Epilogue (3 of 3): "The Cottage"

[Chak Ku'rill]

Six weeks after the defeat of Captain Blade, Chak and the crew of The Phantom returned to Salamandastron with the rest of Blade?s treasure weighing down three ships. Chak volunteered to take his cut early, so as to have coins in paw the moment he hit the shore. It was less than he would have received had he waited, but all that mattered to the former overseer at that point was having something he could give to each of the surviving families of his dead slaves.

Once the sea otter stepped from the floating dock onto solid land, he realized how very lost he was without a ship. The rest of the crew headed straight for the badger fortress, but the mountain reminded Chak far too much of Dead Rock.

Chak cast his gaze across the sea of buildings and houses that was Hearth and the white canvas blades of a windmill caught his eye, spinning lazily in the bright afternoon light. It was then the otter remembered Robert's open invitation to visit any time. So with nowhere else to go, he struck out for the Rosequill residence. ?Third cottage east of the windmill, marked 136,? Chak recalled. His heart rose as he descended down the mountainside on a new path that would lead him to friends, family, and the closest thing he now had to a home.

The timbers of the humble cottage shivered as he pounded on the door, dust sifting down from the rafters. It was the first, but definitely not the last time the crusty otter would be stepping across the Rosequill threshold, and as friendly paws welcomed him in under the straw-thatched roof, the seasoned walls weathered the first of many visits to come.

---The Longest Week---

After initial introductions and a recap of his voyage, Chak relaxed into the comfort of Robert's cozy home. He accepted a glass of whiskey from Violet, and watched delightedly as Maribel demonstrated her musical talent with a light-hearted little ditty, accompanied by amusing gestures.

?Toed my paw eye knee-ded a tail-or,
Tore my heart on a shattered dream,
Paw nose eye can't heel myself,
So he's sti-chin up my heart fur free!

Singin'
Belly's m'girl with a chest nut curl,
She's armed with a smile fit ta kill,
butt whisker away and you'll rue that day,
Snot a beast could de-feet Rose-quill!?

Even Plink smirked at the young hogmaid's clever performance, and as Chak clapped along he felt a warmth well up deep inside. Thus, when Robert suggested he stay with them a week, the sea otter agreed readily. Little did they all know the folly of such a hasty arrangement.

*************

Though it was nice to feel like he was part of a real family, Chak realized quickly that he didn?t belong. He said things that made Violet blush and Robert glance worriedly at Maribel. He missed his daily swim, and as a result grew musky and rank in his single change of clothes until Violet introduced him to the concept of bathing in a tiny tub. She washed his clothes and they came back smelling like flowers rather than salt or fish, violating the sea otter?s sense of self.

Confined in the small house, Chak ended up breaking several dishes and decorative objects. He blundered into side tables and upset tea trays when he stood, and his thick, rudder-like tail tended to knock into things whenever he turned. By comparison, whatever personal possessions Chak had owned in the past had been durable and few. On ships if you owned something valuable or frail, you either locked it up or tied it down. On a ship too, no one complained if the bread had a patch of mold or if they found a roach in their bed, and it baffled the otter to see Robert?s wife grow flustered over small things like spitting on the floor or scratches on the furniture. It seemed that no matter what he did, it was somehow wrong or offensive ? be it clearing out his nose or eating with the wrong utensil. Most times he didn?t even realize he had made a mistake until Maribel was scolded for the same infraction.

The day Violet found fleas on the baby was thankfully the same day Reedox came by to collect the former slave driver. The squirrel froze upon entering the cottage, nostrils flaring.

?That smell??

?Yarrr.? Chak appeared, wearing a scarf over his muzzle. He was already strapping on his belt and satchel to leave. ?A bit too familiar, eh? ?Parently sulfur be the top treatment fer riddin? yerself o? lice an? fleas. Though why ye?d go ter such lengths be beyond me, mate. Bugs jus? be a part o? life.?

?Ship life, maybe.? The squirrel rubbed at his twitching nose. ?You can?t buy new bedding when you?re out at sea now, can you? And it takes just one beast to infest an entire crew.?

?Aye, an? ye can guess who be catchin? the blame fer infestin? this crew?? Chak glowered.

?Well? are they wrong?? The squirrel blinked at the otter matter-of-factly.

Chak shrugged. ?It jus? be the season fer ?em.?

Reedox raised a skeptical brow then shook the dust from his fur. ?So you?re ready to go? Already said your goodbyes??

The sea otter tugged the scarf down to his neck so as to speak more clearly. ?Nay, but I?ve ?ad ?bout as much civilizin? as I can take. An? I don? think they?ll be missin? me much.?

?I beg to differ, mate,? Robert?s voice rose from the doorway behind Chak.

The otter winced and turned to face his host. ?Ain?t nothin? personal, Rob. But I think I wore out me welcome nigh six days ago.?

?Bah! Rubbish.? The hedgehog stumped over and clapped a paw to his friend?s shoulder. ?A bit of conflict's to be expected when you toss beasts with such different backgrounds together in one place. Jus? takes a bit o? time for folks to work out the kinks. I?m sorry you feel like you weren?t welcome, though.?

Chak looked away sheepishly. ?Aw, naw. T?weren?t any lack o? kindness what made me feel outta place. Everyone be treatin? me far better ?n I deserve.? He wavered in the entryway, pulled both by a desire to show his appreciation and the desire to escape ? just as he?d felt all week. He gave Robert a pleading look.

?Tell you what ? how about one last meal with the family? You know Maribel?ll be heartbroken if you take off without sayin? goodbye, an? Violet?s been workin? on one o? her succulent butter-squash pies??

?Ah, aye ? the stuff o? legend.? Chak?s mouth watered at the prospect. Violet?s pies were one aspect of this week he would be sure to miss. That and sweet Maribel.

?It might help Plink also, if you didn?t just take off. She?s strugglin? too, you know.?

Chak considered the young ratmaid. She preferred to keep her distance from him. Unlike Maribel, she knew his darker nature, and unlike Maribel she was full of sass and vinegar that threatened to turn his new leaf back over. Yet they had the most in common. Neither of them could quite adapt to this cozy, cultured way of life.

?A?right.? Chak nodded, giving in. He doubted his lingering would do much to inspire Plink, but he had to agree that ditching the Rosequills would probably not leave the best impression.

*************

That evening Chak occupied his spot at the end of the wooden trestle table one last time. The smell of sulfur was largely masked by the rich, savory scent of fresh-baked squash and fennel pepper pie. Chak helped himself to a double serving of each, which seemed to please Violet.

Despite his overall experience, some progress had actually been made in Chak?s manners. He ate with a fork instead of a dagger, wiped his mouth on his napkin rather than his sleeve, and kept his boots off the table even after he was finished. They talked about the cutter he had purchased and the letters Reedox had written to over fifty different magistrates along the coast. Robert told them all about his latest fishing venture snagging an eel that ?nearly took his arm off? and Maribel ended the conversation by announcing that she had written a new verse to add to her most recent song ? and without any help from her mother. Everyone insisted on hearing it, and the young hogmaid happily obliged.

?Toed my paw eye caught me a sailor,
Heaved and hoed from the salty see,
Paw snot ready to let me go,
Butt a pirate?s life be the life fur me!

Singin?
Yo ho! Take me below,
Blow me down and bung me hole,
Belly?s pretty booty kneeds a deckhand who?s on duty,
Lest her treasure chest be woeful stole!?

After several seconds of gaping silence Maribel?s mother was first to find her voice. ?Excuse me, ?bung your? what?? Violet had actually turned a shade of violet.

??Bung hole? is an openin? in a cask o? vittles with a stopper pluggin? it, ma,? Maribel explained knowingly. ?It?s pirate talk!?

Everyone turned to look at Chak.

He cleared his throat and stood. ?Er?serpose I?d best be goin???

---Relation Ships---

The Rosequills had agreed to receive messages on Chak?s behalf, which compelled him to visit regularly throughout his long quest. Although he made it a point never to stay more than a day after that first week, the salty otter enjoyed his visits, continually surprised at how fast the children were growing and ever sniffing for more pie. Reedox and Robert worked together to keep track of the information they gleaned, pinning a map to the kitchen wall with notes and markers representing names and clues. Even when Chak was absent, the Rosequills were reminded daily of the otter?s ongoing commitment.

