Duel Vulpinsula & Surroundings Insanely Rich Area Forged in Fur and Flame

[SwifttailTheFox]

((OOC - This is the second act of the "Dual" series, happening after the conclusion of "The Challenge", and is what we have been referring to as "Swifttail's 80's style training montage"! Parts of this will be slower and narrative building, but each day counting down to the dual will have a section where we slip into Montage Mode that will call for quick, rapid fire replies with training moments, and the occasional comedic moment thrown in! If somebody wishes to join in on helping Swifttail train like Rocky Balboa, please ask to join through private message or Discord, just so we can discuss first how to fit you in! Let's have fun with this one!))

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Six days remaining...

The forge’s heat clung to him long after the hammers went silent. Clinker had not spared his tongue that day, driving Swifttail through task after task. Hauling bar stock, filing edges, hammering plates until his ears rang with each strike. His broken paw ached under its binding, every muscle burned, and yet the weasel's glare left no room for complaint. By the time the evening bell tolled, he felt hollowed out, like one of the crucibles left cooling in the ash.

Still, his paws carried him onward. Not home, not to rest, but toward a promise he had made himself: to seek help.

His thoughts wandered as he walked, and it was Silvertongue who rose first. The bard’s sudden closeness back on Urk... That first kiss stolen behind the infirmary tent, the second pressed in the heat of battle, and their moment in the crows nest on that stormy night afterward. Those moments still left him reeling. Then there was Greeneye and the duel he had flung down like a gauntlet between them. Finally to Madame Lorelei, her intimidating counsel, her care, the night spent in her show with Silvertongue where the choice had become real. Each thread tangled with the next until it pulled tight, knotting into the weight that sat heavy on his chest now.

He only had six days until that dual. Six days to prepare, or else lose Silvertongue to the rat's toxic, abusive traits forever... If he even survived at all.

The streets thinned, the harbor’s noise falling behind as he crossed into the quieter, upscale parts of the city. He knew the way well enough from what info he had gathered, yet when he stepped beneath the cracked stone arch and into what had once been the Nashirou estate, it still felt like trespass. The front garden sprawled wild, hedges long since left to their own hunger, statues toppled, paths smothered in moss. He pushed through brambles, claws brushing ivy, until he lost the line of the walk entirely.

For a moment he stopped, tangled in both growth and thought, heart tugged in too many directions at once.

Then he drew a breath, shook his head, and pressed forward. He remembered why he was here.

To find Kaii.

The ruin rose ahead through the shadows, windows like tired eyes, waiting.

He only had six days remaining...

@Kaii Nashirou @Silvertongue Songfox @Darragh Harper @FinnianBrightfur @Alwyn Ryalor

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii was done with the work for today. He had a rather simple day of mostly menial (to him) labour consisting of calculating and drilling holes for a scaffolding. Nothing too hard and it did pay decently. Now, as his stomach got filled with some fish soup, the Marble Fox was doing his evening kata. He stood in the hall that used to be an armoury, now reduced to piles of rubble with only one wall standing, covered in soot from the fire that long ago has consumed his home.

Clad in just his pants, Kaii held his glaive, almost dancing with it. His act was both one of training and performing. He had placed around sacks of sand and wooden blocks for target practice. He did move constantly, trying to go fluidly from one attack to another, striking his targets down. In the process, he spent time while going between them, putting on blocks and parries against imagined threats. And while to an accidental viewer, since Kaii knew sometimes there were occasional beasts who stared, it must've looked impressive, it was really not yet at the levels Kaii aspired to. At best he was using his glaive like a trained soldier, albeit with more finesse and strategy behind it. However he was not as skilled as most, which was proven as he got the blade of his weapon stuck in the wooden block, fully ruining his sequence and making him grunt with displeasure.

After getting the blade free, he was about to start it all over. Even if he now had some friends to rely on, he actually felt even more compelled to always keep his skills as sharp as the glaive he wielded. He swore to protect them after all, had to fight for his crew on the ship and had to fight for himself. Thus he would not be satisfied until his kata was perfect and flawless. Then he would take on a more difficult one next day. And with all that said, he also liked to have physical activity to keep himself fit. His muscles were not a product of doing calculations for hours for sure.

However, before he started again, he heard steps. Not too difficult during the evening with a nice weather. There was no wind and too warm of a temperature to have various insects start making noises. Kaii of course had no idea if it was an intruder or not. Those did happen sometimes. As such, with no hesitation, he moved swiftly to the area that used to be the main entrance of his estate. Kaii was ready to fight still, fur ruffled, slightly panting, shirtless and carrying his glaive in combat ready position, most common thieves would simply run away from a mad fox inhabiting those ruins.

Instead however he found Swifttail. Looking as if someone threw a bucket of water onto the flame of his life. Kaii let out a small sigh, happy to see his friend but also noticing there was something odd with them. He moved closer as he slowly folded the pole of his weapon. "Good evening Swifttail. What happened? You look as if you were to go through that sail ordeal we did again."

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail slowed at the sound of Kaii’s movements in the ruined hall, ears flicking at the hiss and thump of steel meeting sand and wood. He caught sight of the marble fox in the last light of evening, shirtless, muscles moving with the rhythm of each practiced cut and parry. The glaive flashed, fluid, deliberate, almost like a dance. For a moment Swift just stood in the doorway, feeling shabby in his soot-stained tunic, his paws heavy, his bandaged one throbbing in its binding.

He hadn’t meant to interrupt. Embarrassment prickled under his fur, and he dipped his head as Kaii lowered the weapon.

"Evenin’, Kaii… Sorry t’ intrude. I, uh… didn’t mean t’ cut into yer practice."

Kaii’s eyes caught him, sharp and assessing, and the sigh that followed was warm enough to draw Swift forward. Still, the weight didn’t lift. His paws worked against each other as if to hide his nerves, his tail kept low.

"I certainly feel the same..." he admitted, voice rough. "Clinker near killed me with it today. No, it’s… it’s Greeneye."

The name left his muzzle like a stone dropped into deep water. He swallowed, glancing away toward the overgrown garden beyond the broken wall.

