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

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn listened intently to the other, younger todd as he spoke-it was, after all, a potential matter of life and death. Duels to “first blood” could mean many things, and that could often mean mortal wounds that a beast could die from later, whether from infection or other complications. It was not something that he was unfamiliar with, having been involved in many training duels, and having observed more than a few among the aristocracy had he been tasked to guard as a member of the Stoatorian Guard. The best end to them was both parties realizing how dumb it was to risk life and limb over anything but the most grave dispute, which often happened either just before or during them. Still, he could not account for that here. Indeed, Alwyn himself had often been challenged to more than a few actual ones in disputes over vixens, but they had all ended once tempers had calmed down.

Still, I don’t know the dynamics between these three, and if there are any differences between males and females when it comes to this. It’s not like I have not heard about and seen these kinds of relationships, even if I am not inclined that way, in the places I have been. Perhaps they take such things more seriously. Besides, his personal business, is his personal business, unless it involves my son, and Finnian cannot take another loss right now. Getting him over Oscar was difficult enough.

He sat back for a few moments, and thought before asking a few more questions.

“Do you know anything about the level of skill of this Greeneye, and his general background?” He asked first, to establish the level of threat that he posed.

Thinking some more, he took a sip of the rum that he had been drinking next to his chair.

“And is there any chance that he will cool off and back down, when push comes to shove? Many times, on the actual day or just before, beasts realize how foolish this whole thing is, and rethink such. There is no shame in doing so. ”

He swirled the glass around for a moment or two, his eyes taking on something of a darker glint for a moment, more reminiscent of his mother’s, though he still kept his voice light and his proposition vague. He would do anything to protect Finnian’s fragile heart at the moment.

“And if not...is this duel truly something that you wish to fight? There are often...other...solutions to such a dispute, that I could negotiate to get him to back down on his own with no loss to your own honor.”

It would not be too hard to gather some of my beasts and beat the living daylights out of him, break his bones until he relents, offer him enough gilders to soothe over his hurt feelings, or worst comes to worst Greeneye disappears forever. Beasts went missing all the time in Bully Harbor, even Navy beasts. And Mother is indeed the Ministress of Misanthropy and owes me. Kitsune, is this how my parents’ think all the time? Alexei would not have approved, certainly, but this removes any doubt from the matter.

@SwifttailTheFox @FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Perhaps Swift's remark was in regard to the shocked (and disgusted) look on Finn's face. The todd's ears shot up in astonishment -- Green and Silv were ROMANTICALLY INVOLVED!? This was quite the revelation, one Finn was entirely unprepared to begin comprehending.

"You mean they were smooching!? I thought they were just friends!" he exclaimed in alarm, as if he were a guest at Jerboa Springer's talk show.

Still reeling from the revolting rat related revelation, Finn about swooned when Swift slipped the salicious details about him and Silvie. "WAIT! You mean YOU'RE smooching! That's why there's a fight?"

This was all a bit much for the foxkit to take in at once, and he dramatically flopped over the arm of the couch with a wail. If this was what romance entailed, Finn wanted NONE of it, what. So. Ever.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Finnian’s dramatic collapse over the arm of the couch nearly made Swifttail drop his own tail from sheer secondhand embarrassment. His ears shot back at the kit’s “THEY WERE SMOOCHING!?” and for a moment he simply stared at Finn like the lad had announced the sky was falling.

Then the image hit him. Greeneye...Kissing Silvertongue.
Romantically.

A shudder ran all the way down Swifttail’s spine and he slapped a paw over his muzzle and wheezed out a horrified laugh.

“Gates below! Finn, lad... no! Not like that! Nothin’ sweet or tender, I promise ye… Vulpuz save us all from that picture…”

He scrubbed a paw down his face, still half-laughing, half-dying inside. But when Finn’s “WAIT... YOU’RE smooching!?” followed like a cannon blast, Swifttail’s face lit up crimson beneath his pale fur.

He reached over and gently righted the kit, settling him upright again.

“Finn… aye. Me an’ Silvie have kissed. Properly. Willingly. With joy.”

His tone softened, shifting subtly into something older, steadier. A voice that knew pain and wanted better for those younger than him.

“But listen t’me, lad… what Greeneye did with Silvertongue wasn’t smoochin’ the way yer thinkin’. It's not romance. It's not warm. It certainly isn't right.”

He rested a paw on Finn’s shoulder, gentle as snowfall.

“Love’s meant t’make ye feel safe. Wanted. Never trapped.”

