A Dark Truth |WFTW RP|

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger

On this peaceful morning, Poppyseed had gotten the day off from helping her daughter, Snail, learn how to dig. Since it had been oh so long since she had gone on an adventure, she decided with the truce going on, she could explore the woods. The digger padded along the grass all up until she came to the bridge. Maybe I could watch the river for a bit, then continue going and exploring the woods- she thought as she gently plopped herself against the planks of the bridge. The doe outstretched her neck to get a better look at the river, oblivious to the rest of her surroundings with the loud crashing of the rushing water below. Though of course, she was most certain no one would come to approach her, not at this time of day at least.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC

Oh how Poppyseed was so very wrong. A large figure was exploring the area as well.... hopefully Roseum wouldn't be caught and brought back to one of the warrens... at least not yet she hoped. Maybe if she found someone from one of the warrens she could ask about how safe it all is? Maybe in buttercup... Arrow might like it there... Sleet used to be from there right? He might still have a few friends left!
She quietly made her way up the bridge, looking around and spotting a brown figure plopped into the bridge. Oh she... she actually wasn't ready to speak to anyone... what if this rabbit ran away? What if they attacked her? Roseum didn't want to get in a fight or cause any trouble... Taking a deep breath she gently approached the figure, keeping a decent distance. "uhm... hello, sorry to bother you but... are you from Buttercup Hills by chance?" She asked softly.

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

While caught up in the sounds of the river, Poppyseed hadn't taken notice of the giant figure approaching her until they began to speak. Upon first hearing the stranger speak so suddenly, Poppyseed immediately jumped and curled up, turning her wide-eyed gaze to the strange rabbit. Now this rabbit was huge compared to her, likely the biggest rabbit she had ever seen, besides maybe the General, but she only had caught glimpses of him a few times. "I- I- I- um- I-- y-yes- I- I am--" It didn't come across her mind that the strange rabbit would have come from lan-hraeth. She had assumed most, if not all the lan-hraeth rabbits didn't know what the two warrens were called, so surely this rabbit had to be from Bogweed Woods. "A-and- y-you must be f-from Bog-Bogweed Woods, y-yeah--?" Sticking with the assumption that the doe was from Bogweed Woods, Poppyseed rose her head up a slight bit.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

She jumped slightly, seeing the other doe jump up. Was she really this intimidating too others? Well this doe also didn't look like a fighter either... "I... Uhm..." She looked off to the river for a moment before shaking her head. She wouldn't lie, no matter what. She's not a liar! "No... I'm not but-" She looked back to the doe with a worried look. "P-please don't be scared I-I'm not going to hurt you-" She began to feel a little worried... she was close to the other 2 warrens after all... not to mention she didn't have arrow or sleet with her...

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

After having been told that the doe in front of her was not a Bogweed rabbit, she began to sink back down into her fur with fear, I shouldn't have responded! I should've ran! the digger was most definite that this doe was going to kill her, or take her away as prisoner. The sounds of the rushing river almost made the moment more stressful, yet at the same time, it did help Poppyseed feel more calm at the time. She crept her eyes onto the now revealed to be lan-hraeth rabbit, examining her appearance and body language.
At least this one seems more- more convincing-- Poppyseed thought to herself as she continued to watch the large doe. "O-okay- b-b-but- but y-you you better p-promise th-that--" Poppyseed winced with her voice muffled by the fur surrounding her dewlap. The digger rose herself back up once more, though it was clear she was ready to sprint away if need be.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Roseum could see the fear in her eyes, to her it's becoming more apparent how monstrous her own warren is.... With the doe acting like this it... it made her stomach churn. "I promise, swear on my life I will not hurt you." She said, sitting down a little ways from the other doe. Far enough to have the other doe feel comfortable (she hoped) but close enough to where they could still hear each other. "I.... I'm sorry for frightening you... It's becoming apparent to me of... how my warren is..." She looked back to the now standing doe. "Please I just- I need to ask if Buttercup is... a safe place?" She asked, worry in her eyes. She looked back to the direction of Bogweed, then back to the doe. "Because from what I've heard... Buttercup is... the better of the two right?"