Whole seasons passed. The closer Chak grew to finding the last of the slaves? families, the more the Rosequill cottage grew in familiarity. Soon it became comfortable and inviting as a cook stove on a cold winter?s day. He became ?Uncle? to the children, and even Plink warmed up to him somewhat after her own time away.

Thus, when the last name was checked off the former slaver?s list, there was a certain solemnity to the celebration. Violet cooked the sea otter his very own pot of oyster and shrimp-dumpling stew - not that anyone else would have wanted any, and Robert opened a vintage bottle of wine he had been saving for a special occasion.

?Does this mean Uncle Chak ain?t gonna be comin? back no more?? Maribel whimpered as the map was removed from the wall and ceremoniously rolled up.

Robert patted his daughter?s head comfortingly. ?Nay, he?ll be back, Bell. You?ll see.?

?Aye,? Chak squinted one eye at the young hogmaid. ?Only thing that?d keep me from comin? back?d be chains er death.?

Maribel wiped her cheek with the back of one paw. ?Or dismemberment??

?Maribel Forsythia Rosequill!? Violet scolded.

?Not even that.? Chak grinned, then leaned down conspiratorially. ?Didn?t keep yer Pa from comin? back, now did it??

Maribel shook her head, beaming at the roguish otter.

?You know, for bein? illiterate, you?ve introduced a startlin? amount o? new vocabulary to our daughter.? Violet finished wrapping a jar filled with the leftover stew and slipped it into Chak?s satchel along with some small loaves of oat bread.

Chak lifted his satchel to his shoulder and winked at the hedgehog. ?Thankee, marm. I be tryin? ter do me part.?

Violet tutted and shook her head as the sea otter and squirrel headed out the door together one last time. She and Robert stood in the doorway, watching them go.

?The end of an era,? the hogwife sighed.

Robert chewed thoughtfully at the end of a piece of straw. ?He?s got a lot to figure out once this is over. But he?s come a long way.?

The door closed with a creak and the little cottage shielded the hedgehog family from an extra chilly gust of autumn air. Smoke curled up from the chimney as sunlight faded and a harvest moon rose full and golden in the evening sky. Rain, fog, and the port?s first frost came and went while the otter stayed away, and gradually the trees lost all their leaves. Not until the moon rose full a second time did Chak return at last, whistling his way up the winding path to the candle-lit cottage.

?Hey-o boyo!? Robert clapped paws enthusiastically with Chak as he tramped into the little house again, ducking slightly as he passed through the entryway. ?Welcome back! How ya doin???

?Not bad, mate. Not bad.? Chak grinned broadly through his freshly plaited whiskers.

?Hey, Violet! Guess who it is?? Robert called out as he led his friend towards the kitchen.

?I don?t have to guess ? I could smell his fishy carcass a mile away!?

?Har har.? Chak chuckled. ?Missed you too, Violet!?

?Did you find the Lox widow?? Robert queried.

?Yarr, an? Nimbleton?s family too. ?Ad a trifle bit o? trouble but it turned out a?right in the end.? He slumped into a chair at the table and Robert joined him. ?Reed?s decided ta stick aroun? Fariby wi? me, an? we?ve set up some cozy lodgin?s near the docks. ?E?s started workin? as a townsguard.?

?Sounds fittin?.? Robert bobbed his head. ?What about you? What have you been up to??

Chak scratched at his neck and smiled. ?Oh a bit o? this an? a bit o? that. Been doin? some divin? in me spare time. More opportunities as winter sets in. Not a lot o? swimmers cain take the cold, ye see, yet the demand fer coral, shellfish an? seaweed be jus? as high.? He paused. ?Not that I be needin? the money, mind. I be doin? it mos?ly fer the exercise.? He leaned back in his chair. ?Don? suppose any o? us really be ?urtin? in the financial department after what we ?auled back from the island.? He lifted his eyes to the dusty old rafters overhead. ?Though I ?ave noticed things ain?t changed much around ?ere??

Robert followed Chak?s gaze to the top of the musty cottage where the roof sagged. ?Aye, well?? He rubbed at the tip of his shiny nose, lowering his voice. ?I figured Violet an? the girls came pretty close to bein? fatherless. I was lucky to make it home at all.? He knocked on his wooden leg. ?A lot o? beasts didn?t make it back, though. An? I couldn?t stop thinkin? about how they gave so much more than us. So I told Swiftpaw to keep my cut and put it towards supportin? the families that weren?t so fortunate.?

Chak nodded. ?I see.?

?I get a pension still. It?s enough.? The hedgehog shrugged.

?Arrrr.? Chak seemed to withdraw into his own thoughts for a time.

Robert studied the otter. ?So you?ve made amends an? reached the end o? your journey. You?ve got a place to call home an? a job you enjoy.? He folded his paws together. ?Is it all you?d hoped??

?Well?? Chak hesitated, scratching at his bristly chin then blowing out a long sigh. ?Ye know afore I allus thought o? the perfect life as the sorta life whar ye ?ad nothin? anchorin? ye down. No chains ? not e?en metaphor-ee-kul ones. Take life as it comes at ye ? one wave at a time. If ye get ?ungered, ye pick up a few clams. If ye get thirsty, ye stop an? grab a pint. If ye get testy, ye find yerself a buxom bawd.? Chak moved a paw back and forth illustratively. ?Take yer fill an? move on. I thought after I fulfilled me obligations ta the survivin? families, I?d be livin? like that ? footloose an? free til the end o? me days. Sail off inter the sunset, so ta speak. But the nearer I got ta the end o? me voyage, the less appealin? that dream became.? Chak leaned forward in his seat, engaging Robert?s full attention.

?I started thinkin?, might be nice ta ?ave someone who?d notice if I didn? make it ?ome one night. Someone who?d desire me more?n me coin. Someone I didn? ?ave ta ?ide me past from an? who?d?care about me. Scars an? all.? He leaned back again, crossing his burly arms across his chest. ?It be a lonesome path ta travel, bein? free from all ties. An? if I learned anythin? from me time wi? ye an? yer family, Rob, it?s that not all bonds be chains.? He cleared his throat, eyeing Violet with a smirk. ?Well?mostly?? He winced as an onion bulb beaned him across the ear, then continued. ?Point bein?, thar be an ottermaid what I met while visitin? Nimbleton?s estate. We been seein? one another pretty regular.?

?Oh-ho-ho! You scoundrel!? Robert wagged a finger at Chak and winked. ?Hear that, Vye? Chak?s gone an? landed himself a lady friend!?

Violet?s snarky reply was muffled behind a cupboard.

?Well not quite. An? that be me main reason fer stoppin? by, Rob.? The sea otter straightened, folding his scarred paws together against the tabletop. ?Salina be a right proper type. Virtuous e?en. The kind o? gal what shouldn?t be out cavortin? wi? a bloke like me. An? at first I figured she were jus? lookin? fer an escape o? sorts. Summat different from ?er usual ?igh society crew. T?was a role I were ?appy ta fill, an? ta be honest, I didn? expect it ta last. I were jus? ?opin? ta get lucky afore the novelty o? it all wore off.? He shrugged and laughed, then faded to seriousness. ?But Rob, thar were this time I took ?er out on the cutter.? He paused thoughtfully. ?She?d ?ad a bad day an? I told ?er ta jump onboard an? we could leave it all be?ind. T?was one o? them late lefto?er sunny days ye get jus? afore they all turn chilly, an? the wind were warm yet strong, fillin? the sails full an? ripplin? ?er fur jus? like waves. She said the feel o? it all made ?er want ter sing an? so I told ?er go ahead an? belt it out.  An? shiver me rudder, mate? I knew she were a singer, but gates that gal lef? me dumb as a clam. T?weren?t e?en words she sang ? jus?? pure?? he reached a paw out, curling his claws, ??raw?feelin?. The kind what bleeds yer heart inside-out.?

Robert grinned at the otter. ?Heh heh heh! Chak m?boy, that almost sounded poetic!?