Swifttail gave him a soft smile.

“An’ don’t worry... Romance ain’t always this messy. Not a bit. Don’t swear it off yet.”

Only after Finn seemed settled again did he turn his attention fully to Alwyn. He sat straighter, paws folded, gaze steady despite the purple bruise shadowing his eye.

Alwyn’s questions were met with a slow inhale.

“Sir… I don’t know Greeneye’s full backstory. But I’ve seen him fight.”

He paused, dark memories returning to his mind in a flash.

“At Urk… he tore through enemies even with cracked ribs. He don’t stop when he’s wounded. He don’t stop when he should. He’s fierce. Strong. Angry.”

He shook his head.

“Truth be told, sir… I fear him immensely.”

There was no shame in it. Just honesty.

When then asked if Greeneye might cool off, Swift’s ears pinned low.

“Not a chance... Greeneye doesn’t cool. He festers. He’s simple-minded in that way... Once he sets his sights on somethin’, he follows it like an endless storm. He called this duel. He wants it badly. There’s no walkin’ away for him.”

Alwyn’s last question, the one about avoiding the duel entirely, made Swifttail’s eyes fall briefly to his paws. His voice came quieter, hoarser at the edges.

“Sir… I don’t want this. I’m terrified of it. I don’t pretend otherwise. But if I step aside… Silvertongue pays the price. Again. He always has.”

He lifted his gaze, meeting Alwyn’s without flinching despite the fear underneath.

“If ye went t’Greeneye, sir… he’d only take it as an insult. A humiliation. Somethin’ else t’blame Silvie for. Might even lash out worse.”

He shook his head gently.

“No negotiation will reach him. No substitute will satisfy him. It has t’be me standin’ there, or he’ll never let it end.”

His tail curled around his ankles again, but his voice held firm.

“So I’ll face him. Not for pride. Not for ownership. For Silvertongue’s freedom.”

A softer breath escaped him then. One of gratitude rather than fear.

“Thank ye for hearin’ me out, sir. Truly. Whatever guidance ye’re willin’ t’give… I’ll take it with all me heart.”

 

[Talinn Ryalor]

Alwyn’s face was wan for more than a few moments as Finnian discovered the concept of dandy relationships, although, he supposed it was not exactly a surprise. Such open couples were still relatively rare, most kept it more subtle. And of course there was the entire concept of interspecies relationships now, apparently, given Caden and Daniil. He was going to have to sit Finn down and explain more than a few things to him about how love worked-something he was most certainly not looking forward to.

Annabelle… ‘Gates, that’s a two-parent job...what ever am I going to do…?

Turning his attention back to Swifttail, he listened again with a quiet intensity, then set back and closed his eyes, rubbing one paw on his forehead. He considered perhaps the option of simply sending this Greeneye to a grave himself. He hated doing so, but he was his mother’s son as well, and accidents and beasts disappearing in Bully Harbor happened all the time too. When he opened them again, and saw the earnestness of the other todd, and remembering the faint traces of pain and sorrow he had detected as he had talked about his past life, he had to refrain from sighing. No, this duel was as much about Swifttail as it was about Silvertongue-he had to fight this in order to become stronger and the beast he wanted to be. And he could respect that. He glanced over at Finny for a moment.

After all, would we not do anything for the beasts that we love?

He spoke to return both order to the room and to answer Silvertongue.

“Finnian,” he started, knowing the full name would call him to attention and get him to calm down a bit. “We don’t get to choose who we love. Or the things that we have to do in the name in love either. I’ll be sure to explain that more to you at some point.”

Then he gave Swifttail a brusque nod.

“Aye, I’ll agree to help you, but I need to know one more question. What kind of weapon does he carry?”

@SwifttailTheFox @FinnianBrightfur

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Though the beasts had given valiant attempts at soothing the poor distraught foxkit, nothing made it better! (Though, hearing his full name most certainly caught his attention, and squelched some of the theatrics.) Though the adults were talking, Finn couldn't help but interject again!

"Yeah, but we're shipmates, Alwyn! I mean... MORE than shipmates, we're like brothers! And y'can't smooch yer brother, 'm pretty sure that's illegal!" he said definitively, folding his arms across his chest, and giving a nod to Swift.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Finn’s proclamation about “illegal smooching” nearly made Swifttail choke on his own breath. He blinked at the kit, then let out a warm, helpless laugh.

