a golden and warm glow spilled across the countryside like a sea of light, washing the land in hues of ambers and soft greens. fields rolled as far as the eye could see, each one dotted with wildflowers and patches of long grass. and in the distance, a narrow waterway lazily wound across the land.

a large oak tree stood upon a small hill. the field beneath the tree was edged by numerous rows of hawthorn and bramble bushes. the earth along the slightly raised land was poked with muddy burrows and twisting pathways created by moons and moons of pattering paws. hidden nooks sat sheltered away, only known to the wildest of beings. a breeze gently blew past, stirring the grasses and with it came a faint, sweet scent of plants that seemed to mix with the distant tang of hay and livestock from a farm that sat secluded in a field nearby.

two small figures darted swiftly along the edge and through the undergrowth. the first rabbit, slightly larger, paused at the fields edge and twitched her nose furiously as she scanned the horizon. her dark, round eyes gleamed, reflecting the light of the rising sun. just behind her, a smaller rabbit scurried up. between the two of them, they carried the spoils of a successful trip and raid — a bundle of crisp flayrah — freshly stolen from a farm's patch of crops.

❝ come on, cloud, ❞ the larger rabbit murdered. her ears flicked nervously as she glanced upwards to scan the sky for any elil. ❝ we need to head back, we've been out for so long already. don't want to worry anyone, ❞

cloud nodded, his mouth still full. he cast a glance over his shoulder, towards the silhouette of the farm they'd just ran from, before darting into the cover of the hedge—line.

the two slipped into the dense bushes. the leaves shook as they passed through, navigating the maze of roots and fallen leaves. overhead, the wind played through the branches and brambles, sending shadows dancing across the earth. for a while, the only sound was the rustling leaves and the distant chirps of a blackbird.

as they travelled further, the ground felt a little rough under their paws, and the underbrush soon thinned out, giving way to open grass. a tree loomed ahead, its bark thick from centuries of growth. it was enormous, with thick, gnarled branches that wore colourful leaves and housed tiny tweeting birds.

at the base of the tree, just visible through the knot of thick roots and a tangle of brambles, was the entrance to the warren. it was well hidden, almost invisible, and lead directly into the maze of tunnels beneath the tree.

cloud and rhubarb moved wearily across the open stretch of meadow. the earth began to sing slightly as they stepped, dampened from rain that fell hours ago. in the distance, the warren stirred with life as rabbits bounded along the topside to begin their day, quietly chattering to one another, their figures dotted along the grassy rise.

both rabbits were exhausted. their journey had been a long one. yet, they had made it back, in one piece, with the tasteful bounties of their travels.

at the base of the tree, rabbits of all sizes were already gathered in small groups. those not busy with patrols, or foraging, lounged in the sunlit patches of grass. the chatter of bucks and does halted as the duo arrived.

eager to see what the runners had returned with, many hopped over after the sight of the flayrah between their jaws. a murmur of approval drifted across the warren as the runners bounded closer and closer.

cloud took a step and looked up, his eyes catching onto oak—rah as he exited the gaping hole at the base of the tree. he seemed surprisingly graceful, despite his size and age. his dark fur rippled as he moved, his muscles tense under his coat as he approached. his eyes were sharp as he stared at the runners, then softened as a wash of relief hit him.

❝ cloud, rhubarb, ❞ oak—rah called out. his legs soon brought him to a halt just in front of them, and his chest heaved slightly from the dash over.

cloud dropped the bundle of flayrah by his paws, his mouth ached from the long grip. ❝ we brought food for the warren, ❞

oak—rah inspected the bundles of food with a critical eye and a keen nose—about, sniffling as he pushed the flayrah around. ❝ this is good, ❞ he mumbled, ❝ very good. the warren will eat well tonight, ❞

rhubarb waited for oak to finish before he spoke. ❝ the western fields are as we thought, oak—rah. full of fresh flay and unguarded by any elil — for now, ❞ she said with a strained tone, tired for the long night she had just endured. ❝ if we send more runners, the warren could feast like ❞

an ear flicked atop oak—rah's head as he considered it. he swept a gaze towards the horizon. he wasn't ready to dismiss such a good opportunity. perhaps he would send the young siblings on a foraging trip, with one of the owlsa for additional protection.

❝ we'll send more, ❞ oak—rah agreed after a pause. he watched as the two dipped their head. ❝ we'll let the warren enjoy this for now. you've done well, the both of you, ❞

cloud and rhubarb shared a glanced and they dipped a head in unison at the other.