"He’s challenged me t’ a duel of swords. To first blood, he says. But I know him, Kaii. He won’t stop there. He’ll push it till I’m bleedin’ out, or worse. I can see it in his eyes."

His ears flattened as the rest spilled out, quick and uneven.

"It’s Silvie… Greeneye won’t let go of him. He keeps dragging him deeper into debt. Every step closer we’ve had, every kiss... it’s driven him madder. He threw down that gauntlet t’ prove he still owns what Silvie’s heart has already given. Lorelei told me plain enough. Either I stand, or Silvie gets dragged right back under him."

The words quavered at the edges, but Swift forced them steady, forcing himself to meet Kaii’s gaze.

"I’m terrified, Kaii. Not just of losin’, but of dyin’ at his paws because he won’t keep his word. An’ if that happens, Silvie’s lost too."

He drew a breath, shaky but resolute, and stepped closer.

"I need help. I can’t do this alone. Will ye… will ye train me?"

The question hung between them, soft and raw. Swift’s tail dragged low across the stone floor, his good paw curling and uncurling at his side. All he could do now was wait for Kaii's reply.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii stopped hearing the revelation, his smile dropped and his ears twitched. The cold flames of fury could be seen behind his amethyst eyes, betraying how angry he truly was. Those who knew Kaii well would know where to search for hints of his emotional state. Nothing about him spoke of this calculated anger like the eyes now and he knew well that Swifttail can notice that too.

The request was not a joke. Kaii needed a moment to think it through. As such there was a rather unfortunate minute during which Swifttail had to suffer silence. There was a lot to unpack here and consider after all. But the cogs within the ever stellar brain of the marble fox were turning at maximum speed, trying to churn out the best solution possible.

Finally, Kaii stepped closer again, and put his arm around Swifttail. "I will. I can also step in for you in the duel itself if you wish so. Though, I am quite certain Greeneye wouldn't agree to it." He started with as stern and assuring voice as he could make. The depth of it rumbling across his body. "But I want you to know one thing. You will not win this battle with skill." That brutal yet needed words had to be spoken and were a reason why Kaii moved to hold Swift. He needed real, rational solution, but Kaii already did learn that offering those was often painful and a lot of beasts couldn't take them. He hoped that his assuring grasp and presence would offset it enough.

"Greeneye is a formidable fighter. I've been taught combat since I was a kit. Seriously training with glaive for a few years now. I still doubt I could win with him in one-on-one combat." More of that painful reality needed to be said. Swifttail had to know his situation to prepare himself adequately. However, despite everything, Kaii had plans to make this all work out in the end.

"So, you are not going to fight him. You only need to draw first blood. With enough beasts around to witness and act if he trashes out afterwards. he may be good, but fighting with many strong opponents, especially with various weapons? That is beyond most beasts, maybe safe for likes of Duke Talinn." That was going to be the basis of what Swifttail had to do. Winning a fight was not within a realm of plausibility. Winning the duel? Very much so. The platinum fox just needed to know how. And Kaii had a plan to offer.

Kaii finally let go off Swifttail and gestured him to follow. Fyadoran culture was much less concerned with baring one's fur, so Kaii stepped through the remaining arches of the main entrance and chose a small path of mossy cobbles that led into what used to be a Fyadoran garden, surrounded by a pond. Now, it looked more like an overgrown marsh.

On the way, Kaii didn't stop explaining his plan to their friend. "That rat uses a cutlass. Broad, large sword made primarily for cutting. It serves well against many targets and can be devastating against anything not heavily armoured in closest range. It also is great for blocking other weapons made for cutting only. However, it fares less well to counter weapons made for piercing. Your best bet will be to get a rapier or a dueling sword."

Finally, Kaii stopped. They were now on a square pedestal made of polished stone. One that wasn't much damaged. Protruding from it were charred wooden parts, suggesting that a building that once stood upon this pedestal was made out of wood and burnt down completely. Looking at the former gardens and ponds around, the marble fox gently brushed his muzzle with his claws before continuing. "I offer you this place for the duel itself. If you were to train here, your mind will feel more confident knowing the environment. Any small advantage you can get matters now. Especially as that is how you can win this fight."

Using his glaive, now folded and actually more reminiscent of the cutlass, Kaii cut down a fresh branch from the closest dead tree. He then started to cut off any smaller parts that stemmed from it, trying to get one, straight piece of wood. He did so while still speaking of course. "And for the fight itself. I can teach you the basic poses and procedures. However you need to rely on speed. You should avoid fighting for long at any cost. Your goal is to lounge, stab them and draw first blood. That is it. Greeneye has a pegleg so aiming at the other leg is a good idea. That will force him to dodge using ineffective limb. You can then double down and stab the pegged leg quickly. That is... possibly the best strategy I can offer you."

And will all that was said, Kaii still had one thing to add. He came closer to Swift and gave him the branch as well as small rock to hold in the same paw to simulate the proper weapon's weight. "I do not know who do you wish to tell about this, but I am sure Darragh can teach you a thing or two about dirty tricks as well. My combat style is effective, but it is good to have various perspectives. We also will need a medic at paw. If you want me to, I can ask around or seek someone from the Hide."

Before anything more. Kaii twitched his whiskers and gave a few swings to his folded glaive. He wasn't as good with it as he was when it was a polearm, but as Swifttail were to fight someone with cutlass, that was the best possible equivalent that he could put him against. Still before anything started now The marble fox once more put his paw on Swift's shoulder.

"Most importantly Swift. You are not alone in this. All the strategy I gave you as well as the little advantages? They mean not as much as the fact you will have allies with you. Greeneye will not mutilate you. Not as long as I am alive. And I will not let this duel to be anything but a serious, organised matter. Your worries are valid, but with all I've said, you risk as little as you can." Kaii said and gave his friend a hug. One long enough to let the other fox calm down.

Parting, Kaii only added. "Despite billions of possibilities, your victory is the only outcome." He then stood at the appropriate distance to start a duel, ready to teach and ready to aid his closest friend in every possible way.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Relief washed through Swifttail when Kaii finally spoke. The silence had been crushing, and the fury he’d glimpsed in his friend’s eyes had nearly buckled him. But the arm around his shoulders, the steady voice, and the blunt honesty anchored him. His ears dipped, shy about the closeness, but gratitude swelling all the same.