“Aw, Finny! It won’t be like that… Aboard the Hide I’ll be workin’, not courtin’. It’s a warship, not a pleasure cruise,” He huffed, amused despite himself.

“An’ Silvie is bold at times, aye… so I may have t’remind him o’ that when duty calls.”

His tone once again softened, warm as a hearth ember.

“But I promise that none o’ this changes the Foskateers. Not how we are with each other.”

Leaving Finny to pout, Swifttail turned back to Alwyn, ears angled forward with respectful attention.

“As for his weapon, sir... Greeneye carries a cutlass. He’s seasoned with it. Keeps a dagger as well, though he favors the larger blade.”

He paused briefly, eyes going distance like he was recalling an old memory.

“He fights close and fast, though at the cost of his own defense. I s'pose he thinks it as a head game to catch ye' off guard and overpower ye' early.”

Then, thinking to preempt the question, he continued:

“My own weapon’s sorted. I’ll have a proper duelin’ blade ready on the day... a friend’s seein’ to it.”

Swift folded his paws neatly in his lap, tail curling around his ankles, his eyes beginning to drift around the room. The questioning was to be expected, of course, but he was quickly realizing how ridiculous his request must seem to Alwyn. He was not much more than a bespoke street urchin himself, much like Finnian, asking a captain of the guard about help with a lover's quarrel. Surely He was about to be tossed out on his tail, and Finny was going to be lectured about associating with beasts like him...or worse!

Suddenly he felt much smaller than the little fox kit under Alwyn's gaze.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Although Alwyn loved Finnian, and did indeed joke around with him much of the time, he was indeed taking Mr. Fairpaws seriously with the focus that he would as if he were on duty. After all, keeping his son’s friend alive was, at least to him, at least as valuable as keeping one of the many other nobles kept alive for some political reason or another.​

“And I take it your friend or friends have trained you in the use of that blade and gave some general advice, at least as best as they are able, maybe taught you the basics?” Alwyn asked, although it was more rhetorical on his end. “And in truth, if they are good teachers they would have already told you that they cannot make up for years of training and experience in such a short time. They would have given you one of two approaches-either immediately go in as fast and hard as you can to not give them time to properly practice their techniques, or try to drag out the fight, maybe seeking to taunt and tire him, and get him exhausted enough where you can get a blow in. Not bad advice either, and, you have something of a range advantage with that blade versus a cutlass. Maybe that will be enough.”

Alwyn’s eyes narrowed.

“But the first thing that we are taught in the Guard is to never underestimate our opponents. In fact, we are to overestimate them. You cannot be certain that either of those two approaches will win out when there is such a skill difference between the two of you. Your friends and even Silvertongue might think you know him but a rat corsair like him does not survive very long by being stupid in these matters at least. He will have anticipated and prepared for both approaches. And though your friends may have assured you that if he goes too far they would stop him, and might even believe that to be true...”

His voice became a bit darker and he lowered his voice.

“Beasts like to say a lot about swordsmanship, usually some lofty ideals of using it to protect one’s honor or another beast. But they are wrong. A sword is used to kill, and the art of swordsmanship is learning how to kill and nothing more. Even when we do practice duels in the Guard with armor and wooden blades, we must be careful. For a live duel like this, it would be easy for him to turn a blow that may simply draw first blood into one that will kill you in the blink of an eye and no one could do anything about it, not me, not even my father.”

His tone then lightened.

“But there are things that I can teach you to even the odds, and yes, I could give you armor, but, are the traditional types allowed or did you both agree to not wear any?”

@SwifttailTheFox @FinnianBrightfur

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail straightened instinctively when Alwyn addressed him, paws folding neatly atop his knees, posture tense but attentive.

“Aye, sir… they’ve trained me best they can. Kaii showed me stance, footwork, the lunge… an’ Darragh gave what advice he could.”

He tried to sound steady, and confident... at least enough to show he was listening, but when Alwyn spoke of strategy… of exhaustion and of overestimation… Swift swallowed hard, eyes lowering.

Then, Alwyn's question suddenly sparked a terrible realization that hit him like a crossbow bolt.

His pupils tightened. A tremor rippled through his tail as a cold jolt shot through his spine, which curled inward slowly.

“…Armor…”

His breath hitched sharply.

“…Gates…”

His ears pinned flat. His voice dropped to a strained, horrified rasp.

“Sir... I… I forgot. Kaii told me... He told me days ago... Armor’s not allowed in a first-blood duel.”

The words tumbled out, cracking at the edges.

“I f...forgot...”

