Mouse Guard

[Nigawatts]

Spring 1153
three days before day and night are equal...

Copperwood always seemed to be busy, even in the dead of Winter. Mice from all over the settlement were wheeling and dealing, usually in the loudest way possible. The sound of metal hitting hammers, and the sawing of wood filled the air around the old Oak tree night and day. Deckard loved Copperwood, and was disappointed they were leaving that day, but as always the Guard's home was the road.

"Has your lookouts given the clear to head down the south road yet, Makham?" Deckard asked the elder mouse who presided over the town's weather forecasters. A sciencemouse from Sprucetuck, the old man had decided to stay in Copperwood several decades ago, where his skills would be more useful to the Guard. Having someone to train the other mice in the sciences was invaluable to a settlement. Learning to read and write were nice, but learning how the natural world functioned was necessary if the territories were to survive.

"If my calculations are correct, the water should have receded enough to cross. I have told the builders of this city a hundred times that a bridge over the road for when the area flooded would be a good investment." He said while holding in a wheezing cough. The elder's fur had been black a few summers ago, but now much of it had turned grey with age. Deckard knew how quickly a mouse would show his age toward the twilight of life. "Aye old mouse, and what did they tell you?"

"They told me it was a waste of time to build a bridge we'd only use a few months a year. The idiots." He said at length after pondering the question for a few seconds. Deckard laughed loudly, causing the other sciencemice at the Academy to turn and look. "You'll be heading south I suppose. Strange that you are the only Patrol heading that way this time of year."

Deckard winced, "Aye, funny thing about that. Anyways I'll let you get back to your research, I told my squad I'd meet them at the gate of the tree by now. They'll probably think I'm a lout if I'm too late. It was nice to see you again, remember if you ever need anything from the Guard, I'm there for you." He said at length, before giving Makham a firm paw shake. Makham grasped Deckard by the shoulder and pulled him into a hug. "There's no reason to make promises boy. I know you have felt obligated since Elebert's death. He was a good son, and I will always be proud of him. You don't have to worry about keeping his memory alive, it'll always be with us."

Deckard nodded, and headed toward the exit. He waved one last time before heading out into the busy streets of Copperwood.

[Warm Regret]

Waiting near the exit was a young gray mouse who appeared misplaced by the hustle and bustle of such a large city. It was his third visit to Copperwood but each time felt like the very first. While letting his eyes roam the streets, he eventually spotted Deckard, heading in his direction. Lifting his paw to wave, he jogged over to greet him. ‘Sir Deckard! There you are. What news from Makham? Will we be able to take the southern road?’ He asked eagerly.

1 hour prior...

‘Here you are Darcy.’ Said Everett, a blonde colored mouse about the same age as Darcy. Everett was the owner of “Everett’s Variety Shope” The shop, if you could even call it that, was really just a cart full of various goods. While not as fancy as some of the other shops in Copperwood, this small vendor always seemed to meet Darcy’s needs. ‘These herbs are hard to come by, I’m not sure why I bother putting in so much work for you.’ Everett added with a small laugh. Darcy smiled while making the transaction. ‘Quite sorry to trouble you Everett but these herbs could potentially save lives while on a long journey...and I’m afraid I’m not ready to roll over and die just yet.’ Everett grinned. ‘In that case, I expect to see you here again soon.’ A statement that caused Darcy to nod and smile. ‘Of course, your company is the highlight of my visit.’ He responded playfully. ‘Give my regards to Ressa.’ Everett managed before assisting another customer. ‘I will! Until next time!’ Was Darcy’s reply but his voice was lost over the sounds of the city.

No sooner had Darcy walked away, did he feel a small pouch lifted from his belt. Looking up, he saw a young brown mouse fleeing in the opposite direction and Darcy took off after him. ‘Stop!’ ‘Thief!’ He cried. While his accusation caused a few heads to turn, no one intervened. The young thief however, made a sharp right, scurrying down a narrow alley. Darcy reached the alley just in time to see the thief disappear around its left corner. ‘Come back here!’ He shouted. It was probably too late to catch up to him now but after quickly absorbing his surroundings, Darcy used a few crates beside him to climb up to a sloping ledge. Sliding down the ledge, he lowered himself into the adjacent alley just as the thief came speeding through. The two collided, knocking both mice off their feet. Darcy was the first to rise and approached the young boy, scooping up the pouch the young thief had dropped after his fall. ‘I’m sure you realize that stealing from the guard is a very serious crime.’ Darcy chided.