"Thank ye, Kaii… truly. I don’t know what I’d’ve done if ye turned me away."

The words that followed were hard to hear, yet Swift knew he needed them. He swallowed against the lump in his throat. Greeneye couldn’t be beaten in skill. Not by him, surely. That truth stung, but it also lit a flicker of determination. If he couldn’t win by strength, then he would learn to win another way.

Kaii pressed a weighted branch into his paw. Swift tested the heft, ears flicking uneasily.

"A rapier or dueling sword… but, where am I s’posed t’get me paws on one of those? Or armor? I’ve naught but Clinker’s hammerin’ leathers… an’ they won’t stop a blade."

His tail twitched, fretting aloud. Should he look into buying them? That would be an expensive prospect, surely. One he definitely couldn't afford even on credit. Could he borrow them? He didn’t know... For now, he let the thought drop, trusting his friend would have an answer in time.

"But aye, if ye think there’s beasts who can help, tell ‘em. I trust ye to judge who kin know about this duel." He drew a steadying breath. "Darragh, absolutely. He’s clever with his fists, but he’s all bobbin’ an’ weavin’, too. I’ll need that. Quick paws, quick thinkin’."

His paw tightened around the branch, the other aching beneath its bandage. He lowered his voice.

"I’m still scared, Kaii. But knowin’ I’m not facin’ him alone makes it more bearable, I think..."

Kaii stepped back, glaive folding into a cutlass shape, and suddenly Swift realized what was about to happen. His eyes widened as Kaii squared into stance.

"Oh, we’re... hah... we’re doin’ this now?!"

Swift wasn’t reluctant, he was just startled by the sudden plunge into training. Of course Kaii would dive straight in. He was always the model of efficiency.

Quickly, he scrambled into a clumsy stance of his own, tail flicking, paws uncertain but willing.

"Aye then… show me how t’ make it count."

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii didn't spare a second before at first showing the proper stance for Swift. It was not optimal with a blade he wielded, but Swift had to know first the basics. "Stand like this, legs wide, tail ready to balance, knees slightly bent." Kaii would repeat and show that, while helping Swift with corrections till he got it.

With the correct pose, Kaii showed to Swift the manoeuvre he had to take to win. The lounge. Simple, effective and precise. With adequate speed, it was the best Swift could rely on. After few more takes, Kaii again stood in front of Swifttail, his "cutlass" ready. "Now, come at me. I will dodge and block only. Try your best to stab me."

Kaii of course knew very well how to do either, but he was not going to be lenient. Not when Swift's life was at stake. He would be fair however and actually left openings when possible. He was holding out only slightly, but enough to give Swift a chance. As his friend tried repeatedly, Kaii spoke between the parries and dodges. Intertwining his lectures into his movements. Explaining to Swift how each of his attacks was good and bad, as well as what Greeneye could do in any scenario. There was a lot of information, but it was meant to be melted with the muscle memory. That was Kaii's goal here after all.

Long after the sun has set, Kaii finally let Swift finish. And he did so because Swift managed to strike him. He brought fresh water and few pieces of dried meat he held for emergencies and shared those between the two for rejuvenation. Sitting on the cold stone, Kaii's back fur was flowing with the delicate breeze now as he answered the question.

"It is a first blood duel. No armours should be allowed. You can tell that to Greeneye and all who will surround you will agree. As for a weapon. I will try to find a way to borrow one. Noble title still gives me entrances and privileges that I may not be fond of, but for such matters, I will use them." He declared, even if he actually had a vastly different idea in mind. One that he would realise this night.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail fumbled into the stance Kaii showed him, legs too close at first, tail dragging behind him instead of balancing. His knees locked, then bent too far, and every adjustment from Kaii’s paw only deepened his blush.

"Legs wide, tail steady… aye, aye, I’ve got it…" he muttered, though he plainly didn’t. When at last he stood something close to what Kaii wanted, his ears flicked back and he managed a shaky grin. "Feels like I’m about t’ topple over if ye breathe on me."

Then came the lunge. Again and again. Kaii’s voice rang over every attempt, pointing out flaws, reminding him to drive forward with speed, not strength. Swift’s first tries were pitiful. All were too short, too slow, or the blade ending up dipping wide. His bandaged paw throbbed with each push. But the marble fox’s patience never wavered, and Swift grit his teeth and kept at it.

"Again," he panted, fur ruffled and askew. "I’ll get it right."

Soon enough he was coming at Kaii directly. Each thrust met with a deft block or a sidestep. Sometimes Kaii left an opening and still Swift stumbled past, ears burning, tail lashing in frustration.

"Vulpus’ breath, ye make it look so easy…" he groaned, doubling over for a breath. Still, he straightened, reset his stance, and drove forward again.

When his branch finally slipped past Kaii’s guard and tapped his side, Swift froze in shock. Then a ragged laugh burst out of him.

"Hah! Did ye see that? I actually..." He cut himself off, chest heaving. The grin softened, sobered. "Greeneye won’t give me that kind o’ mercy… but still. It feels good t’ land one finally."

They broke then, settling onto the cool stone with water and dried meat. Swift ate and drank both greedily as he leaned back, head tipped toward the ruined arches, breathing deep of the evening air. Kaii’s words about armor and weapons reached him through the haze of exhaustion.

"No armor… aye, I suppose that makes sense. Still feels bare, though." His paw traced unconsciously over the bandages. "Thank ye for seein’ t’ a blade, Kaii. I wouldn’t even know where t’ start."

He sat quiet for a moment, watching the ripples of the overgrown pond catch the moonlight. Then he added softly, "I’ll keep workin’. Even if it near kills me. For Silvie, for me… an’ ‘cause I know I’m not standin’ alone."

His tail flicked, a tired spark of determination in his eyes as he finished off his final bit of preserved meat. Still, he sagged back against the stone, paws heavy in his lap.

"Well… think that’s all I’ve got in me fer tonight." He gave a breathless chuckle, pushing himself to his paws with effort. "Care t’ walk me home, Kaii? Doubt I’ll make it m'self without driftin’ into a hedge."