Chak gave him a sheepish smile and continued, ?We got ter talkin? an? she got me ta tell ?er things I ain?t told any other beast while sober, an? in return she told me about ?er own life growin? up on the river. Then we dropped anchor and went divin? fer oysters, ?avin? worked up an appetite after all that jabber.? Chak leaned back and whistled. ?Damn, Rob, an? I thought she looked good outta the water?? He grinned for a moment, basking in the memory. ?We ended up findin? two pearls in that catch. I told ?er they might be worth summat an? ta take ?em. A couple days later she?d ?ad ?em fashioned inta a simple necklace, an? Robert? she ain?t taken it off since.? Chak raised his eyebrows meaningfully, then sighed. ?So I think we got summat genuine goin? on?I jus? don? know whar ta go from ?ere. I don? ?ave much experience? wooin? females.?

?HA!? A bark of a laugh burst out of Violet as she strolled over to join the two males at the table, passing them tin cups. ?Understatement o? the season. I?m surprised you?ve held onto her this long.? She tipped them each a serving of rum.

Chak stroked his plaited moustache. ?Aye. Reed?s been a big ?elp. ?E?s saved me from some ruther large bungles an? given me plenny o? tips ? e?en been ?elpin? me learn ta read an? write a li?l. But ye know, when it comes ta relations, a bachelor can only give so much advice.?

?You mean relationships,? Violet suggested.

The sea otter shrugged and nodded. ?Yarr, them too.?

Robert cleared his throat. ?Are you sure you?re ready for this, Chak?? The question hung in the air a moment before the hedgehog expounded. ?We?re talkin? about a long-term commitment here. Domestication. Devotion. Compromise.?

?I know it don? seem in the offin? fer a beast like me. I ?ardly think I?ve a chance meself, but?gates, if anybeast be worth the risk, it be ?er. She knows me, Rob. All the ugly.? He stared ruefully at the cup in his paws. ?Yet she still wants ter be with me.?

Robert and Violet exchanged looks and Robert sighed. ?Alright. How can we help??

?Well ta tell ye the truth I be sailin? mos?ly blind. M?haps ye can tell me a bit more about the way it all works.?

The hedgehogs looked at each other again and both shrugged.

?Well needless to say, a wife is different from most o? the relationships you?ve had, I?m sure,? Robert began. ?She ain?t obligated to you as would be a bawd, you don?t own her, as you would a slave, and though she?s close like a friend, she?s far more than that. More like?a part o? you.?

Chak nodded eagerly.

?Everythin? changes when you bind yourself to someone for life. I mean, you stay you, and you still have your own likes an? dislikes, but their likes an? dislikes become just as relevant. They?re not there ta serve you any more than you are them. You work together as a team out o? care for one another. What affects them affects you an? vice versa.?

Violet wore a look of concern. ?Chak, dear, have you had any?healthy relationships with females? Because beasts tend to fall back on what they know. You can?t just become a new animal with no experience to draw from.?

?I?d say most o? me inneractions with the feminine sex be ?ealthy.? Chak jutted out his chin with a confident nod.

The two hedgehogs stared at the sea otter.

?Er, t?least they be positive?? he amended.

Violet tutted. ?Positive ain?t the same as healthy. An? I can guar-an-tee you it ain?t just the relationships that are unhealthy when it comes to bawds an? doxies.?

?He don?t need a reprimand, Vye. He?s lookin? to put all that behind him.? Robert glanced at Chak, ?Er, you do know marriage is traditionally monogamous, right??

?Monogo-what??

Violet threw her paws in the air. ?He?s doomed.?

?Hold on, hold on?? Robert patted his wife?s arm, then turned his attention back to Chak. ?Monogomy means only bein? with each other. No foolin? around. No bawds or floozies.?

?Oh aye!? Chak waved a paw. ?Ain?t no one I be innerested in ?sides Salina anyway.?

?You say that because you?re completely besotted,? Violet warned. ?But things won?t always be so idyllic. Marriages have rough spots. Dry spells. The real test is when you?re apart for a long period of time. Even then, you?re expected to stay faithful, no matter what temptations you might come across.?

?I see. So ye an? Rob?ve ?ad rough spots an? dry spells? I wouldn?t?ve guessed. Ye seem so? ?appy.? Chak watched them over his cup as he took another sip of rum.

?Aye, well ? we?ve been together a long time, Chak.? Robert winked. ?Twenty seasons. It?s like settin? sail from a rocky shore. There are a lot o? obstacles and setbacks at first, but once you get past the breaks an? find a good headwind, the sailin?s smooth. The key is workin? together. An? once you learn that, you?re more prepared to weather whatever storms may come.?

?Yarrr, I get ye.? Chak showed his yellowed teeth in a broad smile. ?But right now I just be? tryin? ta figure out ?ow ta launch the ship at?all.?

Robert nodded understandingly while helping himself to more rum. ?To win a gal over, one needs to demonstrate that she can rely on him, that he cares about her, and that he supports her, so that she feels secure.?

?Aye,? Violet agreed. ?Then you must also prove that you?re a good fit ? that you can work well as a team. Usually this means good communication.?

?I mayn?t be able ter write, but I can communicate jus? fine.?

?Oh? Alright then, here?s a test.? Violet smirked. ?Salina tells you she hates her outfit, the lay of her fur, and is a mess. How would you answer??

Chak blinked. ?Er? Sorry??

?Wrong,? Violet corrected sharply, causing the otter to wince. ?She?s lookin? for a complement. You tell her she?s beautiful.?

?Uh?a?right??

?Even if she?s not. Especially if she?s not. She needs to know that you accept her an? love her an? always see her beauty.?

Chak mulled over the translation. ?So sayin? she be feelin? unattractive means she wants me ta tell ?er she ain?t.?

?Aye!? Violet answered. ?That?s right.?

?Why wouldn? she jus? say what she really be after?? Chak held out both paws.

Robert grinned. ?Females speak a different language, friend. Trust me ? you don?t want to learn it the hard way, heh!?

?Arrrr.? Chak growled. It was new territory for sure, but he was eager and willing to learn.

It took much of the night, as even the most basic nonverbal signals flew high over Chak?s guileless head, but the pair of hedgehogs did their best to educate their pirate friend, sending him away at last with a mental arsenal of notes and scenarios. Chak counted himself fortunate to have the seasoned couple in his corner, and, as time would prove, he would be making many more trips back before launching that ship at last.

---Tying the Knot---

?You?re crushing my paw.? Salina smiled up at the rugged sea otter walking beside her. Chak immediately loosened his grip and apologized, putting an arm around the ottermaid?s shoulders instead. Their breath puffed out clouds as snowflakes drifted gently around them.

?Chak Ku?rill, are you nervous about introducing me to your friends?? Salina raised a brow at him, a teasing glint in her eye.

?Nay, me beauty. I know they?ll love ye. It?s more that I?m burstin? ta show ye off! Look at ye ? the picture o? perfection? married ter a clod like me.? He grinned.

Salina scoffed. ?Perfection? Don?t know how long I can live up to that expectation. Care to lower the bar? just a little??

Chak pulled her close, knocking her slightly off balance. ?Ye?ll allus be perfect in me eyes, Sali.?

?Even when I?m gray and toothless?? She flashed her white canines.

Chak grunted. ?I ?spect I?ll be losin? me vision by then so t?won?t matter.?

She laughed and gave him a shove into deeper snow.

The pair of otters continued to stroll casually up the snow-packed path toward the Rosequill cottage, but before they even reached the steps, the door was flung open and two young hedgehogs scurried out, laughing and dancing.

?Here comes the bride!? Maribel sang out, taking Salina?s paw while Berta reached up to grasp Chak?s paw by the thumb.

?Looks like we?re expected!? Chak smirked as he and Salina were dragged along.

?Carry her over the threshold, Uncle Chak!? Maribel leapt ahead, clapping her paws together. Berta joined in, hopping up and down excitedly.

Salina opened her mouth to reply when the burly sea otter grabbed her from behind, sweeping her off her feet and into his arms as they stepped through the entryway.