The frustrated young mouse of about 12, stood and frowned. ‘You’re not a Guardmouse, where’s your cloak?’ He said sharply. Darcy cleared his throat. ‘Ahem, well...I may not be a Guardmouse just yet but I’ve apprenticed under Ressa the Phantom and currently with Deckard, Hero of...wait, why am I explaining myself to you!?’ He said coldly, suddenly remembering his anger. ‘Come lad...your name and those of your parents, they shall hear about your thievery and you’ll be taken to the proper authorities.’ The boy looked away and spoke in the same brusque tone. ‘My name is Pan and my parents are dead. I only stole that from you because I was hungry...you don’t have to turn me in.’ He said with his eyes cast down and off to the side. Darcy sighed. ‘I...I’m sorry about your parents. I lost my mother when I was about your age...I can only imagine how it feels to lose both...but...why are you not in the orphanage?’ The youth shrugged, still not making eye contact. ‘I don’t know, boys my age get turned out in the street if no one wants us. Not able to feed all of us… making room for the babies and all that I suppose...’ Darcy frowned and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the orphanage worked in such a way, it was something he would need to look into but at present there was still the thief to deal with. ‘That’s still no excuse to become a criminal...now come with me...’ He said while grabbing the boy by the paw.

Dragging the boy through the streets, Darcy eventually returned to Everett’s shop. ‘Back already?’ Everett smirked. ‘Everett, I need a tremendous favor.’ Darcy replied while keeping a tight grip on the squirming child. Everett glanced at the boy then gave Darcy a dismissive look. ‘Not really in the business of granting favors...’ Taking a moment to ponder, Darcy spoke up. ‘What if I spread word of your business to the Guardmice of Lockhaven and the cities along my travels. We have a good relationship with several important merchants. Surely such word of mouth would increase your business… 10 fold.’ ‘I’m listening...’ Everett said while leaning his head to the side, his left ear twitching. Darcy continued. ‘This young mouse is Pan and he needs work. Make him your apprentice and you won’t regret it. He can help attract more business, keep an eye on your wares, you can even have him run errands for you, he is quite fast.’ Everett looked down at Pan who kept his head turned the entire time. ‘Hmph...doesn’t look like much.’ Everett continued. ‘…but I suppose we could give it a try. I don’t promise anything mind you...’ Darcy smiled and released his grip on Pan. ‘All I ask is that you give him a chance.’

Kneeling to the young mouse, Darcy gave him the bit of gabcroon as well as a few coins. ‘Now is the chance to prove yourself Pan...you’re at the age where the choices you make determine the path your life will take. I expect to see you here with Everett when I next return.’ Pan still refused to make eye contact. ‘And I expect to see you wearing a Guardmouse’s cloak.’ He said cuttingly, which caused Everett to laugh. ‘I like him already.’ He said while crossing his arms. Standing now Darcy smirked. ‘Remember what I said…both of you…’ This time his words held a hint of authority as he walked away.


He had been waiting near the exit for a several minutes now. He couldn’t stop his eyes from darting back and forth, observing as much of the city as he could. So many faces passing him by, so many stories to be told and he felt like he wanted to learn them all. He didn't yet realize that his story had become part of the city as well.

[DotCom]

Sadie, too, was exploring the streets of Copperwood, though with much less noble a purpose than her would-be Patrol companion. It was her second visit to the city, and while she'd spent the last several years of her life in Lockhaven, rendering Copperwood new, but not entirely unfamiliar, the young she-mouse had a tendency to look at everything as it it were new, even if she'd known it all her life.

Take, for instance, the back of her paw.

While Sadie normally spent hours in the local armory, whiling away over various weapons, many of which her own uncle had crafted by hand, if not only the prototype, she'd been sent out to fetch something for one rebuilding or another, and, as usual, had gotten distracted on the way. This time, it was at the seed shop of an old mouse who'd known Sadie's mother, Viola, when she was small. The old woman was named Addy, and in the summer she had visited Viola and Sadie back in Port Sumac, a three-year-old Sadie had outgrown her clothing sneaking snacks from the woman's bag.

Now, Addy was like a grandmother, the likes of which Sadie had never known. The woman owned a seed shop in Copperwood, and waved Sadie inside as she passed through the square to get the Something for Someone.

"Hello, Addy! How was your winter?"

"Far too long if you ask me, but then no one ever does," Addy replied coolly. Addy was what some mice called 'crotchet'. Sadie loved it.

"I've only just asked you, Addy."

