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Alone in his burrow a grey rat stirred. He wasn't hungry and he was very much tired. But why wasn't he asleep? The rat found that. . . every time he shut his lids, two golden orbs stared stare right back.The eyes of a cat? Of a snake? The rat himself wasn't even sure. Both had locked upon him, and recent.

Though he regretted ever stalking that mouse doe, his world had looked brighter, just before plunging into darkness. That's when. . . he met the cat. She was waiting for him, had always been waiting.

The rat didn't regret hunting that mouse, not any more. He was thankful. Thankful that he was struck. Thankful that he was carried off. Thankful. . . for meeting the python: He owed his life to it.

Tarik winded and sniffled soft. Thoughts of his past family, ones that had assuredly lost their lives, were haunting him. Further still, one of these 'fallen rats' he knew well. In the back of his mind, he knew his friend had already been claimed, but to know for sure. . . it drove at him.

Yet, with all the terrible thoughts, there too were comforting ones. At least now, no one else would suffer the same fate. He had made it! Survived to see another sunrise! But for now, Tarik didn't want to see anymore light, he just wanted to sleep; or more directly, just wanted these thoughts to stop: Yet, alone, with no one near. . . he was struggling.

A cheerful squeaky voice interrupted the rat's reverie. "Heya, Tarik, y'in here?" The mouse was polite enough not to just barge in, not until she and Jack had gotten to know the rat better at least. Unaware of his current condition, she'd add, "I brought m'fuzzy friend with me!" She had an arm around Jack. She was determined to convey her affection for the rabbit as she met, just in case Tarik had any inclination to boss the rabbit around. She hoped the rat had cleaned up like she'd told him.

Twitching an ear, Tarik swore he was hearing voices. Had the damage drove that far? Not only were the stares of a predator embedding his vision, but now he was hearing the one who began the nightmare. . . and. . . the one who saved him from it?

It took him a moment to consider that the squeaky voice could be real. "H-h-hello? . . ." he'd respond, noticeably shaken, with a break in his voice. His nose would aid his ears, in proving that the mouse wasn't at all figment. "I-I'm. . . I'm here. . ." he'd answer back, head drooping low. "Y-y-you. . . c-can come. . ."

Inside the nest, the remains would look to be taken care of, the corner now bare of the bones that had filled it. The section of the nest which held his food, would also appear to have changed since Lichthia last saw it, now containing a few bright red cherries. . . and a half eaten piece of cheese. The next, corner containing the rats bed, would also appear different. . . but not the bed itself: The scattered pieces of grass would look about the same. It was the rat which laid in it, he had changed.

Tarik peered up warily, his nose and eyes stained red. At first glance it might appear he was bleeding: It was actually the small bit of liquid that keeps a rat's eyes lubricated. . . which produced more rapidly under stress.

The mouse's ears fell at the sound of the voice within. That didn't sound right. Perhaps they'd woken him from some nightmare. That was easily possible, he would have been exhausted from the ordeal of the previous night, and had plenty of frightening images for his mind to contemplate. She'd put just a little pressure on the bunny's shoulder as she stepped forward, wanting to be the one who entered first, just in case something was wrong. She'd approach him, with Jack just a little behind her. "Tarik?" The flash of red would catch her eyes and she'd peer at it, focusing on the object beside. Eyes would go wide as she recognized it, picking up the wedge of cheese, and her head would turn towards the rat, a look of concern in her eyes. "Oh my. . ."

Tarik's eyes slowly peered up, following the mouse as she inspected. He sniffled again as she spoke. "I. . . I. . ." his eyes would close, and immediately reopen, "I s-s-saw her. . ." Momentarily distracting himself, the rat would look to the rabbit that had followed Lichthia inside.

The bunny looked back, hesitantly, leaning forward and staring. He didn't know what the others were referring to, or why Lichthia was looking so close at that cheese. Still, Jack didn't like what he saw, and would appear more than concerned. "Are. . . are you ok?" he'd say whisper softly.

Blinking slow, the rat would shake his head, "no. . . I. . . I'm not. . ."

The rabbit frowned long.

Lichthia turned to the rat and rise. Glancing over at Jack, she'd remark, "Seems Miss Tabatha has paid our friend here a visit."

The rabbit gave a small *gasp* at hearing the news, his brown eyes going wide as he hopped just a little closer.