The young fox looked like the floor had vanished under him. He gripped his own knees, claws pricking through the fabric, chest rising too fast.

“An’ without it, I’m… I’m wide open. One bad slip, one mistake... and I’ll be finished!”

His voice shook harder.

“An’ I probably couldn't beat him with armor either! I can’t beat him at all if what everybody says is true. I don’t have years of training. I barely have days.”

A choked, breathless laugh escaped him, thick with despair.

"Hell's teeth... I shouldn’t’ve come here askin’ for help like some lost kit.”

His shoulders hunched as if bracing for a blow.

“Yer a Guardsbeast, sir. I’m just a street urchin from a forge loft, forgettin’ rules, askin' stupid favors, thinkin’ I had a shot at winnin' a fight with a seasoned corsair like Greeneye without gettin’ carved up...”

He didn’t look at Alwyn. He couldn’t force himself to. His voice instead collapsed to something more akin to a frightened Dibbun.

“…I’m scared, sir.”

Swift lingered on his admission, staring at the floor, ears flat, tail wrapped tight around himself as if trying to make his body smaller, waiting for Alwyn's judgment and dismissal. He didn't have to wait for Greeneye to finish him off anymore. He could curl up and die right here from sheer embarrassment and nerves

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn listened quietly as the younger fox realized just how much danger he was in. It was indeed a stupid thing to accept such a challenge, and even more foolish not to back down or let him handle it quietly behind the scenes with the help of his mother to ensure this rat was the one who backed down or missed his appointment with the duel...possibly permanently if he was stubborn about it. But, he was able to realize that now, with some guidance, and that meant that he could be taught. He seemed like he was a good beast who had made a mistake out of love, rather than an arrogant one. That he could work with.

The heir to House Ryalor took a deep breath, then rose from his chair and placed a comforting paw on Swifttail’s shoulder before speaking calmly and confidently.

“You realized you have made a mistake, and it is indeed a serious one, in accepting this challenge. You must never let your opponent dictate when, with what, and where you fight if you can at all help it.”

He paused, giving time for the words to sink in to the younger fox.

“But there is no time for dwelling on this mistake, or hating yourself for it. There is no time. I can tell you will learn from this, as a male does, and you will never, ever make this mistake again.”

He looked directly into Swifttail’s eyes with his own emerald green ones to emphasize this point, and then gave him a nod.

“That is why I will teach you how to beat him, or, failing that, come to a draw and live to fight another day. There are still things that can be done that he will not expect from a beast as inexperienced as you. They can tip the balance, if you are willing to get your paws a bit dirty. But dirty paws are better than cold and dead ones.”

Alwyn stepped back, went over to his desk, and carefully scribbled a letter. Pulling out his Stoatorian Guared seal, he signed, sealed it, and then handed it to the other todd.

“This will grant you access to our training grounds. I will be bringing Finn along, and, if you can, bring Silvertongue as well. You will understand why I am doing that when you arrive. You will also be training with me every day until the very night before the duel.”

The words sounded much more like a command than a suggestion being stern, but they were honest.

@SwifttailTheFox @FinnianBrightfur @Silvertongue Songfox

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail flinched when Alwyn rose, but the weight of the paw on his shoulder stilled him. Alwyn's calm confidence poured into him through his reassuring touch, grounding him. His ears stayed low, but his trembling eased just slightly.

When he finally dared glance toward Finny, the look on the kit’s face was wide-eyed with worry. It twisted something deep in his chest and made him swallow hard. He didn’t want to frighten the lad further.

Instead he turned back to Alwyn, gazing into his eyes in silence as the Lieutenant spoke with steady, measured authority. Every word landed. Every truth stung. And yet, every sentence seemed to push away a little bit more of the dark fog choking his mind. By the time Alwyn said “There is no time to dwell on this,” Swift found himself nodding faintly.

“Aye… I see it now, sir.”

Then Alwyn’s tone shifted, still firm but no longer reprimanding.

“That is why I will teach you how to beat him... or live to fight another day.”

Swifttail drew in a gasp, his eyes lighting up from the grim darkness they had held moments ago.

“Ye’d… still teach me? After all the foolishness I’ve already done?”

There was no disbelief in his tone, only gratitude and relief so palpable, his eyes welled up with tears.

When Alwyn crossed to the desk and sealed the letter, Swift’s heart climbed into his throat. He accepted it with both paws, holding it as though it might fly out of his paws at any moment and be lost.