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

"Okay-" Poppyseed blurted quickly in response as soon as the large doe promised. Settling herself down with the reassurance that the doe wouldn't hurt her, Poppyseed let most of her guard down now. "Oh- I- uh- i-it's f-f-f-fine- it's f-fine really-" Poppyseed stammered, a small forgiving smile forming on her muzzle. The doe in front of her seemed genuine, that the warren she had currently resided in was not as good as they said it to be. Listening cautiously, Poppyseed gave a slight nod, "W-well- I- I would say s-so- I- I've never been i-in Bogweed b-but-- from- from m-my experience w-with some of it's m-members I- I would th-think that B-Buttercup Hills i-is far s-safer--" The digger turned to look back down at the river for a moment again, letting the silence between the two take place for a moment, before looking back to the doe and asking a question that rang in Poppyseed's head, "W-were you--- were you l-looking t-to leave y-your warren--?"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

She smiled lightly as the doe seemed much more relaxed than before. She sighed as her paws messed with her mane nervously. "Good good... I was hoping buttercup would be a good choice..." She looked back at the doe, thinking for a moment before shrugging. "I.... I'm not sure quite yet... Leaving would entail that... not only would my old warren be my enemy... I'm not sure either of these warrens would accept me and my family at this point..." She sighed, rubbing her head, before looking at the water. "I'm... considering all options... I don't want my son to be... in that light any more... he's young and... if I were to leave I would want him to come with me... i was thinking buttercup might be a good option but... If i remember correctly my mate used to be from here and he... left quite.. a few scars..." She said quietly, lowering her head onto the wooden bridge.

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger

"I- I see-" Poppyseed nodded, slowly turning her gaze back onto the river. Her ears were directed onto Roseum while she continued to speak, listening to each and every word. Hearing the mentioning of a mate that used to be a buttercup rabbit, made Poppyseed quite curious. Perhaps she knew this mysterious ex-buttercup the doe had spoken of, or perhaps not. "Well," she hummed, looking to the lan-hraeth doe one more time, "W-what's his name--? I- I might be a-able to t-t-tell you if I- I recognize h-him-?" Poppyseed arched a brow, filled with curiosity.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

"His names Looser-Yera, though I usually just call him Sleet." She said, looking back to the river. "He said he's done some... regretful things while he was here... he regrets it alot from what I can tell but... I'm trying to make him better... He's an excellent father figure to my son though." She said, smiling a bit at small memories of the two playing together. "I'm just worried that if... if we decided to leave... If Buttercup would even accept us then..."

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

Poppyseed hummed aloud, "Hmmm- L-Looser-Y-Yera? I- I don't r-recognize th-tha---" Oh Orientem no- as soon as the mentions of Sleet slipped across the doe's lips, Poppyseed backed up a bit with her ears pinned against her back. With that- that name- that specific name being mentioned, all sorts of god awful memories came back. Now with every word spoken from the large doe, Poppyseed could feel herself being torn apart. E-excellent father figure? m-make him better? w-what--? The digger's eyes now brimmed with tears and a deep inside look of fear, she whined out loud, "He- I---" she shook her head, "I- I know Sleet.." with her legs now trembling, she curved her paws, scraping her small nails against the planks, "I- I know- I kn-know- know him--" She took a pain filled gulp and rose her wide eyes to the doe.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

As she was smiling at the memories, her ears perked up at the whines and movement from the other doe. She looked over quickly, a worried look on her face. Oh by the stars was she alright!? Why was she acting like this? She didn't mean to make her cry! But as she spoke more, saying she knew Sleet, and judging from her reaction, Roseums fur puffed up a bit, and sad frightened look appeared in her eyes. "I-... you're one of the ones he hurt aren't you?" She said, feeling her stomach churn, her chest felt like someone was standing on it.
"I-I'm so sorry I'm-" She didn't know what to say. What were the chances of this meeting happening!? Out of every single rabbit!  "I'm sorry I'm- I won't talk about him anymore- I'm-" She shook her head some, trying to think of what to do.

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger

With hyperventilating breaths, Poppyseed gave a shaky nod, "O-oh y-y-yes- I- I- I- I a-a-am- I am- O-oh he- h-he--" taking a quick pause, the doe took a deep breath and felt some tears run down her cheeks, "H-he- he r-ruined me- h-he r-ruined m-my kits a-and- and o-oh O-Orientem f-forbid h-h-he c-come back--!" Poppyseed cried out. Attempting to put her mind on happy thoughts, she rubbed away her tears and continued to breathe in and out, "I-- i-if he just- if h-he-- hadn't... left... me..." The digger muttered into a solemn whisper, giving a sniffle.
"I-it's.. it's fine.. y-you- you didn't-- you d-didn't kn-know..." Poppyseed said lowly, rubbing away her bitter tears before she felt too embarrassed again, "Y-you p-probably s-still don't kn-know either h-huh..? I- I doubt h-he b-bothered t-to tell y-y-you w-what t-terrible things h-he had done.."

