Sorry if it sounds rushed... had lots of excitement today!! Let me know what y'all think and if I could improve anywhere! Blessings, A. R. -------------‐------------------------------------------‐-‐      Once they reached Tori’s house, they entered and were no longer in the public eye. Dylan helped Laurel lay the unconscious buck onto his bed before going to the small kitchenette to get some water and rags. Laurel took off her apron and began to dab gently at his wounds. He moaned softly before falling silent. Dylan came back to the buck's bedside and knelt beside Laurel, tenderly washing away the blood and grime.      They had cleaned and wrapped Tori’s back with clean strips of linen and some sort of ointment that Dylan had found and they sat quietly next to the buck. Laurel glanced at Dylan just as he looked at her. They made eye contact.      “I take it there’s some news,” Laurel began quietly, her stomach flipping at the brutalities she had seen in one day. Dylan nodded, his eyes burning with hatred.      “Laurel, I’m so close to being done. I’d give anything to resign and become a farmer where I don’t have to hurt anyone!” He lamented, leaning back against the wall and rubbing his face. Laurel felt sorry for him. Dylan had a different heart, but because of his position he had to endure atrocities day in and day out.      “But your position gives us intelligence,” Laurel whispered, glancing at the limp form of Tori. Dylan looked up at her and nodded.      “I won’t tell you everything here because someone might be listening.” Dylan began, his voice dropping low so that Laurel had to lean closer to hear him.      “There’s an awakening in the outside world of Natalia. Forces are being rallied, and there is rumor that Jupiter’s heir has been revealed.” Dylan announced. Laurel’s heart skipped and a smile finally graced her features.      “Really?” She asked. Dylan gave her a small smile and nodded. He turned to look at the door before speaking again.      “Morbin’s scouts have told us that lots of rabbits have been moving, and perhaps are building an army. Problem is, Morbin and Garten Longtreader are thinking about setting a trap.” Laurel’s heart began to sink.      “That wouldn’t be good,” she whispered, hugging herself. Dylan shook his head, sighing.      “No, it wouldn’t be.”      They were quiet for a few moments, Tori’s shallow breathing the only noticeable noise.      “Vitton has been taking out his anger quite a bit then today,” Laurel added, thinking back to not even an hour earlier. First Helen, now Tori. Dylan scowled.      “He is particularly displeased. He tried speaking with Garten today and was turned away, publicly shamed. You can imagine the disgrace Vitton is currently under, therefore the reason behind many injured rabbits.” Dylan explained, a weary frown on his face. Laurel sighed, shaking her head.      “Its not fair,” She whispered. Dylan nodded.      “No it isn’t. But when has Vitton or Morbin played by the rules?” Laurel sighed and folded her hands in her lap, noticing for the first time that her dress wasn’t soaking. Dylan seemed to notice her surprise.      “Did you take a bath?” He asked incredulously. Laurel snickered.      “You know when rabbits take baths?” Dylan blushed furiously and began to stammer.      “N-no I didn’t- I meant- Laurel,” he groaned, rolling his eyes. Laurel laughed till her sides hurt. Dylan just looked at her in mock distaste.      “I meant, Miss Evergreen, that your prestigious uniform looks much cleaner than yesterday. Or maybe my eyes are failing me,” he added, smirking at her. Laurel smiled.      “Well, I had it lucky. Vitton just decided I needed to have a wash.” Dylan frowned at the mention of the captain.      “Speaking of which, and I’m sorry to say, I have to report to the administration. The commandment is planning on debriefing the rest of us so that we can be ready for things.” Laurel frowned.      “Would you and other bucks be recruited to go fight outside?” She asked. Dylan shrugged.      “Who knows.”      A long pause followed, and Laurel turned to look at Tori.      “Do you think he'll be okay?” Laurel asked. Dylan smiled.      “I’ll come check on him before the meeting.” Laurel nodded and stood, adjusting her skirt. Dylan too got to his feet and examined the house.      “Be careful.” He whispered, worry in his eye. Laurel smiled, a twinkle in her eye.      “Everyone keeps telling me that. What about you, lieutenant? Anyone ever tell you to be careful?” Dylan chuckled, shaking his head.      “Actually no, Laurel. I haven’t ever been told that,” he answered sarcastically but with a grin. Laurel smiled back.      “Okay: be careful, Dylan.” He smiled and turned away slightly, and Laurel blushed.      “I better go, I still have work to complete.” She suggested, suddenly feeling self conscious. Dylan smiled but it soon melted into a frown, almost like disappointment.      “Kay. See you later.” Laurel nodded and left, her legs feeling like jelly. Once she was outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. When had she ever felt so nervous before? It was just Dylan! Laurel shook her head, starting down the road back to master Browns villa. Never mind about Dylan; focus on your work.        Laurel worked hard for the remainder of the afternoon, taking on Helen’s work along with Tori’s. She realized close to sunset that it would help her excuse in regard to tonight’s meeting. If her mother asked, she would be able to speak honestly about having lots of work.      She heard someone call her name and she headed towards the kitchen, an empty laundry basket in her arms. As she entered, the delicious smells of a hearty stew and fresh bread greeted her. Her stomach growled and her mouth watered. Delta looked up and smiled, pointing to the back door. Laurel set down the basket and headed that way, wondering who was here to see her.      To her surprise, little Patrick stood outside, a small pack slung over his shoulder. He smiled brightly when he saw her and ran into her arms, giggling at her shock.      “S'prise!” He announced, his voice quivering with excitement. Laurel couldn’t hold onto her shock long enough to scold him. Instead, she started laughing and hugged him close again, ruffling his fur.      “What are you doing here? I still have work to do!” She exclaimed, pulling back and holding him at arms length. His grey eyes danced and he smiled.      “I wanted you t'take me to school tonight.” Laurel frowned slightly, an ache already filling her heart. He’d be gone for almost two weeks.      She looked back at the doorway she had just left, contemplating.      “Give me a second, Pat.” She asked as she peeked inside for a moment.      “Delta, I need to run out for a few minutes. I’ll be back to finish up with the laundry,” Laurel promised. Delta smiled and nodded, motioning her to go on. Laurel smiled and came back, grasping Patrick’s small hand in hers. He looked up at her and grinned, like he was just given the greatest gift in the world.      Laurel smiled back and they left the courtyard towards Akolan's school.