“Thank ye, sir. Truly.”

Despite his lowered ears and tucked tail still betraying his fear, he still allowed himself a small smile, brushing his eyes on his forearm as he rode the roller coaster of emotions he had experienced in this short amount of time.

Then another worry suddenly bubbled up in his mind. As quickly as his smile had appeared moments ago, it was replaced with fresh concern. He shifted uneasily, claws brushing the edge of the parchment.

“Sir… there’s… one more thing.”

He hesitated, embarrassed to ask yet again.

“My master, Clinker… he don’t take kindly t’me bein’ off-schedule. If I’m gone hours each day for trainin’, he’ll toss me out before the week’s end.”

His gaze dipped.

“If ye think it proper… could I have a short letter for him as well? Nothin’ grand. Just somethin’ sayin’ I’m needed for Guard matters, so he doesn’t leave me without a roof before the duel.”

He paused, shaking his head at the nerve of his own request, before deciding to backtrack on it entirely.

“If not, I’ll manage. I jus’… thought it worth askin’, sir.”

He drew a breath, deeper than the last, and finally straightened just enough to show he was no longer collapsing inward.

“I’ll be there at first light. An’ I’ll work as hard as ye need.”

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Finn listened to all this very quietly. The initial shock was starting to wane, and the excitement of planning for conflict brought a surge of adrenaline. He hadn't felt like this since Urk.

His face was rather unreadable. The contemplation ran deep. Was he upset? Worried? Anxious? Excited? Angry? For such a young kit who wore his emotions on his sleeve, it was difficult to guess at what he thought about all this.

Alwyn was clearly playing chess, and had thought several moves ahead. The fox was strong as an ox -- Finn had playfully tussled with him once, and Alwyn was built like a brick wrapped in fur. Even his dad wasn't strong as that, he'd have to admit. The beast knew conflict, and Finn was paying close attention.

Neither beast seemed to be enjoying the conversation though -- Swift the least. Finn had watched him closely throughout the Urk Expedition, and had admired how tireless the fox was. He always knew what to say, what to do -- and did so fearlessly. Seeing him like this was difficult, and the first signs of concern washed over his face. Eyebrows pinched together, the kit scooted a little closer on the couch next to his shipmate, and tried his best to support him by merely being quietly nearby.

 

[Alwyn Ryalor]

Alwyn squeezed encouragingly on the other todd’s shoulder as he nodded and wrote up another letter for Swifttail’s master, stated that he was being drafted for emergency repairs and would not be available for the days required, but that if he did well, there may be some Guard contracts coming his way. He did not need to add the latter part, but he figured Mr. Fairpaws needed every leg up he could get in his life from how he looked and acted. Sealing it, he returned it to Swifttail and nodded.

“It is my pleasure, a friend of Finnian’s is a friend of mine. This should grant you all the time that you need.”

He then walked over to Finnian, and proceeded to ruffle his headfur.

“And you, too, are going to need to get some sleep tonight-you’re coming along to cheer on your friend.” He smiled, and then gave another look towards Swifttail.

“Make sure to remember to bring Silvertongue as well. He serves a purpose for your training. I will meet you at the training plaza at first light.”

With that, Alwyn waited patiently for anything that Swifttail might have to say, and then saw him off when he was ready to depart. Glancing down at Finny again, he gave him a head scritch and spoke once more.

“Maybe you’ll pick up a few things from this too, Finn. Good to learn how to use a blade.”

-------------------------------

It was six in the morning as Alwyn sat on one of the benches next to a pile of assorted material packed into a crate that could be useful for training Swifttail, having already done his warm-ups. He was currently in his training leathers, supervising a groggy and not in the best mood @FinnianBrightfur who he had woken up quite early to begin his own training-he was currently watching his son do a long series of flutter kicks, partially because it was excellent to build his endurance, and partially because the foxkit had decided it was a good idea to stay up until three in the morning-again. He smiled as he called over to him.

“Just another five sets after this Finn…that’s a good lad. Now...go again!"

@SwifttailTheFox @Silvertongue Songfox

 

[FinnianBrightfur]

Foxkits had seemingly boundless energy. MinoInn surely could have avoided the entire expedition to Urk if they simply tapped into the energy reserves of the Fountains of Youth.

While Finn generally was a good todd, once he got excited about something, sleep was nigh impossible. Alwyn had promised to take him along for Swift's training -- could you say, best day ever? Getting to play with swords and your shipmates?