The mouse herself, walked over, kneeled, and placed a paw on the rat's shoulder. It was a rather understated gesture given what he'd been through, but he was still a rat after all. "Y'done well, Tarik," she'd say softly, "facin down two of the scarier preds round these parts in two days." She'd smile a little, trying to lighten the mood. "S'not many could pull that off."

Tarik gave a visible shudder as the mouse repeated the feline's name, his ears flattening. When he felt the mouse's paw, all the rat could think to do at first, was signal submission, squeaking very quietly. He'd calm soon enough, at least, to that concern, and instead looked up to her. Her words were met with a slightly raised head and a "t-thank you. . ." He'd pause at that, and look to be in thought, before leaning in closer "thank you. . ." he'd repeat louder, his eyes heavy. "T-thank. . . thank you. . ." he'd repeat for the third time, tears forming.

The rat attempted to reach out to the mouse, large paws lifting up. He'd raise his head and lock eyes. "you. . . saved me. . ."

The mouse stayed still, suppressing an instinctual impulse to flinch. It was nothing personal, she wasn't physically tender with any preds, except one. "Seems t'me y'saved y'self," she answered. I mean I know y'did with Jaabir, and I'm guessin what happened here just now." She'd manage to stretch a paw forth to stroke his head. "But I sure am glad you're alright." She was surprised to find what she said was true; evidently she was getting at least a little fond of the rat. After a moment, she'd ask, "Did she let'cha go, on account of Jaabir caught you, and you are doin a service for him?" It was a bit of a leap, but it was the only she could imagine Tabatha letting him go, and it seemed unlikely he'd otherwise outrun or outwitted her.

Spectating, the lapin found himself inching closer and closer to both rodents. Jack was a shy rabbit, especially around something that tried to eat one of his friends, but. . . he held much compassion. He was under the claws of the very same cat. While the rabbit's experience with Tabatha was competitively gentler, Jack sympathized with what the rat might be going through. The bunny sit not a foot away now. He'd looked to him, head extending. . . nose twitching lightly.

Tarik closed his eyes part way at the mouse's stroke, and slowly release his hold. He remained silent for a time, an ear very softly flicking to her words, raising at the assurance the mouse cared at all. He'd sigh softly, and raise a paw once more, this time to rub at his eyes and nose. "Yes. . . she did. . ." The outburst of emotion seemed to help, his voice a bit more steady. He swallowed, "She s-said. . . I. . . was his. . ." The rat looked down, "until I'm done. . ." Pausing for a moment, to take a breath, his eyes would return. "S-she was. . . w-waiting. If. .. if you hadn't. . . if I didn't. . ." he'd look unable to finish the thought. "She. . . s-she. . . g-got the others. . ." he'd add, looking to fight back his tears once more, his face turning away. "Dalek. . .Vivek. . . Hunter. . . a-all. . . all of them. . ."

The mouse took in the rat's words. At first it sounded good; he'd had a bad scare, but the cat had decided he was Jaabir's. That meant he was safe from the cat, at least for the immediate future; Tabatha was a feline of her word. But she was surprised at how distraught Tarik was. Sure she'd said herself the cat was among the scariest of preds she knew, but the rat was just devastated! Her ears would widen as she tried to make sense of what he was saying. If she hadn't what? . . . if he hadn't what?. . . . "Others?" she began. She opened her mouth as if she was going to ask who he was talking about, when suddenly she gasped, and a look of shock covered her face. "Oh, Tarik!" she squeaked, and it sounded like she was on the verge of tears herself. "Tarik, I am so sorry. . ." It was strange, she wondered why she felt such empathy. They were rats after all, she'd seen the bones, why should she feel any remorse for ruthless killers? Or was it Tarik she was feeling remorse for? She beckoned to Jack, encouraging him to come closer. Inwardly she rebuked herself for being a coward and not embracing Tarik herself as she should, but there was only one pred she could bring herself to hug.

Tarik looked back slow, nodding faintly. He tried to speak, but, saying what he had already, reminding himself of his lost family, his lost friend. . . tears would come again. There would be another nod as he tried to gather himself between soft sobs, "th-thank. . . you. . ". Speaking at all was difficult for him now, but he could at least manage that. He stayed silent for a time and look down low "I j-just. .. I. . ."