His gaze flicked to the marble fox’s bare chest, fur still catching the moonlight. Swift’s ears burned as a tired grin tugged at his muzzle.

"Though maybe put yer shirt back on, eh?"

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

"I am proud of you Swift. Your words assure me you will win because you care. Remember however to rest before the duel itself. I will expect you at the morning on that day to give you some final advice." Kaii said as he stood and then helped Swifttail up, he was shaking, but to the marble fox, that was a sign his muscles will remember.

At the mention of his apparent nudity, Kaii responded with a tiny chuckle. "I thought that vixens and some todds do not mind that sight as much." He left with a small grin to get himself into one of his frilly shirts.

As Kaii came back, now having his chest covered. He put up his paw onto Swifttail's shoulder again. "While I will welcome you here at any evening, you should seek Darr for sure. Maybe Morgan could help you too if they are in good condition. I will seek a medic or at least a nurse for the duel as promised."

He picked up his weapon and got it on his belt, then stretched his muscles and joints. "Take a moment to stretch with me please. It will help you muscles and hurt less tomorrow that way. Just follow what I do." Kaii then did some simple exercises, bends, squats, star jumps and all that. It wasn't too long of an exercise, but one well needed for the muscles. After that, the marble fox once more helped his friend to move, safeguarding their exhausted body, while ignoring his own tiredness and Urk wounds that still were sometimes felt.

Soon after they were navigating through the city, first wandering between the richest mansions and most beauiful houses this city has to offer, then passing the slups, albeit only via the main roads that had lighting and fogeys walking on them. Finally reaching The Trenches where Swifttail was living and working. Kaii through this whole time did only some lighter talk. He wanted let Swift's mind rest too from the whole debacle because as he knew, it takes a rested mind to operate at full efficiency.

But as Kaii was about to leave Swift, he offered him one last thing. Another hug, during which he spoke. "Take care Swifttail. I do know you will not falter and I believe in you wholeheartedly. If anything comes up that you will need me for, or if you wish to train some more with me, you know I spend nights and late evenings at my home. You are always welcome there, no matter how meagre it is."

And parting, he bowed slightly and left. At least physically, for his soul and mind were going to stay with his closest friend for the next days to come.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail let himself be hauled up, legs trembling under him. He felt hollowed out, body wrung dry, yet Kaii’s words reached through the fog of exhaustion. Gratitude rose sharp in his chest.

"Ye really think so, Kaii? …Thank ye. Means more’n I can say."

When the marble fox returned dressed in one of his frilly shirts, Swift managed the faintest grin.

"Now ye look much more polished ’n’ decent."

He followed along through the stretches without complaint, mimicking Kaii’s movements as best he could. The ache in his body protested, but the logic of it wasn’t lost on him.

"Huh… never’d’ve thought t’do this m’self. Smart though. I’ll remember it."

As they made their way through the city, Swift stayed quiet, simply glad for Kaii’s company. The mansions and manicured homes gave way to dimmer roads and ragged tenements, until the crooked lanterns of the Trenches lit their path. For once, Swift felt no unease walking those streets, not with Kaii at his side. The final hug caught him weary, but he returned it, leaning into the warmth without hesitation. His tail gave a faint flick as he whispered back:

"Thank ye, Kaii. Means the world knowin’ ye believe in me. I’ll see ye again soon."

When Kaii turned to leave, Swift's mind sparked with a sudden thought. "Oh Kaii! Where d’ye reckon I’ll find Darr? Ain’t exactly had the chance t’seek him out yet.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii turned on his paws towards Swifttail again. He was surprised that Swifttail was not told where Darr had lived. Then again, Kaii and Darr had their heart-to-heart and a promise that the two would seek knowledge together in the future. This resulted in exchange of addresses which was, as it turned out, rather valuable.

"Darragh lives not too far off. He stays in the Trenches just like you do, though in his case he rents a room with a ferret family above a store with writing implements." Kaii explained, realising how much the two of his closest friends were similar when it came to their lodgings. In fact, Kaii was possibly the only one who was different here.

Fortunately the marble fox was good at navigating the places that were not so everchanging as the Slups were thanks to his solid memory. "Leaving your place, go towards the closest square. At the corner where two main roads converge, chose one that goes north towards the Local Docks. Then turn into fourth street on your right side. The Mayweather Street" Kaii at least remembered the street names Darragh gave him. He usually didn't bother too much with those, not when he remembered paths as a whole. "Then go forward. At the corner of this street and Keats Lane, Selwyn Sedgewick's Stationarie Shoppe can be found. Darragh lives in the attic there."

The marble fox felt slightly off with the fact two of his friends lived so close together. It was a best a few minutes of walk. He lived on the other side of the city by comparison. Alone.

"I think you will find the place with not much issue. And if there would be any, seek me. I know how to navigate to their home for sure."

He once again gave a curt bow and waved to Switfttail. "Once again, goodnight Swift. Do not falter. I have your tail, no matter what."

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail stood still a long moment, clutching the directions to Darr’s place in his memory, but his gaze fixed on Kaii instead. The marble fox’s bow, his steady words, the way he had walked him clear across the city only to turn and face the long road back alone… it struck harder than any lunge or parry had that night.

His throat tightened. He blinked quickly, but the sting of tears still touched his eyes.

"Kaii… I… ye’ve done more’n I can ever repay t’night. Ye walked me home, taught me, carried me through when I’d’ve fallen flat. I’ll not forget any of this. Ever."

He swallowed, tail brushing the ground as his voice fell softer.

"Go well, my friend. An’ thank ye. Truly. For everythin’."

His paw lifted slightly, as if he wanted to give something back, but empty as it was, it fell to his side again. All he had left to offer was a tired, glimmering smile.

Then, with a weary nod, he turned toward his door, letting the night close around them both.

 

[Kaii Nashirou]

Kaii didn't sleep that night. He had returned home with no problem, but as he walked into the family's crypt where he had his bedding (due to it being the only place with full roof and walls left), he was reminded by dozens upon dozens silver plates with names of all his ancestors and past family members that he had a duty to fulfil. His oath to protect his friends brought him resolve to act, but it was genuine connection he found with them and with Swifttail especially that gave him determination to see it through that went deeper than duty.

