... yeah. Hope y'all like it! Blessings, A. R. -----------------------------------------------------------      The meeting was buzzing with excitement, just like it had a week ago when they heard the news about Jupiter’s Heir. However as rabbits shared their good news, Laurel felt worry and fought against the sick feeling in her gut. Sure, she was glad that she would be able to get ‘all the tea' and everything; but why her? If Brown really was doing someone a favor, who was it? And what would they gain?      She shuddered, trying to think of better things. Oh! Patrick would be coming home! She smiled. At least he would cheer her up.      The Tunneler again warned everyone to be careful, as the Administration would be stalking anyone they think as suspicious, and to always be on their guard. Laurel knew it wasn’t a request. It was an order. So many rabbits had been in Akolan for so long, and plenty wanted their freedom. They had to be so cautious.        The meeting ended, and as soon as it did, Harmony came over to where Laurel stood. She cast a wary glance at Dylan, then looked at Laurel. Her eyes were strangely dim.      “Harmony, are you alright?” Laurel asked.      Harmony shrugged. “I’m fine. Listen, the Tunneler wants to talk to you.”      Laurel just nodded and followed the doe through the crowded room, trying to figure out what the old buck wanted to speak with her about. She hoped nothing bad.      The older buck raised his head as they approached, and Laurel bowed her head, knowing full well he couldn’t see it.      “Miss Evergreen,” he began. Laurel was amazed at his grave tone. Was something wrong?      “I’ve been told that you may be in a very hazardous position at work.” He said, his seemingly vacant eyes watching her. Maybe he can see, she wondered.      “Yes sir,” she whispered. She felt a chill crawl up her spine, and she wondered what was wrong with her.      “I’ve also been told that there could be significant jealousy among your coworkers,” the Tunneler continued. Laurel stiffened. Who?      “Regardless, all we ask and require is that you be careful.” He added, opening his mouth to say something else, but Laurel interrupted.      “Sir, I know I’m supposed to be careful. But why is everything so confusing? And why do rabbits keep warning me? I understand I’m new here, but why does everyone think I’m going to do something wrong?”      Laurel clamped a hand over her mouth, shocked at her manners. This side of the room had grown strangely quiet, and Laurel realized many rabbits stared at her in horror and disbelief.      “Don’t speak to the Tunneler in that way, Evergreen.” A voice reprimanded sternly. Laurel had no idea who it was. Despite the fierce tone, it sounded fatherly.       “He’s seen many things in his life and doesn’t give instruction unless its urgent.”      Laurel turned bright red and bit her tongue against an angry retort.      The Tunneler slowly got to his feet. “Laurel, walk with me.”        The blind buck slowly shuffled down the rock passageway, with Laurel following as close as she dared. They had left the main room not long after the Tunneler suggested they walk, and Laurel followed with a guilty heart. What had gotten into her? She knew her stubbornness would one day get her in trouble!      The Tunneler pulled aside a drape and stepped into a room, calling Laurel to enter. She was amazed that he was able to walk down this tunnel without aid. How long had he been here? Obviously long enough that he had this passage memorized.      Inside, Laurel found the room was small. A bed, a shelf, and a table were the only furnishings. There was a map on the wall, and Laurel fought the desire to go and study it. She wanted to see what the world looked like from a distance.      The old buck sat down on the edge of the bed, wheezing slightly.      “Perhaps… we can answer some fiery questions… without any prying ears, shall we?” He suggested, leaning the pickaxe against the wall.      Laurel swallowed. “I’m sorry that I disrespected you, sir. I didn’t mean anything by it,” she apologized, pinching her arm.      The Tunneler smiled. “You don’t need to apologize, Laurel. You’re curious, and like to know things. Your personality also aids you- or sometimes lands you in trouble- in many circumstances.”      Laurel sighed, her heart feeling heavy. “Its more of a curse. It keeps getting me in trouble, and I hardly know when to hold my tongue.”      The old buck shook his head, his expression serious. “Its not a curse, Laurel. In fact, I even had that character trait as a young fellow. I know a few other bucks and does in the resistance who have that personality as well.”      Laurel grimaced. “Melody and Harmony to name a few?”      The Tunneler chuckled. “See? It helps you see many things.” But he sobered. “That leads us back to why we are here. I only tell you to be cautious because the lack of it has lead to ill ends. For example, I was told that Melody has been causing a stir with her new master at Morbin’s palace already; she has just barely been on staff a week now. But I’ve also heard that one of the other does in service there was able to get information, and passed it along to her husband, who in turn, gave it to me.”      The Tunneler sighed. “You’re a good doe, Laurel. I have no doubt that you will help us significantly in the days to come; but I also promised your father that we would look out for you. Especially now that your master will be taking you to war councils.”      Laurel nodded, a shadow filling her heart at the mention of her dad.      “What else should I know besides being careful?” She asked quietly.      The old buck smiled. “Never let anyone tell you that you cant stand up for yourself. A buck told me tonight that you managed a delivery to Longtreader Administration very well today. That you didn’t disrespect- nor cower- when you arrived, or act like a empty-headed girl. We need brave does like you, Laurel. And now that you may be going to councils, you will be held in high esteem by many.”      Laurel blushed. “I’m not sure I want to be held in high esteem.” She said in a meek voice.      The Tunneler smiled. “I’m afraid it’s too late. I know a few who are proud of you, and talk highly of you.”      Laurel jumped. What?      “Really?” She asked.      The ancient rabbit nodded, his smile never fading. “And I promised I wouldn’t give them away.”      Laurel slouched slightly. Darn.      The Tunneler nodded his head a few times, agreeing with something he thought of.      “That should be all, miss Evergreen. If you need anymore answers, clarification, or help, you have friends to come to.”      Laurel curtsied. “Thank you, sir.”      The Tunneler smiled. “Laurel, many call me the Tunneler, and Father. You may call me that as well, if you like.”      Laurel gave him a small smile, one she hoped that somehow – miraculously- he could see. A lump formed in her throat at the mention of the name ‘father.’ It would be nice to call someone that, even though they weren’t her real family. But, they were. The resistance was her family.      “Thank you… father.”        Laurel exited the room and nearly jumped when she saw Harmony and Melody slouched against the wall.      Melody gave her a glare. “’Harmony and Melody to name a few?’ Gee, thanks!” And she stomped into the room.      Laurel paled as she looked up at Harmony. The doe just smiled and shook her head, motioning her to follow.      “I take it as a compliment, Laurel. Melody's just acting sour about it because she keeps getting in trouble today.”      Laurel smiled. “Its good to know that I’m not the only one who has a bit of fire in my blood.”      Harmony grinned. “Wouldn’t be surprised if we are somehow related.” But she frowned.      Laurel noticed. “Harmony, is everything alright?”      The doe stopped, and they stood there in the middle of the shadowed passage.      “I don’t know. I’ve been hearing talk about the Administration choosing kits for the Victory day celebration, and they might be compiling lists here soon.”      Laurel felt her stomach flip. “But Victory day isn’t for another few months.”      Harmony shrugged. “When has that ever stopped Wrongtreaders?”      They continued down the tunnel, and Laurel realized how badly she wanted a hug from Patrick. She faintly recollected the fact that he might be moved. But with all the uproar of war, would the Administration really carry out those instructions? She hoped not.        A while later, Laurel crept towards her house. Dylan had come back with her as far as the third district gate, and promised he would try to find out anything in regard to Morbin’s council.      “I know you’re sick of hearing this, but be careful,” Dylan whispered, his blue gaze boring into hers.      Laurel nodded, then smirked. “Sure… if I keep hearing it from you, however, be prepared for a snippy comment every once in a while.”      Dylan chuckled, but sobered. “You know, I’m not saying it for the Tunneler's sake, Laurel.”      She frowned. “If not his, then who?” She asked.      Dylan was quiet for a while, and Laurel tried to see what his expression was, but the night and shadow covered him, as well as her.      “I made a promise to your dad. And I intend to keep that promise.” He finally answered, stepping back. Laurel felt something deflate inside, and she tried to ignore it.      “Thank you. It means a lot that you’re respecting his last wish,” she whispered back, trying to swallow tears.      Dylan nodded. “Is it hard, Laurel? About your dad?” He asked in a hoarse whisper.      Laurel grimaced. “Of course. How fair is it to lose your dad and have to continue on like nothing happened?”      She was quiet for a moment, thinking. “That day I went back to work, my mom and I fought. She told me there was no hope, and that my dad died for no given reason. But now, I know that he died for the Cause, because he knew there was something on the other side of this. And I’m following in his stead,” she faltered, tears pricking her eyes.      Dylan didn’t say anything. Instead, he gently grasped her hand and gave it a tender squeeze.      “You aren’t alone in this. Never. You’ll always have us to turn to, no matter what.” He promised, his tone soft.      Laurel wiped her eyes and nodded, her heart warming at his words.      “Thanks, Dylan. It really means a lot.”      Dylan smiled, and gave her a small bow. “Good night, Laurel.” And he headed back to his life of a mask.           Laurel snuggled under her thin blanket, thinking back over the day she had just experienced. The possibility of her accompanying Brown to Morbin’s council, the problem with the Victory day preparations. She knew all too well how the Administration prepared for such a day. They took great pride in it. It only sickened Laurel even more.      As she fell asleep, she realized that her mother hadn’t even questioned where she had been. Laurel was always saying she was working late. She must’ve gotten used to it.      But one thing came to her mind that led to a troubled night of restlessness.      Patrick wasn’t home.