it did to me..." he feels really bad now that he upset him, but it had to be done, "Listen Will... I'm glad you didn't pick the first one... If you did i would have not let you go through it, as... well you might get killed or become mad... as you were older then i was, when you killed your first beast... I also want you and Amy to be happy..." he sighs and goes over, to give him an one arm hug, "Will... I know you have a temper... and all i want you to say is that you WILL WORK ON IT. Not try too, but will work on it. If you fell angry, tell me or some otherbeast... just don't go to the kiln. That only pushes it down... Tell me... I love you Will... And i want only the best... but sometimes I just gatta put my paw down..."

Will lets tears fall silently unchecked down his face. "You looked like you liked it when you were hurting Snive and you had that same look on your face at th Eastern shore when you were talking t Kentar. You don't think you've done that since Mum's been here though. "I was four first time I kill a beast or one and a half if you could prove I poisoned that one tree-rat that used t whip me but he was real old and not well liked but he was poisoned just don't know if it was me or some other beast that killed him. Never been sure if that should count or not." As the otter hugs him the rat leans into the hug, "I have been working on it. I've been working on it since I tried t kill an maybe /eat/ Zen. It's not easy. It's hard. I'll tr- I'll tell you when I get mad but if I'm really mad I might hurt you ... guess that'd be one way t tell you. ..." He hugs Aikuen back tightly.

Aikuen nods, "I was also four when i killed my first beast, an old weasel...broke his neck... They were teaching us... how to do that at the time... and we were praised..." he sighs and shakes his head, ridding his mind of that, "I hate when i do that, I don't remember what happens... I hate it, so much...Fira has changed me... I'm trying to be a better beast, for the better of everyone around me...I want to change for her, and you should change for Amy... And listen Will, if you feel angry and want to hurt me... i give you permission to do so... ill be an outlet, and i swear nothing will come of it, if you do... I promise..." he continues to hug him tightly.

Will nods, "Ok. But if you do let me expect t get bitten an don't forget I have a sword an sling too. I have a very nice sword that you gave me and it has my name on it and says I'm your son. I like my sword." The red-brown rat presses closer to the otter glad the stressful wondering is over at last. He knows he'll still need to apologize to Kentar somehow but for the moment anyway, everything is very good.

Aikuen grins, "You do have a nice sword... and I'm glad you like it..." he sighs and looks to the darkening sky, "So Will... What do you think we should do now... I would like to stay here for the night. Like we used too, when it was just you and me... at this peaceful spot..." he sighs and lets the sounds of the river flow through him, "But the girls in our lives might not like that idea... And Kentar would be out looking for us.. and cause all a mess..." he chuckles and closes his yes resting his head on the top of his sons, "But its up too you... I'm sure they will understand a little Father son time..."

Will smiles, "Sticks don't understand things very well ... and Mum might be a little upset too. Kentar could be a problem .... Maybe we could do something that's just us on a day when we won't get in trouble for it .... Mum might make you stay in th infirm again if you start wandering off too much."

Aikuen chuckles and nods, slowly getting up and dusting himself off, "Well then... maybe some other time... just a little camping trip then. Just us... Come on lets get back before my wife kills me. Kentar starts going crazy. And Amy starts to wonder where her... pillow is!" he laughs loudly and scoots away lest the rat try to do something

Will reddens a little and follows the otter back down stream. He can't think of a good comeback so he just stays quiet.

Aikuen continues to laughs loudly and eventually goes to put his arm around his son, walking him back to Moledeep. They get home without any trouble at all, just about as nightfall was setting in. And after a small talking to by Kentar, they both go there sperate ways. Aik goes to Fira, where he explains what happened and why he was gone for so long. And he got the weirdest rebuttal, because she wants hardtack... really badly... Aik is more than happy to oblige. Though thoroughly confused. And when he returns with a basket. She is asleep. He just goes to place the basket on her end table, and he goes to lay next to her, just watching. He doesn't get it.