Scheming wasn't Kaii's strongest skill, but planning ahead was definitely something he excelled at when he needed it. While he had tomorrow some work to do, as he was employed to repair and refurbish one heirloom clock that belonged to one family in Insanely Rich Area, Kaii decided that he will still first go to the Imperial Docks and seek for eligible healers from the Hide. Barrett was off the limit, but the marble fox had heard there were new ensigns. If none of them would be enough, Kaii would just seek among the professionals, he still had access to college halls after all.

But more importantly, he was planning on getting Swifttail a weapon for the fight. Seeing as a kit a lot of weapon manufacturing, Kaii knew one thing for sure. A good weapon was an advantage on its own. And while he was set on the idea he had earlier, Kaii spend the rest of the night perfecting it, making sure that his friend will come to this encounter with nothing but the best advantages he can.

After all, Swifttail may have thought he could never repay Kaii for his effort and help.

But he didn't know that it was Kaii who was only repaying to Swift all the kindness and friendship he gave to him in the first place.

 

[Darragh Harper]

Five Days Remain…

The stoat stared at the kettle on the stove.

“DarraaAAAaaagh!” Whined a ferret kit, headbutting him in the small of his back. The stoat’s whiskers twitched, but he didn’t budge.

The ferret flopped to the floor and grabbed the stoat’s black-tipped tail. She stuffed it in her mouth and angrily tried to chew.

“Mmmrrrmmmmm!” The kit complained.

The copper kettle began a quavering whistle. The stoat watched the steam gush from its curved spout, then lifted it off the stove with a rag to protect his paw. He waddled awkwardly from the little stone-floored kitchen to the dining room, dragging a determined ferret behind him. He poured into the teapot, careful not to spill hot water onto the lacy tablecloth. The decor in this room was stifling in its quaintness, with its thick maroon curtains, floral-patterned tea set, and the Home Sweet Home embroidery on the wall. By comparison, dressed only in clean, if frayed and patched breeches and an open shirt, the scruffy-furred stoat looked rough and plain.

“Now we let that steep for a few minutes,” Darragh explained gently. He turned his head to look down at the jill on the floor, and grinned. “Azalea, that’s unbecomin’ of a stationer’s daughter.”

The kit spat out his tail. “I’m not a dumb stationer’s daughter! I’m a shark!”

The young poet considered that for a moment. Despite the excessively frilled pink dress poor Azalea was stuffed into like an indignant mask-faced fuzzy sausage, he supposed she had a kind of fishy way of sliding around on the floor, much to her mother’s paw-wringing chagrin. He supposed he shouldn’t be surprised - he’d given her a shark’s tooth as a souvenir from his last voyage (it was a bit less morbid than the souvenirs he had from the battle of Urk), and this had sparked in the eight-year-old a fierce life ambition to become a marine predator.

“Aye, that you are. Is Miss Azalea the Shark comin’ up from the depths to have her tea and biscuits?” Darragh asked, smirking as he poured the tea and milk (freshly delivered with no milk-fiend raids - ah, but that is another story!), and opened the tin of biscuits set in the centre of the table.

“Not Miss Azaaaay-lee-aaaah! I’m Sawtooth! Grrr!… but yes,” Sawtooth the Shark agreed, popping up onto her seat and reaching for the biscuit tin.

“One at a time, Ms. Sawtooth,” Darragh cautioned, sitting down and ruffling the daily Smelt importantly. “Now, what’s all the news fit to print, eh?”

“Boooriiing!” The ferret made a face, and nibbled her biscuit.

“Hmm, more speculation on the Westisle Smuggling Ring,” Darragh murmured, dunking a biscuit. “Fogeys Baffled At New Evidence. Tiny Mouse Detective Considered to Lead Investigation. Interestin’…”

“You’ve had two!” Shrilled the Shark, bapping Darragh’s wandering paw. “Stoppit or you get fat and burst your pants!”

“But I’m a bear, gettin’ ready to hibernate,” Darragh said, drooping his eyes and scraping his seat towards the kit. “And I’m so sleeepyyy…”

“No, no no nonononooOOOoOooo!!” Wailed Azalea, using both her tiny paws to push into Darragh’s cheeks as his head lolled towards her, tongue hanging out, eyes crossed. “No sleeping! No sleepee-hee-hee-hee-heeng!”

“Is everything alright in here?”

Mister Darragh Harper (Imperial Navy) and Miss Azalea Sedgewick (S. Sedgewick Stationarie Shoppe) were two civilised young beasts that quietly sipped their tea and nibbled their biscuits with their backs straight, perfectly well-behaved as Selwyn Sedgewick shuffled in, buttons mismatched to button holes in his waistcoat, and the whiskers on the left side of his face bent pointing straight up.

“G’mornin’ Mister Sedge,” Darragh offered, pouring tea for the new arrival.

“Good morning, Mister Harper,” Selwyn enunciated. “You must work that Tookumberry out of your voice, m’lad, if you’re planning to recite poetry on a Bully Harbour stage.”

Azalea poked her tongue out at Darragh, who winked back.

“So you’re right, Mister Sedge, okay-so,” Darragh replied, cheerfully injecting as much of his parents’ Tookumberry accents as possible into his own. “Only the last Bully Harbour stage I got close to blew up, then burned down.”

“Hmph. Well, keep practicing, m’lad,” Selwyn harrumphed, ruffling the paper even more importantly than Darragh had, and paging through it. “Ooh. Ink Sales Up. Aw… Paper Sales Down. How is that even possible?”

“Daddy, I’m a shark!” Azalea declared.

“You’re a Sedgewick, and that ought to be enough,” Selwyn said firmly. “Oh look, another letter to the editor from Miss Silence Dogood. These are always so witty!”

“But Daddy, Darragh gave me my shark tooth! I’m a shark, and you can call me Sawtooth!” Azalea insisted, holding up the genuine tooth of a shark that hung from a leather thong around her neck. The elder ferret blinked at the tooth as though his daughter had just presented him with the whole fish itself on his table.

“Mister Harper…” Selwyn rumbled.