❝ rest now. you've earned it, ❞ softly spoke oak—rah.

cloud and rhubarb nodded gratefully. they moved past the gathered rabbits, making their way towards the entrance of the warren, where the cool, dark tunnels beckoned them with the promise of a deserved rest.

oak—rah stood along for a brief moment before he shifted his gaze onto a congregation of rabbits nearby. his owlsa waited attentively in a loose circle at the base of the tree. some sat with their noses twitching as they talked, while others grazed the thlay before them.

padding forward, oak—rah noticed a change in them as he arrived. they quietened down and nodded their heads at their chief.

❝ chief, ❞ the buck's said in unison.

❝ captain hawthorn, ❞ oak—rah commented, returning a respectful nod towards the buck with a scar upon his cheek.

hawthorn rose to his paws. ❝ yes, oak—rah, ❞ replied hawthorn as he met his chief's gaze.

oak—rah nodded. ❝ i'd like for you to select one of the owsla to escort pip and hop on a run later today. they are young, but show great promise. we'll need fresh runners with cloud and rhubarb resting, ❞

hawthorn's ears flicked. pip and hop were two of the warren's younger rabbits, eager but inexperience. they would need a strong escort to guide them, someone who would keep them steady and in—check. 

❝ i'll pick the right one, ❞ hawthorn said with a slight incline of his head. ❝ the western edge? ❞

oak—rah's ears shifted at the mention of the western fields, where the two runners had just returned from. he shook his head. ❝ no. the northern stretch today. safer. they'll need to grow into the risk, ❞

hawthorn nodded and his mind already turned over the names of his best owlsa members. ❝ i'll see it done. you won't be disappointed, sir, ❞

satisfied, oak—rah gave a final glance to the rest of the owlsa. he dismissed them with a flick of his tail, and the circle of rabbits dispersed. hawthorn, now deep in thought, moved quietly through the warren grounds, speaking quietly with his peers as he began to prepare the young runners for their trial.

oak—rah, however, had other thoughts to tend to. he turned away from the bustle of the warren and padded softly away, towards a quieter part of the field. his sister, seed, sat nestled in a patch of soft clover. she was smaller than oak—rah, more slender and quicker, a thing she often boasted about.

she glanced up as he approached, her nose twitching slightly, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.

❝ already planning another run? ❞ she asked, her voice soft but teasing.

oak—rah let out a low chuckle, settling beside her in the clover. ❝ there's always time for another run, ❞ he said lightly. he sat beside her for a moment. here, away from the busyness, he could simply breath.

seed watched him for a moment. she noted the way his shoulders relaxed, the way his chest rose and fell with deeper, more measured breaths. she knew him well —better than any rabbit in the warren — and she knew how heavily the weight of leadership rested on him, even when he didn't speak of it.

❝ you're doing well, you know, ❞ she said quietly with a gentle nudge of her head into his. ❝ the warren is strong. mother and father would be pleased, ❞

oak—rah said nothing at first. he just gazed upwards, his dark eyes following the gentle, lazy flight of a flock of birds as they fluttered across the sky.

he let out a long, relaxed sigh.

❝ i hope so, ❞ he finally replied. ❝ i'm sending the two young ones out today, ❞ he commented. ❝ i think they will be nervous, but they'll learn. it's time, ❞

seed nodded, her eyes on the sky, where the flock over their heads circled before heading off into the distance. she turned to her brother. ❝ i'm sure they'll be fine. if i was a homba i don't think i'd bother chasing them. the two have far too much energy, ❞ she mused, ❝ i bet a homba would have a hard time catching them, ❞

oak—rah just laughed and his head wiggled with a light shake, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.

two small bucks darted about in excited circles, their feet kicking up bits of dirt as they chased each other. their mother, dandelion, sat in the shade of a berry bush, her eyes half—closed as she tried to enjoy a mouthful of thlay. she looked worn, her fur ruffled from the morning of trying to keep her rambunctious boys in line, her nose twitching in mild frustration as she watched her sons run wild loops around her.

❝ pip... hop... enough now, ❞ she tiredly sighed. she took another bite of her thlay, her teeth working slowly as her eyes drifted shut again.

the sound of heavy pawsteps drew near, and dandelion looked up to see gorge, a large grey—furred buck, as he strode across the field towards them. his eyes sliced into a narrow frown as he watched the two continue to chase, oblivious to his approach.

gorge stopped in front of them, his shadow falling over the two of them, who skidded to a halt when they'd finally noticed him. he towered over them.