?Hurraaaaaaaaay!? Clapping, whistles and cheers reached the ears of the newlyweds before their eyes fully adjusted to the lamp-lit interior of the cottage. Chak was astonished at the number of familiar faces.

?Well blow me down ? ain?t this a surprise!? His eyes widened upon sight of a certain red-furred vixen. ?Be that Vera?? He set his wife back down and they walked over to greet the fox. ?Salina, this be Vera Silvertooth! She were the cook on the Silver Maiden I were tellin? ye about what could turn the lowliest pot o? swill inter a savory stew fit fer a king!?

The ottermaid took the fox?s paw in a graceful gesture. ?What a delight to finally meet you in person! Chak told me about what you did ? both in Dead Rock and the battle against Captain Blade?s fleet. I don?t think any of them would have made it out alive if it wasn?t for you. Not to mention what the pirate king might have done to Salamandastron and the rest of Mossflower.? She shook her head in awe. ?To see you standing here ? real as Redwall and just as legendary ? it?s an honor!?

Vera chuckled. ?I?m sure the story?s a bit exaggerated.? Her gaze turned to the former slave driver. ?I?m glad to see Chak?s life has settled into... something better.? Her metal fang glinted in the flickering lamplight.

?Aye.? Chak rumbled, looking sober a moment. Then he caught sight of a tailless pine marten. ?Ahoy! Be me eyes playin? tricks on me er be that me ol? messmate Hylan??

The marten bowed exaggeratedly, the feather of his red tricorne bouncing jovially. ?At your service!?

The otter clapped the marten on the back and lifted the hat playfully. ?Be this the same ?at ye wore in the battle agains? Blade?s pirate ?oard??

?Nay, just a replica, of sorts.? Hylan straightened the memento self-consciously as Salina came up beside Chak. ?Ah, this must be your new wife!? The marten grinned and bowed again, delicately lifting the ottermaid?s paw to his lips for a quick kiss.

Salina giggled. ?I?ve heard about you too!?

?Now now, jus? cause she?s new don? mean she ain?t settled, mate!? Chak smirked, placing a protective paw around Salina?s shoulder.

?Not to worry, friend. I?m already invested.? Hylan made a whistling sound and waved, attracting the attention of a pretty marteness who came over to join them, along with a tiny pup. Hylan put a paw around each. ?Chak, I?d like you to meet my wife, Vilian, and my son, Corban.?

?Well, ain?t that a sight.? Chak tousled the little pine marten?s headfur as the whelp made chirping noises and ran circles around his legs.

?Better watch your pup, Hylan. Chak?s renowned for corruptin? innocent youngsters.? A hedgehog appeared at the sea otter?s elbow, causing the otter pair to turn.

??Ello, Violet.? Chak took a step back to make room for their hostess while Hylan and Vilian excused themselves to pursue their child. ?Thankee fer all this.? He gestured at the decorative hangings and colorful party lamps. ?Ow?d ye know we were comin???

?You can thank your wife. She wrote ahead nigh a week ago so we had time to prepare. She is very courteous.? Violet took a hold of both the ottermaid?s paws. ?Salina, dear, we are so happy for the two o? you. Chak needs a feminine influence somethin? fierce an? you?re so brave to take him on.?

?Don?t I know it!? Salina rolled her eyes at her new husband and grinned. ?Yesterday I caught him tossing oyster shells out the window. I said ?why are you throwing garbage through the window?? and he says ?well where else does it go?? I showed him the trash bin and he just says ?Oh?!? Salina and Violet both burst into laughter.

?You think he?s bad now, you should have seen him a year ago when he stayed with us a full week!? Violet jabbed a thumb at the sea otter. ?Treated my house like a dungeon an? I swear it was the first time he?d ever heard o? a li?l thing called ?soap?.? They laughed again.

?Arrrrr,? Chak growled. ?Glad ye two be ?ittin? it off so well, but thar be a few more beasts ?ere I?d like ta interduce ye to, sweet?eart.?

?Of course. I beg your pardon, Violet.? Salina curtsied formally.

Violet tutted and pulled the ottermaid into a hug. ?Don?t you worry about puttin? on airs ?round us, dear. Far as I?m concerned, you?re part o? the family now.?

Salina brightened, her courteous smile turning into a gum-exposing grin. ?Thank you. That means a lot to me.? She glanced up at Chak. ?So who?s left??

?Well ye know Reed a?ready, though I ain?t sure who that other squirrel with ?im be ? but thar be Plink. Ahoy, cully! Meet the missus!?

The ratmaid slid down off a bar stool and lifted a paw in greeting. ?Hullo.?

Salina smiled at the rat congenially. ?Chak tells me you?re working for the seamstress, Meraldis, is that right??

?More or less.? Plink answered amiably, looking the ottermaid up and down.

Salina glanced down at her form-fitting coat and high-cut boots. ?Chak ordered these for me from her shop, actually. I?m quite fond of her designs.?

?I see.? The rat shifted her cloth-wrapped feet self-consciously. ?What is it you do??

Salina glanced at Chak and shrugged. ?Oh, I sing a little. Here and there.?

Chak put an arm around the ottermaid?s shoulders and gave her a shake. ?Salina?s bein? modest. She be a professional vocalist, cully. She be travelin? far an? wide, gainin? fame an? recognition!?

?Yes, well, Chak started taking me around to different ports up and down the coast, so my connections have been growing.?

?Aye, an? the Pron?les be ?elpin? too, passin? word amongst their own mates an? colleagues,? Chak added.

?Livin? the dream, huh?? Plink tore a mouthful of sourdough off a small pocket loaf and chewed deliberately.

?Yarr, Nimbleton ?ud be proud.? Chak gazed affectionately at the other otter.

Salina watched the ratmaid with a measure of concern, rewarding Chak?s compliment with only a brief smile. ?I realize I must sound silly to you, talking about boots and fame and singing after all you?ve been through.?

Plink swallowed her bread too soon and winced as the lump worked its way slowly down her gullet. ?Oh! Nah ? ? Her voice broke into a choked whisper and she started patting her chest with her fist.

?You and Chak both had rather rough starts,? Salina continued, ?and there is no way that I can even begin to understand what it must have been like. But I wanted to tell you ? ? She paused as Plink?s eyes started to water, reaching out a comforting paw. ?I?d be happy to lend an ear if ever you need a beast to talk to.?

A seemingly tender moment passed between the two females until the bread cleared and Plink hemmed several times, rubbing at her snout. ?Thanks.? She inhaled deeply and swallowed. ?I?ll be sure to remember that. And by the way, I don?t think you?re silly. But you are very lucky.?

?Yes, I know.? Salina looked fondly up at Chak.

Plink cleared her throat intentionally this time. ?Uh? I mean to be able to make a living doing something you enjoy rather than something you hate just to stay alive.?

?Oh.?

The awkward moment ended quickly as Robert clomped through the front door carrying a small barrel under one arm. ?Ah! Chak, you beat me! Last minute errand ? I wanted everyone to try out Grumby?s latest batch o? cider! Add a couple spoons o? rum an? it?s jus? right.? He stumped toward the couple, proffering his free paw to the ottermaid. ?You must be Salina! Pleased to make your acquaintance! Welcome to my humble home. Come on back an? I?ll serve you both up a mug!? He started toward the kitchen with the little cider keg. ?Have you seen Vera?s cake yet??

Chak fell in step beside the one-legged hedgehog. ?Nay ? didn? know she made one!?

They found Vera upon entering the kitchen, guarding her three-tier cake with a suspicious eye on the little marten terrorizing everyone?s ankles.

?Mmmm,? The sea otter rumbled happily. ?Now that be a grand sight.? He sniffed at the cake curiously and received a smack on the nose with Vera?s spoon. ?Ow!?

?I may have baked it for you, Chak, but I?ll not have you spoiling it before we?ve even had dinner!? Vera wetted her spoon in a nearby cup and smoothed the frosting where Chak?s double-braided whiskers had plowed two furrows.

?I weren?t gonna bite inta it ? I were jus? tryin? ta figure the flavor, marm.? He looked cross-eyed at the white tips on his moustache and licked them clean with a grin.