He wasn't able to get another word in, before he'd feel the soft embrace of rabbit-fur. Jack had been hesitant. This wasn't someone he had met before. And further still, this someone tried to to hurt his friend. But. . . he wasn't able to keep himself still. He didn't seem to care what this rat had done or had tried to do. The lapin would lean his head deep, "I'm sorry too. . ." he'd whisper in a meek voice.

The rat did not expect to find a rabbit pressing into him, but he wouldn't push away. . . comfort was a blessing for him now, in any form. Tarik leaned forward and very slowly, calmed and gain his bearings. Somehow, not feeling so alone, made it easier: At least he knew. . . someone cared.

He'd reach up a paw to wipe the fresh tears and sighed, then taking another paw to gently pat the rabbit. "Thanks. . ." he whispered to him, before turning to face Lichthia. He looed now to the sole thought that helped him weather the nightmare in the first place. "At l-least it. . . wont happen again. I can get back. . . I can. . . warn them. Tell them. . to not come here. . ."

Even as Tarik improved, Jack kept a hold on him. His body leaning gently against the rat's. He didn't like to see anyone in pain, and even if the rat was looking better, he might still be hurt. He met the thanks with a light nuzzle. It was only when he spoke clearly again that Jack would release. He didn't stray far, however, and kept himself just beside: The rat might need him again, he would reason.

The mouse sighed in relief as Jack did what she was unable to do. . . . what she was unwilling to do, but which needed to be done. Still, she was stunned as the reality of what had happened hit her, and she'd glance up at the burrow's walls. It was a death trap, the feline's personal slaughterhouse and diner. Tarik's colony had sent it's outcasts here one by one, and she'd eaten every one. .. every one but Tarik who seemed preternaturally gifted and getting into horrific trouble, and narrowly escaping. It occurred to her then that's why the rat had thanked her. If he hadn't stalked her the previous morning, if she hadn't brained him and drug him off to meet Jabir, why he'd have just have been another rat in the long line of the cat's meals. Not that she deserved any thanks, she hadn't been trying to save him from Tabatha, if anything she'd been bringing her love a meal, but she was just a little awestruck at how everything had fit together.

"S'right!" she agreed with Tarik as he spoke. It felt unusually difficult to speak, but she forced herself to for Tarik's sake. How could she possibly comfort the rat after losing so many friends? Tarik's own words were all she could think of, and so she speedily agreed. The cat, was an enigma. A fiend who'd casually wiped out the outcast community of a rat colony. . .. and yet at the same time, she'd let Tarik go, surely knowing what Tarik said now was true. And yet the mouse had not the slightest doubt the cat would keep to her principles, even as it cost her her easy monthly meal.

"Y'did well," she'd say finally, looking for any way she could to encourage the rat. "She let you go because she considered you to be Jaabirs, but you had to face her and tell her what happened so her own principles would bind her." The mouse would take a deep breath. "That couldn't have been easy. I've found her the most difficult pred I know to look in the eye."

Tarik noded slow, stifling another sniffle. It was better to think of the positive, at least for now. He might not be able to bring back his friend or the outcasts before him. . . but he could save others. And. . . even if by fortune 'luck', or intervention, he had survived where others had not. He wasn't sure if that was right to think about, but it did at least make him not feel so inadequate. The rat was so sure his time had been cut short. He wasn't strong. He wasn't fast. He wasn't even that bright. And yet, he lived.

He' looked up as the mouse spoke out what he had achieved, and he'd think on it, eyes looking down a bit. "It. . . it wasn't. . ." he'd admit. Tarik would tense a bit as he imagined that stare, sharper than any claw. "Her stare. I couldn't. . . I couldn't see anything else." He'd look away, "I kept seeing it. . . I think, before. . . you came." He'd pause at that, just now considering he had not been struck by that terrible visage since the mouse and rabbit arrived.

The rabbit would sit idly on standby, but he'd be listening close. Personally, he had found Tabatha to be much nicer than either Lichthia or the rat gave her credit for. Had she treated him differently? He wasn't sure. That fox who caught him, however, seemed far scarier. At that thought, Jack would lean his head over and look down. "I saw. . . eyes too. . after a. . . fox caught me. . ." His voice was sympathetic, and he considered how to encourage him. After a short pause he'd add. "I don't now. . ."