❝ enough of that, ❞ he snapped firmly, ❝ there's work to be done, and it's time you two learned to do it, ❞

pip and hop exchanged wide—eyed glances, their high energy quickly fading. they knew why he was here. oak—rah had told them earlier today that they'd be going on their first run today.

❝ we were only playing, ❞ pip uttered, as he took a step towards his mother.

dandelion sighed, a look of relief crossing her face as she nodded in thanks to gorge. ❝ they've been restless all morning, ❞ she uttered, taking another bite, ❝ you would be doing me a favour taking them off my paws for a while, ❞

gorge's expression softened and he looked down at the tired marli. ❝ they'll be gone for the afternoon. we'll see them back before dark, ❞

with that, he turned his attention back towards the two young bucks. ❝ come with me. we're going north, to the far field. i'll explain on the way, ❞

the brothers fell into step behind gorge, their smaller forms dwarfed by his as he led the way across the field.

❝ the northern fields are safer than most, but that does not mean they're without danger. you'll need to be on high alert at all times. eyes and ears open. this is no game, bucks, ❞ gorge began, bounding across the grass and away from the tree.

pip's ears twitched nervously, and he glanced at his brother, who was already distracted by a butterfly flitting nearby.

❝ we'll be gathering food — good, sweet roots, grass and other thlay, ❞ gorge continued as they passed a thin line of bushes. the tree shrunk in size behind them as the continued. ❝ the real lesson will be learning the land. knowing where to run if trouble comes. you'll both need to be quick on your feet, ❞

hop bounced a little as he walked, excitement bubbling up inside him. ❝ i'm the fastest in the warren. the homba could catch me! ❞ he said with a grin.

gorge glanced down at him, his eyes narrowing. ❝ it's not about being fast, kid. a fast rabbit who doesn't use his brain is just as likely to end up in the jaws of a fox as a slow one, ❞

hop's ears lowered slightly at the rebuke, but the thrill of the outing was too great to dampen his spirits.

the three rabbits continued, the landscape shifting as they neared the northern edge of the territory. the grass grew taller here, and in the distance, the familiar sight of a wired fence came into view. it stretched across the field. it had been put up man days ago. man was slowly, but surely, encroaching on their land.

gorge slowed as they approached, his eyes scanning the fence line for any signs of danger. he stopped just short of the fence and turned to face the two. ❝ stay close. it can be tricky if you're not careful. keep your fur clear, or you'll get caught, ❞

pop nodded quickly. hop, seemed less concerned than his brother, his eyes fixed on the other side of the fence, where the sweet green grass swayed gently in the breeze.

without another word, gorge turned and then bounded through the small gap beneath the lowest wire. pip followed cautiously, crouching low as he squeezed under the fence. the wire grazed his back, but he made it through without issue.

hop, however, rushed forward way too eagerly. as he wriggled through the gap, the sharp end of the wire snagged on his fur, pulling at his side. he let out a small yelp of pain, jerking his body free, and a tuft of fur was left clinging to the fence.

❝ ouch— ❞ hop winced, shaking himself off as he sided by the others.

gorge turned, his eyes arching slightly in concern as he watched hop shake out his fur. ❝ i warned you, ❞ said the buck softly. ❝ you're lucky that was just your fur. now, stay close, ❞

hop lowered his head, but he quickly perked up as they entered the field. the air was sweeter here, and the ground beneath their paws felt softer.

❝ this is it, ❞ gorge said, ❝ the northern run. there's food here, but you'll need to be quick. stay alert, and don't wander off. we'll gather what we can and be back before nightfall, ❞

pip and hop nodded, their excitement building once again. they had crossed the fence, entered a new field, and were now on their very first run. despite the small twinge of pain from his snagged fur, hop couldn't help but grin at the prospect of the adventure ahead.