?It?s mulberry, with buttercream honey icing,? Vera acquiesced.

?That sounds amazing!? Salina beamed.

Behind the fox, Robert busied himself pouring cider into several cups. ?Salina, darlin?, how many spoons o? rum would you like? I know Chak?ll want half an? half??

?Oh! None, thank you. Regular cider suits me just fine.?

Robert grunted, lifting a brow at Chak as he handed them each a cup.

?Just give me rum, dear!? Violet appeared beside Salina and winked up at her, muzzle wrinkling with a smile. ?Hope you don?t mind the burgundy in the mushroom mince pie!? She shuffled over to the brick oven and slid in a long-handled peel to check on the doneness of her latest creations.

?Not at all! I am more of a wine drinker, actually.? Salina came up beside her as Violet lifted the golden-crusted delicacies out and onto a metal cooling rack one at a time. The ottermaid inhaled deeply. ?Ah, it smells heavenly!?

?Aye!? Chak agreed. ?All these spoils ?ave me thinkin? I oughter get married more of?n!? He laughed heartily, then pulled his wife close for a kiss. ?Only jestin?, love.?

Violet finished pulling out the last pie, adjusting it on the shelf with the padded edge of her apron. As the aromatic scent of the fresh-baked fare drifted tantalizingly through the house, everyone was irresistibly drawn to the dining room, and soon they were all gathered at the table. Plates were passed and the pies were quickly divided all around.

Reedox settled down across from Chak along with the strange squirrel Chak had spotted earlier. ??Hoy, Reed. Nice ye could join us. I thought ye were away on business!?

?Aye, business here in Hearth. It just happened to coincide with today?s party?? He smirked.

?Don? believe we?ve met yer friend afore.? Chak gestured at the shabby squirrel.

?Ah, this is Bo Burnsweep,? Reedox introduced. ?Old buddy of mine. Been training him as an assistant.?

?Glad ter make yer acquaintance.? Chak nodded affably.

Bo smiled weakly. ?Congratulations, Mr. Ku?rill. I hope you fare better in marriage than I did.?

?Errr? thankee?? Chak frowned slightly, but was quickly distracted by Violet swooping out of the kitchen with a tray of tankards in one paw and a bottle of rum in the other.

?Used to be a waitress in a pub,? she said as she skirted easily around one end of the table. ?Comes in handy still sometimes.? She passed tankards of cider out to Reedox, Bo, Vera, Hylan, Vilian, and Plink. ?Here you are. Say ?when!?? She tipped the rum bottle for each guest until she reached the squirrels. Bo glanced anxiously at Reedox who placed a paw over his friend?s mug.

?Well, looks like you?re not the only teetotaler, Salina!? Violet laughed as she finished.

?I?m not ? ? Salina protested before catching the hedgehog?s wink.

?She?s just yankin? your chain,? Robert explained from the other side of Chak. ?It means she likes you.?

?Ah.? Salina gave a short, self-conscious laugh.

Violet tucked the empty tray under one arm and put a warm paw to Salina?s shoulder. ?No worries, dear. I actually drink far more tea than whiskey an? rum. We save the booze for guests an? special occasions mainly.?

?We?ll have to get together for tea then, sometime,? remarked Salina.

?Aye, while the fellas are out fishin?!? The hogwife smirked.

?I dunno that I like the sound o? that,? Robert confided to Chak in a low voice. ?Sounds conspirin?, heh heh heh.?

Chak laughed good-naturedly. ?It do, don? it? S?alright though. Gives us an excuse ter be out on the water. Reed be a landlubber an? not too keen on seafood so I mos?ly be out on me lonesome ?less Sali?s got an out-o-town gig an? needs a lift. Gettin? a bit ?arder ter jus? go out fer a leisurly sail though now that Reed?s been bolseterin? the shoreline. Did ?e tell ye ?e be appointed ?ead o? security down in Fariby?? Chak directed a proud nod at the tailless squirrel.

?Aye, he was mentionin? somethin? about fortfyin? the place against pirates earlier,? Robert answered distractedly as Violet snatched away his empty plate and added it to a stack.

?Yarrr ? ?e be buildin? the place up like a fortress along the coast. Watchtowers an? checkpoints an? e?en a wall.? The sea otter smiled at the squirrel. ?Ye can be sure the citizens o? Fariby be glad ter ?ave ?im.?

?Can?t be too careful these days.? Reedox gestured pointedly with his fork. ?Especially with the town guard thinned out at it is. We keep losing more and more soldiers to the Waverunner recruiters.? He shook his head. ?That?s one reason I?m up here. Whether you believe the rumors or not, there?s as much a need for a strong home defense as a naval offense. I was thinking maybe you could help me a bit with that, Rob. Talk to a few of ?em. Convince them it?s better to protect what they love than pursue ghosts.?

Robert grunted. ?We?ll see. Let?s talk about this more later, though. We?re here to celebrate Chak an? Salina, after all!? He raised his tankard to the pair. ?Tell us how you proposed marriage, friend! What?s the story??

?T?aint much to it.? Chak shrugged. ?We were out on the boat at night an? I asked ?er. An? she said ?a?right.??

Salina gave him a playful push. ?Oh come on ? stop downplaying. There was far more to it than that.?

?Oh yarr? I gave ?er a flower too." Salina pinched him. "Ow!?

?You?re ruining the story! Here ? let me tell it.? The ottermaid flapped a paw at her husband. ?Forget what he said. Here?s how it really happened.? The surrounding beasts grew attentive and Violet paused in the middle of gathering dishes to listen in.

?It was a beautiful evening and Chak took me out on the cutter just as the sun set. The sky was amazing ? there wasn?t a single cloudand you could see all the stars clearly as night set in. Chak pointed out the constellations to me and we talked a little about navigation, but he was a nervous wreck throughout it all. I knew something was up.? She flashed him a grin. ?After we ran out of things to say about the stars he brought out a tray of steaming hotroot soup and blackberry tea and actually started cutting up a fresh cob loaf in the light of a candle. Then I really knew something was going on because I?d only ever seen Chak tear his bread.?

Violet snickered and Robert chuckled, but both motioned eagerly for Salina to go on.

?So I asked him if he was trying to butter me up for some reason and he said, ?Maybe ? is it working?? or rather...? The ottermaid created a gurgling sound at the back of her throat akin to a growl. ?Errr? mayhaps. Be it workin???

?Heh! That?s pretty good,? Reedox put in with a grin while everyone else around the table chuckled at the impression. Chak made a face but remained silent as Salina continued.

?Well I told him ?maybe.? Then he goes and pulls out a single pink-peppered azalea from out of nowhere. I don?t even know how he got it because winter had already set in by this time. I said, ?Okay, you?ve just served me my favorite food and tea and handed me my favorite flower. Either you?ve got some bad news and are trying to soften me up for the blow or you?re about to propose.?? The ottermaid grinned at Chak. ?I?ll never forget the look on his face when he asked me which I preferred.? She burst into laughter as did the rest of the room.

?So which did you tell him?? Violet prodded, causing everyone to laugh again.

?I said I wanted him to be straight with me ? good news or bad. That I just wanted the honest truth. So he told me he honestly truly loved me and hoped I?d be willing to share the rest of my life with him.?

?Aw, to Chak the charmer!? Robert saluted with his tankard.

Conversation continued around the table until eventually the pies were all eaten, and everyone?s plates were cleared and replaced with smaller dessert saucers.

?Make way! Make way!?

All heads turned as Vera and Violet carried the cake out between them, topped now with two small, otter-shaped figures. Berta and Corban danced around them excitedly and applause broke out all around. The cake was cut and the first piece was passed ritualistically to Chak and Salina who took turns feeding each other.

?Delicious!? Salina remarked, licking her lips.

?Mighty flavorsome, Vera.? Chak confirmed.

Soon the rest of the party had their own pieces of cake to savor and Vera smiled at the shower of compliments.

Hylan gestured with a claw at the remnants of cake in front of Vilian. ?You see, I wasn?t exaggerating!?

?There?s plenty to go around!? Vera announced, cutting into the second tier. Bo and Reedox requested seconds while Robert began his third.

