Goo'day, mates! Lol! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!!! Here is chapter 2... I also will probably post more then one chapter a day, so bear with me... :3

Chapter 2

Heather woke with a start. She half expected to find herself in the Dragon Tomb with Smalls. Or to find herself in a wrecked ship. But when she opened her eyes, she found herself in a dark room. Her breathing slowed as she remembered: She was in First Warren. The window in the wall was dark as well; evidently it was not yet dawn. But there would be much work to do; no use in going back to sleep. Not now. Heather slipped out of the warm bed and found a basin of water, some food, and fresh clothes. After she ate, washed, and dressed, she slipped her satchel over her shoulder and exited the room.

She found that Emma had given them rooms on the second floor of the palace. She also remembered that her parents and Jacks had been given a room next to hers. She pressed her ear to the door and, hearing nothing, proceeded down the hall towards the stairs. As Heather made her way down to the first floor, she marveled at the strange quiet surrounding her. Could this be real? Was Morbin truly defeated? Was Natalia free? If so, now what? She smiled to herself.

“Now what? Well for me, I can help as a healer. That’s what I have been trained to do.” She told herself. She made her way to Picket’s room and slowly opened the door. It was dark inside, but she could see her brother on the bed, and another rabbit sitting across from him in one of the two chairs. He didn’t hear Heather come in, and it took her a second to realize who it was.

“Good morning, Smalls.” She whispered, shutting the door behind her. The rabbit looked up and smiled, rising from his seat.

“Hello, Heather. You’re awake awfully early.” He mused as he took her hand and squeezed it. “So are you. But I feel rested and ready to do my share of work.” She answered. He nodded, suddenly looking somber.

“Could this be real?” He asked. Heather smiled.

“I believe it is, despite how strange it feels.” Smalls smiled.

“And now the work begins.” He added, turning to look at Picket. They watched the wounded warrior, who lay so still in bed. He hadn’t moved at all during the night; at least, not that they could see, and his breathing was quiet.

“Will you be working with Emma today?” He asked, leading her to the chairs against the wall. Heather nodded.

“I will. I also hope to sit with Picket until...” She trailed off, the small flicker of hope wavering at the thought. If he wakes up. Smalls grasped her hand.

“It’s alright. He will wake up.” He assured. Heather pressed her mouth tightly and nodded, trying to control her emotions. Smalls looked up at Picket again, his expression sad and pleading.

“Heather,” he began, looking back to her. “Will you be able to come to a council? It will take us a while to put everything in place but once it is, will you come? We all have lots to do.” Heather smiled.

“Yes, of course.” He smiled.

They sat there in Picket’s room for a while, the sun finally beginning to peak over horizon. Smalls stood and stretched.

“I suppose I better go find lord Blackstar and find out what’s to be done.” He suggested, almost to himself. Heather smiled and stood as well. “And I’ll be ready for the council.” She promised. Smalls smiled and hugged her.

“See you soon!” He whispered in her ear before exiting the room.

Heather sat for a while longer, watching her brother. She was shocked at how scarred he looked. A scar across his eye, and plenty more on his remaining arm. She frowned. What a shock it will be for him to wake and find his arm gone; and to find Mother, Father, Jacks and I are here and alive! She half smiled, then looked out the small window. The water had receded a little during the night, but was still remarkably high. Some rabbits began to set about work, if you could call it that. They searched for more survivors, often pulling half-dead bucks into makeshift boats and row back to the shore towards the prepared hospitals.

A burst of excitement filled her and she smiled. How can this be? The Mended Wood was coming, no; here? And I have a part in it! She looked down and folded her hands in her lap. If only Picket would wake up, so that he too could enjoy it.

A soft knock on the door roused her from her thoughts and she looked up as Mother entered. She looked refreshed and almost happy.

“Morning, dear.” She greeted, shutting the door behind her. Heather rose from her seat and hugged her Mother.

“Morning, Mother. Did you have a good night?” She asked. Sween smiled.

“As good as can be expected. And you?” Heather smiled. “The same.”

Both mother and daughter sat down and watched Picket. It pained Heather to see him so still and quiet. Where did her warrior brother go? Would he ever awaken? Sween gripped her daughter’s hand.

“I can watch him, Heather. Your father will be gathering those from Akolan and have them ready to help in the recovery process. With him busy, I’ll keep Jacks with me and maybe get some schooling done. Though it will be nothing compared to what your father can do.” She added with a teasing smile. Heather grinned.

“I could even find a book or two for you to use.” She offered. Sween smiled mischievously.

“Could there be a copy of the book that the famous Scribe of the Cause wrote? Or are all of those sold out?” Heather laughed.

“I’m sure that there is a copy somewhere. Who knows, maybe you could get an autographed copy?” She teased. Sween pretended to act like a snobby superior.

“I doubt that it could be possible!” Both doe’s laughed and Heather hugged her mother.

“I’ll come back once I have a break.” She promised. Her mother looked into her eyes and smiled, a twinge of sadness in her expression.

“Heather dear, I’m so proud of you. Take care, my love.” Heather smiled and tears pricked her eyes.

“Thank you, mother. Say hello to father and Jacks for me; I may not have much time today to see anyone but my patients.” She waved to her mother and with one last longing look at Picket, she left.

Bear the Flame!

A. R. B.