There are certain kinds of parents who, though loving and nurturing to a fault, will consider any notion that gets into their child’s head without their permission to be a form of moral corruption. Azalea’s destiny, as far as Selwyn Sedgewick was concerned, was to inherit a respectable business, marry a respectable ferret (his standards would be exacting!) and stay out of trouble. Having a lodger was supposed to be a supplement to the family’s finances, not a vector for this bohemian poet, with his pretty words and foreign accent, to put dangerous and absurd dreams into his daughter’s head.

The look her father gave Darragh would become frustrating and familiar to Azalea in the coming years of bringing home friends and lovers that never merited his approval. It would be one of the reasons she would run away before her eighteenth birthday and embark on her own adventure - ah! But that is another story. For now, she swung her legs under the table and toyed with the sharktooth as Darragh darted out of the dining room.

“ByeMisterSedgebyeAzaleagotlotstodotodaybyyye!”

“Byyye,” Azalea murmured, as Selwyn grunted, and put up the wall of the newspaper between them.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail stirred with a groan, blinking against the dim light that filtered through the cracks of his loft. Every limb protested as he rolled onto his side, sore from crown to tail-tip. His muscles burned from Kaii's drills, and his bandaged paw pulsed with a dull ache. He’d fallen asleep before his head hit the burlap-stuffed bedroll the night before and slept like a stone, but rest had done little to soften the stiffness in his body.

He listened. The forge below was quiet... too quiet. No roaring fire, no ringing hammer, no screams or cussing from Clinker. The silence was so unusual it set his ears on edge. He forced himself upright and half-climbed, half-slid down the ladder, muttering when his legs threatened to buckle under him.

The cold hearth met him at the bottom. Confusion prickled until his eyes caught the scrap of birch bark pinned to the workbench by a stray nail. He tugged it free and squinted at the thick charcoal scrawl: Gon to Town.

Swift huffed through his nose, lips quirking faintly. “Well, that explains it…” he murmured. The forge would be dead all day.

Back up the ladder he went, flopping onto the bedroll again. He shut his eyes, but sleep refused to come. His body was sore but restless, his mind gnawing on everything he’d trained for, everything yet to come. Finally, he pushed up with a grunt. If he wasn’t to rest, he might as well move.

Kaii’s directions came back to him, and he repeated them under his breath as he threaded his way through the Trenches: square… north road… fourth street on the right… Mayweather Street… His paws carried him past fishmongers shouting their catches, coal smoke clinging thick in the air, carts rattling over worn cobbles. The city was already alive, bustling around him as he looked around the still unfamiliar streets. He certainly didn't miss the Slups, but since he had found residence here post Urk, it still had yet to give the air of home.

By the time he reached Keats Lane, the sign came into view: Selwyn Sedgewick’s Stationarie Shoppe. The air around it gave a homely scent, heavy with the tang of ink and parchment even from outside, but what caught him more was the din leaking through the walls! Shrill laughter, a muffled protest, the clatter of crockery. Swift’s ears flicked forward, then back again in bemusement.

He pushed the door open and slipped inside. The shop’s cramped space greeted him with shelves of parchment and quills, neat rows of bottles and paper stacks, but beyond the counter in the dining room chaos unfolded. A kit in a frilled dress was shrieking about sharks, a harried elder ferret buried himself in his paper, and at the center of it, Darragh, scruffy as ever and grinning like he belonged right at the center of all the chaos.

Swift lingered a heartbeat, taking it all in. Then his muzzle broke into a grin of his own, tail swaying as he padded closer.

"G’mornin’, Darragh! Lovely seein’ ye active so early! Never knew parchments an’ ink t’be so lively!"

He let the warmth of his greeting hang, giving the stoat room to return it, before his tone shifted just slightly, quieter, more earnest.

"Darr… can I ask ye for some advice?"

 

[Darragh Harper]

“A wolf!” Azalea shrieked with glee, pointing at the platinum-furred fox.

“A customer!” Selwyn dooked, peeking over his paper with shrewd, beady eyes.

“A friend!” Darragh exclaimed, bouncing forward to shake Swifttail’s paw with the enthusiasm of pumping the bilge in a storm. “Swiftie, ol’ son, won’t you sit down for a cup of tea?”

“Hrrumph,” Selwyn huffed, quickly reconstructing his paper fort. “Of course, ahem, your friend is welcome to stay for tea.”

Darragh beamed, unaware of Selwyn’s reluctant, face-saving display of noblesse oblige. He did, however, notice a few things about Swifttail. The bandaged paw, the tired and worry in his eyes, the stiffness in his movements. He could feel… something in the fox’s callused paw as his grip lingered on it…

…Clang! Clang! Clang! Shocks of energy reverberating through clenched paw, tired bones and strained sinew. The smell of metal and ash. Work unending… work that should have been easier for a well-practiced paw. Yet the trembling of joints and nerves did not subside even when the percussive noise was done. It was fear. Would the metal pieces Swifttail shaped with his fear carry it with them?

The bell over the front door tinkled, breaking the momentary spell. Selwyn defied his age and galumphed like a ferret half his age to the front, nearly bowling over the unfortunate ratmaiden at the door with his enthusiasm. “Good morning! Yes yes, fine day isn’t it?!”

“That’ll keep him outta our fur,” Darragh said with a wink. “Take a seat, and ask away! Though I get the feelin’ you’re not here for advice on how to write a poem about the colour of Silvie’s eyes…”

“Oawoooo!” Azalea greeted Swifttail.

“Azalea this is Swifttail, now greet him like a proper lady,” Darragh scolded, though the grin he wore as he poured tea took away any seriousness in his rebuke. Azalea stuck out her little pink tongue at the stoat when he wasn’t watching.

“’Lo, Swifttail,” the kit murmured, suddenly shy now she had to be a proper lady instead of a wild beast. “’M ‘Zalea.”

Satisfied, Darragh pushed the biscuit tin towards Swifttail with the determination of a beast raised in a household where sharing was a religious edict. “Now, what borin’ advice about the finer points of literature can I offer to you, my dear ol’ shipmate?”

