Eda nudged Orpheus awake with her long soft snout. Her blue eyes smiled at him. "Breakfast, lovey." He looked at her through a haze of dissolving dreams, confused for a moment. Then he remembered where he was and smiled back, nodding sleepily. He felt pinched and worn, but was glad for morning. He lay still for a few more minutes, watching Eda as she returned to the fire. Lovely Eda. He had known her for many years now, had always loved her, and it was not so long ago that his heart had finally matured and stopped hoping to one day win her. She was a bear - powerful, dangerous, strong-willed - and he was just a rabbit. Manley was a mighty animal, fierce but kind; Orpheus had accepted him as Eda's rightful mate and that was that. They were beautiful to behold together this morning, rich coats glinting in the early sun. With a sigh, he hopped over to a mossy seat beside them and accepted a deep bowl of berries and honey.
"I wish you would stay a few days, Orpheus," Eda said quietly, once the food was cleared. "You look exhausted."
"Oh - thank you. It's very kind of you. You're both so kind... But I am anxious to reach the valley by the new moon."
"We've been hearing strange things," Manley grumbled. "Disturbing things - not just about the marshes anymore. The gatekeepers are growing very restless."
"Yes, I am not surprised."
"Oh, I know you're clever as anything, Orph, and fast, but -" Eda's black eyes flashed with concern. "But you'll be so vulnerable out there. We should ask Hopkins to go with you."
"No. Thank you. But no." Orpheus' ears twitched several times, but his voice was controlled. "I must go alone. I will be safe."
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