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

h-he r-ruined m-my kits... kits? Did he... did he have kits in buttercup? His own flesh and blood? "I-I..." She watched and listened to her crying... what on earth did sleet do to her... "I... I don't know... everything no... But I'm..." She seemed in shock. "Does... does he have kits here?" She asked, seeming worried. She would have never guessed that he had kits... he never spoke about them... but he seems connected with Arrow... "H-he's only told me a few things... so I doubt everything... H...how many has he hurt?" She asked, some own tears threatening to spill.

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

It came to no surprise to Poppyseed that Sleet had never even mentioned his first litter. With the question asked, Poppyseed gave another nod, though this time it was slow and sad, and her eyes only focused on the floor, "Y-yes.. O-originally th-three kits- a-at the time he f-f-first m-met them, he- h-he left a bad i-impression on them- n-now only t-two are- are around still, b-but- oh I- I hope th-they've- they've forgotten about him now- I- I don't want them t-to c-carry a burden th-their whole life b-because of h-his f-foolish actions--" The digger shook her head once more, still unable to believe how the buck could connect to a kit that hadn't belonged to him, and not his own children. His logic was unbelievable. The doe felt both a strong sense of anger and pity for the doe, how could she fall for such a terrible buck? and what would she do if she ended up going through the same thing as she once had before.
"H-how many others h-has he hurt? W-well, th-there's me, m-my three k-kits, u-umm, J-Jackdaw I- I think-- L-Laven-Lavender, a-and C-Clay-- b-but oh I w-wouldn't be s-surprised i-if- if he's hurt m-more th-than that-"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Her expression saddened heavily. How could he leave a bad impression on his own kits!? She felt sad and a bit of anger mixed together. How could he hide something like that from her!? Her ears perked up... only 2 kits... Roseums gaze quickly turned back to the other doe. "Oh gods I- I'm so sorry for your lost... No mother should ever have to bear loosing a kit that young..." She said sadly, looking back to the rushing river below them.... 7 others.... maybe more that he's hurt... She felt angered at the news... she knew that he has hurt others but... she didn't think this bad or this many...  
"I'm... I'm so sorry for what he's done to you and your kits... for what he's done to others..." She lowered her head against the bridge. "I... I'm trying to... make him better... get him to change somewhat... I remember when he came back from a meeting with someone else... he was so heartbroken... like he knew what he did was wrong... I... I truly think he wants to better himself but..." She shook her head. "I'm not sure anyone but me will believe that... which I don't blame anyone for..."

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

Poppyseed was hopeful that she wouldn't be so emotional for the rest of the strange conversation, but that hope didn't last very long once the bigger doe said a sorry about the loss. The poor digger knew it had been nearly a year since the buck went missing but that pain wouldn't go away. But, perhaps it was better this way, knowing the buck was gone for good, rather than having to painstakingly worry every day if he was still around, perhaps even suffering. With tears rolling back down her cheeks, she desperately rubbed her paws over her eyes to try and rid of them, "Th-thank... y-y-you..." the digger cried out softly, still continuing to hide her tears.
"I- it's o-okay-- I- I mean-- i-i-it's n-not but- y-you don't a-apologize f-for his a-actions---" Poppyseed stammered nervously, getting rid of the last of her tears as she said so. "G-good luck with- with th-that--- d-doubt y-you'll m-make much progress b-but-- y-you gotta be c-careful of h-his tricks t-too-" trying to make an attempt to move the conversation away from the depressing topic of Sleet, Poppyseed gave an unsure smile and said, "W-well, I- I don't believe w-we've i-introduced our-ourselves pr-properly so-- m-my name's P-Poppyseed- w-what about you--?"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Roseum felt her own eyes burn a bit as the other doe cried... she couldn't image what it was like to loose your kits... if she lost Arrow... she would have no idea what to do... Well... that kit didn't have to deal with... all of what's going on now... maybe that's a good thing... It still hurts knowing a kits dead though... She rubbed at her own eyes for a moment, wiping away any tears that might have formed.
"Well... I hope I can make some progress on him..." She said, chuckling a little bit. "Poppyseed? A wonderful name, I'm Roseum." She said, smiling gently. She thought for a minute, her ears twitching some. "Actually I... I think he's mentioned you before... told me a story about how you saved his life..." She shook her head some. "We... we can stop talking about him... I should have a word with him once I get back..." She said, looking back towards the mountains, which seemed much less welcoming now...