Lichthia nodded as Jack spoke. "We both been there," she'd agree. "I was nearly predded by a jackal not so long ago. Filthy creature." She shook her head. "Fortunately, turned out Jaabir was nearby. I was badly shaken though. Took both Jack and Jaabir s'porting me to get over it." She sighed, giving the rat a sympathetic look. "It does get better though."

Tarik would look to the rabbit for a moment, his head raising lightly. Did the rabbit. . . go through something close to his own struggle? The rat turned back to Lichthia, flicking an ear. Her too? He doubted they had to go though the loss of several friends, as recounted contently by the predator responsible, but at least it was close. To be captured, and just surviving, it was an experience they all faced in their own way. Rats had ways of forming bonds with those outside of their direct flesh and blood. One was of mutual benefit: A rat offering the other food, and both choosing to support one another. The second. . . was sharing hard times or something traumatic. If two rats, or even two entire colonies, endured the same same flood or the same pack of wolves. . . they would no longer be enemies, instead, they would be family. Lichthia and Jack weren't rats, but it felt just as binding.

"Th-that's good that they did." He'd pause and nod slow. He wasn't sure earlier that the stare would ever fade: Tarik now thought differently. "I. . . I'm. . . glad it will."

The brown lop-ear would nudge the rat slow. "Are you ok now? Are you better?"

Tarik would form a light smile at the question. "I. . . I think so. . ."

Jack would smile back.

The mouse gave the rabbit's shoulder a pat. While he felt compassion for the rat, she expected he didn't fully understand what happened. She briefly wondered if this was the right time to tell him, but then couldn't imagine there ever being a time that felt right. It certainly wouldn't be right to place the burden on Tarik to explain. "Remember I told you, Tarik is outcast like us?" she asked Jack in a soft voice. "I don't entirely understand how it works, but outcasts are more common in rat colonies. There were a number of rat's exiled before him, who came here, his kin and his friends." Lichthia sighed. "It seems Tabatha discovered this burrow and its purpose. Tarik has lost more than either of us."

Jack turned his head, smile still bared as he listened to Lichthia. At first he'd nod. He assuredly remembered the rat was like them. Then. . . he'd tilt his head. Other rats before Tarik? Tabatha. . . discovered? Jack would gasp, and frown long. If he lost even one friend, he knew he'd be sad: It sounded like Tarik lost a lot more than one. His eyes looked to well a bit, and he'd bury himself against the rat's grey fur, fuzzy arms wrapped tight. Tarik might have been feeling better, but Jack thought he needed more hugging.

Hearing Lichthia repeat what had happened, made Tarik's ears fall. The reality of it weighed at him. Still, he managed to keep composed for now, even as the rabbit sought to embrace him once more. Looking up to the mouse, bunny clinched to his side; he offered a nod, and reached up to wipe his earlier tears. "She had. . . " The rat took a sigh. "It was. . . it was at least. . . eight. . ten. The first was several seasons ago. She d-discribed three. . . and. . . what she did. . ." His voice would sound to crack as he spoke that. "I. . . I don't think any got away." Tarik took a long breath and looked to the entrance warily, as if expecting the cat to force herself inward. "She. . . told me not to leave." He'd look back slow, hesitantly, "Un-unless you. . . or Jaabir. . . found somewhere else." He'd sound just a little hopeful. While the cat promised him safety (for now), sitting here reminded him, haunted him. He could imagine the others having been here, he even part way recognized their scents. It wasn't a place he wanted to be.

The mouse felt a chill down her spine and her ears flattened at the mention of the numbers. Still, she shouldn't be surprised that Tabatha would have taken full of advantage of her discovery. She'd felt uncomfortable when she'd first seen the burrow, but she'd had no idea. . . At Tarik's words, she'd nod without hesitating. She'd brought the rabbit here rather than taking the rat to her burrow for a reason. She didn't share her burrow with anyone but closely trusted friends, and that certainly didn't include a rat who tried to pred her, even if he'd shown regret and she'd grown fond of him in the meantime. But there was no choice; it would be cruel to make him stay here any longer than they had to. "I need a rest, n'a bite t'eat" she said softly. "But there's still enough time for us to make it back to Jack and my burrow for the sun sets." She'd give the rat a sympathetic look. "Y'welcome t'stay with us." She'd glance over to the remains of the cheese and cherries, then step to one of the bags and draw out a nut and sit down.

