The Bear, the Goose, the Rabbit, and the Cicada

Chapter 1 (part 2)

The Bear

"I hate to interrupt your packing, my Love, but I am in need of assistance."

Boreas set his bag of half-packed clothes on his large sleeping pallet. He left his tiny shared bedroom that connected to the main part of the house. Judah stood in the center of the rectangular room and was swaying back and forth with little Fallon in his arms.

"She's being fussy and refuses to sit on the floor. Would you go check the oven outside? The food should be done."

Boreas smiled at the sight before him and nodded. He kissed Judah on the head before exiting the house. He made his way around the side where the squat stone oven sat. He pulled the finished meat and hot bread out carefully, bringing them back inside. He set the amazing smelling bread and meat on the table before walking back to Judah, who was cooing at Fallon.

"Briar and Ira are still out?" asked Boreas.

"Yes," Judah replied, handing Fallon over to Boreas. Boreas eased his niece onto his shoulder, where she promptly began to fall asleep.

Judah gave Boreas a long kiss on the mouth. Boreas wrapped his free arm around his husband's waist. They touched foreheads, and Judah gently stroked little Fallon's hair.

"Are you sure we still can't tell Briar about your trip? You know Ira will not mind, and I feel that them knowing will make it easier to keep Papa Bear off your back."

Boreas sighed, stroking Judah's back affectionately. "I agree with you, but I am still worried how Briar will take it. I do not want to risk it."

Boreas could tell Judah wanted to argue further, but he remained silent. Boreas spoke again. "I just want to be sure Briar won't go straight to Papa Bear about it."

Judah rolled his eyes. "Briar would never rat you out for anything, you know that."

Boreas had to agree with him on that. "Yes, well, I'm still worried."

"I would be as well, if I were you. I just fear that I won't be enough to convince Papa Bear and Briar should they continue making inquiries about these trips. Speaking of which, are you packed?"

Boreas then remembered he wasn't. "No, I still need to fetch the tent poles and rugs, and I'm not even finished with my clothes."

Judah gently took the sleeping Fallon from his shoulder. "Then let's eat, and I'll help you finish."

The Hare

"I appreciate the concern, Zephy, but my belly has only barely started to swell, and you're acting as if I could break at any moment."

Zephyrus placed the bowl of fresh strawberries on the table for River. "I'm aware of your belly, Pebble, I'm merely concerned that you might exhaust yourself."

"I am not so fragile yet. I assure you I can take care of myself while you are gone. If I have any trouble whatsoever I have my father and your parents to help me. What are you so worried about?"

Zephyrus sighed and took a seat at the table next to her mate. "I'm worried about you. I know you can take care of yourself, it's just... this is the first time I'm leaving behind a mate, not a bed-friend. You are also with child. I worry because I cannot be here to help you."

River chuckled and kissed Zephyrus's fingers. "Bunny, the baby and I will be fine. If it so worries you, I can stay with my father while you are gone."

Zephyrus nodded. "That would calm my mind a bit."

"There, we have a solution. I will stay with Father, and you need not worry. Your parents will no doubt fuss over me as well, so I'll be in good hands until you return."

Zephyrus felt herself relaxing. She had indeed been worrying too much.

"Now that that's settled, where are you going again?" River asked.

Zephyrus laughed. "I can't tell you!"

"You're off to meet a bed-friend in the woods, admit it!" River exclaimed in her teasing voice. "How could you do this to me? Your mate, who carries your child, left all alone so you may roll around in the woods with some mystical lover!" River placed a hand on her forehead dramatically. "My heart is forever broken."

"I think the baby has made you more dramatic," said Zephyrus, placing a kiss on the inside of her mate's wrist.

"The baby would agree that a week of frivolous frolicking in the woods is ill-advisable," returned River matter-of-factly. She munched on the strawberries and smiled at Zephyrus. "Since these trips are apparently yearly, am I to be kept in the dark forever?"

Zephyrus softened, feeling that usual guilt of her secret trips. "No, you will know soon enough." Zephyrus squeezed River's hand. "I promise."

River sighed. "I cannot believe I'm still letting you go on this mysterious trip. But I trust you, so please just be safe."

Zephyrus gave her a kiss that tasted like strawberries. "I will."

End of Chapter 1 (part 2)