A clatter of metal went mostly unnoticed by the adults until the little pine marten, Corban, abandoned his half-finished slice of cake and started wandering around, looking forlorn saying, ?Fuhk! Fuhk!? which raised quite a few eyebrows until he started pointing at the fork Chak was gripping in one paw. The sea otter did not notice, however, being deeply engaged in conversation with Robert. The pup whined, tugging at Chak?s sleeve until he turned. ?Fuhk!? he said again.

?Er?? Chak glanced around at the others. 

Violet shot a pretend glare at the sea otter. ?Really, Chak, this is too much! He?s only a dibbun for heaven?s sake!?

Chak?s eyes went wide and he flung his paws out. ?What air ye blamin? me fer? I jus? met the tike a couple hours ago!?

?Fuuuuuhk!? The pup pointed accusingly up at Chak. Salina snorted beside him, stifling a laugh.

?What be ye pointin? at, ye li?l rip?? Chak frowned down at the babe. Corban started to hop up and down, reaching for the fork in Chak?s paw until realization dawned on the otter and he chuckled, handing off the freshly licked utensil to the tiny, seeking paws. ?Thar, ye see, Vye? I be jus? as innocent!? The otter leaned back in his seat again while the marten pup ran back to his partially eaten cake, stabbing at it triumphantly.

Violet chortled. ?I wouldn?t go so far as to call you ?innocent,? Chak, dear, but I?m pleased you?ve grown more mindful o? listenin? ears.?

?Peasants! Peasants!? Berta marched up to Salina with an object wrapped in a brightly colored cloth and tied with a bright red string.

?Oooh! Why thank you, sweetheart!? She cast a questioning look at Violet.

The hedgehog sighed. ?Well, looks like Roberta found the gift cache.?

?Arrrr! A cache o? gifts? Ye shouldn? ?ave!? Chak grinned as Salina examined the first present, turning it curiously in her paws.

?We didn?t.? Violet shrugged. ?I mean, my gift was the pie and Robert?s was the cider. Vera?s was the cake, o? course, an? these are what the rest brought.? She nodded at the cloth-wrapped package. ?I believe that one is from Plink.? She craned her neck to look for the ratmaid, who was sitting on her favorite barstool once again. Plink gave them a permissive wave.

?I guess that means we can open it.? Salina carefully untied the knotted bow and peeled back the fabric. Inside was a round, wooden box of whisker wax. ?I think this is more for you than for me.? Salina simpered, handing it over to Chak.

?Thankee, cully!? Chak raised the box with a grin. Berta had already brought them another gift wrapped in brown paper.

?Ah, yeah, that one?s from me and Bo.? Reedox rubbed at the back of his neck.

Salina offered it to Chak, but he held up a staying paw.

?I think I get more pleasure seein? yer face light up when ye open ?em than I?d get openin? ?em meself.? He winked.

Salina smiled and turned back to the gift, tearing the paper to reveal a jar filled with candied chestnuts. Chak did a double take.

?Oh! Thank you! I love chestnuts!? Salina grinned and held the jar up to give Chak a better view. He raised an eyebrow at Reedox.

The squirrel pointed at his friend. ?That?s from Bo ? not me. Mine is at the bottom.?

?They?re from my home tree,? Bo explained proudly. ?Harvested just this last season!?

?Thankee,? Chak addressed the new assistant, who seemed blithely unaware that his gift could be anything more than a sweet treat.

Chak turned back to watch Salina pull a folded piece of parchment from the bottom of the packaging and open it carefully. It was a drawing of a mouse with broken chains lying at his feet and a paw extended upward, releasing a butterfly.

?Be that??? Chak swallowed the name.

?It?s him.? Salina put a paw to her mouth.

?I convinced the Pron?les to let me commission a new statue for their garden. I couldn?t bring it along with me, but that?s the artist?s original concept. I made sure the sculptor used one of the last paintings of Nimbleton as a reference.?

?It be a true likeness, Reed,? Chak?s voice strained while Salina got up from her seat and moved around the table to embrace the tailless squirrel.

?Thank you,? she whispered.

Once back in her seat, another gift was thrust into her paws by an over-eager Berta. This one turned out to be from Frederick Swiftpaw. Salina read the attached note aloud.

?So you don?t ever lose your way.? She pulled a strange device out of the cushioned container.

?Arrrrr,? Chak grunted, studying the elegant contraption. ?Whate?er it be, it musta cost a pretty penny??

?Ah! May I see?? Robert held out an eager paw. ?I?ve heard o' these. It?s called a ?compass.? See, it points north no matter which way it faces.? He turned the compass demonstratively. Slowly his smile faded. ?They say they?re goin' to replace navigators in the future, heh, but I don?t know about that. The things can?t tell the currents, seasonal winds, or anythin? about maps.? Robert?s tone was dismissive, but his spines prickled behind him.

?Don? worry, Rob,? Chak reassured his friend, putting a heavy paw to his shoulder. ?Yer type o? guidance cain?t e?er be replaced by an instrument.?

Robert pursed his lips in a controlled smile, giving an appreciative nod.

Berta next brought them her own present, which was a pressed flower, and Hylan and Vilian?s gift which turned out to be two hand-woven scarves, crafted by Vilian from Angora wool that Hylan had imported from the North Hills.

Berta came back one last time, empty-pawed. ?Peasants?re all gone!? She sighed gloomily.

?Wait ? there?s still mine!? Maribel announced. ?A song I been workin? on ? just for the two o? you!?

?Arrrr! We be in fer a treat, Sali.? Chak turned his chair around and Rob and Salina followed suit so as to face the young hogmaid. As she sang, Chak noticed her voice had matured, much as she had herself.

?Oh this is a story about these two otters
Who fate brought together ?cross oceans o? waters.

Uncle Chak was a pirate, growly an? scarred
Who oversaw slaves an? made ?em row hard

While elsewhere there lived in a diff?rent arena
A beautiful ottermaid known as Salina.

One coarse as a sandstone, one sweet as molasses,
They?re from diff?rent worlds an? opposite classes

Yet destiny called ? whether fate or blind luck
Chak turned a new leaf o?er when tragedy struck

He helped all the slaves to escape execution
Then fought his way here to enact restitution

Meanwhile Miss Salina, her voice like a bell,
Charmed Uncle Chak til he tripped up and fell

Head over tail for the beautiful maid
Who captured his heart with her sweet serenade

Salina in turn found him honest an? kind
Lookin? in past his crusty exterior hide

To a beast who just wants now to do what is right
To leave darkness behind an? walk in the light.

And now here they stand with us ? husband an? wife
We wish them the best in their new married life.?

Applause filled the room and Maribel curtsied.

?Now that be a gift what cain?t be bought,? Chak asserted loudly, still clapping after everyone else had stopped. ?In fact, all o? this be better n? any treasure what Blade could o? left us.? He lifted his tankard and saluted the friends gathered round. ?Thankee. All o? ye. Ye?ve made this otter?s ?eart gladder n? a drunk in a wine barrel, har har har!?

Everyone cheered and clapped again.

?A toast!? Robert rose beside the otter pair, clanging a metal spatula loudly against an empty pie pan. ?To Chak and Salina Ku?rill. May they be united in mutual bliss for the rest of their days.?

---Rocky Road---

A clap of thunder rumbled through the earth and shook the wattle and daub walls of the small cottage as a pair of battered black boots splashed to a halt outside. Warm candlelight winked and glowed through slats in the shutters, but for the first time Chak was afraid to proceed. He stood outside as the rain started to fall, letting the fresh water soak his clothes until they weighed heavily. Finally, he worked up enough courage to rap lightly on the door. He heard the telltale thump, clop, thump, clop of his one-legged friend just before the door opened.

?Ahoy, Rob.?

*POW!*

Robert?s fist smashed into the sea otter?s jaw. Chak reeled before regaining his balance, holding a paw to his dripping face. He worked his mouth, wincing as a smarting throb set in.

?Ah. I serpose that means? ye a?ready know? why I?m ?ere,? he slurred slightly, favoring the right side of his muzzle.

