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 Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:02 pm
The dark officer slipped down the tunnel, pausing at the entrance to Bracken-rah's den, not only to give the Chief time to settle, but also to give himself time to order his thoughts and prepare his report, not that it hadn't bene on his mind since they reached the edge of the Down, but he still wasn't quite sure how much Bracken-rah knew, and how much had been expected. He did however, fully intend to tell the Chief everything he knew, and what he suspected.
Finally he shifted and thumped one foot on the packed earth to let Bracken-rah know he was there. Swallowing his worries he bit back a sigh. He would be glad when the day was over.
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:08 pm
 There was nothing but silence from inside Bracken's spacious burrow, the chief having settled himself in the furthest corner from the entrance with his back turned to it. However, an ear twitched as he heard the thump from just outside his dwelling. "Come in, Blackthorn" he summoned the Owsla member.
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:16 pm
Gathering himself, the owsla padded intot he burrow, haulting near the entrance and saluting, though he glanced at the dark shape of Bracken-rah with worry before schooling his expression.
"I'm here to report Sir, as ordered." He replied, voice low, revealing how weary and troubled he really was. Though he then sat silently, waiting for Bracken-rah incase the Chief had anything to say before he gave his report.
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 4:22 pm
As Blackthorn entered then spoke, Bracken turned himself around so that he could face the Owsla officer.
He nodded quietly, knowing full well what he was here for. He had summoned him after all. "Four... maybe even five, lost." He sighed and shook his head. "Cocklebur was right. I knew this would happen and I could have stopped it. Frith and Inle! Their blood is on my paws just as much as his."
Sighing, he then addressed the waiting Blackthorn. "Go ahead."
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:00 pm
Dark ears twitched as the Chief spoke, amber eyes watching. Shaking hishead he glanced behind him, almost as if checking they were indeed alone. "Sir, it is not that straight forward, you know that." Though Blackthorn didn't know everything that had gone on betwen Bracken-rah and Cocklebur, he knew enough to know of their amnosity and particularly of Cocklebur's... for some reason, the grey buck was out to undermine the Chief, Blackthorn was certain of it.
Gathering his thoughts he dropped his gaze to his paws, where they rested folded against his belly. He began to detail everything that had happened since they had left the Chief by the warren, including the three-way split at the farm house, and how uneven it had been, with all the owsla in one group. The rest of the report followed, including a brief summery of what Blackthorn had managed to work out from the other two groups, and how two of the bucks had died at the fangs of the dog. He included Cowslip's brave if illfated attempt to save Fledgestone, and the attack of the Pfeffa on Raven, and how Althea and Badassi fought it off.
Once he finished his report, he fell silent, waiting for Bracken-rah to digest it all, suspecting there might be further questions.
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Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 9:05 pm
Yes, Bracken knew what Blackthorn said was true, and yet he couldn't help but feel guilty. Four good bucks were dead because of this thing between him and Cocklebur. It wasn't right. He had to share at least some of the blame.
However, the chief was silent as the officer went into his report. Bracken listened patiently, taking in and mulling over all that Blackthorn told him. Brow creased and a frown on his face, Bracken sat in thoughtful silence for several moments after the officer had finished.
"I see... he's a crafty homba." Moreso than Bracken had initially realized.
"Unfortunately there's not enough proof to blame him for what happened. It could be chalked up as a mistake in judgement or carelessness. While you and I know better, not everyone will see it the same way we do."
This was obviously carefully planned on Cocklebur's part.
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Posted: Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:00 am
Blackthorn couldn't help the dark scowl on his face as he nodded at Bracken-rah's words. 'Hombra' was right... Cocklebur clearly thought nothing of sacraficing lives for his own desires..
Sighing heavily the dark buck shifted where he sat, scratching at his side with frustration. "He is the Captain of the owsla, he knows better... But your right, not everyone will see through his deception. Some might not even wish to..." Adding the last in a low, angry mutter the officer scratched an ear, trying to get rid of the bad feeling that had settled over him on the march back to the warren.
"... what can I do, Sir?" He sat up straight once more, amber eyes fixed on Bracken-rah. Surely there was something to be done about this whole mess...
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 3:00 pm
Bracken sighed yet again at the officer's question. What could be done? This had to be handled carefully, otherwise everything would go to ruin.
"Nothing just yet. I do believe that Cocklebur is hoping that I will retaliate in some form. So right now, the best you can do it keep your ears up and figure out what he's planning."
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Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 5:37 pm
The dark owlser nodded, knowing the wisdom behind his Chief's words, though it hadn't been the answer he would have enjoyed, it was the most sensible.
"Of course Sir. I will speak with Badassi and Althea as well. Six ears are better than two, and both of them I trust with my life, and the safety of the warren also."
Giving his ear a flick he stood and glanced back up towards the mouth of Bracken-ran's den. "Shall I go send for the next officer, Sir?" He asked, looking back at the chief. He expected Bracken would want to see the rest as soon sa possible, before time faded any details of what had passed on the raid.
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