Still within the rabbit's grip, Tarik's head would look to raise his head. The nod of the head was assuring enough, but he suspected that she might of know of a general location. Perhaps. . . leaving within a few days if a safe location could be found, at best. When she offered her own home, his eyes would part-way look to shine. "I . ." He'd pause, and breath long. "I. . . I'd like that. . ." His head would lower a bit. "thank you"

Tarik's vision would follow the mouse as she made her way to the burrow's food supply. He didn't fault her for by-passing the feline's offering. The rat wasn't sure if he could eat that cheese either.

Jack finally loosened, thinking perhaps Tarik had enough hugs to last him for a little awhile. He'd look to Lichthia then. At the news the rat would be staying with them, the rabbit would quickly smile. "That's good. . ." he'd comment.

Inwardly, the mouse wasn't too happy making her offer. But it was the right thing to do, she told herself, and it was only temporary. the rat's warm response made it easier as well. "Y'welcome." Chewing at the nut, she'd glance over at the rich food. "I don't take any food she offers," she remarked absently. "Nothin wrong with it!" she'd quickly add, not wanting to t'give the wrong impression. I'm sure it'd keep her happy, and it's good to keep her happy." She smile, tearing a way a bit of nut. "S'probably foolish, but s'a matter of pride."

The rat too, glanceed over to the small pile, and noedd. Pride, he. . . wasn't sure that was stopping him, personally. "I. . ." He'd shake his head. "I t-tried to eat more. . ." He'd look to shake a bit. "I. . . ate what I did when she first saw me. . . I. . . w-wasn't sure I'd. . . eat aga. . ." The word died off rather abruptly. He didn't look comfortable with finishing. "It. . . was good. . ." he'd finally admit: The forbidden usually was. Looking to the bright red fruits, he thought to add, "the. . . cherries are hers too. She. . . laid them out. . . before I saw her. . ."

Satisfied for the moment, Jack sat just beside the rat, more than ready to provide his support, even if unasked. He appeared to look around his surroundings for now, however. The rabbit was so concerned for Tarik, he didn't explore. Soon, something would catch his eye. The pile of food looked nice, but, that wasn't what he focused on. Off to the side, in an corner all on its own, was a large pile of shiny objects of all sorts: Bottle caps, can tabs, foils, coins. . . even what looked to be a small precious stone. He just sat there, staring at them. It reminded him of his own collection he had long left behind.

The mouse raised an eyebrow. "Bait?" she'd ask, then shake her head. "She is an artist. . . of a twisted sort." She'd lean back, turning her head to regard the rabbit, then smirking seeing him stare. "S'up to you," she'd say. "I'm sure it's good. I'm sure she gets only the best for her prey." She glanced back to Tarik and give a half shrug. "But after what she's done t'you, well, f'I was in y'fur, I'd find it very difficult to accept gifts from her."

The rat would nod slowly. "She laid them. . . before." He look away, wondering to himself how he could have fallen for something do obvious: Yet, it would at least seem he was not the only one. Tarik would look back, shaking his head, "I. . . . I don't think I can. . ."

Turning her head back, in a louder voice, she'd address the rabbit, "Y'like those, Jack?" She'd grin. She didn't entirely understand their fascination for such things, was in a rabbit and rat thing? Or maybe a male thing? She wasn't sure. "We could carry some of those back with us, if Tarik doesn't mind."

The rat only then noticed Jack eying the 'treasure pile'. He admired it for a moment himself. The items collected were not all from himself, but instead, added to lightly by each rat before him. His primary addition was a can tab and dark red stone. "You can. . . take them. . ." he'd finally say. "If. . . when. . . I go back. . . I won't need them." Such luxuries would likely be claimed by a superior, upon entry to the colony.

Jack turned his head as Lichthia addressed him, his head raising a bit as he nodded. "Yeah. . . " He blink and turn part way to Tarik. At the permission he'd smile "Ok. . ." He'd try to hide his excitement, but it was hard. "They look. . . nice." he thought to comment.

The mouse grinned. If the rat kept this up, she really was going to like him. Certainly she couldn't help but feel warmth towards someone who made Jack smile like that. "Alright," she said, putting on her staff, and using it to lever herself up. "Let'ss have a look around, figure out what we're bringin. Don't really need food or water, s'plenty in our burrow." She'd glance over at the cheese and cherries; they could take those and scatter them on the way for some other lucky scavengers to find.