"And in answer, I say come unload these sunflower seeds from their crates to be moved upfront. They need to be sold this week. Then you may show me your new cloak. There are no sewing mice out there worth their weight in dirt anymore."

Sadie only grinned as the graying red mouse moved aside to allow for easier access to her fare. In all, Sadie had spent nearly half an hour there and was running late for at least three things, two of which would have to wait, because the third, her new Patrol Leader Deckard, would not. It was only Sadie's first spring as an official guard mouse, and while she was well glad to be away from the cloakless innocence of the tenderpaw, she rather missed her uncle already. He, at least, knew she had a tendency to be a little flighty.

And so, she scurried through Copperwood, apologizing to every third person she nearly bowled over as she studied the back of her paw--and the very prominent purple stain from the pomegranate seed Addy had given her "to keep her strength up for that thing."

She kept licking at her paw, until she heard Viola's voice in her head, squeaking something about appearances and first impressions. She shoved the offending paw behind her orange cloak just as she reached the city gates to find to other mice waiting.

"Good afternoon," she said brightly. "I'm Sadie." She offered a paw without thinking, then withdrew it quickly and offered the other. "It's a pleasure."

[ElRey]

In his typical fashion before a mission Azazel was practically crawling out of his skin within the relative safe of the great tree that was Copperwood. He, for one, had no use for the cities and towns of the territory. While in his youngest years he had found great pleasure in causing mayhem and destruction among the carts and shops of his home town of Grasslake, it soon lost its appeal; replaced by more daring adventures around nearby Wolfepointe. There was no glory to attain here, no way to outrun his fathers shadow.

It seemed every mouse whispered in hushed tones as he passed. The eyes of strangers doing double takes, filled with fear or anger, gathering their little ones to hurry them along. Word spread quickly it seemed, and for every step of progress the young patrol guard had made, those were never the stories uttered when others thought his ears too dim to overhear. A hard knot of tension in his broad shoulders seemed to be coiling itself ever tighter, a python of stress attempting to suffocate his spine. With grimaced sigh he rolled first one, and then the other, burying his claws into the fiery fur around the muscle, root out the source, relieve the irritation.

He knew himself well enough to realize that once they were underway, wild air in his lungs and Weasel Bane in his paws, the knot would dissipate. This helpful knowledge was coupled with the unfortunate circumstance of relying on his Patrol Leader, Deckard to arrive and see things "fit enough" to venture on. The older mouse was one for pleasantries, and seemed to know someone in every village that he simply had to visit. These trips would often extend to the brink of Azazel's nerves, becoming one of the many permanent rifts in their battered husk of a relationship.

Worse yet, rumor had reached his scarred ears that the patrol had been assigned a Tenderpaw, no doubt that would bring its own slurry of malcontent between the pair. Azazel had already spotted the youngling, whose name escaped him, the mouse was tiny and grey and looked far too excited in all the wrong ways. He groaned inwardly, the pitiful tenderpaw was no warrior, he seemed more likely to have his snout shoved in a book or a bed of herbs than swinging a sword lopping the heads from rebel mice. Deckard, knowing him, was practically guaranteed to take a shine to the youngster, have the whelp running around picking flowers while the rest of them bore the workload. He could see it now, the pipsqueak grey mouse in a giant green cloak, tumbling down the stairs of Lockhaven, he snorted.

As if to confirm all his fears, the young mouse's face lit up, his eyes locked on the marred complexion of their commander. From his place, leaning against the outer rim of the gate it was impossible to hear what the youngling squealed over the bustling of Copperwood. Something he had read in book, Azazel mused bitterly as he approached, words dripping from his mouth with visible disdain.

"Ever seen a Weasel before, squirt?"

The response came in the form of a black mouse in an orange cloak, thrusting out a paw for him to shake. Azazel looked down at it skeptically, cocking an eyebrow at the slick, damp fur. The girl, Sadie, seemed to catch herself, stowing her dirty paw behind her back only to replace it with the opposite side. Though much cleaner, the red furred Patrol Guard found it no more inviting.

"Pleasure is all yours." He spat contemptuously. "You wanna talk to the handsome fella with the treasure mark across his face. I just work here."

He didn't wait for a reply, instead turning his gaze and irritation to Deckard. "If you do not bear good news about the south road, on my sword I will throw myself from the upper branches of the great tree." Bringing Weasel Bane forth he waved it with an over-dramatic flourish, gesturing toward the tower of weather-watchers.

[Nemaisare]

“A wasted effort, when you’ve a sword right there. Don’t fret yourself none though, news’ll be good.”

