The Bearer of Bad News

Tremor nodded, stepping past her into the alley. Wait, he called to the rodents.

They both stopped cold, looked at each other, then looked at Trem. One of them, the smaller of the two, stepped forward. You talkin' ta me?

Yes, Tremor replied. I need to ask you something.

I think he's talkin' ta me, the rat said to his companion.

Really?

Tremor sighed. Noisy people. But not the brightest.

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Bowing to Thatch and Aislin and Door in turn, Bug grinned. "So, what can I get the three of you on this fine, glorious day?"

Thatch glanced at Aislin. "Ladies first."

Aislin tugged on Thatch's sleeve. "You know this place better than I do, and I trust you." she grinned. "Something that's not insects."

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Ariel watched Tremor squeak at them, amused.

"Spiders aren't insects," he pointed out cheerfully. "She's not feeling very creative today, I guess. Something, 'plain and ordinary', was it?"

Bug nodded. "And you, Miss Door?"

Door frowned. "Do you have anything cold back there? Cooked, but cold?"

Another nod. "Yes, I do. Master Thatch?"

Thatch shrugged. "Surprise me."

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Tremor sighed. Yes, I'm talking to you. Now listen. You said something about a... Bighouse?

Oh, yeah, the bigger rat sqeaked enthusiastically. That place is allays tossin' out foods and whatno--ow!

Shaddup, the smaller one snapped. It turned to Trem. Why do you wanna know?

I'm curious. No, I don't want to take your food. I just want to know why this Bighouse is so popular all of a sudden.

...Food, the rat said finally. They keep tossin' out plates an' plates of the stuff. Untouched.

...Really? Do you know why?

Because no one's eatin' it, obviously, the rat sneered. The pigeons say that there's some news of this kid who won't touch his meals. That's all I know, it finished quickly as Tremor's eyes sparked.

"What did they say?" Ariel whispered, crouching beside them and staring at the rats in awe.

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Aislin grinned at Thatch. "Here's hoping that you'll be surprised." she said, raising an imaginary glass.

Thatch clinked his air glass against Aislin's. "Here's to hoping."

Bug returned shortly, putting a plate of... something... in front of Thatch, a bowl of stew before Aislin, and a small bowl of spicy meat before Door. "There you are, Sir and Misses. Will that be all?"

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Tremor held out a finger to Ariel. 'Wait,' he mouthed.

Where could I find these pigeons?

The rat shrugged, an interesting sight. Anywhere there's gossip, really. Gossip an' free food.

Thatch nodded. Thank you, he said gratefully. I apprectiate it.

He straightened up as the rats scampered into the shadows. "Apparently someone living in a... 'Bighouse'... isn't eating any of his meals. They've been throwing them away for the last couple days... Does that sound like someone dreading the next days to come, or am I just wishing something?

Ariel nodded slowly, a grin forming on her lips. "You, my friend, are good."

-------

Aislin happily accepted. "Thank you very much."

Trem just grinned. "Yes. Yes, I am. So... shall we find more? They said that some pigeons might be helpful..."

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Thatch nodded his thanks, setting the payment on the counter. "Wanna grab a spot to sit, Aislin? Door?"

"Sure," Door answered, popping a bite into her mouth.

Aislin balanced her stew carefully, walking slowly behind Thatch. "Sure. Pick someplace."

Thatch made a face. "I paid for your food. You can choose. I've given my daily contribution."

She tossed him a grin, "Alright. Umm, over there." she said, nodding at a nearby bench.

Thatch follwed her, keeping Door in front of him.

Aislin carefully alighted upon the seat, managing not to spill a drop. "Thank you, Thatch." she said, scooting over to make room for both him and Door.

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Ariel nodded. "Sounds good to me. Let's find us some pigeons"

Door sat and munched on her meal, Thatch settling beside her. "Y'know," she said conversationally, "we haven't done this since we first left home, Thatch."

Thatch blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean actually sitting down, and eating, and just... not doing anything," she said softly. "It's kinda... nice."

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Trem nodded and began walking. (He nods a bunch. >.<) After a moment, he smirked. "Thatch used to target pigeons when he was younger, just to make me mad," he said with a hint of bitterness.

Ariel looked at him oddly. "Target? As in...?"

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Aislin nodded. "Since Ariel and I met you three, we've had a lot more 'at home' time."

"As in bow and arrows."

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Door laughed. "So we've made your life duller, is that it? Or you're just too terrified to come outside anymore?"

Aislin shrugged. "Didn't have friends to root us in any one place."

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Ariel cringed. "Oh...my."

"M-hm," Tremor nodded. "But then I asked Dad's hounds to tackle Thatch on sight, and he stopped."

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Door smiled faintly. "Friends. I like that."

"We have friends, hm?" Thatch elbowed Aislin good-naturedly.

Ariel frowned. "That's good. Ever since I met you, I think about what animals might say when I see them and it bothers me even more to see them mistreated."

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Aislin half-laughed, holding onto her stew and trying not to spill it. "Yeah. Friends." she said warmly.

Trem allowed himself a chuckle. "Most of the time, you don't what to know what theyre thinking."

{{ I had to say it. Sorry. Refrain from asking why.}}

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"Well, shucks," Thatch laughed. "I'm getting all teary-eyed."

Door rolled her eyes, smiling. "Save us the drama, please."

Aislin leaned against Thatch and took a bite of her stew. "He's being seeeeensitiiiiiive." she teased.

"Aww," Door cooed. "How cute. Oh, lookit him blush."

Thatch took a too-big bite of food to cover up his muttering.

Aislin smiled widely, thoroughly pleased with herself. "I love doing that." she said evilly.

"I bet you do," he muttered around a mouthful of food.

She nodded, taking another bite.

"How's your nose?"

He wrinkled said injury experimentally. "Sore. But it's attached." He took another bite and grinned. "More than I can say for his tooth."

Door blinked. "You didn't--?"