Quickly getting to his feet, the rabbit took Lichthia's words as an invitation. He hopped right over to the pile of shinies, and began to root. His paws would dig and his muzzle would push. The other two rodents, of sensitive hearing, would be able to hear the light sound of bunny teeth grinding against each other, in the lapine equivalent of a purr.

Tarik did not move just yet. He stayed as he was, looking to the mouse and nodding slow. The rat had long been drained. The night before he barely slept. . . at least, deeply. And his encounter with Tabatha had robbed him of the little energy he had. Eventually, he'd plant a shaky fore-paw to the ground, attempting to support himself. He'd be caught in a fall before even getting to his feet.

Licthia grinned from ear to ear, watching and hearing the lapine so happy. She'd turn, intending to say a kind word to Tarik, only to see him stumble. Reflexively she'd lunge forward, putting an arm around his back, and helping him up. It was perhaps the closest she'd been to the rat. For her size, she was quite strong, though he would have known that, seeing as she'd carried him all the way to Jaabir's nest. "Y'alright?" she'd ask in a hushed voice, a little anxious. "If y'prefer, we don't have to back today," she'd assure him. "We could stay here tonight, then go back tomorrow if Jaabir's still huntin." Staying the night after all had actually been her original plan.

The rat would look to be panting, leaning against the mouse as she stepped in to catch him. He'd try to keep his legs steady then, using the mouse as a catalyst. It looked to take effort for him. Not even Tarik realized how tired he was. "I. . . I don't know. . ." he'd manage to speak between breaths. He wanted so much to leave this place, he had to at least try. He moved a leg in front, attempting to move forward, pulling away from the mouse. The rat would stand, and continue to pant. Finally he'd give a big sigh, and take a few more steps. "I. . . I think I can make it. . ." he'd say, if not without certainty. As he tested his barring, he'd peer to the rabbit, watching him, and looking to steady himself some in the process. Even in a shattered emotional state, even without rest. . . Tarik smiled lightly. The rabbit could be an encouragement without trying, it would seem.

Lichthia would watch the rat watching the rabbit. She gave the rat a knowing smile. "Take y'time," she'd say softly. "S'no hurry. And our burrow isn't far." With that, she'd pick up an empty sack and walk over to Jack. "Shall we take these?" she'd ask the rabbit, picking up the shinies respectfully and putting them in the sack. Well at least they wouldn't have much to carry. The shinies were light, and there was already food and such back at the burrow.

The rat nodded back to Lichthia, giving a light sigh of relief in hearing the location was 'not far'. He stayed as he was, when Lichthia made her way to the rabbit.

The rabbit was just a little distracted as the two rodents spoke. If he knew Tarik almost fell, he'd probably of hugged him again. However, he was far too focused on the small sparkly objects to notice. Things were just a little scattered now, a smaller pile formed with a few select items seemingly at random. Upon closer inspection, one could see the bottle cap he picked out was of a brighter hue than the others. The can tabs he chose also had just a little more luster, and the coins were newer, free of heavy scratches. When Lichthia walked over he was about to show her his findings, and what he hoped was small enough for them to carry. Her gesture to everything, and her action of playing them all in the sack would be met with wide eyes. "W-we can take. . . all of them?"

The mouse grinned, carefully putting the items in a sack. "Don't see why not," she answered. "Won't do anyone any good if we leave 'em here. Don't think anyone is comin back for them. She'd glance up in Tarik's direction.

Jack would smile just a little wider. "Ok. . . " The grinding of teeth a bit amplified. He'd look back to the larger pile and whisper, "wow. . ."

Tarik would stretch his legs and body while the other conversed. He, like most rats, were partial to things that shined, or really, anything at all that seemed unusual or otherwise interesting: A strange desire to find and hoard, even that which was not edible. It would seem, however, the rabbit held just a little more excitement when regarding the treasures.

It would take him some time, but the rat would trudge himself over, looking down. His addition to the pile, seemed otherwise passed up by the rabbit initially. Well, part way. Jack had sectioned off the new can tab Tarik found. However, the dark red stone (which would hold. . . significantly more value), was among the discards. Before Lichthia placed it in the sack, he'd reach over and admire it, before placing it in the sack himself. He wondered, if he might take that one with him.

The rat would respond belatedly to the mouse's statement. "I. . . don't think so either." He'd look over to the entrance and stare for a moment. "We should. . . cover it. When we leave." Tarik knew he would tell others when (and if) he got into the colony, but it was entirely possible an outcast could be sent away before then. "Or. . . or do something to keep others away. . ."