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

After profusely trying to wipe her tears away, she took notice on how the doe in front of her had gotten a glossy look over her eyes as though she were about to cry as well. Poppyseed felt bad for a brief second, thinking that she shouldn't have mentioned it. Maybe I should've at least saved it for a later time-
"H-haha- I- I hope- I h-hope so too--" Poppyseed agreed along with the lan-hraeth doe. Getting a response from the doe who now revealed herself as Roseum, Poppyseed was about to speak back. With a mouth wide open, she let in a big breath, then stopping as Roseum then continued speaking; saying something about how he's mentioned her before. Closing her maw, Poppyseed instead arched a brow instead of responding. It took her a few short moments to try and recall what Roseum could've been possibly thinking about until a bell finally rang. The river! 
It nearly surprised the doe how she forgot that life-changing day. Now remembering that all over again, that made her feel slightly more miserable than she had before with the thought of Sleet. Giving a slow nod, "Yep- th-that was me-! A-at this h-here riv-river- S-Sleet a-almost drowned- a-and, s-so did- did I b-but- n-not as bad as h-him. I-if I re-remember c-correctly, h-he didn-didn't want t-to be saved, b-but I did a-anyways--" Poppyseed turned to look down at the flowing river again, getting a small bit of chills up her spine after remembering the event that had occurred at this location.
Finally putting her gaze on Roseum again, Poppyseed nodded, "O-oh yes- th-that w-would be m-most ap-appreciated- ac-actually--" She took a quick gulp and looked up to the sky with a sigh, "I-it's br-bringing m-memories I- I woul- would prefer n-not to r-remember--"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Roseum listened carefully, looking to the river as she spoke. This doe risked her life for Sleet yet he hurt her this badly that she gets like... this when even thinking about him... It made her a bit sick to be honest... but he's changed! Right? He hasn't hurt her like that yet... "That's alright- Your completely fine... I'm sorry about all of that..." She shook her head, rubbing her eyes a bit. She was definitely going to have a word with him when she got back to the mountains...
"Uhm.... But... Off the topic of him... How is Buttercup? Would they even accept if anyone wanted to... to live there if they weren't born in the warren?" She asked, tilting her head. It felt so strange to ask all of this but... she needed to know. Would it be safe for Arrow at least? He's just a kit after all, he would be able to learn their ways easily right?

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

"O-oh um.. B-Buttercup?" asked Poppyseed, uncertain as to what Roseum meant by 'buttercup' only then taking the hint that she meant the warren. "Oh! Uh y-yes, Buttercup Hi-ills i-i-is full o-of ver-very friendly r-rabbits, I- I think y-y-you would like them!" She explained with a bit of nervous excitement. Her ears began to perk up slightly, swerving around lightly, only catching the sounds of the peaceful river. Coming to think of it, the river reminded her of her warren. Not quite sure why, perhaps it was the calmness it gave off.
Taking a deep breath, Poppyseed let herself bathe in the sounds of the flowing water, continuing to go further into her explanation, "I- I don't th-th-think that w-we've had a-any rabbits o-o-of- of y-your warren j-join ours.. b-but i-if y-you you can-- can prove y-yourself t-to the w-warren th-that you- that y-y-you really w-want to join, I-I'm s-sure y-y-you'll fit right i-in!"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC

"Oh! I thought it was just called Buttercup, I suppose I forgot about the hills part!" Roseum said, chuckling a little bit, rubbing the back of her head nervously. "I've heard the rabbits there are much kinder than the ones in Bogweed, that's why if I were to leave Lan, I wanted to see how Buttercup Hills fares between them." She looked back at the river, hearing the water rushing.
The large doe smiled at the smaller doe, thinking for a moment. "I'll have to speak to my family of moving warrens... though I might have to do so when the time is right... With everything going on I... don't think I can just up and leave..." She thought about Arrow for a second. Would he even want to leave Lan-Hraeth after everything he's built up there? Being a novice and all...