Compounding this issue, Alwyn had quite the well stocked pantry. Smoked cheeses, jams, biscuits, sausages, nuts -- a veritable smorgasbord. All of this he left open to Finn, hoping to put some meat on the fox's bones, and snack raids happened until at least 3 AM.

Now, Morgan had the right attitude on his earliest nights on the Hide, and enforced a strict bed time. Alwyn, however, was content to let Finn experience consequences for himself. Finn was allowed to set his own bed time, and would have to suffer the consequences of poor choices.

Oh, the consequences would definitely pile up. But not today. Finn was digging his own grave in sleep debt, but he didn't realize it yet... and Alwyn was hopefully starting to question his parenting choices.

Finn was practically hovering by his bedroom door, bright eyed and bushy trailed with only three hours of sleep to his name. The poor older todd was greeted by a verbal wall of Finn monologue as soon as he stepped out of his bedroom door.

"Hey Alwyn! Do you think I could train with a sword? I was kinda hoping to learn about that today, b'cause I got to practice with Tultow on Urk, but I had problems with the sword because well we only had a stick, and when I tried the sword it got stuck under the shrew and I had to use my dad's knife, see. And otherwise I didn't get any training, but I thought maybe I could transfer to the Marines, because they train all the time on... Oh, good morning by the way! Do you wanna get breakfast because I know this place that has really good bagels. I actually got one the morning that I met Cricket, because she ran into me and I never got to eat it -- oh man, a sword would have been really useful when we were with Ruffano looking for the ring, did I ever tell you about how we got chased by these bad guys who..."

The flutter kicks did an excellent job of tackling the energy surplus. Finn had never exercised his core before, and very much had underestimated the difficulty of flutter kicks. There he sat, straining to try and keep going -- but had to keep taking little rests in-between. Once the period expired, he lay there on the floor, panting from exertion.

 

[SwifttailTheFox]

Swifttail accepted the second letter with both paws, clutching it alongside the first as if afraid it might vanish the moment he loosened his grip. The tension in his shoulders finally eased, just a fraction, and he bowed his head respectfully to Alwyn.

“Thank ye, sir. I… I won’t forget this,” he wagged gratefully, exhaustion creeping in as he came down from his anxiety attack from earlier.

He then turned toward Finn, the sight of the kit still working through the last of his fatigue tugging a small smile from him despite everything. Swifttail crouched and pulled the foxkit into a brief, careful hug, ruffling the fur atop his head and behind his ears.

“S’pose I’ll be seein’ ye bright an’ early, then, eh?” he said softly.
“Try not t’run yerself into the deck before we even start.”

With one last nod to Alwyn, Swifttail took his leave. The streets outside felt quieter than before, the weight of the evening settling into his bones as he headed off in search of a late dinner before returning to the forge. The letters grasped tightly in his paw protectively.

3 Days Remaining​

Swifttail woke at the first hint of dawn, ears twitching as pale light crept through the tiny loft window. The forge lay silent and cold. Clinker was missing once again...

For a heartbeat, dread curled in his chest. He exhaled slowly, steadied himself, and crossed the floor to Clinker’s cluttered workbench. Carefully, he placed Alwyn’s letter atop the scattered tools, smoothing it flat before turning away. Whatever was happening with the old weasel, he didn't have time to let it bother him. He had more important things to attend to.

Pulling his coat close against the autumn chill, Swifttail stepped out into the early morning streets. The air was cool and clean, carrying the faint scent of leaves and distant smoke. His stride held a nervous energy as he made his way toward Madame Lorelei’s shop.

When he reached the door, he paused, breathing in once more, letting the morning air fill his lungs. Anxiety buzzed beneath his fur, sharp and insistent… but beneath it all was resolve.

He lifted a paw and knocked.

@Silvertongue Songfox

 

[Silvertongue Songfox]

The door was opened after a while by Silvertongue, dressed as immaculately as ever. But his face wore a frown, his eyes fraught with worry.

"Swift... let's just get going." He closed the door. "Quickly. Madame Lorelei insisted on coming, but seeing as how long a walk it's going to be... well, I may have snuck a couple of extra chamomile leaves into her tea."

Despite what seemed like an attempt at humor, Silvertongue's voice was dry. He didn't say a word the entire walk through the Trenches. About an hour later they arrived at the MinoWar building, per Swifttail's directions, and stopped at the front door.

"Erm... hello?" Silvertongue asked two guards who were manning the doors. "I believe we have an appointment with Sir Alwyn Ryalor."