❝ listen up, ❞ gorge said as they moved further from the safety of the fence. ❝ this area is open, this means elil can see you from any direction. foxes, hawks, and owls — they all hunt here, ❞

pip's ears twitched nervously as he scanned the open sky. the idea of being so exposed made his heart race, but he trusted gorge. the owsla member's presence gave him a sense of security, even in these unfamiliar surroundings.

hop seemed unfazed by the mention of predators. he leaped over patches of wildflowers, his eyes gleaming with excitement. ❝ don't panic gorge, i'll spot 'em way before they spot us, ❞ hop chirped.

gorge's eyes rolled. he didn't respond. instead, he nodded toward a thick patch of blackberry bushes at the edge of the field. ❝ if an elil comes, you can use the bushes to hide. the brambles make it hard for them to grab you, ❞

both brothers nodded, though pip's gaze lingered on the dark tangle of brambles as he imagined what it would be like to dive in there, heart racing, while a fox prowled nearby. his stomach tightened at the thought.

gorge continued to guide them, pointing out the best places to forage and where the sweetest roots could be found. after a while, he stopped and gestured with his nose. ❝ now, explore a little. stay close, but see what you can find. you'll learn more by doing than by following, ❞

pip stayed within sight of gorge, sniffing the air and nibbling on patches of clover. hop, on the other hand, bounded further, his energy propelling him deeper into the field.

pip wandered toward a clump of tall grass, his nose twitching as he caught the scent of something. it was faint, barely noticeable at first, but as he moved closer, the smell became stronger — strange. his curiosity got the better of him, and he edged forward, his small body low to the ground as he sniffed at the air.

❝ hop! come here! ❞ pip called, his voice tinged with curiosity and unease.

hop bounded over eagerly, his ears perked in interest.
❝ what is it? ❞ he asked, his nose already twitching as he came closer. the scent hit him as well — odd, with a faint undercurrent of something sour.

before pip could respond, hop's gaze fell on something small and glinting in the grass. It was an odd object, dull and metallic, half—buried in the earth. without thinking, hop bent down and sniffed at it more closely. the strange scent clung to the object, stronger here, and something about it made hop feel uneasy.

but his curiosity outweighed his caution. he pawed at it, flipping it over. it was hollow and shiny on the inside, like some kind of strange human thing. before pip could warn him, hop stuck his head into it, as if trying to sniff it out from the inside.

the moment hop's head slipped into the object, panic surged through him. it was tight, too tight, and he couldn't pull his head free. the world around him turned dark, and he thrashed wildly, kicking at the ground as he struggled to get it off.

pip's eyes widened in horror. ❝ hop! stop! don't move! stop it! ❞ he shouted. He rushed over, trying to help, but he didn't know what to do. hop was already frantic, twisting and turning in the grass, his muffled squeals growing louder.

from across the field, gorge heard the commotion. his head snapped up, and in an instant, he was racing toward them. in a matter of moments, he was upon them, and with one swift motion, he pinned hop to the ground.

❝ hold still! ❞ gorge commanded, his voice sharp and urgent.

hop froze, his small body trembling beneath gorge's grip. with a firm tug, gorge pulled the metallic object from hop's head, tossing it aside into the grass. hop gasped for air, his wide eyes blinking rapidly as the world came back into focus. his fur was ruffled, and he trembled with the leftover panic.

gorge leaned down and sniffed at the object with a growing sense of unease. the sharp scent of man was unmistakable, clinging to the object like a warning. and worse, it was fresh.

❝ man, ❞ gorge muttered as he looked from the object to the surrounding field. ❝ it's recent, ❞

pip and hop froze at the word.

gorge's voice turned low and urgent as he addressed the brothers. ❝ we are leaving. now, ❞

pip nodded quickly. hop, still shaken, said nothing, but followed obediently as gorge turned and led them back across the field. gorge's every step was tense, his ears swiveling as he scanned the open sky and the distant tree line for any sign of man's presence.

as they passed back under the wire fence, gorge kept a watchful eye on the field behind them. he could feel it— the shift in the air, the sense that something was wrong. the northern fields now felt compromised.

the walk back to the warren was brisk and silent. pip stayed close to gorge, while hop kept his head low, his mind still reeling from the experience.

when they finally reached the warren, gorge wasted no time. her ordered the brothers to find their mother, and stay near their burrow, then immediately sought out oak—rah.

the sun had dipped beneath the horizon, casting the warren in the soft blue light of evening. the sky was clear, and the moon had begun to rise, a pale orb in the darkening sky. oak—rah stood alone, his gaze fixed on the far fields. the night air was cool, the scent of damp earth and grass mixing with the crispness of the soft evening breeze. but beneath the serenity of the scene, an unease gnawed at him.

he couldn't explain it, but something felt wrong. there was something in the wind. something he couldn't quite place. oak—rah narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on the distant fields.

something was coming. and whatever it was, he knew it would change everything.