The stoat passed a mischievous look to the fox. It wouldn’t be too difficult to convince the ferretmaid to abandon the table if there was enough boring adult talk, and a need for privacy.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail's tail swished as he laughed, then he leaned gladly into Darragh’s pawshake, nearly yanked off his feet by the stoat’s enthusiasm.

"Tea sounds grand, Darr. This’s a finer greetin’ than I’ve had in weeks!"

Azalea’s sudden proclamation made Swift take pause, then he broke into a grin that stretched ear to ear. He straightened, puffed his chest, and let out a playful, throaty howl.

"Oawooo! A wolf, aye, that’s me! Ye’ve sharp eyes, Miss ‘Zalea!"

Sliding into a chair, Swift settled his bandaged paw carefully on the table’s edge. The warmth of the room, the clatter and chatter, even Selwyn’s harrumphs and bustling, all pressed in cozy and close. For the first time in days, his shoulders eased and his tail swayed lazily against the chair leg. He accepted a biscuit with quiet thanks, nibbling while he cast a fond glance around the lively shop. Then, lowering his voice just a touch, he leaned conspiratorially toward Darragh.

"Truth is, Darr… I did come t’ask ye advice. Not on Silvie’s eyes, though I reckon ye could write a few verses on those if ye were compelled to." His grin flashed, then softened into something more genuine. "But if we’re t’get into borin’ adult talk, best make it proper dull, eh?"

He chuckled, then tapped his paw gently on the table, expression turning a little more earnest, looking around at the surrounding displays of the quaint little shop for inspiration to bolster his story.

"It IS about Silvie, funny enough... Ye see... His penmanship is just so fine. He's always got the finest parchments and pretty, looping words n' letters. Kaii does also with his little sketchbook. I want that too. Some that's proper fit for me. A quill, a style… somethin’ that suits my own scratchin’, aye? Think ye could guide me?"

All things considered, this wasn't that much of a lie. Swift had been considering practicing his paw at writing again, since he had such inspiration amongst the other Foskateers. Perhaps he could kill two gulls with one sling stone here... sharpen his letters, and open the door to what he truly needed to ask.

 

[Darragh Harper]

“Never underestimate the importance of good paw-writin’,” Darragh agreed, nodding sagely over his teacup. “Why, was it not Duke Talinn Ryalor sayin’ just the other day, ‘Silvertongue, my able Aide-de-Camp, you copy all my letters so carefully, one day you could be in charge of the Empress’ grand Nay-vee!'”

Azalea harrumphed in a miniature performance of her father. The ferretmaid could sense the topic of conversation was heading somewhere very boring - quills were Daddy’s business, and business was duller than rocks to an eight-year-old. Even worse, she was no longer the centre of attention, and being around adults that didn’t want to play was stifling. She was still being a Proper Lady though, which meant she had to ask, “May I please be exc-yoosed from the table, Darraaagh?”

“Hmmm, did you finish your tea?” Darragh hummed, careful not to seem too enthusiastic for her to leave. He peeked over her cup, and sniffed. “Well, that’s probably gone cold by now, hasn’t it?”

Azalea nodded, knowing to keep her mouth shut. Her father sometimes got into austere moods, when he would force her to drink all the tea she had poured, as a lesson against thoughtless waste. Darragh was Nice though, and let her pour it out when her father was otherwise distracted.

“Alright Azalea, take your cup to the basin and wash it out, then you may go outside and play,” Darragh instructed, glancing at the front of the shop where Selwyn was busy.

“Aye-aye!” Azalea saluted - another game she’d learned from the stoat’s Navy stories - and scurried off as fast as her short legs could wade through her pink dress. Darragh suspected it would be in tatters by the end of the month. It was already serving excellently as a mop, soaking up the drips of tea that spilled from the ferretmaid’s cup as she took it into the kitchen, and disappeared from sight.

“Goose quills are cheap and sturdy enough, though turkey quills are stiffer and quite good for calligraphy. They’re a bit bigger too. Just,” Darragh dropped his voice a little lower, “don’t let Mister Sedge sell you on any of those fancy metal nibs. They’re dear as rubies and not half so pretty. A well-cut nib on the feather is just as good.”

The poet rubbed his chin, a curious look in his eye. “I have a feelin’ your cursive might suffer a bit though, if you’ve a shaky writin’-paw. The fanciest quill and best paper can’t fix a tremble. What you’ll really need to match Silvie and Kaii is confidence, and don’t let anybeast try sellin’ that to you!”

The doorbell tinkled again as the morning trade began to pick up, and the back door banged shut, letting everybeast know that Azalea was off to cause mayhem elsewhere. The backyard led into a lane where a lot of the local children played, built forts from spare bricks, and tried to start fires.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail’s eyes followed the little ferret jill as she scampered out with her cup, pink dress flouncing right behind her with her tail streaming like a banner. The faint smile tugging at his muzzle lingered even after the back door banged shut.

"She’s got fire, that one." He laughed, shaking his head at the youthful energy that still seemed to linger in the air despite her departure.

His gaze then drifted back to Darragh. The bustle of the shop pressed close, ink and parchment lining every shelf, the biscuit tin between them still open. He took a biscuit in his paw, but didn't bring it up to his mouth just yet.

"Aye… don’t need anythin’ too fancy now. Goose’ll do me fine."

The grin faltered. His eyes dropped to his bandaged paw resting against the clean tablecloth, claws curled in tight. When he spoke again, his voice had sunk low, the words edged and heavy.

"Won’t be needin’ it fer much else but scratchin’ me last will an’ testament…"
He let a moment of silence drift between them before he continued, lifting his eyes, amber and raw, and let the truth spill fourth.

"Greeneye’s found out of my relations with Silvie. He's challenged me to duel t’first blood. But I know him, Darr. If he's angry, or drunk enough... won’t stop there..."

The words trembled at the edges, but Swift pressed on, leaning forward, voice rough with fear and need.

"I ain’t never fought a beast in my life, ‘cept defendin’ m’self. An’ now I’ve got only a week t’ learn." His eyes flicked away, shame tugging at his muzzle. "So that’s why I came to find ye, Darr. Ye duck an’ weave better’n anybeast I know. I saw Kaii yesterday, an' he gave me some weapons trainin'. Now I'm in need of yer help fer dodging an' tricks!"