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

"W-well uhm, a- a lot o-of of rabbits t-tend to n-nic-nickna-ame th-the warren j-just Buttercup s-so y-you're- you're not that f-far off--!" Poppyseed further explained to the larger doe with a small light-hearted giggle. It was almost ironic to Poppyseed how despite the rabbit standing before her was an enemy, she was talking to her as though she would with most any other warren-mates. In the back of her head, however, was the small scream that told her to run away. Last time she had crossed paths with a Lan-Hraeth rabbit, she took to her instincts and ran. But this time? It was,,, different. The only thing she could worry about now is Roseum turning back to give out information to the warren or going back to see that the warren has figured out she was having a conversation with the enemy, only to be titled as a 'traitor'.  
With the river covering her in a blanket of tranquility, Poppyseed carefully listened to the doe. The last words spoken left Poppyseed rather puzzled. "C-can't- can't j-just up a-and leave? W-why..?" she asked, a brow arched in confusion. Of course asking her family about it would be one reason why she couldn't just leave so suddenly, but, what if it had been something else?

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Roseum listened to the doe speak, a smile and relaxed smile on her face. For one of the few times in a long time, she felt relaxed. She thought back to the moment she shared with Sleet a moon ago... sleeping and staying in their own area... full of flowers and the sound of the river, the shade the trees brought... it had felt nice. But with what she found out about her mate... she couldn't help but feel strange about him now. She still loved him of course but... would he hurt her like he did so many others?
She snapped out of her state and turned to Poppyseed. "O-oh... well... I have a son, not by blood but, he's still my son none the less... His names ArrowHe's one of the shamas novices... he works to hard to rise up, so when the shaman dies, he might be chosen... I wouldn't want to just... take him from all he's worked hard on... though he's still so young it scares me... Do your healers teach others by chance?" She asked, looking up. Maybe if they left Lan... Arrow would still be able to continue his teaches as a healer!

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger

"Oh..." Poppyseed whispered. She wasn't quite sure what a 'shaman' or 'novice' was since she had never heard the terms used within her warren, but it must've been something important in Lan-Hraeth. I-I'm not e-entirely sure w-what a sh-shaman or- o-or what a- a novice i-is b-b-but, I- I understand w-what you mean-- I- I haven't seen e-either of our h-healers m-mentor anyone- b-but I'm s-sure if- if you a-asked th-they could t-take him in-? M-maybe--?" while suggesting that the taller doe could ask one of the healers, she felt nervous. What if she was giving wrong information? She hadn't seen either of the healers take on a muddypaw before, they probably didn't even do training! The twinge of doubt nearly made her want to blurt out that it 'wasn't a good idea' or anything on the lines of that. Instead, the doe awkwardly kept her gaze on the ground and shuffled her paws.

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

Her ears perked up a bit and she smiled. "Ah right, I forgot that other warrens might not have a shaman or novice... B-But the other thing is somewhat good news! Maybe if he showed his knowledge they would be able to do something..." She thought for a moment, before sighing. "Thank you... for all of this Poppyseed, it's most appreciated... I'm glad to have run into you, and... perhaps maybe if I do get the opportunity to join Buttercup Hills... perhaps we could talk more." She said, standing up, giving the other doe a warm smile.
"...I do hope this all goes well... with all of our warrens... maybe to live in peace with one another... Your homes seem wonderful... I don't want my leaders and warren to take that all.."

Poppyseed | Doe | Digger 

Through the duration of Roseum's response, Poppyseed had done nothing but stared blankly into space. That is... until the last words spilled from the much larger doe's mouth. ...perhaps we could talk more. Poppyseed took a shallow gulp and nodded in agreement despite having not paid enough attention to really know what Roseum meant. She must've meant how she might join Buttercup Hills someday- I think- 
"Y-yeah-! Certainly!" Poppyseed claimed with a nervous grin, only hoping that she responded correctly.
When Roseum last spoke of the warrens, Poppyseed slowly nodded once more, "O-oh yes, I- I hope so.. I ho-hope so t-too- Th-things were a-already bad between B-Butterc-cup a-a-and and B-Bog-Bogweed- N-now with L-Lan-Lan-Hraeth o-on our t-tails, i-it- it seems like ever-e-everything's be-been going s-south, y-y'know..?"

Roseum/Doe/S5 2IC 

The much larger doe smiled gently at the smaller doe, seeing her smile nervously. "I truely am sorry for what Lan-Hraeth has done- and I hope the damage can be undone... perhaps piece will be able to flourish after all of this-" Her ears perked up at a sound coming from the woods towards bogweeds territory. Her eyes widened slightly and she looked back, before looking to Poppyseed. "I should- Probably be getting back to the mountains about now- I don't want you getting in trouble for this- Please keep safe Poppyseed." Roseum said, giving a reassuring smile, before turning around and running back to Lan-Hraeth.