?She has a black eye, Chak.? Robert glared fiercely at the former slave driver, rubbing at his raw knuckles. ?I have every inclination to shut you out o? my house forever.?

The otter winced again, though not from the ache of his jaw.

?What were you thinkin??? Robert?s voice was raised against both rain and otter.

?I weren?t,? Chak answered simply.

?What happened?? Robert stood forbiddingly in the doorway.

Chak shook his head slowly, blinking furiously as water streamed across his eyes. ?I? I jus? didn? know what ter do. She were up in me face an? yellin? ? ?

?Never never, resort to violence with your wife. She ain?t one o? your slaves!?

?I know that.?

?You?re supposed to protect her from harm.? Disappointment filled the hedgehog?s features. ?Not cause it.?

Chak?s expression was pained in the dim lantern light. He waited miserably on the hedgehog?s doorstep.

?Is that him?? The voice of Violet rang out from inside the familiar cottage. Soon the hogmaid appeared behind Robert, eyes flashing like the lightning outside. ?You can march your filthy boots off my cobblestones and straight to Hellgates, you villain! You?ve got a lot of nerve crawlin? over here after what you did!?

?I?m sorry,? Chak stammered.

?Tell that to the ottermaid you promised to love and cherish to the end o? your days, you lyin? sea dog!?

Robert turned to speak quietly to his wife. The din of a million raindrops drowned out their impassioned exchange, but Chak saw Violet shaking her head obstinately, shooting glares at him across her husband?s shoulder. The otter started to panic, believing he was about to lose everything that mattered most to him in this world.

?Please,? he begged hoarsely, ?tell me I can fix this.?

?You might feel sorry, Chak, but if you don?t change the way you handle yourself, it?ll be meanin?less.? Robert crossed his arms. ?Every couple fights upon occasion. You can?t always agree on everythin?. What you?ve got to do is figure out a way to fight that doesn?t involve your fists or you?ll wreck more than your marriage.? The hedgehog paused as another thunderclap rumbled overhead. ?You?ll destroy our friendship as well.?

Chak swallowed. ?What can I do??

?Your wife is a part o? you, Chak,? Robert answered, his tone imploring. ?You?re locked together, an? hurtin? her only hurts you. Or at least, it should.?

?Well mayhaps that be the problem. I don? much care fer me own hide.? Chak looked away.

Robert sighed. ?It ain?t about you, mate. It?s about the both o? you! Your wife should hold a position o? privilege in your eyes. Respect. Even if in times she don?t respect you or you don?t respect yourself.?

Chak cocked his head. ?Ye mean?like a cap?n??

Robert snapped his fingers, pointing at the otter, ?Aye, that?s it. Treat her like a captain ? except mayhaps a captain that loves you an? won?t feed you to the fishes.?

Chak looked suddenly hopeful. ?D?ye think ? d?ye think she might come back??

?Hmmf.? Violet narrowed her eyes at him. ?Whether Salina wants to come back or move on is up to her. Females don?t bounce back from bein? clobbered as quick as males. They take it personal. In our book, you don?t hit someone if you love them, an? you don?t break somethin? you consider beautiful. That blow did more than hurt her on the outside.?

Chak seemed to wilt where he stood in the rain. ?I didn? mean? I didn? want that.? He held out his paws pleadingly. ?I jus?? wanted ?er ta stop. She were sayin? ?urtful things, spittin? an? hissin? right in me face? I know it weren?t the right way ta react, but what was I serposed ta do? She weren?t listenin?, so talkin? wouldn?ta worked??

Robert shook his head slowly. ?Walk away, friend. Just walk away. Let her cool off an? come back when she?s willin? to listen again.?

?But Rob, that be what started it in the firs? place! I took off in the cutter after the las? fight we ?ad an? Salina were burned about ?ow long I were out. That ottermaid be ?avin? a temper fierce as any storm. Normally I jus? wait it out ? let the waves crash o?er me like a rock on the shore ?til she calms down, but this time she weren?t ?avin? it.?

Violet sneered. ?That?s still no excuse!?

Chak held up his paws. ?I ain?t lookin? ta excuse meself, marm. I jus? be askin? what I shoulda done.?

?Look,? said Robert, ?You can?t be a rock in the storm, mate. Rocks don?t have feelin?s ? they?re unnmovin? an? cold.?

?Aye,? Violet added. ?What you might consider ?patiently endurin?,? Salina sees as ?stubbornly ignorin?.??

The drumming of the rain grew louder and Chak nearly vanished beneath the downpour as another lightning bolt split the gray sky overhead. Robert sighed and waved Chak in just enough so they could hear one another. The bedraggled otter stood dripping in the entryway, a puddle forming at his feet.

?Tell me, Chak, when you?re out at sea and a storm hits, do you anchor yourself down in one spot and let the waves smash into you??

?Nay?? Chak shook his head.

?Right, that?d be askin? for a quick trip to the bottom o? the sea after a horrible break-up, yet that?s the way you?re navigatin?.?

?I think I see whar yer goin?,? Chak wiped a forearm across his face.

?Aye. Steer into each wave as it comes. It?ll be a little rough. You won?t like havin? to hear her complaints an? criticisms, but whether you acknowledge ?em or not, the problems are still there. Best to work through ?em as they arise than to let ?em fester.?

Chak sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. ?It?s really ?ard ta listen when she?s yellin? at me.?

?She needs to know you care how she feels,? Violet interjected. ?She gets louder when she sees you shuttin? down ?cause she still wants your attention.?

?Wait, so am I serposed ta walk away er stay an? listen?? Chak looked confused.

?Try to listen first,? Robert explained. ?Walkin? away ain?t the answer, but it?s better than throttlin? her.?

?You might be surprised how much a simple ?I understand? can do.? Violet?s softer side seemed to have resurfaced. ?Instead o? waitin? for her to calm down out o? sheer exhaustion, help her to relax. Reassure her. Remind her that you?re on her side and want to work through things together.?

?An? when that don? work?? Chak asked.

The hedgehogs glanced at each other and Violet shrugged. ?Make mad passionate love to her.?

?My personal favorite resolution,? Robert muttered in an aside manner. ?Unfortunately it don?t always work as a first solution,? he finished aloud.

?Yet you still try,? Violet simpered.

?Hey, more fun than arguin?, wouldn?t you say?? Robert winked and chuckled.

Violet rolled her eyes. ?Aye, but when the issue is you leavin? the garbage too long, it don?t make for a very romantic atmosphere.?

Chak thought he heard a noise in the kitchen and craned his neck in an effort to see. ?Be she ?ere??

The couple?s eyes met and Violet cleared her throat. ?Maribel, you better not be snoopin?!?

An ottermaid stepped out from around the corner, clutching a quilt protectively around her shoulders.

?Salina!? Chak started forward but halted when Salina stepped back. He held out two staying paws. ?I swear on me Mum?s grave, t?won?t e?er ?appen again. I?m an arse an? I know I don? deserve ye.?

?Say the word an? we?ll throw him out on his tail, Sali.? Robert stumped up beside Chak, taking hold of one of his arms.

Chak searched his wife?s bruised face for mercy. ?Fergive me.?

Salina sighed and frowned, lowering her gaze to the wooden floor. ?I knew I was pushing you? I just wanted you to say or do something. You?re always so?impenetrably calm. It drives me crazy. I? didn?t think you would react like that though? ? The ottermaid adjusted the blanket with a shrug. ?I guess sometimes I forget what you?re capable of.? She paused thoughtfully. ?Actually I try to forget?? She lifted her eyes to meet his. ??because I know that?s not who you are anymore. Or at least, not who you want to be.?

Chak?s breath caught his throat and he rushed over to his wife, enveloping her in his burly arms. ?I?m so sorry,? he choked. ?I love ye, Salina Ku?rill.?

Salina gasped. ?You?re soaking wet!?

?Aye,? Chak crooned, still holding her close.

?What happened to your face?? She poked at his swollen cheek.

?Rob made sure I got what was comin? ta me.?

Salina raised an eyebrow at the one-legged hedgehog. ?That really wasn?t necessary, Robert.?