At last his gaze lifted, desperate and pleading, to the stoat across from him.

"I know what I’m askin’ is no small thing. But I’m at the end of me rope, Darr."

All the cheer and brightness that Azalea had brought to the room moments earlier was now gone. Swift suddenly felt clausterphobic. The opressing colors and clutter of the room seemed to tumble in around him as he wilted, looking and feeling quite small with his ears flat, tail drooped, and fur depuffed.

Truly, he made a pathetic sight...

 

[Darragh Harper]

Darragh’s paw slowly lowered his teacup as he listened, until it clinked into its saucer. His expression had creased further into a frown, and his tail had stopped its jovial swishing. The silence after Swifttail’s last forlorn plea stretched long enough that Selwyn raised his head from assisting a customer, whiskers twitching, fearful of what mischief might be afoot in the absence of the stoat’s chatter.

“Mister Harper, are you still there?” Selwyn called.

“Not for long, Mister Sedge! I’ll be out all day, don’t rely on me to attend dinner!” Darragh shouted, suddenly springing into motion. He slammed the lid on the tin of biscuits, grabbed his teacup and drained it in one gulp. He was suddenly as hyperactive as Azalea, zooming into the kitchen with the empty cup, tail bottlebrushed out behind him, then back through to the front of the shop to snatch his old faded-blue floppy cap from the hat-stand near the door.

“As you please, Mister Harper!” Selwyn replied agreeably, though added under his breath so only his customer could hear, “One does not make a habit of reliance upon that stoat for more than his rent…”

“C’mon, finish your biscuit, Swiftie, you’ll need the sugar!” Darragh cajoled, bouncing impatiently on the pads of his footpaws. An idea seemed to strike him, and he sped off again, through the kitchen to burst through the back door. He returned a moment later with a stout length of spare rope, which he slung over his shoulder.

Though it was still a bright morning by the time they left the Stationarie Shoppe, Darragh hurried poor Swifttail along, assailing him with question after question. Where was the fight to be held? Was Kaii going to be there? How treacherous was Greeneye? Did he have mates? Big mates with clubs who might turn the duel into an ambush? Did Swifttail smoke?!

The shop’s backyard and lane lacked privacy for what they needed to do. Besides, there would be no quicker way to enrage Selwyn, who would take it as further bad influence on his daughter, and worse - the neighbours might gossip. The winding narrow streets and lanes of Bully Harbour held few places suitable for practice either, especially as Darragh had no wish to make themselves a spectacle. The poet’s own preference would have been to leave the town’s limits and find somewhere suitably dramatic; under a lone alder tree in a clearing, for instance.

There was no time for such a long walk, so Darragh opted for a venue he had found closer to home, when he had the spare time and a need to practice his skills alone, or with a sparring partner. One he hoped that Swifttail would not… disapprove of too much.

“Now this here’s the local community hall,” Darragh waved nonchalantly at the squat brick building, as they skulked… rather, as they trod surreptitiously down the claustrophobic narrow lane that led to the rear. “It’s mostly used for dance nights. Great fun, y’know, I go when I can, there’s some jills more’n game for a jig or a reel… erm.”

Darragh squinted suspiciously at the latch on one of the windows. “Aw, he better not be in here. C’mon, the doors are locked, we should have it to ourselves at least until sundown. It’s not really, you know, trespassin’, it’s for the community, aye? We’re the community, it’s just nobeast gave me a key. It’s only closed and locked with the lanterns out because nobeast’s usin’ it right now. If you think about it, what we’re doin’ is the civic-minded thing, puttin’ this space to good use.”

The stoat winked cheekily at the fox, checked both ways to make sure nobeast else was prowling around where they shouldn’t be, then shoved the window up, its latch now more obviously hanging loose by a screw. Darragh tossed his rope inside, scrabbled up the brickwork, and tumbled in after it with a grunt. A moment later, he peeked back over, arms outstretched to help Swifttail.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail was nearly blown backward when Darragh sprang into motion like a firework lit under his tail. The stoat’s energy filled the little shop from floor to rafters, paws darting everywhere at once. For a few heartbeats, Swift could only sit there blinking at the whirlwind that had once been his friend.

Then laughter burst from his chest before he could stop it. He scrambled up, shoving the biscuit into his muzzle and grinning wide. As they zipped through the front door of the stationary shop, the flurry of questions that followed left him half-tripping over his own words trying to answer them.

"What--aye! The fight’s--aye, Kaii’ll be there!...Greeneye’s right mad, yay, but I don't... Darragh!" He laughed again, hands raised in mock surrender. "Ye’ll have t'slow down, mate!"

There was no time to catch his breath; the stoat was already bounding down alleys and lanes, and Swift hurried to keep up. But even with his legs burning, he felt lighter than he had in days. With Kaii's generosity, advice and undying loyalty, and now an enthusiastic pugilist poet to back him up. Things were beginning to feel a little bit less dire.

When they reached the squat brick hall, Swift bent slightly to catch his breath, tail giving an amused flick as he listened to Darragh’s justification for what was clearly breaking and entering. Hopefully without much of the “breaking” part, he thought with a grin.

"Aye, I see yer point," he said, grinning. "We’re part o’ the community, aren’t we? They oughta give ye a key fer all yer civic dedication!"

The window creaked open, and before Swift could say another word, Darragh was halfway through it. A moment later, the stoat’s paw appeared, extended in invitation. Swift chuckled under his breath, gave the paw a firm clasp, and hauled himself up. His boots scrabbled against the brick, tail puffed and swaying for balance until he flopped through the window with a soft thud beside his friend.

"I swear ye stoats were born with springs in yer legs," he wheezed, brushing off his tunic with a laugh.

The hall around them smelled faintly of polish and old wood. Dust motes drifted lazily through the golden light that poured between the shutters, catching the shine on scuffed floorboards and worn benches pushed to the sides. Swift turned slowly, taking it all in. The space felt old and well-storied, but warm and still very much alive.

"Wow, mate," he murmured at last, voice soft with awe. "What a shame t’keep such a place locked away. This is perfect!"