She’d been hunched quietly by the gate herself, and had only bothered moving when the fire-furred and fire-hearted mouse did. Originally, she’d thought simply to slip out alongside the Patrol when they left, or join them only if Deckard looked to be announcing something, but she’d changed her mind when she’d seen the scowl on the other mouse’s snout. Of course, he would be grumpy today, she’d not known him half as many days as a patrol-mate should, but already she knew he wasn’t the sort to play nice. Best she keep him from terrifying the neighbourhood, if she wanted any company other than him and Deckard along on this trip. And so, her comment drifted in from behind them as she came around the other side of Azazel and calmly took the paw that hadn’t been meant for her.

“I’m Hildred, Sadie, and I won’t blame you, y’no longer think it’s a pleasure.” She sighed and cast a despairing look over the lout of the group, before twitching her whiskers and letting it go. No use arguing, they were going to get underway as soon as Deckard told them the way was clear. Now, Hildred didn’t know for sure that it would be, she didn’t have the same finesse or skill at calculating river heights after rainfall as Makham and his weatherwatchers, but she had her own ways to make estimations, and they usually weren’t far off. Hence her confidence as she assured Azazel that they’d be leaving on the South Road soon enough.

She was eager enough to move on herself, now the weather was clear and the crowds were out. It wasn’t so much the noise or bustling chaos that got to her though. Copperwood was home, it had her family and her treetops, it had friends and memories and everything she’d left behind when she’d become a tenderpaw. She was used to crowds and markets and great heights. It was the fact that it reminded her of what might have been, if she’d never followed Kerr through those gates for the first time. She’d be like Sparrow, settled down with a mate or running the front counter of their father’s bakery. Her worries of the day would amount to getting rid of stale buns and making sure she calculated the necessary ingredients out right for enough bread and rolls and pastries to last into the afternoon.

She’d climbed the tree to the old house, and found the business looking just as it had before. Her mother had given her a hug and then thrust her right to work as though she’d been gone a day and not seasons. She’d only managed to convince them she wasn’t in Copperwood for long after she’d been volunteered into helping make up the second batch of dough for the day. She probably still had flour somewhere on her from the exuberance of her half-brother’s greeting, but Hildred was ready to go. And she’d been waiting ever since, even knowing there was time yet, she’d preferred to rest where she was and keep apart from the hustle on the streets. Otherwise she’d have given in and climbed to the top and been lost up there for hours, just enjoying the view. Not to mention the quiet.

No, better they get started as soon as possible, before the old life drew her back with fake promises that she’d be able to forget the War and the Rebellion if she just vanished in the hubbub of the city.

[Nigawatts]

Deckard approached the group of mice near the gate briskly. His ears twitched as he realized he was the last one to arrive, but that had probably been expected. Never a punctual mouse, Deckard was seen as lazy by other guards. Perhaps they were right to an extent. The others turned to acknowledge him as he walked upon the group. Azezal seemed agitated. Always a mouse for the roads, he hadn't been happy when Deckard had ordered them to take shelter from the storm. Finding that the road east was flooded had been a major blow to their time table. They had 10 days until the Summit. Appleloft would theoretically be sending out their representative in a few days. That was if they truly planned on joining.

"It's always a pleasure to get back to the long road. We'll be leaving today. Scouts say that the water is low enough to cross, but we should still be careful. This is more than just an escort mission. The path we're taking hasn't been walked since the first snows last year. I want you all to be making notes. We're in a hurry so we won't be able to fix every problem we encounter, but I want everything we find to be remembered." He said while motioning for them to huddle. On the ground, he used his foot paw to draw in the moist dirt. He showed 5 circles, two at the front, two in the middle, and one taking up the rear. He told each of them their position in the march one by one.

"Sadie I want you to make notes on your maps of anything that has changed since last winter. Try to be short and clear, I hate reading too many footnotes." He said, while giving her a friendly pat on her shoulder.

"Azezal I want you to take up the rear and guard our flank. Keep an eye out for predators, and alert us to anything out of the ordinary. Do not engage unless directed to do so." He heard Azezal let out a snort, but the Patrol Guard didn't complain.

"Hildred I want you to keep stock of our supplies, as well as keep an eye out for hiding spots along the path. Make note of any that have been damaged, and if we can fix them along the way we will take a moment." Hildred was reliable. Deckard knew that, and so did every mouse that had worked with her. Unfortunately, her quiet nature meant that Deckard felt more comfortable giving her the less glamorous jobs.

