3

             Owl had arrived as the sun was setting. There was a bit of clear sky making the sunset even more spectacular. Wind had picked up, moving any loose snow around and finally settling down to an easy calm. The sunset was a wonderful spectrum of hue, dark orange to fading light and blue sky. This made Owl’s entrance somewhat spectacular and ominous.

            Junter and Mole had dozed and were caught off guard by the somewhat unexpected entrance of Owl who had a way of making such coming and going. Owl was keeper of history and was therefore granted some leeway in the manner of how he was. This came with the territory along with other little interesting perks, ones that came and gone, most that stayed. When inherited from his father, Owl took the pace with a little reluctance due to not really sure of what to do or how to maintain what had been accomplished before.

            Upon entering, Owl placed his scarf on the coat rack by the entry way and walked over to where Mole and Junter sat, poured a generous amount of tea and grabbed a couple pieces of the snack that was laid out on the table. As he started to consume this along with the tea, he looked at the two friends. Their presence presented a calming affect for the newest member of the nights’ group, helping to make it easy to consider what would be needed for the road ahead.

            “Have you two considered what will be needed for the journey ahead?” asked Owl.

            “Of course, Junter is fully aware what is needed and what is required,” replied Mole who shifted his weight around in his seat.

            The three continued to dwell on what was ahead, determining the best way for the newest and youngest member of the group to start and proceed. A pack, of course, they all agreed was what was needed to carry the essentials due to the everyday being provided, mainly food.

            As the three conversed, the eyes got heavy and all three were soon asleep where they sat. The plans constructed for the morning after, at the show of first light.

2

            Junter had woken early that morning and headed to the east part of the wood. Mole’s house wasn’t too hard to spot, seeing the stained oak door in a blanket of white.

            Junter hopped up to the door and knocked, waiting patiently for Mole to answer. As he waited, he looked around at the scenery admiring how serene everything looked. No tracks were left, the covering of snow undisturbed and peaceful. The crisp, cold air standing still and giving him the calmness of all things as well. Enjoyment of such mornings were taken by him as they came, never taking for granted the feelings they provided.

            “Who is it?” Mole asked as he cracked the door a bit.

            “It’s me Mole, Junter.”

            “Ah, my son, come on in.” said Mole with a wide smile on his face. Mole was never one to turn away Junter, regardless of the day he was having. Not that Mole had too many bad days. His manner mainly was that of an easy going uncle. They had known each since Junter was a youngling.

            Walking in, there was a bit of a mess with maps to and fro, haphazardly about with measuring and digging tools of all sorts and kinds. It was evident that there was a plan going down. Digs were secret and extensively planned, the final result being explained in splendid animation and an avid listener.

            “Planning another adventure I see,” commented the young hare.

            “Yes, to be immortalized in due young hopper.” replied Mole as he poured tea for Junter who sat in a down armchair next to a fire that had found it’s slow pace in the fire place.

            “I have come to seek details about an adventure I have committed myself to Uncle Mole. Seems as my insides desire to seek what is beyond the border of the wood.”

            “Whatever for young one?”

            “To know beyond my current understanding uncle, so that I may know what is good apart from the limited present circumstances.”

            “But you have me.” Mole said as he sliced some cheese to go with the Frescetta he had prepared for Junter’s current visit. “What do you plan on doing with this knowledge that I haven’t already tried?”

            “That’s what I wish to find out uncle,” replied Junter. “Was also hoping to speak with Owl to see what advice he has to give as well.”

            “He is to be here shortly young one.”

            “Is he visiting to discuss how you two will combine the tales you two will have soon from both travels?”

            “Quite right. What he can’t see, I will help with and vice versa.”

            “When might I be able to help with such tales uncle?”

            “I suppose when you come back. The three of us will determine the state of the world together.”

            “Gladly uncle. Maybe we could even expand the wood in time.”

            “Not so fast. The wood only goes as far as its inhabitants will allow it.”

            Mole sat down on the opposite arm chair of similar quality, pouring tea into his cup. Junter topped his cup and set the pot of tea on the center table.

            “Perhaps we ought to decide which direction we each should go if we are to split or be simultaneous,” said Mole as he relaxed into the chair and set his feet onto the stool in front. “Though, of course we can cover much ground if we split.”

            “Would just need a list uncle, then I’m set with which ever direction is decided upon by you and Owl since you and he have been at this longer then I.”

            Mole thought about this as he sipped and stared into the lazy fire and feeling the warmth emanating from the source.

            “Let’s see what Owl says and we can make a determination from there young one,” said Mole after a few minutes of dwelling on the matter.

            “Ok uncle, sounds good to me. I hope he decides what I hope he does.”

            Both sat drinking tea and eating, talking about times of old as they enjoyed the warmth of the fire.

1

            Slowly he peeked from behind the tree to make sure the trouble passed. The powdered snow indicated it had, the footprints showing that the wolf had gone in search of easier prey in an effort to feed it’s young. As Junter creeped from behind the Juniper, he sniffed the air to see if there was any more trouble or threats. Once he was comfortable with the fact that there were no other dangers, he hopped away happy knowing that he could make it back to the hole without incident.

            On the way there, he stopped to observe the reindeer  munching on the brush in the thicket. In a way, he wished he was the same size. “But then,” he thought to himself, “you’d be way more noticeable.” Being comfortable with this fact and reasoning, he continued on, making the way to his familys’ hole.

            When he got there, he knocked before entering as was the custom in those days. Though what the need was, he’d never know because it seemed absolutely unnecessary seeing as he lived there as well. His parents continued to remind him of how it was respectful regardless.

            “Home” he called out.

            “Welcome home,” called out Mother. “How was your outing?”

            “A little eventful,” replied Junter. “That crazy wolf was out again today. Must be getting harder for it to find some food.”

            “That’s too sad,” commented Mother. “At least you were able to avoid it. I really hope it is able to find food for it’s family.”

            Junter moved to the table and sat down glancing over at the fireplace, missing the days of his youth when he would just lay curled up in front of it enjoying the warmth. Mother brought out the cabbage and carrot stew she’d been preparing and gave a couple ladle fulls into his bowl in front of him.

            “Where is everybody?” Junter asked as he started slurping his stew.

            “First, stop slurping. Second, your father reminded you this morning that he was taking your brothers and sisters root hunting and berries left over from what the birds haven’t gotten.”

            “Oh, yeah.” Junter replied as he continued to methodically consume his stew.

            That evening after Father and the rest of the family returned, Junter laid in his bed thinking about the days’ events. Through just the enjoyment of the outside fresh air and the comfort of inside, he started wondering what was beyond the wood of the dwelling.

            An adventure he’d have to prepare for of course, but planning can begin in the morning. He’d have to go visit Mole and Owl to see what all he’d need for his journey into the beyond. Junter was hoping it wasn’t a lot since he could only carry so much.