Casper's Cottage

Casper stockpiled blankets, quilts, and comforters for the winters, partially for himself and partially for the forest creatures. Gonzo got them instead that night, and he quite happily wrapped himself in a cocoon of them before promptly passing out. Though Casper usually turned down the lamps at bedtime to rest his eyes and to waste less oil, for his guest's sake, he left them blazing.

Disappearing back up the loft ladder, a few sleepy thoughts playing quietly in his head, Casper drifted off nearly as quickly.

The next morning, the squirrel awoke to find his guest had escaped from the pile of blankets, leaving them hanging to the floor and draped over the back of the bench. It wasn't the blankets that bemused him. He'd been meaning to ask that rabbit something, and he rushed outside hoping his van hadn't driven off.

Thankfully, Gonzo hadn't gone far; as Casper was stepping off of the cottage steps, Gonzo was climbing out of the van and making his way back towards the house.

"Morning!" Casper chirped, Ardent slinking around his shoulders as usual.

"Hey, man." Gonzo put his hand up slightly in a sort-of wave. "So, I uh...wanted to ask you something."

"Oh? I wanted to ask you something too, actually."

Gonzo awkwardly played with his headfur, stifling a chuckle. "Uh...you go first."

"Well, Ardent and I don't get out much...don't get me wrong, lots of stuff to do and see around the forest, but...beyond that. It's a long walk back to town, and there's a lot of sharp rocks on the way. Can't much walk anywhere...Is there—room in your van for two more? Maybe you can show us around the Valley a bit?"

"Yeah, no problem, man..." Gonzo was similarly sheepish in his request. "It's, uh, funny you ask that, man. It's not weird if I keep my van up here, is it? Company's cool...been a while since I've had any friends..."

"Don't mind at all! Just...mind you don't run over any slerrets, please?"