"Darcy I want you to stick close to me, we'll be taking point. I want you to be a forward scout while on this mission. If we run into trouble you are to be at my side unless I order you otherwise. Just relax, and watch what I do. If you have any questions ask me or the others." He said to his Tenderpaw, and unlike Azezal, he was quite happy to have him along for the mission. Far too many Mice are given the Cloak without seeing any real action. That became very evident during the last two wars, as the Guard had lost more than they ever had in their long, illustrious history. Not that Deckard wanted to throw the mouse into the deep end so fast. But these were dark times for the Guard, and the Mice on the roads had to be prepared.

"Lets move out guys. I want to be at the first crossroad by morning." Deckard said motioning for the gate mouse to open the doors. Their journey was just beginning.


******

Near the Scent Border, a half day from Wolfepointe

Thommas hoped his Patrol Leader wouldn't notice him taking a quick nap from his pouring. They had been at it all week, loading jugs of that vile smelling crap, and pouring it on the ground. It was mind numbing work, that brought Thommas to tears with boredom. He hadn't joined the Guard to spill Sciencemouse cocktails on the dirt. He had been stuck on a boat between Darkwater and Port Sumac for most of the Rebellion, never even got to wet his blade with some traitorous blood. He wanted to be a hero like the Black Axe, but here he was, pouring out in the woods.

CRUNCH

The lazy Guardmouse stood up in surprise. He had made his hiding spot out of a few dead leaves that remained even after winter thaw. But he knew that sound must have come from somewhere around him. Taking hold of the axe behind his back, he looked around nervously, waiting for any kind of monster to burst forth from the brush. He had forgotten that no mouse ever really went beyond Wolfepointe. At least no mouse that ever came back to tell the tell. The villagers had told him of the sound of wolfs howling in the moonlight being heard during the thaw. It was a bad omen they said. Meant that the Pack had a lean winter, and were hungry for anything.

Thommas didn't actually understand what the Pack was, having never learned how to read. He'd seen pictures for sure, but always thought it was Sciencemouse rubbish. Nothing that savage could really exist in the world. Right?

"BOO!!!"

With a girly yelp that echoed into the forest, Thommas nearly jumped out of his cloak as his friend, and fellow Mouse Guard Kevan came bursting out of the bushes. The mouse laughed and cried at Thommas' expense, before slowly coming to grip.

"I knew you were sitting on your tail! Jonsey is going to have your paws if you don't get back to work you lazy bum." Kevan said, while lifting up the jug Thommas had sat outside the bush to keep the smell away. It was still half full, the lazy Guard Mouse had been resting for a 'really' long time.

"I was just taking a breather, I'm getting back up. You can just keep this between us eh?"

Kevan didn't answer but simply tossed the jug back to Thommas, causing a bit of it to spill onto his light blue cloak. Thommas cursed and grabbed a handful of leaves in an attempt to wipe if off. Kevan simply laughed and walked back toward the bush.

CRUNCH

"Did you hear that?" Kevan asked, stopping dead in his tracks.

"Oh please, that only works once ya moron."

"No that was too loud to be me, there must be someth..." He was cut off as a sharp pair of teeth enveloped the upper half of his body. The large mouth bit down and pulled the mouse in with two small bites. Thommas at first couldn't register the fact that his friend had just been eaten, but as he looked up at the yellow eyes of the beast standing before him, he finally let out a blood curdling scream.

[Warm Regret]

Sadie’s introduction to the others gained Darcy’s attention and he eagerly took her paw in his own, giving it an enthusiastic shake. Her demeanor was pleasant and amiable and perhaps even a little eccentric. Darcy instantly felt he would get along with her quite easily. ‘Well met Sadie, Darcy here, at your service!’ She didn’t appear to be much older than him but her orange cloak signified that she was still his superior. Azazel’s snide comment abruptly pierced their exchange of pleasantries, like an unwelcomed thorn and Darcy awkwardly turned to look at the black cloaked Guard Mouse. He found the mouse incredibly rude but as a Tenderpaw, it wasn’t his place to question his superiors manners. “Ever seen a weasel before squirt?” Azazel’s tone managed to make him feel inferior and he lowered his eyes, fighting back feelings of self doubt. ‘Well no...not up close...’ Lifting his eyes again he spoke more convincingly. ‘But I’ve read a bit of parchment that explains what to do when you encounter one...and my name is Darcy…sir.’