The mouse would open the bag for Tarik to deposit the stone before cinching it up. While she found their fascination with shines amusing, she couldn't be completely smug, being fond of shines of the flowery variety herself. Still, if they made Jack happy, she wouldn't mind them in their warren. She'd nod at Tarik's observation. "M'kind of wishin I didn't make y'throw away those bones now, they'd be a good way to warn other mice," she'd say softly. "Not that there are likely to be any, outcast mice like m'self aren't so common as outcast rats." She'd reach into the back and pull out some bandages she'd brought, cutting of a length of one. "I leave it to you to figure out how to signal any rats," she'd say softly. "Though goin back and forth 'tween our burrow and the nest, I'll be able to check in here once in a while." A bandage in paw, she'd lift the bag and pick up her staff, seemingly ready to go.

Tarik nodded slowly, looking to the empty corner that once held a small hill of remains. It would have frightened most smaller rodents, he imagined. The rat would consider for a moment, what would have occurred if he did not take those bones off. He might not have seen Tabatha this morning, though, it was in all likelihood he would have sooner than later. She was. . . waiting. She knew he was there. She would have came upon him just the same. The mouse's intervention, over all, was certainly more blessing than curse.

he considered what he might do to signal others. He sighed, "I'm not sure. If we take everything. . . they would know no one is living here. . ." Tarik would look around, "but. . . it's still shelter. They'd stay. . ." Hunter rats in the near by colony, they had signals, signs they used to communicate danger without words. Gathers like Tarik, however, did not. He'd consider what he might find frightening, what might make him reconsider staying around. If Tarik could write, and reading was common among his family, he might consider the obvious approach of etching 'Danger! Cat will eat you!" on the walls.

The rat would turn and walk slowly toward a near wall. He'd raise a single claw, and begin to. . . draw. There would be two large eyes resembling those of a cat, with a few crude whiskers placed beneath. He'd add two ears above, and just below, he'd make several small straight lines, one beside the other. He would stop at ten. Tarik wasn't sure it would be enough to scare others, but it scared him.

Lichthia would lean against her staff and watch the rat draw. "S'a good likeness," she'd remark with a smile. Glancing to the side, she'd add, "Think we should leave the cheese? S'kind of her calling card."

Tarik stepped back and look to his own work. The image, tallys especially, were a little unpleasant to look at, but it felt necessary. He' nodded, softly, to the mouse's assessment: A brief smile on his face, before a light frown . "Hope. . . it's enough. . ." he'd respond back, ears drooping just a little. The rat would turn his head to the cat's offer, at Lichthia's mention. "I. .. I think so. . ." he'd finally say. The aged cheese could leave an unpleasant smell after a long awhile. Though. . . before then? He'd shake his head. "It could. . .attract someone. If they're looking for food. . ." Eerie indirect signs and lack of resent life unconsidered, shelter and initial food might compel a guest to stay: The risk might be seem as worthwhile. "Maybe. . ."

With some mild consideration, the rat would return to his etching. At the bottom right he'd add a small square with a few holes, and a few tiny circles with stems. Next to that, he'd make something that looked like it had four legs, and a pointed nose; drawn upside down. Tarik added an 'x' for an eye and gave it a long tail. Maybe that would get the point across? He stepped back and walked over to the cheese, holding it a bit warily, his nose twitching visibly at the pleasant aroma. Tarik then placed the cheese just before the drawing, and stepped away, nodding slow.

Meanwhile, the rabbit would sit away watching. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on, he still looked pretty happy; occasionally looking to the bag that housed all the new sparkly things he had. Eventually, curiosity would get the better of him, and he hopped over to see. Jack would regard the drawing with a tilted head.

The mouse stood there, regarding the scene speculatively. "I think it'll be fine," she'd say after a while. "You'll be back with ykin and able t'tell 'em y'self soon enough. And if I were a mouse, I wouldn't stay here long after seein a scratchin like that, though I am more cautious n'most." She smirked, then turn her head to the rat. "And in the mean time, I'll be comin by here once a while, n'I'll warn any squatters." She'd hoist up her bag. "Doubt Tabatha will be comin by so often, I expect she knows rats won't be comin by here much longer."

