I opened my eyes. Bright light made me blink. I was surprised to be in the familiar Cloud Mountain hospital, even more so to be alive. I smiled, softly, happy to be home, and gave a sigh of relief.

“Your finally awake.” Emma said, rolling her eyes at me.

“Did… did we win?” I asked, still confused from battle.

“indeed we did.” Emma said, winking.

“Are you quoting me?” I asked, smiling.

“Maybe…”

“Humph.” I said, glaring at the wall.

“The wall doesn’t deserve your anger.” Emma said.

“Humph.”

“Stop! Humph isn’t a word!”

“Yes it is.”

“No it isn’t!” Emma whispered.

“Your arguing.”

“Huh?”

“Huh isn’t a word.”

“It’s more a word then humph.”

“Is it?”

“Cove, your getting on my nerves.”

“metaphorically, right?”

“Humph.”

“You used humph!” I exclaimed.

“I deny it.” Emma said, handing me a small book.

“Heather Longtreader?” I asked.

“Scribe of the Cause. It would take too long for me to explain the battle, but that book does it well.” Emma rolled her eyes and walked off. I was still tired and weak from wounds, but I was content. I opened Heather’s book, hope growing with each page I read.

……..a week later……

I crept along the hedgerows, footsteps soft on the soft spring grass. Heyward was up ahead, whistling as he sliced the hedges with his enormous trimmers.

“Picket Pack-slayer, Picket Packslayer!” he sang, happily.

“Never heard that song before.” I said.

“It’s new! And i love it! Picket is my friend!” Heyward cried joyfully.

“oh, well. Best be getting to my unit. I’ve seen them once since battle!” I declared.

“Farewell!”

I whistled Heyward’s catchy tune as I strode through the bushes.

I spring my trap here. I thought, grinning.

I’ll trick Heyward with his own invention. I thought as I blew into the canvas bag that looked like a hedge. It soon inflated, and I put it on the hedgerow.

Heyward approached, whistling ‘Picket Packslayer’. He fervently trimmed the hedges, soon coming to the fake one.

He cut into it, releasing a burst of air that sent the stunned buck flying into a Blackstone soldier.

“Fleck Cove! Trim these hedges right!” Heyward yelled.

“I-“

“With your bare hands.”

___________________________

Ten minutes later………………

“The hedges are wonky again!” Heyward shouted, waving his trimmers. Never cross Heyward, he’s dangerous with those trimmers.

“Pretty is not useful.” I yelled over my shoulder, racing away from the snapping scissors.

“But I like pretty better and I’m in charge.” Heyward yelled, running after me. I increased my speed, aiming for my friends on the other side of the plautue. I didn’t want my ear snapped off. Leave that to the wolves.

“oath!” Pacer called as I sprinted up. He really was getting on our nerves with that oath. It was my idea, after all.

“The Green Ember burns, the seed of the new world smolders, healing is on the horizon, but a fire comes first. Bear the flame!” we shouted together a tad bit annoyed.

“Bucks!” Captain Frye wheezed, running up. He looked exhausted and sweat trickled from his fur.

“Aye? We can trim hedges, patrol the forest, or deliver messages.” Andrew said, rolling his eyes.

“Forest Guard doesn’t trim hedges.” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Then what were you doing?” Andrew asked.

“I was pranking Heyward, he caught me, and called it ‘community service’” I said.

“Mhm.” Pacer said, winking.

“Yes Captain?” Peter asked.

“Got word… of a... slave camp… need you four… to check… it… out...” he wheezed.

“We’re on it!” we yelled, locking our quivers and securing our bows

here ya go!! part one is over but i'm already starting part 2: Ember Falls....

@theFowlers i'm tagging you!!!!

and now y'all know how i got the title for the fanfic!!!

-Fleck