When Hildred made her presence known, she was able to skillfully defuse the mounting tension and Darcy greeted her with a light bow of his head. ‘Ms. Hildred, it is an honor to have you as part of our patrol. I am Darcy, Tenderpaw assigned to Sir Deckard. But I suppose you’ve already come to that conclusion.’ He said while nervously scratching behind his ear. It wasn’t hard to tell he was a Tenderpaw, he was the only one in the group that didn’t own a cloak. He couldn’t help but feel naked next to all the decorated Guard Mice but the blue and white scarf wrapped around his neck and thrown over his shoulder, provided him with a level of...comfort. Hildred was like a breath of fresh air to him, his first impression of her was that she was mature and level-headed, she reminded him of his former mentor, a familiarity that put him at ease.

Finally, Deckard had arrived. Darcy was a little embarrassed that his new mentor was so tardy however he would fiercely defend him had anyone tried berating him. Soon Deckard gave everyone their orders and Darcy couldn’t be more pleased to be at his new mentor’s side. He was eager to prove his worth and gave a nod of his head in understanding. ‘I won’t let you down sir.’ He said confidently. Darcy watched as the gates were opened, revealing the expanse of the world once more. He was living his dream, how many mice could say that? A gust of wind blew past him as the gates groaned and gave way. His gray fur ruffled while the scarf around his neck billowed effortlessly. Impassioned, he was ready to begin the second part of their journey.

The morning sky was covered in a thin blanket of gray clouds, carrying with them a cool and refreshing breeze. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed since they departed Copperwood for Appleloft and Darcy was beginning to wonder if they would ever reach their destination. He kept close to Deckard, moving in his shadow, ready to provide assistance to his new mentor or any of the guard mice in their patrol for that matter. He had only been paired with Deckard for a short time now and he wanted to make a good impression while honoring his former mentor. The trek was long and it felt like each step stimulated every muscle from foot paw to thigh… needless to say it was starting to take its toll on him. When looking around at the faces of the other mice in his company, he observed that no one looked uncomfortable, tired or even bothered by their journey. Darcy felt that he would never become a Guard Mouse if he couldn’t even endure this much effort, so picking his head up, he caught his second wind, doing his best not to fall out of position.

It occurred to him that they had never discussed the situation at hand in detail. Darcy knew what the mission was but he always wanted to know his Mentor’s thoughts as well, he found them to be rather instructive. So curiously, he spoke up. ‘Sir Deckard…have you any idea why Appleloft has not answered the summons?’

[DotCom]

Sadie received a flurry of responses, each so different from the last, it was almost comical.

The first came from the black-cloaked mouse, whose red fur (and demeanor) rather reminded her of Addy, which she was positive was not the other mouses's intention. It served only to make his his whole person rather amusing. Sadie made a heroic effort not to laugh. Even if she was the sort of mouse to get offended over...anything, she could clearly see that laughing at this particular mouse, especially when he was of a higher rank than she, would not get things off to a good start.

She offered a bow that was more playful than mocking and said, "Not at all, Ser Black. But thank you for your acquaintance nonetheless."

She'd only just answered when a new mouse, another she-mouse, approached from behind to defuse the tension. Sadie had to smile at this mouse's response. She was quite glad to have someone along who wouldn't be all doom and gloom. "Well met, Hildred. It's nice to see another she on the force." Sadie grinned broadly.

Their patrol leader, Deckard, was the next to arrive, and he wasted no time with introductions. Sadie snapped to attention so sharply, she nearly bowled herself over. When she righted, she grinned eagerly, nearly bouncing with excitement, and found she could not keep her tail from quivering. It was everything she could do not to squeak and leap into the air.

"Yes, sir!" she responded brightly. The bundle over her back beside her quiver held all her mapping equipment, carefully (...sort of carefully), hastily packed and repacked just that morning. And yesterday morning. And the fortnight prior. Sadie was not a patient mouse.

When the final mouse introduced himself, Sadie about melted. He wasn't much younger than her--she'd only just recently gotten her cloak. But her tenderpaw days felt far off now that she'd joined the force, and the other mice made her feel much younger than she was. His name was Darcy, and he was absolute the sweetest thing Sadie had ever met.

"Hi, Darcy. I'm Sadie. I've just said that, and you've heard me, but it just seemed the polite thing to restate my name. Just incase. Sometimes, people hear 'Kady' or 'Aidy', and those things are not my name."

As the small group moved out, Sadie kept just behind the group, noting new formations in the ancient paths, roots overgrown her, corrosion wearing away trails there. She didn't speak much as she went; she knew from experience it didn't take much to distract her. If someone so much as coughed in a way she found over-interesting, she would be lost for the rest of the day.