So I kinda just came up with this when... i think it was [@Jo4life] , pointed out in chapter 11, 12, or 13 of the Beginning of the Mending, where Wilfred was fulfilling a promise... so here it is! It's not my best work, so I may rewrite it when I have time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Promise For A Friend - by A. R. B. Wilfred strode through Kings garden near sunset, anxiety and excitement coursing throughout his being. He knew he had to do it, but it didn’t help his sanity. He had to make sure that Heather and Picket would be alright if… if anything were to happen. And he knew who to ask. But that person’s reaction, he didn’t know what it would be. He was an unpredictable rabbit, and it frightened him. Wilfred looked down at his feet and chuckled, shaking his head. “No use worrying about what ifs. Just ask him!” But as he made his way through Hallway Round, his heart began to race, its drum-like beat filling his ears. His breathing grew laboured and sweat began to form on his brow. Why was he this worried? Well, for one thing it was his niece and nephew this meeting concerned. But he had also taken care of prince Smalls since that awful day; so why did he feel so frightened? He scowled at his fear and made an effort to appear… at ease. But inside, he knew he was far from ‘at ease.’ “Well, isn’t this a surprise?” He heard. He looked up and saw Helmer the Black, the lord captain of Prince Jupiter Smalls' army. He had a smirk on his face, but when he saw Wilfred’s worried expression he sobered. “Come,” he said, motioning to his fire underneath the chaotic looking tree. Wilfred followed Helmer's motion and sat down, rubbing his eyes. Helmer eased onto the ground across from him, poking the fire with a long stick. Silence filled the air, and all was quiet except for the crackling of the fire. Wilfred held his hands out to the blaze, not sure where to start. “Alright, Wilfred; what’s on your mind?” Helmer asked through a growly voice. Wilfred nodded, realizing he had to speak. For his family’s sake. “Helm, I’m not entirely sure where to start, but let’s maybe build up to my reason.” Helmer raised an eyebrow. “Okay?” Wilfred inhaled. “Hows Picket doing?” Helmer gave a small smile at the mention of his apprentice’s name. “He’s a natural soldier. He learns quickly too. It’s been great training with him these last few weeks.” Wilfred smiled. “How is Heather taking his apprenticeship?” Helmer gave a confused look. “She seems to be alright, not as frightened looking when we began.” Wilfred nodded, thinking of his dear niece. “Okay, Longtreader. You’re beginning to frighten me.” Helmer growled in exasperation. Wilfred smiled. “You, frightened?” Helmer glared at him. “What is it?” Wilfred nodded. “Helmer, I need… I need to know that Heather and Picket will be taken care of, should anything happen to me.” Helmer sat right up, alert. “Wilfred, are you-" Wilfred put his hands up in a sign of peace. “I’m not saying anything, but… Helmer, things are finally beginning to move in the right direction. Whatever and wherever the prince decides to go, I will be going with him as was my promise all those years ago. If something happens to me, I need to know that someone will take care of Heather and Picket.” Helmer stared at him, silent and still. When he spoke, his voice was so low Wilfred had to lean forward slightly just to make sure he heard right. “Someone?” He asked with emphasis. Wilfred met his gaze. “A friend.” There was a long, tense silence that followed, and Wilfred began to worry that he had done this too soon. No, it wasn’t too soon. Who knew how long he would live? He had to make sure his family would be taken care of. Helmer rubbed his eyes, still not saying anything. “Alright, Wilfred. But before I promise, can you promise me something?” Wilfred was surprised but nodded. Helmer looked over at the farmers fields in the distance, a memory replaying through his mind. “Wilfred, I have family in First Warren. A sister, Airen, and she married one of my best friends. Snoden. I haven’t seen either of them since that horrid day, and I…” Helmer trailed off, subtly wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. “I don’t know if they are even still alive. But if they are, I want them to be safe if this Mended Wood indeed is to come. So, as you ask me to promise to take care of your family should you fall, I ask the same. That if I am to die for the Green Ember and his Majesty, then will you look out for my family?” Wilfred was shocked, and he did his best to not show it. Helmer had family? Wilfred ran a hand over his mouth, slowly nodding. “I promise.” Helmer watched him for a moment, then responded. “And I promise to take care of your niece and nephew should anything happen. But you do realize, Wilfred, that if we both lose our souls in this, no one will take care of our families.” It was a painful truth, Wilfred knew. “I know.” Footsteps approached them. They looked up and stood to attention, saluting. “Sire,” they both said in unison. Smalls looked at them gravely, finally nodding after a minute. “As my promise to you both, should anything happen to you, I will look out for your families.” He promised. Helmer and Wilfred began to protest. “Pardon, your Majesty, but you have your own promise to the people of Natalia, we couldn’t-" Smalls held up a hand, silencing their nervous ranting. “So let it be my promise to you, just as you both served my father and serve me. Please.” Wilfred looked at the white rabbit, struck at his sincerity and peace that flowed from his countenance. He knew that Smalls would be a great King; it was only a matter of defeating Morbin so that he could take his rightful place. But that was what Wilfred, Helmer, and many more bucks were for. To fight for Jupiter’s heir, till the Green Ember rises or the end of the world. Wilfred finally nodded. Smalls gave him a small smile and nodded his head before turning to head back to Hallway Round. Helmer glanced at Wilfred before returning to the fire. “He shouldn’t have to do that.” He growled. Wilfred smiled. “A part of me thinks its not about promises.” Helmer shot him a look. “Then what?” Wilfred shook his head, smiling. “I’m not saying it’s true or anything, but I have a feeling he’s sweet on a certain doe.” Helmer looked at him confused for a moment before his eyes widened in realization. Wilfred chuckled. Later that evening, Wilfred headed towards his room for the night, feeling more at ease. He and Helmer made a promise, and they would hold to that promise no matter what. “Another mission to accomplish, captain Longtreader?” A sweet voice teased. Wilfred looked down at his niece, and he remembered that he was in the hospital in First Warren, weeks after the final battle. The memory of that meeting so long ago lingered, and he knew he would have to answer that call, that promise. “More like fulfilling a promise for a friend.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Blessings and Bear the Flame! A. R.