Merle couldn’t say for sure when she first really saw Prince Lander. Certainly, she would have first laid eyes on him at some function or other in Seddleton, from a distance. But at such events he was usually stiff and formal, not at all what one expected from a young rabbit. It was at other times, usually when neither of his parents were present, that his true self came out.

She remembered seeing the other young bucks ignoring him, or hearing them taunt the young prince. For no reason she could see, they seemed to resent him simply for having been born to the king and queen. So too did a number of young does. You’d have thought Lander had ceaselessly boasted of his heritage, when in truth he was never even given a chance to speak of it unless it was in response to some insult.

One day, Merle…

Natalia City…my city.

Or at least it used to be.

Time was when a rabbit, buck or doe, youngling or oldster, badge or no badge, could walk these streets without a care. Didn’t matter where or what time of day. The only consideration to be taken was what the weather might be like, and if you might want a coat or umbrella.

But that was a long time ago.

My name is Black. Detective Helmer Black. You can call me detective or sir, if you have to call me anything. My friends-back when I had any-called me Helm. But if you think you’ll be doing that, your hopes are as ridiculously high as my rent.

And they’ll get you just as little.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING WORK CONTAINS (MINOR) SPOILERS FOR THE SECOND STORY IN THE LOST KEY. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

I’m a #Keyna shipper-in fact I think I may have originated the ship-but I’ve seen this pairing suggested for her a time or two. Thought I’d try my hand at it.

He remembered the first time he’d seen her like it was yesterday.

The Bracers had been on a perimeter patrol around Halfwind. A party of unexpected rabbits had been spotted, and the elite archery team had quickly closed in. Fortunately, they had quickly recognized Lord Victor Blackstar among the newcomers. Nate had made a point of greeting the citadel lord, and apologized for any alarm.

“You have nothing to apologize for, lieutenant,” Lord Victor said with a smile. “Our scouts made us aware of your presence some time ago.”

“Scouts?”

two rabbits who were once a warrior and a sage meet again in the mending.

(also posted on my ao3 account, a_Saga_in_progress. greetings new seddleton!)

—————-

Picket had not been trying to find her. In fact, his last several hours have been spent trying to get himself lost in the countryside of First Warren. It is successful, in that he has not had to talk to any rabbits (he is quite good at ducking into bushes. this skill, at least, is still useful).

It is also unsuccessful, in that he has not been able to lose the part of himself that expects to see black-hooded figures behind every tree. The anxious weight in his gut is still there, even in these green spaces.

It’s still better than the city, he thinks as he walks a winding road. Rabbits are flooding there these days, reuniting from their hiding places all over…