?If he hadn?t done it, I would have,? Violet jerked a thumbclaw at her chest. ?An? I?ll have you know I think you?re bein? a little too hasty, Sali. Chak?s got to see there are consequences for what he?s done. Treat it too flippantly and it?ll happen again in no time.?

?Oh, there?ll be further consequences, Vye,? Salina reassured her friend. ?I?m going on a week-long solo tour starting tomorrow. There will be many gentlebeasts inquiring about what happened. Mr. Pron?le will want to know what happened.? She lifted her chin at Chak, giving him a cool stare. He looked uneasy. ?I don?t think we?ll tell them it was Chak that did it,? she continued. ?We?re going to try to work things out, after all. But he will have to admit to them all that he wasn?t there to protect me when I needed him.? She considered her waterlogged husband. ?Probably out in the cutter doing his own thing while I got robbed on the way home.?

A low sigh of resignation escaped the sea otter and his shoulders slumped.

?Speaking of leaving,? the ottermaid said lightly, ?It?s going to take some time to get back to Fariby. I?d better go grab my things. Care to lend a paw, Violet??

After their wives left, Chak turned to Robert. ?Arr, ye were right, Rob. Same problems still be thar? festerin?.? He clamped his mouth shut with a tight frown.

?You?ll get through ?em,? the hedgehog reassured. ?Just remember to face those waves head-on, one at a time. Work as a team to steer to a workable compromise, and don?t forget to treat her like a captain ? with privileges, o? course.? He winked.

Chak gave Robert a half smile, feeling a loose tooth with his tongue. "Thankee, fer not givin' up on me, mate. There ain?t no tellin? what I owe ye."

"Aye.? Robert reached a paw to Chak?s shoulder and gave it a painful squeeze. ?Just don?t ever do that again."

---The Unexpected---

It was a cold day in late autumn when Chak found himself standing outside the Rosequill residence once again, reaching to pound on the sound, oak door. Violet answered, and frowned when she saw he was alone.

?Where?s Salina, Chak??

?It?s jus? me.?

?Where is she though?? Violet?s eyes narrowed.

Chak?s teeth began to chatter as he clutched his coat close. ?Visitin? ?er mother. She don? know I?m ?ere. I gotta talk ta Rob. It be mos? urgent.? His expression was pained and Violet let him in with a grunt.

?Take off your boots.? She gestured at his soggy feet and Chak obeyed without objection, following shortly after her to the sitting room. Robert sat in a cushy chair, reading a book. He looked up with surprise as Chak appeared.

?Chak! It's been too long! Good to see you, friend!? He extended a warm paw and Chak clutched it briefly before sitting across from him, rubbing his paws together with nervous energy. Robert?s smile faded to concern at the troubled look on Chak?s face. ?Is everythin? okay? Is Maribel alright??

?Oh aye, she be singin? like a songbird. Gainin? lots o? attention at the school,? Chak replied hastily. ?She be first in all ?er classes.?

Robert smiled proudly. Maribel had been the first to be offered a scholarship from the recently established Nimbleton School of Voice. Chak and Salina had made certain of that, being both the founders and primary sponsors. The young hogmaid had not disappointed them.

?So what?s wrong? Trouble with the wife again??

?Not exactly. Sorta.? Chak hesitated. ?Salina?s pregnant, Rob.?

The hedgehog?s face lit up and he grinned. ?Oh she is, is she? Well congratulations matey, heh heh heh!?

?Ye don? unnerstand! This ain?t a good thing! I was ?opin? with me bein? a sea otter an? ?er bein? a river otter?thar might be enough o? a difference. An? it?s been long enough, that I thought? t?least ?til now??

?Nature?s quite a force to be reckoned with!? The hedgehog seemed in much too good a humor for Chak?s liking.

The otter dragged his paws agonizingly across his face. ?Rob. I cain?t be a father. Not a good one. I?ll screw it all up.?

?Every father-to-be questions his readiness an? ability,? Robert replied, calm and reassuring. ?But once the little one arrives I think you?ll find that instinct buried deep down.?

Chak shook his head. ?I?m gonna mess up an? Salina?ll leave me an? take the kit with ?er. I know it.? He dropped his paws and met Robert?s eyes. ?Ye know the only thing close ta a father I ever ?ad were a slave driver. I fought ?ard ta impress ?im, yet I hated ?im. What if it turns out the same fer me??

?What d?ye think you?ll do?? Robert prodded.

Chak pursed his lips solemnly. ?I fear I?ll be like Deadfang. ?Arsh an? aloof. Then I?ll get fed up one day an? beat ?im down. Revert ta me old ways ta keep ?im in check.?

?Well I doubt Deadfang ever held any love for you. It?s different when a kit?s your own. And anyway, what makes you think it?ll be a 'him?' Could turn out to be a maid too, you know.? Robert winked and smiled. ?Fifty-fifty chance!?

?Then I?ll be sure ta screw up! I?d break ?er jus? by accident er summat!? Chak gestured emphatically. ??Old ?er wrong er trip an? drop ?er?? Chak pulled at the fur on his face. ?Ye remember ?ow it were when I stayed that firs? week ? blunderin? inta ever?thin, breakin? dishes??

?Girls ain?t as fragile as that, friend. Not at all, eh Violet?? Robert looked past Chak who turned to see the hedgehog wife standing in the doorway of the kitchen. She gave an amused shake of her head. Robert continued with a smile on his face, ?An? I?m sure you?ll be careful anyway.?

?To be honest, I?d be more worried about her pickin? up on your bad manners,? Violet added teasingly. ?Though Salina tells me you?ve at least stopped spittin? on the floors.?

Chak bowed his head, unmoved by the jest, face pinched with distress. Violet came over and sat down beside him on the small sofa.

?Have you talked to Salina about this?? Her voice was soft and serious again.

Chak frowned. Talk talk talk. Always it was about ?talking it out? with Violet. Though he had to admit, hers had been the advice that helped him most over the past three seasons. ?Some. She knows I ain?t ?appy about it.?

?But she doesn?t know why?? She gave him a look of disapproval.

?She?s got ta, right? I mean, ain?t it obvious I ain?t the fatherly type??

Violet glanced at Robert, then turned back to Chak with a sigh. ?No. She might think you?re upset with her instead of yourself. Such news is usually good news, and to observe such a negative reaction from her husband, of all beasts, could be very hurtful.?

Chak plastered his palms across his eyes yet again.

?I think what Violet means, is you should head back as soon as you can,? Robert interjected evenly. ?What your wife needs right now is your support, even if you don?t feel up to the task of bein? a father just yet.?

Chak tapped his thumbs against his muzzle.

?The fact that you?re so worried about bein? a good father is proof to me that you?ll be alright," Robert continued. "Being conscious of your own flaws an? penchants is the first step to overcomin? ?em.?

?Tellin? your wife about them so you can work together to battle them is the second step,? Violet added. ?You?re not on your own in this. Salina?s a very competent ottermaid. I?m sure you can both come up with a plan for what to do when you find you need to step away. She can help you. She wants to help you. She?s always wanted to help you become that better beast.?

Chak?s gaze locked on Violet. She and Salina were good friends, despite their differences. She would know. He nodded solemnly.

?A?right. I?ll talk ta ?er tonight.? He stood. ?Guess I?d better ?ead back.?

As usual Violet hurried to pack him provisions for his journey, adding in some dried herbs and jars of ointment as gifts to Salina.

?Give her my love an? tell her I?m very excited for her an? to send word if ever she needs anythin?.?

?Aye. Thankee.?

She kissed him on the cheek then, which surprised the otter greatly. Violet had never been affectionate towards him and he had always imagined she put up with him only because he was a friend of Robert?s.

?You?ll be okay,? she reassured. ?I think once you?re holdin? that wee babe in your arms, you?ll finally truly know what it means to be a protector. Love tempers anger. Remember that.? Robert?s arms wrapped affectionately around his wife as he came up beside her and he nodded at Chak.

?Take care. An? keep in touch.?

Chak grunted and nodded, then left.

**************************************************

It was several months before they heard again from Chak. He sent a short, one-word note via courier.
?GIRL,? it stated in his simple, ungainly scrawl.




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