Tarik nodded slow. Her words would put him a little at ease. He was half way listening, noticeably still exhausted. He heard mention of checking the burrow, however, and would raise his head. Tarik had almost forgotten how strange the mouse was. She was more than willing to risk running into another rat. Did she. . . want to? No, that couldn't be right. "O-others can be dangerous. . ." he would think to warn. "Some of. . . the hunter leaders. . ." he'd lean in closer and whisper, "one killed a rabbit by himself. . ." He looked to her, concerned, considering if a colony rat ate Lichthia, Jaabir would probably eat the colony. "M-maybe I could. . . go too. . ." he'd offer. Even if one didn't hurt her, there was also the risk she could hurt them.

Jack stood behind, in thought, as Lichthia and Tarik discussed. He still wasn't sure what the picture was about, but wouldn't question: The rat worked really hard on it, and might feel bad. Instead he'd wait attentively for the others to finish, passing glances between the two.

Still staring at the picture, Licthia nodded thoughtfully at the Tarik's words; eyes widening at the whispered comment. A rat who could kill a rabbit, single pawed? That was. . . interesting. She'd been a little shocked at how quickly Tarik had fallen, and she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be attacked by a rat who actually knew how to fight. Of course the rat would have the advantage of both size and strength, but she had her staff and the element of surprise. Her thoughts were interrupted by Tarik's offer. "I'd like t'think they'd have the good sense and the decency not to attack someone who came approachin them, who knew their friend's name, and came offerin knowledge." She sighed and nodded, looking up at Tarik, smiling. "But s'a good idea, n'I appreciate the offer. We'll go together." And with that, she casually swung her staff in a smooth ark, resting it on her shoulder. "We ready to go?" she'd ask.

The rat considered Lichthia's point, but, given his current state, it was becoming more and more difficult to think at all. He'd nodded sluggishly. Tarik wasn't entirely convinced. Her agreement would be met with a small relieved sigh, he didn't have had the energy to debate. . . let alone form another rational thought. "Ok. . ." he'd replied, stretching himself in preparation. "I. . ." He'd turn his head slowly behind and look to stare to the wall, the imagine and tally enough to draw memory. It was something he never truly wanted to see again, be it on a wall, or in his mind. Tarik turned back and took a large breath, "I'm ready. . ."

His eyes no longer on the etching, Jack would stare to Tarik with concern. He knew the rat was still hurting, and didn't like it. His eyes drifted back to the small sack near the entrance. The rabbit liked his new treasures, but he'd give them up if it would help. He'd hop near Tarik, without hesitation: If the rat was tired, he could at least help support him. "I'm ready too. . ." he'd whisper. He wouldn't smile right now. It was hard for Jack to feel happy, when others were in pain.

The mouse was still smiling, despite all that had happened, though perhaps not as broadly as she usually might. She'd pick up the bag of treasure, which was mercifully light. Her shoulder didn't hurt as much, though she'd want to stretch it out when she had the opportunity. "Alright," she'd reply, unthinkingly taking the lead. "We're gonna take our time, no need to rush. No talkin til we get there, unless someone see's something important of course. We'll keep t'heavy cover. If we do encounter somethin, we stay together, no boltin." Given the circumstances, if they did encounter a pred, she worried for the rat; he might not be able to run as fast as the others. "I'm not expectin any trouble,. . ." she'd quickly add, wanting to assuage any fears. ". . .we're not far from home, and there's good cover 'tween here and there." She'd pause to look back to see if there were any objections, but assuming there was no reply she'd lead the way out.

Tarik blinked slow, half way leaning against soft bunny-fur. If he had objections, it didn't look like he could speak them. He'd walk forward with a paw against the lapin, stroking him idly. The bunny, in turn. would keep to his pace, hoping lightly so the rat wouldn't lose balance. Jack and Tarik would follow the mouse close. When they reached the exit, Jack would have to hop ahead, just barely fitting his way through. The rat moved slowly behind, leaving the darkness and stepping out into light: He wasn't sure he ever could have, not alone.

The mouse looked upwards, whiskers quivering from a faint breeze, as she came out into the light. She took the bandage she cut and let toss it onto the grass. "If Tabatha sees that, she'll know I was here, and y'did what she asked," she'd remark. That done, she'd set the heel of her staff against the earth and start off, keeping an easy pace and looking back at the others every once in awhile, as she followed a line of bushes that were good cover. It looked like it was going to be a good day.